Skimming is Winning

Skim reading could be what leads to the next epidemic for written works. This can be explained as the phenomenon in which readers pick out only what appear to be the most important and valuable pieces of information from a text. In â€Å"Skim reading is the new normal. The effect on society is profound.† Maryanne Wolf delineates the negative effects of skim reading on our intellectual processes such as; critical analysis, deep reading, and research surfacing as individuals move into digital based modes of reading. Wolf introduces the term â€Å"cognitive impatience† to explain how we are unable to take the time to concentrate because skimming has taken over most of our reading. This affects our ability to comprehend important information.† The argument states that humans are losing the ability to use their intellectual comprehension skills when it comes to reading. Skim reading is affecting the process to obtain information without analyzing the facts. This leaves the reader with â€Å"false information and demagoguery.† False information is obtained through skim reading as the â€Å"act† itself causes one to attain general information and words which can lead to misinterpretation. In addition, it adds a prejudice point of view as the reader fails to dive into facts which stand to be the main focus of the information being presented, and this can be explained as demagoguery. As a solution, she comes up with the idea of a â€Å"bi-literate† brain that will be capable to form the deepest of thoughts on either traditional or digital forms. It will benefit everyone as it will create a sustainable society by giving us the ability to seek more knowledge than we already have. Essentially, Wolf's essay is a warning of the dangers that skim reading has. It is leading individuals to misinterpret knowledge causing them to have false information. In her opening paragraphs, Wolf states (â€Å"The neuronal circuit that underlies the brain's ability to read is subtly, rapidly changing – a change with implications for everyone from the pre-reading toddler to the expert adult.†) The term â€Å"Cognitive impatience† is introduced and explained how individuals around the world are slowly becoming impatient when it comes to reading denser, more difficult texts. It is stated that what underlies â€Å"cognitive impatience† should be critically analyzed far more than the problem itself. Specific real-life examples are presented in relation to cognitive impatience, such as wills, contracts, and voting. For instance, contracts are essential when getting a job, purchasing a house, etc. If individuals fail to read the information correctly regarding the agreements or rules, it can cause them to miss out on specific information one may need to know to avoid unnecessary conflict. The author stresses the importance of deep reading by presenting real-life factors that rely on our growth as a society. The use of these examples in the article is a way of appealing to the reader's emotions, having them become more aware of the impacts skim reading can have even in situations we would not think of, such as the ones that were stated previously as well as digital skim reading. Technology has affected the ways in which we obtain information. As it becomes more advanced we are beginning to rely on technology to gain access to the information that we may require. However, various studies have proved that digital screen use may be causing troubling effects on reading comprehension in high school and college students. Ziming Liu from San Jose University conducted a study where he indicated that Skim reading is becoming the new â€Å"norm.† Many students began to glance at specific words and sentences for the rest of the text. When the brain skims likes this, it does not allow us to â€Å"to grasp complexity, understand others feelings, perceive beauty and for readers to have thoughts of their own.† By this, the author is trying to inform us that reading is comprised of more than just understanding the moral of a story. It is about being able to connect with the author and the emotions being presented, look at situations from a different perspective, as well as create thoughts of our own as we read in depth. Since technology has become a widely used tool in classrooms, this is seen as an opportunity to explain how it is affecting the information that we acquire. Negative effects of reading in digital modes can appear as early as the fourth or fifth grade. The author grasps the attention of the readers by informing them how early the effects of screen reading can affect the mental health of students. By this, she raises awareness to those who provide technology to their children or students constantly. For instance, parents giving their children technology to keep them occupied from a young age can cause them to rely on technology, hindering the development of basic reading skills leading to the underdevelopment of the child's brain. Scientific terms, such as circuit, neuroscience, and brain were present to stress and further explain the issue of skim reading. The author uses various studies conducted by psychologists as evidence to further support her argument. Anne Mangen, a psychologist from Stavanger, Norway came to a conclusion indicating (â€Å"That student's who read on print were superior in their comprehension to screen-reading peers.†) The reading circuit is a part in our brain that both psychology and science are parallel to. When our brain cannot comprehend information, or critically analyze along with various basic reading skills, it affects our brain which in turn affects psychological behaviours. The author references other neuroscientists which show the timeline the issue began, to stress the point that this is an issue across all age groups. Reading is a lot more than just being able to comprehend the text, It is being able to critically analyze and empathize, which is a crucial factor. It involves being able to understand the perspective of the author and the emotion they are trying to portray. Wolf also introduces a type of â€Å"bi-literate brain†, a brain capable of forming the deepest thoughts in traditional or digital mediums. The author does not only stress the importance of deep reading, perspective taking, analyzing, comparing etc. just for a simple book or text, but also indirectly tells us to have the same view towards our society and the way we live. The Bi-literate brain will help view life and certain situations in other perspectives, look at things and be appreciative of the beauty around us and also be able to create beauty with our imagination and ideas. Being able to go beyond our current knowledge and dig deeper to reach the knowledge, is necessary to sustain a good society. Wolf Indirectly states that using those same reading skills can also be used in real life to create a better future not only for literature but also our society. As the future moves society into a more digitized world, members are becoming unable to comprehend information accurately. â€Å"Cognitive impatience† the inability to take time and read, is leading readers to be unable to properly comprehend the information accurately because skimming has become a norm. This causes a prejudiced outlook due to readers being misinformed. It is no doubt that Wolf's article is a warning towards individuals in every age group to stress the point, how we are slowly diminishing in utilizing our basic reading skills such as critical thinking, analyzing, and deep reading. As Wolf presents real-life factors that are essential to our growth, we as members of society also have a duty to go beyond the knowledge that we already acquire and sustain a good society.

Influential and Sociological Aspects of Gangs Essay

Abstract The purpose of this research is to identify the sociological aspects and means in which individuals may use in order to affiliate themselves within a gang and their practices. The following research uses statistics and information given by police departments and the Department of Justice. I have searched for reasoning behind an individual’s decision to join a gang from a sociological perspective. It begins by defining a gang and what leads young individuals to a lifestyle and choice of joining these gangs. Sociological approaches are made in order to accompany these people’s decisions and to make sense of their judgment. Taking this information and research into consideration may direct future research on the aspects and decisions of social citizens in which influence them to join and be a part of a street gang. What is a Gang? In both, everyday life and the sociological world, the term â€Å"gang† is defined in many different ways; however, every altered definition is fairly similar or related to one another. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary (2011), a gang is defined as â€Å"a group of persons working to unlawful or antisocial ends; especially: a band of antisocial adolescents.† The U.S. Department of Justice’s survey analysts Egley and Major (2004), though, define a gang as a group of three or more individuals who involve themselves in criminal activity and identify one another with a shared and mutual name, sign, or symbol. On a governmental point of view, several states have passed their own gang-related legislation; this is including each state’s different definition of a street gang. The presence of these street gangs brings several anti-gang activities into play for every community, for example, curfews and home raids. According to Robert Walker (2011), writer for Gangs Or Us, gang members are those who conform to one or more of the visible gang traits. These traits include a shared group name, common symbols, tattoos, or graffiti, style of dress, geographic location or association in a group form on a consistent basis. It is easy to see that gangs and their members highly appreciate their symbols and strongly practice symbolic interactionism. Members of the National Alliance of Gang Investigators Associations (NAIGIA) believe that there is no untouched region by gangs in the United States. They also consider gangs to have a high effect on society at many levels; this increases citizens fear for safety, violence, and eventually increased cost to the economy ( NAIGIA 2005). Sociological Approaches There are up-to-date, contemporary explanations for the behaviors humans choose to act upon in which could be clarified as either a result of the individual’s choice or their overall response to environmental, or any other, forces. According to Michael K. Carlie (2002), there are those who believe in free will and those who could be categorized as determinists. Individuals who believe in free will are certain that people choose to behave the way they do; they are hedonistic, meaning they choose how to behave in order to establish pleasure over pain, and these individuals believe people are rational and may choose from a variety of choices in which how to behave. On the other hand, determinists believe the complete opposite. They feel as if human behavior is determined by forces outside of the individual’s control. Determinists believe that biological make-up, psychological states, and socio-cultural situations determine how the person will behave (Carlie 2002). Along with these two approaches comes differential association. This assumes that criminal behavior and its techniques are a part of the learning process. The individual’s perception of law and crime determines how that person will behave in society (Walsh & Hemmens, 2008). This theory unmistakably explains the outcome of gang violence due to an individual’s exposure of existing gangs and their actions within their society. Components of Cultural Deviance Another theory that many like to refer to would be social disorganization. This philosophy concentrates more on the circumstances in the inner city that affect crimes. They include, but are not limited to, the destruction of homes and neighborhoods, lack of social control, and the presence of gangs or groups who violate the law (Siegel 2010). Other than this theory, there is such thing as the strain theory. This suggests that crime is brought upon communities and individuals by the overwhelming strain that people are feeling when they aspire to reach their personal ambitions but have no way to grasp them. According to Featherstone and Deflem (2003), strain theorists believe that money and power are spread throughout economic classes unequally. They feel as if this frustration and strain built by individuals who are not able to achieve their goals is what influences a person’s choice to commit a crime. Believing this, strain theorists feel that the youth are certain that the only way to obtain what they desire is to join gangs, because they see other gang members in the community prosper with money. However, it is due to a life of crime and unfortunately, the youth feel as if joining the gang will benefit them in the same way. A combination of the social disorganization and strain theories brings a new concept, which is considered as the cultural deviance theory. These theorists believe that criminal behavior is the result of social isolation in urban environments as well as the strain they gain from their neighborhoods or environments, too (Siegel 2010). A follower of this cultural deviance theory would consider the combination of being raised in a deteriorated neighborhood and the strain of knowing no other option out for reasoning towards an individual’s choice in joining gangs as true (Siegel 2010). The theorists believe that it would take both negative factors to push a person far enough to a point where they feel the need to take part in a gang’s violent behavior. American Youth Wanting to Join Gangs First and foremost, each individual case varies; however, many similar reasons are tied into a young adult’s decision and need to join a street gang. The so-called common denominator of why youth memberships of gangs increase is the alienation and profound identity loss in which they are looking to regain through the presence of an accommodating peer group (Barnhart 2008). A Pittsburgh Youth Study indicated that 20 percent of the African American youth enter a gang by the time they have reached the age of 15. It also illustrates that gang entry begins as early as the age of 9 (Lahey, Gordon, Loeber, Stouthamer-Loeber & Farrington 1999). The reasons for such rapid rates of entry may include the individual’s feeling of gaining security, protection, and a sense of belonging. Many may agree, when stated, that these could be seen as the main apparatuses of a young person’s decision to join. It is known that the lack of family, community, or youth support systems is respectable reasoning behind their decisions as well. According to the OJJDP Bulletin (2003), the fact that the youth who are living in a lower class are raised in decrepit, run-down neighborhoods is a key aspect in which why these people choose to participate in the violence and danger associated with gang involvement. Other factors that play a role in a young individual’s decision to join a gang include the need for a surrogate, or substitute, family. These young people join gangs to receive love, attention, and approval in which they feel are lacking at their actual homes. Also, according to the Edmonton Police Service (2011), American youth turns to gang affiliation because of low self-worth and low self-esteem that they gain due to unemployment or academic failure. It is also noted that many street gang members wish to carry on a family tradition of gang involvement established by family members, such as parents, siblings and cousins, in which they portray as role models (Edmonton Police Service 2011). Unfortunately, misconstrued members of society believe that many positive opportunities come out of being coincided with street gangs. These thrill seeking individuals, which share a similar characteristic of defiant behavior, wish to financially gain profits from illegal, life-threatening activities (Gang Awareness Guide, no year, pg. 3). Tracy E. Barnhart (2008) mentions that these misunderstood participants of social order join because they are tired of being picked on and are seeking power and respect among peers. Symbolic Interactionism Within Gangs According to Dictionary.com (2011), symbolic interactionism is the â€Å"theory that human interaction and communication is facilitated by words, gestures, and other symbols that have acquired conventionalized meanings† (1). This is something that gang members all over the nation practice on a daily basis. One component of a gang’s symbolic interactionism would be hand signs. According to the San Antonio Police Department’s Youth Crime Service Unit (2011), the use of hand signs is one of the most popular forms of communication for street gangs across the United States. They also continue to state that each gang uses an identifying sign which shows what major gang they are in affiliation to. This method of language is not only an identifying factor but also a process in which a gang member may show disrespect to rival gangs (6). Along with speech, similar phrases, and hand signs being indicators of gang association, it is also noted that graffiti, colors worn, and tattoos are indicators of gang affiliation, too (Gang Awareness Guide, page 3). Such symbolism is an individual’s self-definition more complete due to visually communicating within his or her gang members and rival gangs. Symbolic interactionism among gangs is somewhat easy to identify and has become a part of the average gang member’s life. Methods of Research The above research was based from secondary data analysis and reviews from government published documents. By stating that secondary data analysis was done, this illustrates that primary sources were used, gathered, and translated by myself. In order to sustain as much credibility as possible, I have used official government and police department issues, such as bulletins and informational guides published by them. Along with these documents, the works of gang-related articles were used as well. The criteria for using these two methods of secondary data analysis and documents should be plain to see. They were the two methods of gathering information that I saw would be most necessary, or essential. Along with choosing the topic of gang affiliation and aspects of gangs, I have instantly decided that these two methods must be used due to the fact that case studies and other methods would include me, the author, putting myself in dangerous circumstances among passionate, violent individuals and geographical areas in which they reside. However, every credible article and document has been cited accordingly throughout my works, research, and literature review. Results This research has somewhat opened my eyes to the world of sociology among other things. The information established from several different sources all have the same idea and impression on gang affiliation. Their main focuses were similar due to the fact that almost all of them took sociological approaches to answering the question of why individuals join street gangs. For example, both the Edmonton Police Service and Tracy Barnhart agree that these individuals are struggling with their identities, have grown up in gang-related environments, and wish to join a street gang in order to establish a monetary gain. Also, a couple of the sources were police bulletins, and they all showed common signs of a gangster and what signs to look for to identify them. This information was used in order for me to understand the symbolic interactionism that most members share. For instance, the 2005 Threat Assessment and the Gang Awareness Guide both explain that gangs utilize symbolic interactionism to an extreme; they both commonly state that graffiti and tattoos are a major factor in gang symbolism. Unfortunately, I had some sources that contradicted one another when it came to the social theories for explaining a child’s mentality towards gang membership. For example, NCJRS believed in the social disorganization theory. This explained that the community played the major role in an individual’s action of joining a gang. On the other hand, author Mike Carlie believed that there were two different theories that answered this phenomenon. His theories were free will versus determinism. Unlike NCJRS, he believed that people may either choose to behave the way they do or biological and psychological make-up of an individual decides for them. Although there were slight differences, none of the sources disagreed with the idea of individuals joining gangs for acceptance, power, raised social rank, ect. By discovering similarities within most of these sources, I have decided that each source has a likeness and resemblance with the others. Several of them share the idea that cultural deviance has been highly effective in the growing matter of gang memberships. They also agree that these misunderstood and misguided individuals are influenced by the idea of having to gain social power throughout society. My findings have given me much insight and knowledge of influential and sociological aspects of street gangs. Conclusion To conclude this research that was constructed, I would like to state that every resource shared the common idea that our young adults join gangs for acceptance among other things. I agree with what I have taken in from these sources. My understanding from all of them was that if these struggling, gang infested communities worked together to make their children feel accepted within positive groups and programs then the percentage of gang memberships would decline. There is a large scale of those individuals looking for acceptance and a way to raise their social status. I believe this should be accomplished by other means, such as afterschool programs and community sports, rather than partaking in a life of crime and violence. Nonetheless, every source was valuable to my research and they showed that, although there is a problem with gang activities, the communities do not have to struggle with the rapid increase. Most of the sources stated that if these young adults received more attention and love, not only from their primary group but the entire community as well, then their mentality and reasoning for joining street gangs would deteriorate; these individuals would have an equal opportunity to strive towards their personal goals of money and raised statuses. Limitations There were both strong and weak points, or findings, that came along with the research of sociological aspects of gangs. A very durable and strong factor that I feel aided my examination and exploration of the subject was the fact that authorized police bulletins and statements were used. However, along with these great sources I found myself feeling somewhat limited due to the fact that I could not personally speak with a gang member to see how their thought process worked on the subject of joining a gang from a sociological view. I also found myself having a slight issue with finding credible, primary articles to go along with the bulletins and guides in which I have discovered and put to use. Recommendations for Future Research In order to further research, or make the above research better, I believe that other sources and methods of obtaining these sources should be used. I would have liked to construct a case study or have been able to find a completed case study that was already accomplished from a reliable source. I seem to find an interest in this subject matter and may consider researching this topic more in depth for the future. Along with finding a credible case study, I have also thought about using visual sources, such as the History Channel’s Gangland, in order to find a better understanding on the subject. Although it was not done in this particular research, I believe I may use my own advice in the recommendations for my future research. References Barnhart, T. E. (2008, April 7). â€Å"Why do youth join prison gangs?†. PoliceOne. Retrieved November 22, 2011, from http://www.policeone.com/corrections/articles/1681985-Why-do-youth-join-prison-gangs/ Bureau of Justice Assistance. (2005). 2005 National Gang Threat Assessment. National Alliance of Gang Investigators Associations. Retrieved November 22, 2011, from http://www.bja.gov/what/2005_threat_assesment.pdf Carlie, M. Chapter 21: End Note. Into The Abyss: A Personal Journey into the World of Street Gangs. Missouri State University, 2002. Updated: 5 July 2011. Retrieved November 22, 2011, from http://people.missouristate.edu/michaelcarlie/SOLUTIONS/THEORIES/theories.htm Dictionary.com. (2011). Definition of: Symbolic Interactionism. Retrieved November 22, 2011, from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/symbolic+interactionism Edmonton Police Service. (2011). Traits of Gang Members. Gangs. Retrieved November 21, 2011, from http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/CommunityPolicing/ OrganizedCrime/Gangs/TraitsofGangMembers.aspx Egley, Jr, A., & Major, A. K. OJJP Fact Sheet. Highlights of the 2002 National Youth Gang Survey. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention: J. Robert Flores, Administrator, 2004. Retrieved November 22, 2011, from www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/ojjdp/fs200401.pdf Featherstone, Richard, and Mathieu Deflem. 2003. â€Å"Anomie and Strain: Context and Consequences of Merton’s Two Theories.† Sociological Inquiry 73(4):471-489, 2003. Retrieved November 22, 2011, from

Hamlets downfall stems from his inability to revenge Essay

Hamlets downfall stems from his inability to revenge. How is this fore grounded in the early parts of the play, breaking from the traditional conventions of an Elizabethan revenge tragedy? It can be said that Hamlet’s procrastination and inability to act result in his eventual demise. Shakespeare forewarns the audience of Hamlet’s flaws throughout the play, in his soliloquies and also through the exploration of the Elizabethan revenge tragedy. During the Elizabethan period, it was commonplace to write within the genre of the revenge tragedy. This particular genre was extremely popular with the public due to the themes it embodied. Namely restoring order through punishing vice and gaining personal retribution. Other features often included treason, incest and the appearance of a ghost. Hamlet’s belief in the occult and fear of damnation embodies the feelings of people at the time, â€Å"The spirit I have seen may be a devil, and the devil hath power to assume a pleasing shape†¦ perhaps out of my weakness and my melancholy†¦ abuses me to damn me. † Hamlet is unusual in that it is set in Denmark, a protestant country. When examining vice and human failings, Shakespeare and other writers often set their plays in catholic countries. The reason for this being that the examination of vice in Hamlet would not appear to be critical of the English court and also his ethical dilemmas would strike more of a chord with his audience. One such issue that is thought about by many people is suicide. Hamlet’s early mention of this prepares the reader for his eventual downfall. At the beginning of the play Hamlet expresses his wishes to die â€Å"Oh that this too too solid flesh would thaw, and resolve itself into a dew. † The use of ‘solid’ simply expresses his wish to just melt and disappear into nothingness. Some texts however, replace solid with ‘sullied’, giving the quotation a slightly more interesting meaning, perhaps referring to the incest occurring between his mother and his uncle, a subject on which he must not make his opinions known. It also implies that he is also talking of the corruption in his own flesh. Some interpretations of the play suggest that Hamlet has a possible Oedipus complex (sexual obsession with his mother); this is further highlighted in his later comments about â€Å"incestuous sheets†, although this probably just refers to his mother’s relationship with his uncle. Incest was a popular vice in the Jacobean genre, as it is regarded to be a mortal sin, specifically when involving a mother and her son. It is clear however that Hamlet does wish to kill himself, although he realises that God is against suicide as it is also a mortal sin, â€Å"That the everlasting had not fix’d his cannon ‘gainst self slaughter. † His religious beliefs also conflict with his need to revenge as the church also teaches that revenge is wrong under all circumstances. This conflicts with the Elizabethan revenge tragedy, which usually address’ the dynamics rather than the moral side of revenge. Hamlet’s role changes throughout the play; in the opening act, Hamlet plays the malcontent. He is still in mourning for the death of his father, almost a juxtaposition to the celebration around him due to his mother’s wedding. The burden of revenge and the corruption around him leads to his supposed madness, brought on by his inability to cope with the pressure, he comments earlier in the play that he is no ‘Hercules’. It is likely that Hamlet uses the disguise of madness to speak the truth, as it excuses him from the consequences of what he says. An example of this is Hamlet talking to Polonius about his mistreatment of his daughter, â€Å"You are a fishmonger [pimp]†, as Polonius uses his daughter to get to Hamlet. Hamlet does not wish to be used in this way by the ghost, who may be an evil spirit, and so damn his soul, the main reason perhaps for his procrastination. Shakespeare uses soliloquies to share Hamlet’s innermost thoughts with the audience, who sympathise with his various predicaments. These speeches establish Hamlets is more of a scholar than a man of action like his father; he realises this and admits that he is no ‘Hercules’. Without the encouragement of the ghost to revenge it is doubtful that Hamlet would have ever killed Claudius. He has sworn to suffer stoically, and hold his tongue. Even when he is sure that the ghost speaks truth, he will not kill the king while he prays for fear that Claudius will escape hell, â€Å"a villain kills my father; and for that, I, his sole son, do this same villain send to heaven†. In this sense Hamlet is very much an opposite of Laertes, who wishes to revenge his father’s death. Unlike Hamlet, he is not afraid of being damned for the act of revenge â€Å"I dare damnation†. Laertes is more of a traditional Jacobean revenger as he uses the stereotypical images and words of the hero â€Å"to cut his throat I’ th’ church†, and is an obvious opposite to Hamlet. It is ironic that Hamlet is incapable of acting on his filial obligation of his father’s â€Å"most foul and unnatural murder† when he would rid Denmark of corruption by doing so, but Laertes is prepared to revenge the murder of his corrupt father. It is debatable whether it is Hamlet’s procrastination that leads to his eventual death, as at the beginning of the play he threatens Horatio with his sword â€Å"unhand me gentlemen, by heaven I’ll make a ghost of him that lets me! † It could be suggested that Hamlet’s eventual death is due to his disobedience of the ghost’s orders, â€Å"taint not thy mind†, an almost impossible order as Hamlet is exposed to corruption firstly from his uncle, Claudius, the instigator of corruption, also through the accidental murder of Polonius, his doomed relationship with Ophelia and his immoral thoughts of his mother, Hamlet gradually becomes corrupted. Calderwood comments, â€Å"Hamlet’s solution for the moment is to take refuge in the cleft between action and inaction. He does not act but instead†¦ plays mad, which cuts his behaviour off from the world of pragmatic affairs in which action and inaction have no meaning. † Hamlet, after Claudius’ death would have become king, but through revenging he becomes part of the problem â€Å"It is a massy wheel†¦. to whose huge spokes ten thousand lesser things are mortis’d†¦.. When it falls, each†¦ petty consequence, attends the boist’rous ruin. † Hamlet’s death provides a fresh start for Denmark. He may not have perhaps made a balanced king, especially due to his outbursts of madness, thus he would be unbeneficial to the kingdom. This is expressed in the play when Rosencrantz says: â€Å"The cease of majesty dies not alone, but like a gulf doth draw what’s near it with it. † It is perhaps due to this reason that Hamlet must die, in order to fully restore order in Denmark. The breaking of the traditional revenge tragedy makes Hamlet so much more appealing to its readers, as it is not confined to the question of how to revenge. It answers questions to which everyone is prone to debate (do we â€Å"take arms† against our problems or suffer stoically? ), hence its popularity. Shakespeare alerts us to Hamlet’s various failings through soliloquies with the audience in which we hear his innermost thoughts. Hamlet’s eventual death is due to a combination of emotional stress an inability to act, and his desire to always do the right thing, causing him to slip into a world where he doesn’t have to act, but also to wastes valuable time. Hamlet is tainted by the corrupt, a reason in the end for why he must die.

What High Prices for Tea and Coffee Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

What High Prices for Tea and Coffee - Essay Example From this paper, it is clear that the quantity demanded will decrease from Q to Q1 causing the price to also fall from P to P1. However, next month, when prices are anticipated to fall, people will spend more on mobile phones due to lower prices causing the demand curve to shift on the right. This will result in an increase in the quantity demanded followed by an increase in price. A fall in the price of a call made from a mobile phone will cause the demand for mobile phones to increase the usage of mobiles will now become comparatively economical. Consumers will prefer mobile phones over other substitutes; in this case, a landline is the closest substitute, due to lower prices of the call made from a mobile phone. This change will shift the demand curve to its right causing the quantity demanded of mobile phones to rise as shown in the graph above. Due to an increase in the price of a call made from a landline, the demand for landline phones will decrease. People will shift to cheaper alternatives, in this case, mobile phones. Since using the landline is now comparatively costly, people will tend to switch to mobile phones to avail lower prices. This can also be described as the relationship between substitute goods in which one prefers to shift to an alternative due to increase in prices of the existing commodity or service.  Therefore, demand for mobile phone will again shift to the right as depicted in the diagram above. Yes, part (a) of this question illustrates the law of demand as the number of mobile phones demanded was solely affected by the decrease in the price of the mobile phone itself. Law of demand can be best described as the inverse relationship between the price of the good and quantity demanded.  

My own religious Autobiography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

My own religious Autobiography - Essay Example No one knows with certainty that an all powerful, omnipotent and invisible entity exists. They may have faith and a belief that a God has been and always will be but because the concept of God is beyond anyone’s comprehension, how can anyone claim to have knowledge of such an abstract concept as this? Knowing means putting a theory, or belief if you will, to a series of tests designed to debunk that theory. Only after attempting to disprove a belief, can you say with any certainty that it is true. I can say that horses fly or that the sun revolves around the earth and many people might believe this until it is disproved. Many people did in fact believe both these stories until they were disproved. So what about God? Can anyone really say for certain that God indeed exists? Yes. I can because I have proof. During the summer between my Kindergarten and First Grade year, I spent many hours at my uncle’s house. It’s not that he was necessarily my favorite relative. He had no kids of his own nor did he particularly like kids and he was a boring person for a young child to be around, but he had a pool. I suppose for that reason, he was my favorite during the summer but grandma took this title back during the winter, for obvious reasons. My uncle let me swim all I wanted but seldom actually watched me like he should have, and like he told my parents he did. One very hot day, I was swimming laps to develop my skills. All I remember was that as I was doing this, I gulped some water by accident, the chlorine taste that followed, then gasping for air for just a few moments. My recollection of the events that took place after that are somewhat foggy yet imprinted firmly in my mind, even today. My next conscious memory was waking up at the hospital and hearing the story of how I had drowned but had been brought back to life by emergency technicians who were called to the scene following what my uncle believed was my death. Had it not

Interactions of The Laws of Demand and Supply in the Personal Computer Essay

Interactions of The Laws of Demand and Supply in the Personal Computer Market - Essay Example This rising demand has led to the fall in prices of the computers. The objective of this study is to analyze the factors that have led to the fall in prices of computers. This would help in understanding the theories of economics related to market demand-supply and undertake an analysis to find the application of the underlying theories of economics in practical conditions of the market. The study would help to provide an insight of the impacts of changing market condition on the prices of the products. The effects of the increase in demand of the computers on its prices in the market could be explained by relating the actual market scenario with the concepts of economic theories. The study also helps us to understand the effects of changing behavior of the market with the help of supporting data and diagrams. Analysis In economics theory, the demand and supply of a product plays an important role in determining the price of the product. The fall in prices of the computer is also att ributed to a change in the demand of the computers. The price of computers would vary until the market reaches a point of equilibrium where the demand of computers is equal to the supply of computers (Carbaugh, 2011, p.11). Since the prices underwent a change with respect to the change in demand and supply of computers, the product is said to be elastic. The increase in demand of the computers in the market can be attributed to factors like increase in the number of population, change in preference, taste and level of livelihood, and finally increase in income levels of the people. More people started to afford computers which led to increase in demand of the computers. A statistical analysis given below shows that the number of computers... This paper offers a thorough analysis of the recent tendencies on the personal computer market, which are determined by interactions of the underlying economic laws. The objective of this study is to analyze the factors that have led to the fall in prices of computers. The distribution and cost of goods in a free market are based solely upon the demand and supply of the products. The distribution and cost of goods in a free market are based solely upon the demand and supply of the products. The analysis conducted helps in understanding the theories of economics related to market demand-supply. The application of the underlying theories of economics in practical conditions of the market is considered. The study provides an insight of the impacts of changing market condition on the prices of the products. The effects of the increase in demand of the computers on its prices in the market could be explained by relating the actual market scenario with the concepts of economic theories. The demand of computers increased over time due to several factors. The rise in demand of computers would cause rightward shift of the demand curve leading to rise in the quantity demanded and rise in prices of computer. In order to maintain the position of equilibrium, the supply levels to the market also increased. As a result of increased supply, the supply curve would shift rightward leading to rise in the level of quantity supplied and a reduction of level of prices of computer. The quantity available increased leads to fall in prices.

Should high schools in America be single or mixed gender, (should high Essay

Should high schools in America be single or mixed gender, (should high schools be all boy all girl or should they be mixed) - Essay Example The same is discussed at length in the paper, to arrive at a logical conclusion, regarding the viability and credibility of single-sex education as the most preferred and beneficial environment for learning. Today there has been a renewed interest in assessing the type of educational environment for students – i.e. single gender or coeducational setting and its likely influences positive or otherwise, on the learning abilities of the students enrolled therein. Various claims have been made by supporters and critics alike, regarding the likely impact of the educational environment or type of schooling on fostering the leadership skills, risks associated with sexual harassment, availability of better opportunities as well as eliminating or fuelling gender stereotypes. While some researchers have stressed on the advantages and significance of single-sex education as the single most tool of enhancing the educational experience of the students and securing their long term prospects, yet others have vehemently opposed the same, categorizing such a system as essentially reintroducing gender barriers and providing differing treatment to students on the basis of their gender. Although, with respect to any given educational setting, learning outcomes are a consequence of an interplay of various factors – such as, social, emotional, psychological, physical and intellectual and can hardly be construed as resulting from a single variable. The educational policy of the schools, composition of subjects taught, family background of the students etc work collaboratively towards enhancing the student’s overall performance. The change in socio-cultural environments have brought about significant transformations with regard to the opportunities available for both male as well as female students and hence played a major role in revolutionizing their educational experiences (Bracey, 2007). During the early 20th century, the country witnessed a shift from the highly

Governance regulations and ethics paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Governance regulations and ethics paper - Essay Example The financial crisis was considered the worst global crisis since the great economic depression. Many economists also perceived the financial crash as the worst in the economic history. The film under study is based on the most extensive research and exhaustive interviews with key financial insiders, politicians and journalists. Many academicians from different fields of knowledge were also included in the research to give their views on the subject. The film analyzed is based on the rise of a rogue industry, which has corrupted politicians, professionals, academicians, and regulators. The film unearths the 2008 global financial crisis that shook the entire global economy since the effects of this depression was felt either directly or indirectly in every sector of the economy. Arguably, the film portrays the financial crisis as a result of poor financial planning, forecasting and greed among some powerful individuals to amass wealth and enrich themselves. In fact, it is through such corruptions among certain powerful individuals, which shook the entire economy that the world is still yet to recover and recoup the financial losses. Definitely, this will take the country a lot of time and resources before it is restored to its former economic status (Furmston and Chuah 67). On the other hand, the entire globe still battles with the implementation of viable and some of the most appropriate economic policies, which steer economic development. Therefore, a lot of funds are required to be invested in the economy to promote economic growth and development. The UK corporate code of governance is also a crucial document that is very important in examining the elements of this case. Precisely, the corporate governance code 2010 was devised in a mid of the financial that shook the entire economy. This economic depression triggered a financial panic and suffering in the country and globally. The main aim of the UK corporate code was to investigate and monitor the performa nce of the listed companies and banks. This code has other aims and objectives as well. The corporate code was intended to facilitate effective entrepreneurial and prudent management for corporate governance to enable a company establish some sound management policies and guidelines, which can deliver the long term success of the entity. From the analysis of Nelson’s book, it is evidenced that good management principles and practices are essential in promoting the growth and development of the economy (Nelson 42). Moreover, the UK corporate code acts as a guide to a number of key components, which are involved in effective and sound governance. The code is based on good governance and transparency, accountability and focus to the core objectives and goals of various business entities. Importantly, the focus is on the long term entities of the corporations. The code aims to help the board of governance discharge their duties on the best interests of the company. In the review, the code saw few, but some significant changes in the â€Å"tone† of the code that guides the general behavior of the board with the hope that these changes help in promoting some clarity and understanding. In regard to the task of the board, and ensure there is efficient and effective communication with various stakeholders (Woodroffe 56). Furthermore, the code aims to ensure there is proper accountability and reduce underpin board ineffectiveness by encouraging that all the

Integrate School Safety Data for the Purpose of Safe School Program Essay

Integrate School Safety Data for the Purpose of Safe School Program Evaluation - Essay Example A juvenile offender is held accountable in the system of juvenile system, and once it is found out that he/she has committed an offence, he or she is held responsible through sanctions or consequences of the act, imposed according to the law (Brier, 1995). These consequences or sanctions are applied swiftly, consistently, and surely. They are aimed at providing effective and appropriate responses to different levels of seriousness of the offences and offender work based chronics in order to control, prevent and reduce further violations of law. Therefore, it is important to use such proven programs and the best practices in order to enhance the safety of schools. On the other hand, the procedures for safe school planning have to incorporate all stakeholders; these are teachers, parents, community and the government. Proven Programs and Best Practice Proven programs are ideals that have been successful in their when they have repeatedly been used (Brier). They have yielded positive re sults, shown by environment of safety school. On the other hand, best practice is ideal of management that believes in the presence of a method, technique, activity incentive, reward or process of effectively delivering a certain outcome, unlike any other method, technique or process. These are basically the most effective and efficient in accomplishing a task. They are centered on procedures that have repeatedly proven themselves for many people over time. Aim of Proven School Safety Programs The main aim of proven programs is the enhancement of school safety by ensuring that students are accountable for their behavior. Brier observes that this enables constructive well-conserved development of accountability, together with juvenile offenders programs that are used by agents of law enforcement, or those that are designed by officials of law enforcement to protect schools and student personnel from gang, drug and youth violence. This offers a safe working and learning environment fo r teachers, staff and students, without forgetting the wider community (Trump, 2000). Lack of empirical data has hindered the effectiveness of prevention programs that have demonstrated success signs in school safety. This is because relating collection of such information is seen as using limited resources uneconomically. Schools are therefore rethinking this position, in the aim of improving the success of this program. With increase in the cost of school budgets, funders are not ready to support this program, in prevention of violence, without viable data that clearly shows their promise and effectiveness. Assessment is continued, when the program is running, and changes that allow new developments and improved outcome. Evaluation of such data can effectively be used in support of funding requests for such programs. Safe Schools Safe schools are schools whereby students’ violence has been curbed, through the enhancement of students’ individual responsibilities. Safe schools provide a peaceful working and learning environment for both teachers and students (Brier). On the other hand, safe school planning refers to the process of creating a safe school. This is made possible through education, disciplinary measures as well as working together with juvenile offenders programs that are used by agents of law enforcement, or those that are designed by officials of law enforcement, that creates cohesive living between students themselves, teachers and community at large. Safe school is achieved

Microlending helps small entrepreneurs start businesses Essay

Microlending helps small entrepreneurs start businesses - Essay Example Kiva is different from those of its traditional counterparts in the sense that it allows individuals and organizations to borrow and lend money online. What this means is that people do not have to go to a physical location to borrow money from Kiva or lenders. While many micro-lending institutions depend on money deposited by their members or bank loans to serve their customers, Kiva depends on lenders spread across the world for funds and has partnered with various local micro-finance organizations to disburse funds to loanees. While many micro-lending organizations are profit oriented, Kiva is a non-profit organization. The business model adopted by Kiva may not work with larger loans owing to the risks involved. In the event that the organization gave a large loan to a person or organization that is not formally established and without committing an asset as collateral, the organization (Kiva) may experience a huge loss in the event that the loanee defaults in payment of the loan. This means that lenders would not be able to recover their funds leading to loss of confidence in the organization. Without confidence or good will, the organization would ultimately fail or

Kodak Industry Evaluation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Kodak Industry Evaluation - Essay Example They should weigh on both sides so that they will win more customers and at the same time making profits and not losses. As the market share of Kodak is higher at 67%, this shows that the demand of the products is also higher. This shows that Kodak should produce more products to meet the rising demand from customers and curb the shortages. To meet this target, Kodak should have qualified staff, reliable source of materials, and source of finance. Kodak will have to recruit more staff so that the existing staff will not work under pressure. In addition, they should organize seminars to train the staff so that they can acquire new skills, which will enable them to fit in the current situation (Greco & Wharton, 2007, p. 166). Having opportunities like promotion, and free training should motivate staff so that they will work hard enabling the industry to meet the target. The staff should be given rewards when they do a commendable job. This will motivate other employees and staff to wor k harder in that they will receive rewards. In doing this, the industry will meet its targets through spending on the rewards. Kodak should establish a reliable source of raw materials for use in the industry. The supply of the materials should be continuous to enhance the continuous manufacture of the films whilst sustaining the customer demand. This will make the customers rely on the industry in that they can get the products when they demand them. In addition, the industry should have enough funds for acquiring the raw materials, training staff, and paying the employees in this process. If there is a shortage in the funds, Kodak can borrow from financial institutions for stable flow of raw materials in the industry. The funds will be used in procurement and... As the report declares Kodak should produce more products to meet the rising demand from customers and curb the shortages. To meet this target, Kodak should have qualified staff, reliable source of materials, and source of finance. Kodak will have to recruit more staff so that the existing staff will not work under pressure. In addition, they should organize seminars to train the staff so that they can acquire new skills, which will enable them to fit in the current situation/ This paper stresses that Kodak should establish a reliable source of raw materials for use in the industry. The supply of the materials should be continuous to enhance the continuous manufacture of the films whilst sustaining the customer demand. This will make the customers rely on the industry in that they can get the products when they demand them. In addition, the industry should have enough funds for acquiring the raw materials, training staff, and paying the employees in this process. If there is a shortage in the funds, Kodak can borrow from financial institutions for stable flow of raw materials in the industry. The funds will be used in procurement and transporting raw materials to the industry and finished goods to the market. After stabilizing this, the customers will get Kodak anytime they demand. Employees and others professionals who may be called in the industry will be paid through the funds acquired from sources like borrowing.

Future Trends of Human Resource Essay Example for Free

Future Trends of Human Resource Essay 1. Introduction What does the human resource information system look like in the future? It is hard to find an accurate answer for me. Every year, thousands of HRIS specialists trying to predict the future trends of HRIS and, of course, their prediction differ. However, despite of what prediction they had made, I think social media will play an important role in next few years. In this paper, I will try to discuss what social media means to human resource and discuss three major players in the fieldFacebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. 2. Social Network Site vs. HR According to the 2011 Kelly Services Global employees Index research, published by the famous human resource service organization Kelly Services, social network site is becoming the â€Å"edge tool† in the future workplace. According to the research, social network site (SNS) is changing the way of life and work. It expanded its function from only entertaining to boosting working efficiency and enhancing the success rate of job applying. The research shows that over 80% of workforce is using SNS every day, while over 60% of workforce considers it as a work booster. According to the research, a lot of employees think they can develop an instant synchronized â€Å"expert tank†, from which they can acquire relative knowledge, skill and experience, so that they will be support by experts wherever, whenever. They also regard SNS as a pipe cleaner of the networking. By using SNS, they can manage their networking just within few clicks. It is a cost efficiency and personalized way. In addition, they also use SNS to relieve work pressure. According to the research, SNS is now penetrating to the area of traditional recruiting. The advantage of it includes no limits of time and space, cost efficiency and high reliability. The research indicated that over 90% active job seekers are now using SNS at least once per week. It also indicated that job seekers who age below 25 are more willing to use SNS as a tool to find job, while who age over 35 are more possible to find a job by using it. The research suggests that company should pay attention to what SNS may change the future workplace. According to the research, the most common worries toward SNS are affecting productivity, occupying internet and threating the information security. It also report that there are a lot of companies are now start using SNS to recruit, manage market, promote public relation and guide career development by setting new policies and using latest antivirus technics. 3. Facebook Facebook is a SNS launched in February 2004, owned and operated by Facebook, Inc. By the time of October 2012, Facebook has over one billion active users, more than half of them using Facebook on a mobile device. According to the research, 23% of Facebook users check their account 5 times or more per day. By the time of May 2012, Facebook received more than 1.6 billion visits per week. There are over 1,000,000 links shared on Facebook every 20 minutes. If you regard Facebook merely as an entertaining SNS, you will be absolutely wrong. In the era of internet, Facebook is now developing different social platforms. It transforms its function from just connecting and entertaining people to job bank and social synergy. By Facebook recently launched job applying app â€Å"Jobvite†, people can find, refer, and match jobs to friends with Jobvite’s proprietary matching technology, providing better access to opportunities for job seekers and more quality hires for employers. Users can connect and apply to jobs completely within Facebook; and they can see their status in the hiring process at any time, creating a positive, transparent relationship for companies and candidates. By using another job applying app â€Å"jobandtalent†, users can discover and leverage their existing Facebook network to find job opportunities and stand out to top companies. Jobandtalent claimed that they are working with world top companies like Goldman Sachs, Deloitte and Google. The fact is that the data stored on Facebook not only including job relate area, but also including other areas, such as daily life. Employer can acquire 360-degree background information of candidates via Facebook. â€Å"It is easy to track record of candidates on Facebook. These records may imply personal interests, personality and other attributes† Said an HR specialist, â€Å"Traditional resumes are monotonous, like masks, but these records are alive and we can totally tell a difference.† It is not surprisingly true. Tell me if I wrong, if the records of a candidate show that he use the â€Å"f† word all the time, dare you or dare you not hire him? Job applicants like him will lose his opportunity from the beginning. Facebook is now challenging LinkedIn by this advantage. According to the survey conducted by Bureau of Labor Statistics, almost half of companies are now using Facebook in their recruitment process, such as Boeing and Dell. They use Facebook not only for job posting, but also for background investigation. However, research shows that there are different between social media behavior and real life behavior. It is to be studied whether it is reliable to investigate candidates via SNS. 4. LinkedIn LinkedIn is a SNS for professional people. Launched on May 5th, 2003, it is mainly used for professional networking. By the time of June 2012, LinkedIn reports more than 175,000,000 users in more than 200 countries. Monster is one of three largest job posting web site, however, its financial report showed a significant decline in business revenue. According to the market analyst, because of the blooming of LinkedIn, companies like Monster are losing market share in a large scale. Just like Facebook, LinkedIn founded upon the theory of Six Degrees of Separation. Also it was not designed for recruiting; LinkedIn became the major way to recruit in the U.S. by the time of 2006 and achieve profitability. LinkedIn is known as its high accurate matching rate. It can even â€Å"push† eligible candidates to employers by preset standard. According to the co-founder Reid Hoffman, it is more and more important for people to utilize their networking in the future. If you want to change you r job every two or three years, you have to maintain your networking to find new opportunities. SNS is the easiest way to do it. You don’t have to make call after call and desperate to find topic to cottoning up, you don’t have to visit people with gifts door after door. The only thing you have to do is just within few clicks, and you can make connection with people you want to. In his opinion, the value of LinkedIn is â€Å"concentrate in the value moment†. Also Facebook has more user base and more stickiness; it is not safe to say that LinkedIn is losing the game. The orientation of these two web-sites is different. The business scope of Facebook is wide and the â€Å"killer app† of it is social game and â€Å"Share†, while LinkedIn concentrate in professional occupations. In a way, the overlap of these two web-sites is small. People regard Facebook as â€Å"individual† and LinkedIn as â€Å"professional†. Compare to strong interaction of Facebook, LinkedIn is not that strong. However, this weak interaction as â€Å"professional community† is where it value lies. For the user of LinkedIn, log in every day and post threats is meaningless and way far from the identity of professional, it will only imply that you are not in the working status. In other word, user stickiness makes little sense for LinkedIn. In addition, compared to Facebook, LinkedIn is a real-name, high quality user concentrated SNS. In other word, the user group is rich and high-educated middle-aged professions. This user group is known as high business value. According to the statistics from Quantcast, in the United States, the proportion of user over 35 is over 70%, the proportion of user with bachelor or above education is over 75% and the proportion of user with over $100,000 incomes is over 39%, compared to Facebook with only 32%, 53% and 32% (Chart 1). Chart1 Demographic Analysis of Facebook and LinkedIn What’s more, in business related area, LinkedIn is highly recognized than Facebook. According to a research conducted by Jobvite, in job applicants who are now using or will use SNS to find jobs, more than 95% indicate that they will choose LinkedIn. Only 59% chose Facebook and 42% chose Twitter. In people who already find a job by using SNS, 89% of them used LinkedIn, 28% used Facebook. To sum up, although Facebook is now challenging LinkedIn in professional SNS area, LinkedIn is still No.1 in the field. 5. Twitter Twitter is an online social networking service and micro blogging service that enables its users to send and read text-based messages of up to 140 characters, known as tweets. Launched in July, 2006, the service rapidly gained worldwide popularity. By the time of 2012, over 500,000,000 active users generating over 340,000,000 tweets per day and handling over 1,600,000,000 search queries per day. Twitter has been described as â€Å"the SMS of the Internet† Unlike Facebook and LinkedIn, Twitter has its own characteristics. Firstly, there is a limit of characters for each tweet. You can only send up to 140 characters in one tweet. This limit made information fragmented. This kind of fragmented information eliminated the time of reading, and by this elimination user can spread their thought more accurately and more efficiency. Secondly, you don’t have to get â€Å"approval† to follow somebody. This character makes Twitter more like a broadcasting station. Users could follow the Twitter of their favorite celebrity, brand and company to acquire latest trend. Likewise, the later will use Twitter to improve public relation to the target user group. Thirdly, most of user write and read tweets by using mobile devices. That means you will get first hand news via Twitter. An interesting statistic shows that within Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, Twitter has second largest influence of commercial both in B2B and B2C. Facebook has the largest influence of B2C commercial while LinkedIn has the largest influence of B2B commercial (Chart 2). Chart 2 Influences in Commercial For human resource, Twitter has two major functions. The first function is to use Twitter to improve company image. More and more companies now hiring Twitter specialist to manage company Twitter. The other is to recruit. Compare to Facebook and LinkedIn, Twitter is more cost saving, speedy and simple. According to William Fisher, the founder of job searching web site TwitJobSearch, there are more than 340,000 jobs posting in Twitter per month. TwitJobSearch release two appsJob-Deck and TweetDeck. Users can sort and find job posting related tweets by using these two apps. 6. Cites http://recruiting.jobvite.com/company/press-releases/2011/jobvite-launches-social-job-app-on-facebook-to-power-referral-hiring/ http://callcenterinfo.tmcnet.com/news/2011/10/03/5822750.htm

The Impact Of The Digital Age

The Impact Of The Digital Age Digital age is same thing as modernism and modernism can simply be defined as an overall socially progressive trend of thought that affirms the power of human beings creates, improve and reshape their environment with the aid of practical, experimental and scientific knowledge or technology. In modernism, there are some certain impacts on social, economic and political life of the societies today, because it has touched all these areas. When we talked of the impact of digital age or modernism on the society, we will be focusing on the changes we have on the social aspects of the world in general, that is, how the society is socially on progress. In the economic life of the societies, we will be focusing on the technologies that changed how people lived, where they lived and how they thought, why there is a rapid change in the production of goods, and also the means of moving those goods from place to another in todays society. In political life, we have the changes in politics, the r ise of working class, and the reason why many are poor and lived in bad conditions while the fewer enjoyed the profits. Industrial revolution is one of the impacts of modernism in the economic life of the societies today because the use of new technologies and inventions of machines helps towards increasing production of goods and services and also delivering those goods to the appropriate place when needed. Today mechanized production and modern economic growth continue to spread to some new areas. As at that period, workers move from their working environment to another in order to search for a perfect industry with requirement that will make work easier and saves time because as at that period before industrial revolution took place, working at the industry is something different because things and requirement arent the way they are because the means to carrying out the work is not there but by man power. It was claimed that the factory systems developed during that period were responsible for the modern cities nowadays, because the system was new, and the workers had not experienced such, and thus everyone has an opportunity to go to somewhere in search of greener posture of the world, and much of some human beings have not yet knew or had about the changes. Economic generate a great distribution of funds extracted from resources, which then led to a progressive shift in legislation. After the second and third reform acts, income inequality was reduced by progressive and successive acts of legislation which gave a free public. Education had also strengthened the legal standing of the trade unions that aided the aged, the sick ones, and the unemployed individuals without abridging their political rights and replaced regressive with progressive taxes on income, land, and inherited wealth. Selling of goods and services like in British, east India companies were opportune by the government; larger ships were built because of enlightenment following an increased in the aspects of production. George Bernard Showed up once again and said the market solution ended up in the best social solution. For the first time in history, the living standards of the masses of ordinary people have begun to undergo sustained growth. In impact of digital age on the social life of the society today is connected with ones position in the society, his social class and also his social background, nowadays, there are so many changes in the social aspect of our lives. A very good example of this is festival, changes in tradition and also in the mood of dressing, all this became possible because of the impact of digital age we have today. If we look around us today, its hard to find a person that has not added anything new to his traditional attires , what I mean here is, for instance, for the Hausas and also the Fulanis, there were not know for wearing jeans and tops, but now it has become a common thing based on socialization. Before, many do not believe in going to school especially the Fulanis, they only believe in rearing cattles while the women among them are to stay at home, but now, everyone wants to be in school, illiteracy is darkness, people dont believe in staying at home doing nothing anymore, for at least even when they lack the opportunity or dont have the means of going school or seeking for job opportunity, they will prepare engaging themselves in a small business just for them to earn something for a living. There are so many changes due to the impact digital age on the social life of our societies today. Social philosophers of the 1700s supported the idea of individual human rights, respects, freedoms has dissolved the old ways of supreme wealth of Royalty and everyone else peasants exponential population growth properties kept on getting sub-grouped, couldnt keep doing that many people moved to towns, people in cities need jobs, and need to buy things instead of making it themselves. Lack of work result to poverty and unavailability of food, so there were few to work, and much waiting to have one. Work made the opportunity to move ahead. The impact of digital age on the political life of the societies today is connected with the state, government or public affairs. Today, there are a lot of changes in politics, in government, we have the arms of government where it consist of the legislative, judiciary and the executive arms of government and every arm of government listed here has its own responsibility to carry on and also certain years that each president in Nigeria had to spent in office, all this is because of the impact of digital age we have today. Let go deep into the impact of digital age on political life of the society, another considerable impact to look on is during the election period, today, people do come out of their houses to vote for the beloved candidate, individuals were given the right to vote for whom they wish to be their leader and at any period, a well educated individual with the necessary requirement that will qualified him to stand as a candidate during an election can do so. Politicians clued into those dynamics and spoke of growth in that system could get votes. In politics, we considered the working class, people can now vote and be voted for, and thats the people that engage themselves in politics would probably be the candidate in an election. Today, as a result of the impact on digital age we have on the political life of the society today, you can write an article, letter or even through computers that are all over that will enabled you go online, search for one of your leaders and have a mutual conversation with him/her about the political problems that rises all the time, the issue of corruption among the leaders, misused of the public funds etc and the best way to tackle all this problems .People could get things that were previously not available to common people, and standard of living could go up. In conclusion, digital age had so much impact on the social, economic and political life of the societies today because it has brought so much changes in our daily aspects of life and also helps us to improve and reshape our environment with the aid of practical, experimental and scientific knowledge or technology.

Overcoming Cultural Differences And Understanding Organisation Culture Commerce Essay

Overcoming Cultural Differences And Understanding Organisation Culture Commerce Essay What is culture? Culture is something you belong to. Here a few definitions of the word culture. Geertz describes culture as a system of shared meaning, (Griffin, 2003, p. 273), Pancanowsky said culture is not something a organization has, a culture is something an organization is. (Griffin, 2003, p. 273) Philipesen describes culture as a socially constructed and historically transmitted pattern of symbols, meanings, premises, and rules.(Griffin, 2003, p.420). In this case study EUROCOM Systems is a German organization and SOFTCOM is an IT organization in New Zealand.EUROCOM Systems is taking over SOFTCOM. According to the above definitions about culture, we can see that EUROCOM Systems and SOFTCOM are two different types of organizations with two different cultures. Firstly their languages are different, and also the German organization has a very traditional management style. Their staff are expected to wear traditional business suits and ties and keep to fixed daily working hours. The New Zealand organization has an easygoing and relaxed atmosphere, including a dress code and flexible working hours that suit their customers. There are also other problems that could happen in the new organization. As the case study mentions that EUROCOM will send their own managers to New Zealand. These managers have to face a new environment, so could have a lot of anxiety. During the takeover, it will be two different countries with different cultures merging together; obviously this could cause culture conflict. How can these cultural differences be overcome? The above provides two hypotheses, using some theories to help to achieve the hypotheses. Agenda-Setting Theory Maxwell McCombs Donald Shaws Agenda Setting Theory uses framing where they select a feature and put this into the mind of people making them think about it. For example, SOFTCOMs flexible working hours change to fixed daily working hours. If at lunch time or outside working hours, the customers has some software problems needing speciality help, who can serve them to figure out the problems. Does the customer have to wait until the speciality staff are back from lunch? No, no one has the patience when they have a problem. They want the company solve the problem at once. As no one can run a business without customers, SOFTCOM should put those points to frame the cultural differences, and let EUROCOM think about by changing SOFTCOM culture it may cause many problems, and even lose customers. Social Penetration Theory Cultural approach to organization Theory Social Penetration Theory is when the onion is peeled by layer the two nationalities will soon be friends and appreciate each other. (Griffin, 2003, p. 133) Once they penetrate well below the surface, the Germans and New Zealanders will become close. Story and ritual (Using the metaphor) can help to understand an organization culture. So in this case, SOFTCOM can tell some stories through ritual that will help EUOROCOM Managers to understand SOFTCOM culture. Below is an provide an example combining these two theories. When the managers of EUORCOM come to New Zealander at first, they might feel uncomfortable and not know what to say to SOFTCOM staff, but after a few days they will start to know each other. Also SOFTCOM can provide some rituals such as a party or a BBQ, and by corporate stories, collegial stories or personal story telling increase their relationships and help them understand the SOFTCOM culture. Understanding organization culture Communication theories: Information Systems Approach to Organisations Cultural Approach to Organizations Face-Negotiation Theory Narrative Paradigm Theory From the case study, it seems that SOFTCOM Systems is a culture system and belongs to Individualistic culture. EUOROCOM Systems is an information system and belongs to collectivistic culture. Below are some theories to identify the statement, and also will provide a strategy for SOFTCOM to keep the unique features of the organisation. Information Systems Approach to Organisations Theory According to Weicks Information Systems Approach to Organisations theory, every organisation as living organizations that must constantly adapt to changing environment in order to stay alive. (Griffin, 2003, p. 259). Weick talks about the information and how it relates to the organisation, whereas organisation systems depend on the information system. Weick considers in his theory the hierarchy structural of the organisation. Every employee is put on different levels of positions. The boss is at the top, flows down to the associate managers, along the path to the next level will be the workers at the lower level. From this hierarchy structural, Weick forms up the chain-of-command lines of communication. Information is pushed down from the top, where the boss is, down to his associates and from the associates to the workers below. Information flows in the organisation. Cultural Approach to Organisation Theory Geertz and Pacanowskys theory of the Cultural Approach to Organisation base on Information Systems Approach to Organisations theory, but they state that culture is not something that an organisation has; culture is something an organisation is. Geertz describes culture as a system of shared meaning, (Griffin, 2003, p. 273), From the above explanations of the two theories, we can see EUOROCOM is an information system, because the boss at top level pushes information down to the next level associates, and to the workers. The workers do not have a chance to raise opinions to the managers. As the case study said the EUOROCOM organization has a very conservative management style. SOFTCOM is a culture system. As EUOROCOM the boss from the top pushes the information to the next level and to the workers. But SOFTCOM have effective communication and a shared meaning about the information. The case study says SOFTCOM has an easygoing relaxed atmosphere, which is why SOFTCOM is an innovative and creative software development. Face-Negotiation Theory According to Ting-Toomeys Face- Negotiation theory, she distinguishes national cultures within collectivistic and individualistic categories. (Griffin, 2003, p. 436). Collectivistic culture means where people identify with a larger group loyalty thus acting from a We-identity. The collectivistic culture has a high context communication or message. Individualistic culture means where people look out for themselves and their immediate families thus acting from an I-identity. The Individualistic culture has a low context communication Using these definitions we can see that EUOROCOM is a Collectivistic culture, because the EUOROCOM System values collective needs and goals over individual needs and goals. In EUOROCOM, staff behaviour is controlled by the company, for example, the EUOROCOM System boss asked the SOFTCOM staff to wear traditional business suits and ties everyday, and they had no choice, but to do it no matter whether they want to it or not. EUOROCOM has a very high context on sending messages from their boss to staff. The power gap between the boss at the top and his associates below is wide. It is hard for the worker to communicate their thoughts to the top level. The SOFTCOM system is an individualistic culture; because SOFTCOM treat every person as unique. SOFTCOM has a very low context communication between their boss and staff. Its a narrow hierarchy structure. The power gap between the boss at the top level and his associates below (the workers of the organisation) is narrow. In other words, communication between the workers is easy and they help each other, not like the high context communication staff of EUOROCOM Systems. So their company is conducive to more innovation than EUOROCOM. How can the take over be effective? In the case study EUOROCOM will create a more disciplined culture in the new organization which means the Germans will run the merged organisation to their collectivistic culture. How could the New Zealanders persuade the Germans not take away the unique features of SOFTCOM? Here using narrative paradigm theory could persuade EUOROCOM to keep the SOFTCOM system, so that SOFTCOM will not lose the unique features of the organization. Narrative Paradigm Theory Using Walter Fishers theory Narrative Paradigm would be effective. Fisher says that people are storytelling animals and to reason to others we use stories. SOFTCOM could persuade the Germans and point out that the organisation is living in its own culture and they do their own work according to the features of the culture of their organisation and their effect on the society. So they can use their customers to tell a story to EUOROCOM to persuade the Germans to confirm the takeover without taking away their unique features. Customers might say they are familiar with the service that SOFTCOM gives them because SOFTCOM serve them on their own way. If EUOROCOM takes that away, loss of customers could turn out to be true which EUOROCOM would not want to happen for the sake of the organisation.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder :: Post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD

Introduction There has been a proliferation of interest in the development and nature of individual’s thinking patterns and processes following traumatic psychological exposure (Ehlers, Mayou, & Bryant, 1998). In particular, previous research has suggested that specific thinking styles and patterns preceding trauma predict a greater vulnerability and a poorer long-term prognosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Dalgleish, 2004). Moreover, the literature has illustrated that adolescents can be predisposed to developing PTSD which develops as a result of either direct or indirect exposure to a trauma. For example, witnessing a trauma directly or learning about a specific traumatic event experienced by others (Finkelhor & Dziuba-Leatherman, 1994). Previous research has highlighted that adolescents that have been exposed to a trauma and PTSD may also be more vulnerable to developing aggressive and antisocial behaviours (Falshaw, Browne & Hollin, 1996), alcohol and drug dependence, hypervigilance and impulsive misconduct (Lynam, Caspi, Moffitt, Wikstrà ¶m, Loeber & Novak, 2000). Erwin, Newman, McMackin, Morrissey and Kaloupek (2000) suggest that a reason for this is that early exposure to trauma can have severe impact on adolescent’s functioning in terms of their emotions, cognition and behaviour, poor self-regulation and information-processing. Adding to this, Tyson & Goodman, (1996) suggest that it is these deficits in functioning coupled with the individual’s inability to regulate emotions that predispose them to engaging in protective aggression and dangerous re-enactment behaviours as a way of dealing with their exposure to trauma. The link between dysfunctional cognitions and PTSD has been widely explored by various researchers, and it has been suggested that a tight relationship exists between PTSD and antisocial behaviour in youths (Danckwerts & Leathem, 2003). However, little is yet known about the psychological mechanisms which underlie the relationship. This literature review will explore the underlying mechanisms which predict a greater vulnerability to the onset, development and maintenance of PTSD associated with young offenders. More specifically, depressive cognitions such as rumination and counterfactual thinking will be explored with reference to their link with PTSD. Defining Rumination and Counterfactual Thinking Individuals affected by PTSD often report symptoms of incessant ruminative thinking associated with a traumatic experience. The DSM-IV (American Psychiatric Association, 1994) does not however distinguish intrusive rumination and intrusive memories associated with the trauma in the development of PTSD. However, more recently various theoretical perspectives propose that the two are functionally distinct and should be regarded as separate entities (Ehlers & Clark, 2000; Joseph, Williams & Yule, 1997; Ehlers & Steil, 1997).

The Scarrlet Letter :: essays research papers

The Scarrlet Letter As citizens of the United States and members of the most open society in the world it is difficult for us to picture a world where the phrases woman's rights, equal opportunity, and religious freedom have little meaning. When the surface of American history is scratched, not necessarily deeply a past of limited rights for women is soon revealed. The challenge to any author comes in painting a picture of this colonial past to both current readers and readers to come. Nathaniel Hawthorne In his book ' The Scarlet Letter'; successfully meets this task through the character of Hester Prynn. Hawthorne describes a woman with independence ahead of her time and a social order unprepared to accept her.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Hester's independence was promptly demonstrated at the novel's beginning. The court has ruled as punishment for her adultery she must wear an 'A'; upon her chest, that to the colonist served as a reminder of the punishment they would suffer if their sins were to be discovered, and to Hester a reminder of sin. Hester stands alone outside the court house as the close minded colonial eyes stare at her and the baby in her arms. Many women during this era of American history would look for a way to run. Hester shows little sign of uneasiness, with exception to her firm hold on the infant. At the conclusion of this scene the reader knows that this is a strong woman trying to maintain dignity in a land were a woman's independence ranked right above blasphemy on the hierarchy of values.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Throughout the novel Hester demonstrates her independence of living. Her husband never comes forward, and her lover does the same. With everyone denying relations Hester is forced to live alone. She raises the child by herself and is successful in her enterprise of sewing and hemming. Hawthorne informs us that this lifestyle of isolationism is unique to her, and convinces us that an average colonial woman could not survive under these conditions. At this point in the book Hester has shown her independence in dealing with life's crisis, and in her style of living.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The best way to understand a parents personality is to examine how they raise their children. This idea holds true when one examines closely the techniques Hester uses to raise Pearl. In this era of religious totality, independence of thought, and the teachings of those ideals commanded little

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight :: Essays Papers

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Character Analysis Sir Gawain, the nephew of King Arthur, is described by the unknown author of Gawain and the Green Knight as "the good knight" and "most courteous" (Norton, 204 & 215). Although young, Gawain understands the true meaning of chivalry and honor, therefore bases his lifestyle on the knightly Code of chivalry. This is exemplified through various tests that he faced, both with the Green Knight, and with the Knight's wife. If all knights were like Gawain, then the Round Table would be a much better place. The first character test he is put to occurs when he faces the supernatural forces of the Green Knight during the New Year's celebration at Camelot. As the Round Table is faced with an extraordinary challenge, to swing at the stranger with an ax, Gawain bravely steps in for King Arthur when no one else is willing. He is fearful that Arthur will endure some great danger by partaking in the stranger's game, therefore he would rather subject himself to the danger and protect Arthur. He is able to save his lord from any possibility of jeopardy and his fellow knights of humiliation by jumping up from the dinner table and screaming: "Would you grant me the grace, To be gone from this bench and stand by you there, If I without discourtesy might quit this board,... When such a boon is begged before all these knights, though you be tempted thereto, to take it on yourself While so bold men about upon benches sit†¦ I am the weakest, well I know, and of wit feeblest; And the loss of my life would be least of any; That I have you for uncle is my only praise; My body, but for your blood, is barren of worth; And for that this folly befits not a king, And 'tis I that have asked it, it ought to be mine, And if my claim be not comely let all this court judge, in sight." (Norton, 209) This shows the respect that Gawain has for his king. He is a great knight, but he modestly says that "the loss of my life would be least of any." He knows that he is a great knight and is extremely important to the unity of the Round Table, but he would rather stay humble and retained than to call himself superior.

Wwii: the Good War?

US History: Surv Since 1877 The Good War? Many Historians call World War II â€Å"The Good War. † The Second World war consumed every corner of the globe, pitting the world’s biggest powers against each other. There were two sides the Axis powers and the Allied Powers. The Axis included many Germany, Japan, and Italy. The Allied powers included the Soviet Union, United States, British Empire, China, and France to name a few. World War II was caused by several things. One was the Treaty of Versailles which Germany could not afford to pay.In turn they empowered a man who vowed to rip up the treaty. Two other reason were the failure of appeasement and the failure of the league of Nations. There are many reasons why people think that World War II was â€Å"The Good War,† Paul Fussell gives a good account on the subject. A Good War, A Just War, A Moral: Fussell's accounts simply show that these terms are simply not possible for the teenage kid being shipped off to fig ht in the war at the tender ages of 18, 19, 20, or even 17. For American troops, the first unpleasant act in their active and dangerous participation in what has been misleadingly termed the Good War was throwing up in the transport conveying them to the United Kingdom (Fussell pg. 15). † Fussell references to how the war is misnamed â€Å"The Good War† here. He suggests how can the war be good when we are putting these young boys in situations were they are throwing up out of fear. The fear is not the only problem, the men ate terrible food twice a day standing up while the officers ate at white linen tables with nice cutlery and better food.This was not the firs blow to his morale though. In training, many draftees were greeted with the letters R. T. C. which the draftee quickly learned meant replacement training center (pg. 95). Many thoughts would enter the draftees head after reading those letters, â€Å"Why, he wondered, were so many hundred of thousands of draft ed boys needed as replacements? For whom or what? Was the army expecting that many deaths or incapacitating wounds (Fussell pg. 95). † He soon learned that the answer was yes which as you can imagination was quite demoralizing and does not condescend to â€Å"The Good War† idea.Another Concept that Fussel used to support his motion that World War II wasn’t the good war everyone was talking about; was disproving the idea that only the germans spared innocent life's. He talks about the measures that the Allied forces used to protect the german assumption that the FUSAG was going to attack at Pas De Calais (Fussell pg. 32). â€Å"To move troops and reserves quickly to this fancied battlefield, Hitler would have to use railways, railway stations, and alas, railway towns, where many French civilians were killed (Fussell pg. 32). The allies bombed many french railroad structures and in the process killed many innocent citizens. The innocent killing of civilians could not relate to World War II being called the â€Å"The Good War. † If World War II, was â€Å"The Good War† then why was there so much desertion. Relating back to one of the problems I mentioned earlier, one of the main causes of desertion was fear. â€Å"Many GIs were so scared that they required special attention. Says an American woman who worked with the Red Cross, â€Å"Just before they went across to France, belts and ties were removed from some of these young men.They were very, very young (Fussell pg. 108). † Fussell tells of a battle in france, where a fresh battalion arrived to relive a unit that was battered from fighting and many of the men had been killed. Their bodies not yet been removed, but were laid out neatly just behind the foxholes and decently covered with pine boughs (Fussell pg. 107). When the reinforcements say this, they instantly disappeared only to show up many months later. How can World War II be â€Å"The Good War† when youn g men are disbanding out of pure fear.World War II may be being fought for a just reason. Hitler is clearly an uncontrollable menace who needs to be put down. On the other hand, World War II cant be â€Å"The Good War† that many historians claim it to be. Just as Fussell suggests a war can’t be good when we are sending our teenage young men in extreme situations which cause them to vomit out of fear. Also how can a war be good when we are taking the lives of innocent civilians. In the end, World War is not â€Å"The Good War† that many suggest it to be.

Culture Of Poverty Essay

Culture is a set of values and imprints that influence the potential in addition strategy formulation. It is a pattern of sh atomic number 18d prefatory assumptions that pack go over to produce demeanoral norm. Poverty is beingnessness unable to provide yourself with comfort and stuff needs. Culture of meagerness shows that those who argon pathetic people stay in poverty collectable to adapting the poverty burden. The world eliminates the culture of poverty through education and get t successor priorities successive and create micro-culture where the whole world pass on belong (Bass, 2005)I agree with the work forcetal attitude that the low-down atomic number 18 largely prudent for their own poverty beca ingestion when they realize they ar poor instead of working badly they start feeling helpless and non belonging and they feel that the society do not serve their needs. They feel they name no power in that locationfore bath not try to change their billet for the better and feel they atomic number 18 in divergent and think that the mysterious atomic number 18 transcendent which make them not put attempt to change their situation for the better.The poor also feel that they are wretched and do not form both racial group and feel that they are unworthy and do not form any(prenominal) racial group and feel that they are discriminated by the members of the society. People who are poor do not know any history o becoming rich and acquiring wealth, they solitary(prenominal) know heir problems and shortcomings they recognize only the poor conditions and only their neighborhood which is also living in poverty. Poor people have no knowedge, vision or ideas to compare themselves with other people who are rich for suit they do not care whether they are in high association or low class.The poor should be promote to work hard and not fancy the poverty burden in come in to improve their lifestyle. CAUSES OF companionable INEQUALITY racism This is the existence of a higher persist and a lower race delinquent to the higher race having favourable position complex. This is as a result of having supernatural gifts that others do not have or being gifted in hunting and being courageous and being known to pass by in war. this is recognized by self-discipline of trophies gained after being a winner.The looser becomes the dupe of the conqueror. When an individual experience personal superiority and see others as inferior affable inequality volition always be experienced (Fanning, 2000) SOCIAL STRATIFICATION This is where wo workforce politic entirelyy and socially feel inferior. Old people are respected only when they are strong. In some tribes people graze high when they are initiated and also when they are granted new names. people are grouped together and accorded status depending on which group they belong either poor or rich.There are order system where each individual is natural in for example in Indi a brahman is the caste at the top and untouchables is the pervade caste which is based on practised or bad conduct. In Britain visit was owned by nobility depending on family tradition, conduct or privileged who were the sentiwork forcet group. SEXISM This is discriminating one another basing on gender for example women discrimination. These are attitudes or behaviours that make social roles to be separate basing on gender. this also involves abusive behaviour to a person of opposite sex.In work place women are excluded in employment to the benefit of men. Employers fail to promote women even though they have alike(p) or even higher qualifications than men. Women are also denied positions in politics whereby men dominate parliament with women being the minority. Sexism causes social inequality because women feel inferior to men and belief that they are weak and unproductive, they impress themselves with low esteem . they fail to use ideas they have and are not innovative. Th is makes all the work to be left to men to do and social inequality will always affect the society.EFFECTS OF SOCIAL INEQUALITY It brings ab surface difference in religion where we have Christians, Muslims or Hindus of different religion and beliefs. Social class arises whereby those who belief they belong to same social class work together and leave out those of different social class (Bowen, 1948) approximately people think they are inferiors and other superior leading to division and insufficiency of unity. In terms of skin colour, there is radical distinction amid discolor and white people. It can cause psychogenic illness due to overleap of modify technology and skills in treating illness.Low income earners neediness basic needs due to lack of enough money to finance their basic needs. Unequal distribution of wealth between rich and poor in areas which are more productive than others for example smokestack regions are more productive compared to sea-level regions. REFE RENCES 1. Madden Janice Fanning Changes in Income inequality indoors US W. E Upjohn Institute, 2000 2. Bowen Howard Toward Social prudence Rinehart, 1948 3. Bass Stephene Reducing Poverty and sustaining the environment Earthscan,2005