Monday, September 30, 2019

Gibbs Arita Assignment Essay

I have read and understand Strayer University’s Academic Integrity Policy. I promise to conduct myself with integrity in the submission of all academic work to the University and will not give or receive unauthorized assistance for the completion of assignments, research papers, examinations or other work. I understand that violations of the Academic Integrity Policy will lead to disciplinary action against me, up to and including suspension or expulsion from the University. I understand that all students play a role in preserving the academic integrity of the University and have an obligation to report violations of the Academic Integrity Policy committed by other student. In addition, I Arita Gibbs certify that I am the author of this document and any assistance I received in preparing this report fully acknowledged. I have also cited in APA format for all sources that I obtained ideas, data, and words. Sources are properly credited according to the APA guidelines. Arita Gibbs Due Week 9/ Date: 03/06/14 Promotional and Advertising Strategies Promotional and advertising strategies are important tools for businesses to stay on top. A company has to work hard every day to remain competitive. Most of their tactics include peeking the interest of consumers to buy a specific brand which is called a promotional strategy (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p. 391). Promotional strategies also are put together to control the mix of daily activities, which the business benefits with market increase (Boone &Kurtz, 2013, p. 391). Advertising is another piece of the marketing process. It plays a major part in getting the word out regarding the product or service the business is selling (Lake, 2014). There are a few types of advertising such as, product advertising, cause advertising and institutional advertising (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p. 398). Product advertising is design to involve ads with a message that differentiate the company’s merchandise or brand from competitors (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p. 398). An example would be a credit card from any well-known company. Cause advertising deals with issues regarding ways to influence public and government opinion (Boone &Kurtz, 2013 p. 398). Companies who are designed for profit and those organizations who are charitably operated believe this tool is a win-win for everyone (Kokemuller, 2014). Important issues today being discussed are that children and adults should have every necessity in life, which should not prevent them from learning, living or being hungry (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p. 398). Institutional advertising is a marketing tool which is based on the image of the company. This tool also promotes the designs, values and beliefs, as well as the good deeds of the organization (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p. 398). Le Bonheur Children’s hospital is an excellent example. The company marketing strategy shows how a person can contribute a small donation an in turn can save a child’s life who is suffering from an illness. In assignment three, it states to compare and contrast the promotional strategies used by two different companies for a similar product. Next recommend two ways in which the company’s selected product could use marketing information to differentiate itself in the marketplace to gain an advantage over the company’s competitors. This paper will suggest two usages for consumer-oriented promotions that could assist a company in both the short and long-term, as well as analyzing the strategic manner in which the leading company in the product group has made a pricing decision by using one or more of the four pricing objectives. In closing two suggestive actions of other companies within the same product group will be given in order to help them differentiate themselves and gain a competitive advantage. The most effective advertising medium will also be discussed (Strayer University, 2014, p. 17). The two companies chosen are Nike and Adidas. Compare and Contrast the Promotional Strategies for Nike Inc. and Adidas Group Nike has become one of the largest marketers for athletic shoes (Nike, 2014). The company has global shares worth more than 30 percent (Nike, 2014.). Nike has sold their products through thousands of other retail stores as well as their products to countries both domestically and overseas (Nike, 2014). The company has outlet stores. Almost all of their products are made by independent contractors mainly located out of the country, with Nike involved in the market strategy and growth (Nike, 2014). Not counting the large range of core athletic shoes and clothing advertised under the leading brand, the company also sells shoes under other brands such as, Converse, Chuck Taylor, All Star and Jack Purcell through solely owned businesses (Nike, 2014). There is so much more to Nike. The company has relied on creativity in their designs of their products and large amounts of promotion to fuel their growth in the United States and other foreign Countries (Nike, 2014). Nike Inc. has a promotional strategy which thrives on an image, which has allowed the company to be one of the best (Nike, 2014). The company is known for their product icon â€Å"the swoosh†, which is different from other companies and their product slogan has been used in commercials for a very long time (Nike, 2014). Nike invests large amounts of money for commercials and product promotions (Nike, 2014). The company is motivated by customer agreements and sport teams. The company targets the college athletes to support the product and will also financially support team members that they will eventually endorse (Nike, 2014). Nike also uses their target techniques to include people who are well-known athletes and celebrity athletes (Nike, 2014). This strategy is a success because once the manager of a sports team decides on which type of shoe made  by Nike, he would like the student to have no choice other than to buy the shoe. The sports team can also buy the shoes in a large quantity and deliver it to the members of the team (Nike, 2014). Another marketing strategy of Nike is the creative design of a product objective or purpose meaning when a famous athlete promotes a certain brand of Nike shoe, the shoe will be associated with winning (Nike, 2014). The viewers have a mental effect from this type of correlation and the company builds a relationship with those consumers who are after the quality and utility of the items instead of the cost (Nike, 2014). With this idea, Nike is sure to reach a huge number of customers and clients who will purchase their products (Nike, 2014). Adidas has been in business over 80 years (Adidas, 2014). The company is known has the world of sports on each level, and they are also known for supplying the state-of-the art sports shoes, clothing and accessories (Adidas, 2014). Today, Adidas is leading the globe in the sporting industry (Adidas, 2014). The company’s strategy is modest; join our passion to create new and different products, constantly supporting our brands and products to increase our economic position and economic performance (Adidas, 2014). Adidas main location is in Germany, but the company has manufacturing centers and departments developing all around the world (Adidas, 2014). Adidas believes the company addresses many of the customer’s needs by exploiting marketing prospects from a number of angles. Their pledge to product innovation which keeps their brand different from the competitors provides a solid stage for upcoming growth (Adidas, 2014). There is no other brand with a well-known background and strong connection in sports than Adidas (Adidas, 2014). Adidas considers themselves has the best, and they are wherever the best will be such as, the Olympic Games, and anywhere else in the world where a game of sports will be played, observed, liked and celebrated (Adidas, 2014). The founder of Adidas is Adi Dassler (Adidas, 2014). His main objective for the company is not hard to understand, it is for all athletes to be at their best (Adidas, 2014). The key factor for all Adidas sporting products is to stay innovated, and the brand has five performance benefits, fast, strong, smart, cool, and more natural, which influences the important sporting events that focus on football, basketball, running, training, and outdoor (Adidas, 2014). The  goal for adidas is to market the individual who is active and lives for sports (Adidas, 2014). Nike uses the high profile athletes, and Adidas is about performance and lifestyle. Both Nike and Adidas use athletics as a tool for marketing in a way to attract the consumer to purchase their products. Recommended Ways to Market Information to Differentiate From the Competitors In this competitive market business promotion is the key to differentiate from the competitors (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p. 395). One way is for the business to apply the rule of positioning. Product positioning is a strategy used to put a product perception in the mind of the person who is buying the product (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p. 395). Positioning normally involves the creative difference associated with a product or service and the competition (Acevedo, 2014). Companies are successful when using this marketing tool because it helps gain market control, which raises revenue for the company (Acevedo, 2014). Adidas has a plan to attract the serious runner. The company is coming out with the shoe price a little over a $100.00 called the energy boost (Riper, 2014). The energy boost will be sold at all the Adidas Stores and the many department stores (Acevedo, 2014). The objective is to limit the advertising with no television involved. If this is a success the company believes it will have a retail rollback for a larger budget for advertising (Acevedo, 2014). The President of Adidas Patrick Nilsson believes if the company spends large amounts of money later then the company can have a wide range launch in retail when the time comes (Acevedo, 2014). Ultimately all of Adidas shoes, basketball, tennis, the whole nine yards will be linked to the boost technology (Acevedo, 2014). However, for now the company is pleased to know from a source in the apparel tracker states that the company has over 4% of the growth in the shoe market from two years ago (Acevedo, 2014). Nike uses their promotional strategy by using one of the company’s seven fundamental stages move (Nike, 2014). (Nike, 2014). Move is the stage which keeps the company different from the rest of their competitors (Nike, 2014). Nike will ship their products at any time, and by any occasion that the company needs in order to reach the thousands of  associates and the millions of customers over the world whether it is by plane, ship, small or large truck or train (Nike, 2014). Nike is serious about how they provide transportation no matter how difficult the obstacle may be (Nike, 2014). With this move Nike market leader enjoys over 50% market share (Acevedo, 2014). Adidas however does a little better with their overall athletic shoe. How Consumer-Orientated Promotions Can Help Nike and Adidas Short and Long-Term Consumer-Orientated Promotions are a part of the four marketing mixes, and it is also known as the pull-strategy (Moorty, 2014). Both parts are an important one for every organization (Moorty, 2014). The goal is to persuade the new customer or long-term customer to try out and purchase the products being marketed (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p. 404). Also a marketer’s role is to motivate customers who shop frequently at the same business. Sample products, discount coupons are just a few of the promotions that can boost impulsive shoppers to buy which increases sales for the company (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p. 404). The President and CEO of Nike, Mark Parker states the company’s short-term consumer-orientated advertisings is simple (Nike, 2014). The company will continue to produce amazing products, offer professional services and provide a continuation of excellent customer experiences. With these results will indeed show the power of our strategy and growth (Nike, 2014). Nike’s long-term consumer-orientated promotions are the vision that drives the sustainable growth (Nike, 2014). This balance is leveraged by an important advantage including the company’s reliability with the passionate connection to their customers; new and improve products with retail experience that lead the industry to be a stronger organization that also provides the opportunity to become a larger successful business (Nike, 2014). Nike has already set goals for growth to include the year 2015 (Kim, 2010). With a target set to at least $20 billion by that year the company has already outlined their revenue goals and initiatives and plans to reach this by using a customer-focus strategy (Kim, 2010). As time permits the more aggressive promotional strategic goals set by the business will be shared with the consumers, invested communities as well as the sports and apparel industry (Nike, 2014). One example is how the company has set their design to improve the company, by launching a new business a few years ago  called Nike Better World, an online stage to involve customers on how the business balanced individuals, economy and the world (Nike, 2014). Adidas short-term consumer-orientated promotions are to continue to rely on their customer loyalty (Adidas, 2013). As with any organization it is innovation, which makes the deciding factor who wins and who loses. Adidas has been successful using the brand equity method which has allowed them to maintain the slogan of being the fittest company on earth (Adidas, 2013). In order for the company to maintain their long-term status and sustain growth, Adidas will continue to create newer and improvable market brands (Adidas, 2013). Overall Adidas started back four years ago planning their strategy to increase the brand’s perception in the customers viewpoint which had an expectation to deliver over 80% of growth for the company until 2015 (Adidas, 2013). Some of the areas of improving consist of, the running and basketball areas, and combining the sports style with the Adidas NEO label (Adidas, 2013). However the company is keeping the original adidas because it has a long history with the energetic lifestyle customer (Adidas, 2013). The company will always be focused on the consumers wants, their level of fitness, their incentives and ambitions for doing activities in sports (Adidas, 2013). His or her individual way of living helps Adidas develop important products, services and experiences that construct a lifelong brand (Adidas, 2013). Pricing and Competitive Advantage In chapter 13 Promotions and Pricing Strategies there are four pricing objectives (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p. 412). The four strategies are profitability, volume, prestige and meeting competition (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p.412). Each objective has a responsibility to the person who is in business with making better pricing decision’s (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p. 412). Organizations have their own style for using these objectives. Many businesses aim to increase the company’s revenue by setting higher prices (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p. 412). Other companies may decrease their prices to bring in new clientele (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p. 412). Nike is the leading company for their athletic shoes because of their higher price and leadership strategy (Nike, 2014). Businesses would define this as the prestige pricing strategy (Boone & Kurtz,2013, p. 413). The company has  been able to make this strategy successful because of their individuality in their brand and service (Nike, 2014). The name alone has been associated with many hero athletes for instance, Michael Jordan (Nike, 2014), This brilliant idea makes customers believe if Michael Jordan can buy a Nike shoe and become more successful than certainly another ordinary person can as well (Nike, 2014). This is why Nike customers do not mind paying a higher price because of the company’s image, value and customer service (Nike, 2014). Another pricing objective Nike uses is profitability. This is the most common factor used in a strategic plan for a business (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p. 412). Nike has a plan to continue to bring in more revenue and remain profitability in the growth of the company, maintain the company’s flowing cash generation which will help to preserve a strong financial statement until the year 2015 (Kim, 2010). The company believes the return on invested capital is more than 20%, and growing shares inside the set target calendar year payout should be in the ballpark of more than 20% by the fourth quarter (kim, 2010). Both companies have been in business for a while, and their products are known to satisfy the customer’s needs. One suggestion that other shoe apparel companies can take in order to differentiate themselves and gain a competitive advantage is knowing how much the product is going to cost, quality, performance as well as the availability of the product, updated technology, good service, and strength and leadership (Hill, 2007). Second suggestion is to know the company’s relationship and making sure the organization can meet the need of the consumer in a way no one else will (Hill, 2007). Determine the Most Effective Advertised Medium Advertising Medium and cost are both key factors to the success of any organization (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p. 399). This tool is how marketers are able to sell new and existing products and services to potential consumers (Boone &Kurtz, 2013, p. 399). There are many types of advertising, newspapers, direct mail, billboards, radio, internet, magazine, and television (Boone &Kurtz, 2013, p. 399). In this muti-media world, television is considered the largest ranking medium with over 40% of any other form of advertising (Boone & Kurtz, 2013, p. 399). Nike uses commercials and promotional products for their form of medium advertising  (Nike, 2014). Within the past six months, the company has grossed over 40 percent of their margin (Stock, 2013). Nike is focused solely on bringing new and innovate creations to the market (Stock, 2013). Nike believes they have a good thing going. As of now the attention is on their Flyknit shoe (Stock, 2013). This shoe has important types of fiber connected with fabric and leather and was marketed to catch the eye of the individuals who love to run, which came just in time for the Winter Olympics (Stock, 2013). Nike had to spending more for their advertising by trying to convince the customer that this $200 shoe was worth it (Stock, 2013). In order to do so, Nike had to bring out some famous athletes for instance; one of the athletes was LeBron James (Stock, 2013). By advertising LeBron in their ads the company was able to increase their profit margin, and acknowledged their game plan was a success not only by convincing customers to buy but using the ads as well (Stock, 2013). Nike was also successful with their global orders (Wahba, 2013). It was the largest so far of their sales in merchandise which increased over 12 percent since April (Wahba, 2013). The company’s total revenue was huge even up to the second quarter (Wahba, 2013). The company made over $6 billion which was a total revenue of more than 7 per cent (Wahba, 2013). Nike was able to sell more goods at a higher price than any other competitor (Wahba, 2013). The company profited in advertising and promotion by 13 percent with their help in marketing and product launching for the Winter Olympics (Wahba, 2013). Conclusion Promotional and advertising strategies of an organization are a determining factor to whether the company will succeed or fail. This competitive market is a vicious one, and in order to stay on top the most successful business must continue to develop new innovated strategies. Nike and Adidas have been in business a long time; Nike has been the leader and Adidas has been the Opponent (Wahba, 2013). Both companies have excellent strategies, and some of their strategies have a close comparison. Nike has been able to remain on top because of the company’s promotions, advertising and marketing genius. References Acevedo, L. (2014). Product Positioning Strategies: eHow Inc. Retrieved from eHow Inc Web site: http://www.ehow.com/way_5218154_product-positioning-strategies.html Adidas Corporation. (2014). Investors: Adidas Corporation. Retrieved from Adidas Corporation Web site: http://www.adidas-group.com/en/investors/strategy/global-brands-strategy/ Adidas Corporation. (2014). Our Group: Adidas Corporation. Retrieved from Adidas Corporation Web site: http://careers.adidas-group.com/our-group.aspx Boone, L. E., & Kurtz, D. L. (2013). Contemporary Business. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Hill, T. (2014). How Do You Differentiate Yourself From Your Competitors: Ezine Articles Corporation. Retrieved from Ezine Articles Corporation Web site: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-Do-You-Differentiate-Yourself-From-Your-Competitors?&id=705221 Kim, J. (2010, May 6). Nike Introduces 2015 Global Growth Strategy: Sneaker News Corporation. Retrieved from Sneaker News Corporation Web site: http://sneakernews.com/2010/05/06/nike-introduces-2015-global-growth-strategy/ Kokenuller, N. (2014). What Is Selective Product Advertising: Chron Corporation . Retrieved from Chron Corporation Web site: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/selective-product-advertising-17454.html Lake, L. (2014). Marketing vs. Advertising: What’s the Difference: About.com Corporation. Retrieved from About.com Corporation Web site: http://marketing.about.com/cs/advertising/a/marketvsad.htm Moorty, S. (2014). Define Promotional Sales: eHow Inc. Retrieved from eHow Inc Web site: http://www.ehow.com/about_5401613_define-promotional-sales.html Nike, Inc. (2014). History & Heritage : Nike Inc. Retrieved from Nike, Inc Web site: http://nikeinc.com/pages/history-heritage Stock, K. (2013, December 20). Nike Ramps Up Prices—and Ad Spending—for Olympics: BloombergBusinessweek L.P. Retrieved from BloombergBusinessweek L.P.Web site: http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-12-20/nike-ramps-up-prices-and-ad-spending-for-olympics Wahba, P. (2013, December 19). Nike profit rises and advance orders jump: Reuters Corp oration. Retrieved from Reuters Corporation Web site: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/12/19/us-nike-results-idUSBRE9BI18R20131219

Sunday, September 29, 2019

People who influenced rizal

When Racial was a young boy he would always spend time with his older brother, Pacing. He learned so many things from his brother. Pacing made a great impact on Racal's life. As a child, Racial had so many interest, he was into painting, sculpting, reading, writing and many more. He grew up in a family that is exposed to books and there he learned to love reading and writing. One of the most important person that contributed to Racal's being was his mother, Deodorant Alonso.During the time of Racal's mother, it was very unlikely for a woman to reach college level, but she was able to reach college and was an expert in mathematics. Jose Racial learned from his mother about the ways of life and on being a good citizen to his country. There would be no Jose Racial if it was not for Deodorant Alonso. Because of Racal's intelligence, he was sent to Banyan, a more advanced city in Laguna, and later on went to Atone Municipal nag Manila for advanced learning.There were parts of Jose Racal's novels that was inspired by incidents that happened in Racal's time. One incident that led Jose Racial to write about Isis in one of his novels was the incident that happened to his mother. Deodorant Alonso was accused of poisoning her sister-in-law and was punished without any proof. And another Incident that was told to Jose Racial by his brother was the execution of the SOMBRERO, an acronym denoting the surnames of the priests that was executed.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Consumer behaviour Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Consumer behaviour - Essay Example n household organisation, handful rare articles on extraordinary behaviour such as children’s sweet, vegetarianism and health food buying, and important, mainly overlooked, historical evaluation of the changes in food habits in the UK and France (Wiessner & Schiefenhovel 1996). Historical documentations of food provision have a tendency to put emphasis on either the general levels of consumption in a particular society, on issues of extreme poverty and starvation, or on specific food provisions, such as sugar. Merely a handful of the common books on the food habits of the British people focus on the commercial condition of meals. Fast foods, restaurants and espresso bars are mentioned very occasionally in the directories of such writings. For instance, Burnett (1989) provides an inclusive synopsis of transforming behaviour in the UK ever since the momentous Industrial Revolution, explaining how disparities in class and ethnic backgrounds affected forms of diet and general norms of nutrition, and though there are informative and helpful concise sections on altering trends of eating out, merely an insignificant fraction of a sizeable book is dedicated to meals taken outside of the home (as cited in Fine et al. 1996: 82). General historical narratives of food habits and consumption in the United States have had used more mentions of the practice and, since the practice or habit of buying and consuming food on commercial vicinities is more traditionally established, the United States is better provided with literatures of both its historical and geographical distribution. Yet, literature remains inadequate. Therefore, this paper will explore and analyse available literature on food habits and food consumption behaviour of individuals in the various parts of the world, but particularly in the Western region, through the application of various theories of consumption. Outlooks of the West towards consumption have consistently been divided. On the one hand,

Friday, September 27, 2019

How Could Leader Be Strategic Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

How Could Leader Be Strategic - Term Paper Example The employees of the company are their most precious asset so in order to get the employees in the right direction, making sure they adapt change and they work as per the strategies designed by the leader, leader needs to be not only strategic but also tactful. A strategic leader can not only help companies in achieving its objective but the leader can also create a competitive advantage. We will start by analyzing what is a strategic leader, followed by who should be a strategic leader? , When is the best time to become a strategic leader? , Where should strategic leadership be developed? And then finally, How can we develop strategic leadership?  Ã‚   Strategic leader is someone who can make realistic strategies for the company and who has an ability to influence others and make other believe in his vision and strategies. The strategy he needs to come up should be innovative, practical and should be one which leads in getting company a competitive advantage (Forbes, 2005). It is crucial to make sure that everyone in the organization is trained in such a way that they all become potential leaders. Information should not only stay in the upper rank but also be discussed in the middle and lower rank so everyone gets a chance to present their abilities well (Gilmore, 2007). Everyone in the organization needs to keep one important aspect in mind, that is to create opportunities and then also to utilize the opportunities in the best way possible. So whenever there is an opportunity people with potential should come forward to present their ideas and strategies as opportunity would knock your door only once and there is hardly a second chance. Strategic leaders are an integral requirement of all the organization in today’s world that is the reason why companies invest a lot in making strategic leaders. The most important thing which the leader needs to keep in mind is the self believe and self confidence which the leader have in himself. Some important trai ts include not only knowing and dealing with his/her work area but also being well aware of the surroundings and the business unit on the whole. Realizing importance of good relationship is clear and vital for a good leader as the businesses are interconnected and leader needs to deal with not only the employees but also with the vendors as supply chain management is a very crucial factor, following stakeholders and even competitors. Short term and long term goals are important so strategies should be made accordingly. Cost reduction is a very important factor so the leader needs to have good cost management skills and overall good leadership skills also on a personal level in order to deal well with the co workers. Leader not only needs to have knowledge and skill set which is restricted to him/her self but he should also transfer knowledge to others and then later on the transferred information and personal information can be combined in order to generate best strategies for the c ompany. Using their process we can create an environment of strategic leaders that team up and are committed to create a sustainable competitive advantage (Forbes, 2005). A leader needs to think about the organization in terms of its asset management, they need to think of a bright and successful future for themselves and also for their associates. Corporate social responsibility of the leader also plays a pivotal role here as the leader needs

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Advantages of Probation and Prison system Assignment - 2

Advantages of Probation and Prison system - Assignment Example It is traced back in Boston in the 1700s when the prisoners were taken home by John Augustus as an alternative to the issue of incarceration. Later on, Massachusetts authorized Boston to hire a probation officer. By the end of the ninetieth century, probation was widely practiced all over the world. Parole refers to the temporary or permanent release of a certain prisoner before completion of their prison sentences once they promise to be of good behavior. There are various differences between parole and probation. First of all, probation is that form of a criminal sentence without having to serve time. The offender remains in the setting of a community instead of serving time in prison. On the other hand, parole is an early supervised release from jail. An individual serves jail time for a while and before their jail time is over, they are released either permanently or temporary if they promise to be of good behavior. It allows a high level of flexibility in the handling of various criminal offenders. It permits the judges to make decisions about the ability of an individual to function in a society. It is also a system where an individual is given a second chance to change and allows individuals to redeem themselves. It still represents an incursion that the state undertakes on individuals. The system has also been criticized by too many people on it thus being seen as detrimental to societies and individuals. It also criticized to give prisoners freedom when they should be in jail. Parolee might repeat the offenses he was incarcerated for. The inability of the parolee to survive due to lack of employment or a home. It also requires frequently involvement by the criminal justice for a period of time. One case that impacted on probation and parole was a case of Gagnon V. Scarpelli in 1973. He was serving a probation sentence for armed robbery in the state of Wisconsin.  

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Design ethics of pratice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Design ethics of pratice - Essay Example This paper highlights the competing values that have played out the contemporary companies that advertise their products. In 1996, Calvin Klein also known as CK made remarkably advertisements in the televisions, and magazine, the advert was in promotion of their jeans products. The advert drew criticism from all quarter of the world given the kind of pictures that were used in the adverts, the company used picture of some young people that were posed in a provocative manner- the young people were actually nude. They made this pictures be aired in televisions attracting huge uproar of complains and castigation. Notwithstanding, CK has had a fair share of controversies surrounding their advertisement criteria, in 1980's they aired ads that saw a 15-year-old actress Brooke Shields saying, ‘Nothing comes between me and my Calvin’ (Berry 2000, p. 41). The advert becomes controversial in the sense that it is mostly concentrated around the actress private parts; this has raised eyebrows and attracted condemnation from the public. The focus of the advert on the specific parts of the actress body was perceived unethical and resulted into complains that were given then. The company staged a series of ads in 1996 that was aimed at promoting the CK jeans wear by engaging models who posed in suggestive ways. The ads began in early July and ran in several magazines that were read by those considered to be under aged. For instance, during the period of advertisement in the magazines, young girls aged 12 years got access to the pictures that were considered unethical. Many publishers, in this relation claimed that the adverts that were used by CK then bordered pornography and should not have been aired to the public. Figure A shows one of the images taken from the ad of 1996 Figure A As can be seen in the pictures, the ad exhibited a photographer shooting a young male and a female models in what appeared to be a wood-panelled basement. The shooting was coupled wit h a creepy, predator voice of the young lady asking the man who is half dressed some suggestive questions. The lady asked â€Å"Do you think you can rip off that shirt on your body?† the young man then responded and obliged to the young lady’s question by removing the shirt. She continued and commented â€Å"That's a nice body, do you work out?† at this time, the camera used in the shoot out was concentrating in the young lady’s private parts. Parent groups and children welfare organizations raised questions about the age of the participants in the campaign, many of whom looked to be under 18.  These organizations felt that the children were being coerced to appear in the shoot out under the pretence that they will be normal shooting but the whole issue changes to the nude shooting that is used for CK adverts. According to the organizations, adverts should be moderated even if they have to be suggestive about sex, the one that was used by CK went overbo ard since the shoot out was done in an environment that depicted pornography. The belief that the advert bordered on pornography is also accentuated by the fact that one can hear the photographer instructing the actress on how to look like a pornographic actress.   This public complain was taken to the department of justice and investigations were warranted to look into the possibility of the advert having violated child phonographic

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Bell Chemicals Desicion Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Bell Chemicals Desicion - Coursework Example The solution is to chart out a decision that works best for the company's reputation and growth. Here the approach should be to take the sum total of the senior management group's (SMG) knowledge and intuition and work around it for the best results. My decision is to go for the Chemex machine. The characteristic of this decision can be termed as a rational approach to decision making. I have tried optimising in order to reach to this decision. In the words of Rue and Byars, "One rational approach, called optimizing, involves following six steps: (1) recognize the need for a decision; (2) establish, rank, and weigh the criteria; (3) gather available information and data; (4) identify possible alternatives; (5) evaluate each alternative with respect to each criteria; and (6) select the best alternative." (1992, p.73) This approach can be linked to the normative decision-making model, on which I have based the explanation of my decision or in other words the main body of my report. The company accountant has revealed that the company had recently financed nearly all its recent capital investments from its own retained profits for products and capital investments in other parts of the firm. ... Mr. Bell himself is not interested in much of outside funding. Capital required to install a new Chemex machine is much lower than the AFU unit. Internal funding will be a major issue for the firm in this financial year, as the company has exhausted accrued profits for expansion and developments in other parts of the firm. This will affect the funding of regular operations of the firm throughout the year. Operating cost of AFU unit is more than double of Chemex. The company is not in a position to cover additional cost of 18000 as operating cost against advantages, which are hardly visible or relevant to the firm at this market stage. Through the facts and assumptions given by the marketing manager - an experienced old timer of the Bell Chemicals, following information on current & expected market can be derived: Table 1: Bell Chemicals Ltd: Comparison of Current & Expected Market Curent Market Expected Market Annual Market Requirement 200000 Kg 250000 Kg Firm's Production Requirement 90000 Kg 100000 Kg There is no indication of any upsurge in market demand. With new competitors in the market, retaining present market share should be the aim. Research activities of the chief chemist in modifying the Preserve so that it can be used in wider range of food products has not given any fruitful result uptil now. Hence increase in demand of production is not predicted. Thus increase in production capacity by installing a new Chemex machine will be sufficient to cover the market growth for next two years. Production and selling cost estimate of 320 per Kg for AFU unit is advantageous as compared to 350 for Chemex machine. The AFU unit can reduce production and selling cost by 2700000 a year at current production rate (30 on 90000 Kg produced) but this

Monday, September 23, 2019

Film analysis with historical references - The Motorcycle Diaries Research Paper

Film analysis with historical references - The Motorcycle Diaries - Research Paper Example The challenge of revolution as presented by the author is then associated with both the need to revolutionize understanding from personal knowledge and combining this with creating a cooperative revolution so the economic suppression in South America would diminish. The main objective with the book is one which is first based on the relaxed attitude of Guevara and the associations which he has with working in a leper society while celebrating his birthday. Guevara begins the movie with making each individual believe that there is a desire to party, pick up women and to enjoy the travels through South America while seeing the best sites. This initial attitude is one which leads the trip through most of the movie and which creates a specific response. The changing point which is noted by Guevara is when he moves into the leper society and begins to work with the divisions that are in the community. The different divisions cause him to move outside of the initial mentality and into one which is more radical in nature because of the understanding of the situation and the way in which he can now see and realize the importance of the conditions within the region (Salles, dir, 1). This is important to note because it is also a reflection of what needs to happen with the overall revolution in which each individual becomes aware of the conditions and commits to creating cooperation and community with all of South America. There are several instances where the narrator shows the change and the radical beliefs that are noted after he is able to look at and experience the journey through South America and into the leper society. The realization which is experienced by the character is one which is reflected personally first, specifically with the division in character from the beginning of the story and to the change into radical beliefs about uniting the world into a pan – America and creating a stronger set of beliefs and cooperation with those that are in the reg ion. The realization is based on the understanding that there are no divisions between those in various regions, only which has been divided by imperialism and the circumstances of the region. â€Å" ‘What do we leave behind when we cross each frontier? Each moment seems split in two; melancholy for what was left behind and the excitement of entering a new land† (Guevara, 28). This quote is one which shows that the division which occurs is also personal and which leads to the radical thoughts that there shouldn’t be divisions with the individual as well as with the society. The belief that Guevara has about division, both with the reflection of the individual character and through the continents is one which is confirmed by the works of the author. The concept is one which is based on his own travels, specifically in which he realizes that there is great advancement of those in society that are in South America and which is cut off from society. This is followed by his own beliefs and understandings while traveling that were based on finding the differences in the culture, how they were altered because of political beliefs and how this separatism was one which only created illusions that are created because of the lack of knowing and

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Movie in 1980-1989 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Movie in 1980-1989 - Essay Example Krishna, a 10 year old kid lives in a remote rural area in India. Fed up of the bossing by his brother he sets his bike on fire and bears the wrath of his mother. She takes him to a circus and leaves him there asking him to earn Rs. 500 to repay for bike repair or not to come home. Krishna finds employment by doing petty jobs for the circus owner in hope of earning the amount and returning home. One fine day the owner orders him to get local liquor from a far away shop. Its take tremendous time and energy for Krishna to find it buy it and get back to the circus site, by the time the circus had left. With only some change in pocket and no courage to return to his mother, he sets out for the biggest city of India – Bombay. On his arrival he meets some local goons and is robbed off his money in light of his powerlessness and innocence. He follows the goons with courage and eventually befriends them. They lead him to the biggest brothel of Bombay at Falkland Road near Grant Road Railway Station. One of the goon and a drug addict, ‘Chillum’ who is also one of the main characters in the movie helps krisna to get a job with a tea stall owner. Days become week, weeks turn into months and years in hope of returning home. Not a day passes when Krishna asks his boss if he has Rs. 500 in his account by now but is always turned away. Change comes in his monotonous laborious life when a new prostitute, a virgin, ‘Sola Saal’ is brought to the brothel. He is so infatuated with the 16 year old girl that he sets the brothel room to fire in order to elope with her but in vain. He loses his job and does odd jobs with Chillum to survive. Meanwhile his friend Chillum is deteriorating in health and moneywise and he keeps on helping him time and again. Life is again monotonous until one night when he and his goon friends plan to rob an old Parsi man. While his life is being shown, a parallel story runs of another prostitute who has married with

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Hurricane Katrina Essay Example for Free

Hurricane Katrina Essay Mike Mulally 10-11-19 In 2005 Hurricane Katrina swept through the city of New Orleans and destroyed the lives of thousands. Katrina was one of the largest hurricanes and natural disasters in the history of the United States (Wikipedia, 2009). While most of the casualties’ occurred during the actual storm, still a many took place days after, and were do to the fact that the local, state, and national government were slow to respond. This slow response was due to the nature of federalism. I believe Americans got a glimpse at how federalism and bureaucracy have flaws. These imperfections will be discussed in the pages below. The PBS documentary â€Å"The Storm,† depicts the destruction Hurricane Katrina caused, as well as what went wrong with the evacuation and rescue of New Orleans residents. Local, state, and national government officials were interviewed, such as New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, New Orleans governor Kathleen Blanco, and FEMA Director Michael Brown. Each official gave his or her version of why events happened the way they did. Some of the their accounts contradicted each other. I believe everyone was just looking out for him or herself, trying to save face. This seems to be a common problem in American politics. I will next explore how federalisms can be a inconvenience in a situation such as a natural disaster. Federalism by definition â€Å"is a system in which governmental powers are divided between a central government and smaller units, like states†(Greenberg Page, 2009, Ch. 3). The officials at all levels of the government were somehow confused during Katrina on who exactly was in charge. Was it New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, FEMA Director Michael Brown, was it President Bush? † (Marcela, 2005). There was also a lack of communication between the different levels of government, which, as was talked about in class, is an obvious downside or barrier to federalism (Oxendine, 2009). In a situation like a natural disaster, communication is key. If one cannot communicate with another, how is anything supposed to be accomplished? Having several le vels of government involved just makes everything in a disaster situation more complicated. I believe the U. S. needs a more centralized form of a disaster agency. If a natural disaster is to happen there ought to be one plan of action carried out by one agency. Having this central organization would have alleviated much of the confusion and frustration that we witnessed with Katrina. According to Director Brown, after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans’ local government did not communicate very well with FEMA officials. Brown says he was never told what sorts of manpower or supplies were needed (Marcela 2009). However Louisiana National Guard Adjutant General Bennett Landreneau stated in his interview that he specifically sent requests to FEMA for what help was required. A few days after he was interviewed he sent in the documentation that proves he did indeed ask specific needs from FEMA (Marcela 2009). FEMA Director Brown lied on television. So often politicians lie about issues, why can’t they ever own up to their mistakes and just tell the truth. I believe the American public deserves to know the truth on issues, especially when dealing with something like Hurricane Katrina. In a natural disaster it is at first the state that has control. If the state becomes overwhelmed and can no longer control the situation, the state then needs to clearly articulate what services they are in need of, and that is when FEMA will then intervene. Several days after the storm, Director Brown apparently believed the state of Louisiana had the situation under control (Marcela, 2005). While the Mayor and Governor thought FEMA was going to step in and help. There was a period of time where nobody knew who was in command. Consequently there was a period of time where the many of the people of New Orleans had no food, water or shelter, and that is when many lives were lost. It bewilders one to think that this sort of miscommunication and misunderstanding could happen to a country like the United States. One would assume that our country would have one of the best disaster protocols in the world, considering our global supremacy. I will now touch on another part of U. S. government that I consider to have flaws, and that is bureaucracy. A bureaucracy as defined by Greenberg Page (2009) is â€Å" A large, complex organization characterized by a hierarchical set of offices, each with a specific task, controlled through a clear chain of command, and where appointment and advancement of personnel is based on merit† (Ch. 13). Individuals are appointed not elected and therein lies a problem. Anyone that the president chooses can be in a position of power. Many believe Michael Brown was absolutely not qualified for the position of FEMA Director (Greenberg Page, 2009, Ch. 13). After all he had no formal training in disaster relief or anything of that sort in his resume. Positions like FEMA director should have to have some sort of qualifications. One cannot just be put into that situation like Director Brown was. I believe that positions such as director should be an elected one. When someone who is not qualified is put in charge of one of biggest natural disasters in U. S. history, nothing good can come from it. And indeed that is exactly what happened, total chaos and confusion took place due to Director Michael Brown’s incompetence. After the attacks of 9/11 President Bush reorganized FEMA into a Bureaucracy. FEMA was downgraded and became a sub department of homeland security. Many believe this reorganization really hurt FEMA. Personnel, IT systems and other resources were dramatically reduced due to President Bush’s budget cutting agenda. The President also cut project impact, a program started by FEMA to help communities become disaster resistant, due to tax cuts (Marcella 2009). In addition 80 million dollars was taken from FEMA and distributed to other sectors in homeland security. This is just another problem of FEMA becoming a part of the U. S. bureaucracy. How would anyone expect an organization to do their job when they have had significant funds and resources cut? Clearly part of FEMA’s inadequacies can be linked to President Bush’s choice to make tax cuts and cut parts of their program. Again, the reorganization of FEMA was really detrimental. Hopefully in the future leaders will make more conscientious choices about which agencies should be cut back. Most would believe a disaster relief program such as FEMA should have some of the most funding and personnel available. Apparently former President Bush thought otherwise. Although President Bush does deserves a little bit of a break considering â€Å"the sheer size and complexity of the executive branch. There is so much going on, in so many agencies, involving the activity of tens of thousands of people, that simply keeping abreast of it all is no easy task† (Greenberg Page, 2009, Ch. 13). He is in charge of so much in the U. S. there is no way he could keep an eye on everything. So while the President may have indirectly affected FEMA by inducing budget cuts, he cannot be held directly responsible for the government’s lack of involvement in Katrina at the national level. The president relies on his appointees to do their jobs, which Director Brown did not fulfill. However, President Bush choose Michael Brown, so maybe Bush is in fact responsible for FEMA’s inadequacies. Obviously having a large federal bureaucracy is an inconvenience to say the least. I believe Hurricane Katrina has taught our country a few lessons. First of all that while having a federal bureaucracy has its pluses, it also brings with it it’s many flaws, and the main one being communication. Our government should be striving for interoperability. The ability for several groups at all levels of the government to communicate what resources are needed during a natural disaster will prove to be the single most important tool during a relief operation. I hope that in the future, Presidents will choose more wisely when filling high-level positions such as FEMA Director, and not just appoint those who helped with their campaign. I also hope more cities around the country have better evacuation plans than those of New Orleans. I hope National Guard buildings are better equipped with resources and manpower in the future, especially along costal areas that are known to have hurricanes.

Friday, September 20, 2019

UK Identity Cards and Civil Liberties

UK Identity Cards and Civil Liberties â€Å"The introduction of identity cards in the UK infringes upon our human rights and civil liberties whilst actually doing very little to counter crime and terrorism† Discuss Contents Abstract Introduction Chapter One – Surveillance as a means of crime prevention counter terrorism 1.1 Is surveillance needed for crime prevention? 1.2 Is surveillance needed for counter terrorism? Chapter Two – Increased surveillance – the viability of data retention 2.1 Data retention and identity cards 2.2 Is data retention a positive thing? 2.3 The scope of data retention laws Chapter Three – Has the introduction of the identity cards scheme served to breach individual human rights and civil liberties regarding privacy in the same way as other forms of surveillance? 3.1 The right to personal privacy 3.2 Are human rights and civil liberties effectively recognised domestically? 3.3 How far is the right to personal privacy recognised in law? 3.4 How does the ICA 2006 fit into understanding human rights and civil liberties? Conclusion Bibliography The aim of this study is to consider whether the introduction of identity cards in the UK would indeed infringe upon our human rights and civil liberties, whilst also looking to determine whether it would actually be an effective way of combating crime and terrorism. Therefore, this paper will look to consider the enactment of the Identity Cards Act (‘ICA’) 2006 and the problems that are likely to arise from the introduction of the proposed scheme. Then, it will also be necessary to consider the background to the enactment of the ICA 2006 by putting this development into context with a consideration of Closed Circuit Television (‘CCTV’) and the development of data retention surveillance techniques used to gather information about people with the aim to prevent crime and counter terrorism. However, this paper will also look to recognise the legal reasoning used to justify this kind of surveillance and information gathering that, although contrary to the recognition of the human rights and civil liberties of individuals, is considered necessary to guard the interest of society as a whole against the threat of terrorism and serious crime. But, at the same time, this paper will also recognise this kind of surveillance may actually be doing very little to counter terrorism and serious crime and is not only breaching people’s recognised human rights and civil liberties, but also criminalizing the population and breaking the law in the process. Then, finally, in summation it will be necessary to look to conclude with a balanced and logical overview of this discussion effectively derived from an understanding of the issues covered to present a reasoned view regarding this issue. At the end of 2006, legislation was passed domestically in this country in relation to the introduction of identity cards throughout the UK in the form of the ICA 2006 as a means of crime prevention and counter terrorism. But, interestingly, in spite of its apparently noble intentions, the ICA 2006 is seen by many as only ‘enabling legislation’ that merely provides the legal framework around which the scheme of identity cards is to be developed and it does not purport to provide details of every aspect of the schemes overall operation[1]. This is because the Act itself proposed the use of biometric identity cards[2] to establish and maintain a database of information called the National Identity Register (‘NIR’) on all individuals currently residing within the UK in support of ongoing efforts to help prevent terrorism or serious crimes from occurring[3] by allowing for an easy means to ascertain and prove an individual’s identity[4]. Therefore, the en actment of this legislation meant both private and personal companies could access this register to confirm an individual’s identity or simply check the accuracy of their information. However, this policy is not without its problems. This is because whilst sections 19 and 23 of the ICA 2006 only permit access to records without consent if it is in the interests of national security or for purposes connected with the prevention or detection of crime, the legislation allows for information to be added without the individuals’ knowledge with the aim of eventually having fifty pieces of an individual’s personal information on their card that would then be stored on the aforementioned database with the NIR[5]. But despite the fact many critics argue the NIR will allow the government to monitor and record almost every aspect of a person’s life, almost all of the information listed in Schedule 1 of the ICA 2006 as being required that includes signature, photograph from a passport, name and address (both current and previous), date of birth and national insurance number for this purpose is already in the government’s possession and everyone has the right to see what information is held about them. Nevertheless, there is a fear that ‘hackers’ are bound to attempt to gain access to the NIR database in the same way as in the US, in April 2005, when it was reported Reed Elsevier may have accidentally released the personal information of 310,000 US citizens during 59 separate criminal incidents[6]. It is perhaps little wonder then that the scheme to be developed under the ICA 2006 has led to a great deal of criticism from various organisations. Economists, in particular, have argued that such a scheme would be excessively expensive for what they believe to be somewhat limited results in view of the fact that whilst government estimates have put the cost of the scheme’s introduction alone at around  £6 billion pounds[7], a group of analysts at the London School of Economics consider the figure to be closer to  £18 billion that must ultimately come out of the public’s pocket through taxation[8]. Therefore, whilst the use of identity cards brought about by the enactment of the ICA 2006 could be considered the latest advancement of surveillance technology with the legitimate aim of preventing crime and counter terrorism, question marks remain over whether this kind of policy is an acceptable tool in view of the need to recognise individual human rights and civil liberties[9]. But this is not the first time that the legitimacy of surveillance has been called into question, despite its aims to prevent crime and counter terrorism, so it is necessary to look to consider whether the use of this kind of surveillance technology has achieved anything in this regard. â€Å"Every man should know that his conversations, his correspondence, and his personal life, are indeed private.† Lyndon B Johnson 1908-1973 – President of the United States of America In spite of Lyndon B. Johnson’s view ostensibly in support of Mill[10], the use of surveillance techniques has become increasingly widespread with the passing of time because technology in this area has advanced at such a pace that even the public at large is becoming ever more aware that surveillance no longer simply refers to the work of spies in Ian Fleming novels. The word itself in French literally means ‘watching over’[11] and, in this context, refers to all forms of observation or monitoring of another for public or private purposes. Now, however, most people are aware such techniques are used by law enforcement agencies, business and even private individual so as to gain useful information in relation to the activities of suspected criminals and terrorists where a threat is perceived leading to an eventual arrest where it is warranted[12]. In particular they are usually most commonly aware of the use of CCTV cameras on buildings and in shops. But the use o f identity cards is just another means of surveillance as its production and use will effectively act like a form of tracking whereby the authorities and private and public organisations will gain yet another insight into the private lives of individuals by creating a verifiable ‘document trail’ that the authorities can follow. 1.1 Is surveillance needed for crime prevention? The UK leads the world in the concentration of public surveillance devices to people[13]. This is because, about ten years ago, the UK government used  £150 million each year to develop a Closed-Circuit Television (‘CCTV’) network around the country[14] so that the industry grew exponentially throughout the 1990’s so, by 2003, at least two and a half million cameras could be found in this country[15] that continues to increase at around 20% per year[16]. The ‘net effect’ is substantial. It is widely believed everyone in London is caught on camera at least three hundred times each day[17] and very often these cameras do not just watch and record us, but also use facial recognition software to scan subjects against a criminal database[18]. Although statistical evidence is somewhat limited in relation to the effectiveness of surveillance technology in view of the fact there is usually much more to crime prevention and counter terrorism[19], the authorities downplay this negative element and emphasise the positive where a security issue of national significance is resolved. Such a view is effectively illustrated by the fact whilst the police review of CCTV tapes played a significant role in identifying a suspected terrorist handler involved in the bombing of King’s Cross in July 2005[20], there remains a prevailing view that, if anything, crime levels have stayed the same or even increased despite the widespread installation of CCTV cameras. National statistics have shown that, whilst around three quarters of the Home Office Crime Prevention budget has generally spent on CCTV, a comprehensive review has revealed the overall reduction in crime was only around 5% by 2002[21] and has continued to make small incremental reductions nationally ever since[22]. But as a stark mark of the success of CCTV in preventing crime, a parallel systematic review found that street lighting saw a reduction in crime of 20%, whilst CCTV cameras usefulness is then further marked against because it is understood that only around 3% of all street robberies in London are solved using CCTV footage[23]. Interestingly, however, in Portsmouth the City Council released crime statistics for the first three months of 2008 that showed that of 1384 recorded incidents this led to 346 arrests that were recorded by the network of 172 CCTV cameras in Portsmouth and marked this out as mark of their usefulness as crime solving tool[24], whilst, in Newham, police claimed an 11% drop in assaults, a 49% drop in burglary, and a 44% drop in criminal damage[25] where cameras were installed[26]. However, as well as possibly being merely an aberration in our understanding of the overall usefulness of CCTV cameras and surveillance technology as a whole, the source of the statistics is a branch of government. Therefore, unfortunately, this may mean the results have been embellished to present CCTV as being a good use of public money and, even where this is not the case, the police may have made the same number of arrests anyway so that it is somewhat surprising that the cameras have such support to enforc e the law[27]. 1.2 Is surveillance needed for counter terrorism? However, since the tragic events of 9/11 in the US, such action is also justified because it is arguable this led to the establishment of a renewed approach to surveillance in the interests of national and international security across the world. Therefore, 9/11 effectively served to reveal terrorist groups had organised themselves ‘transnationally’ making it harder to trace them using traditional surveillance techniques[28]. As a result, whereas in the past, terrorist groups could be readily categorised by reference to territory, this is no longer the case because, organised on a global scale, these loosely affiliated ‘cells’ can operate simultaneously in various States. This is because they are not unified by a single vertical command but horizontally[29] by using modern communication and transportation technology, whilst the integration of financial markets also facilitates their mobility and range of targets without claiming a particular territory as â €˜home’[30]. On this basis, globally, countries realised they had a shared interest in enhancing international co-operation to fight terrorism because of the fear groups may be in possession of non-conventional weapons such as biological, chemical and nuclear[31]. Therefore, the international community must work together because such a threat cannot be vanquished by single States alone[32], as the UN recognises certain States being unable or unwilling to prevent or stop the traffic of such weapons means â€Å"the ability of non-State actors to traffic in nuclear material and technology is aided by ineffective State control of borders and transit through weak States†[33]. Clearly, the international community must hold together to find effective solutions because, although 9/11 undoubtedly showed the world that even the leading democracy was not safe from terrorist attacks. Whereas in the past a series of diplomatic, economic and financial measures nationally to fight terrorist structures[34], to multiply the effect of such measures, States agreed to co-operate internationally by using treaty law with around a dozen multilateral conventions on anti- and counter-terrorism[35]. Therefore, in theory, no terrorist activity would go unpunished[36]. But the UN has struggled since its inception to formulate an effective response. On the one hand, it has provided a solid international legal framework for combating terrorism via the adoption of terrorism-related treaties by the General Assembly and UN agencies. But, on the other hand, the UN has been unable to reach agreement on a definition of terrorism that outlaws all indiscriminate attacks against civilians and circumvents the need to recognise the human rights and civil liberties of the public at large, so more than twenty different parts of the UN system deal with terrorism in one form or another[37]. However, in Europe it was not until the 2004 train bombings in Madrid that the EU looked to take significant action to counter terrorism and prevent serious crime. This is because those investigating the attacks in Madrid discovered telecommunications played a significant role in planning of the attacks because they were co-ordinated by mobile phone and via the Internet. Unfortunately, however, at the time of the attacks the Spanish authorities had only limited access to help to telecommunications networks in order to further their investigations when more traditional methods of surveillance associated with the aforementioned use of CCTV were somewhat lacking[38]. This is because with the advancement of technology in this area, traditional surveillance has been made somewhat redundant by the use of Internet so that, in order to be able to effectively prevent serious crime and counter terrorism in the modern age, there is a need to utilise data retention technology. Chapter Two – Increased surveillance – the viability of data retention 2.1 Data retention and identity cards On this basis, the original justification for the ICA 2006 identity cards scheme was the supposed need to combat the serious problems of illegal working and identity fraud. This is because the government estimated identity fraud amounted to a  £1.3 billion annual loss to the UK economy[39], and the government’s first consultation paper in this area specifically eschewed many of the claims for identity cards that some other advocates suggest they would bring – such as combating terrorism, benefit fraud and crime more generally[40]. However, the draft legislation clearly presented the identity card as a device with which to combat terrorism, whilst the 2003 government’s white paper[41] emphasised the use of identity cards as an effective tool. According to Privacy International, government ministers in the UK have argued in broadcast interviews that, although the 2001 New York and 2004 Madrid[42] atrocities had been committed by people with valid US documents and Spanish identity cards respectively, many other terrorists use false identities and they also claimed the quality of the database underpinning the British scheme would be much higher than the Spanish. 2.2 Is data retention a positive thing? Nevertheless, aside from the more secure nature of the identity cards scheme proposed in the UK under the ICA 2006, this kind of data retention has previously proved to be a very positive thing that has served to enhance the lives of those living within our society. As most people are aware, such technology is already being used in the form of services that text details of the closest restaurant based on a mobile phone location when your hungry, or help to pick an exit at the next roundabout when you are lost can be very useful. But any retention of collected data is also very negative because the advantages of technology come at a price, since one person’s ‘enhanced information’ can invade another’s privacy[43]. This is because an individual’s right privacy is becoming increasingly susceptible to the advancement of technology with the introduction of ‘wiretaps’, biometrics, and video surveillance cameras all each having the potential to erode privacy[44] in the same way as identification cards, whilst digital interactive television technology may even soon tell advertisers exactly which programs people view in their homes[45]. Therefore, such advancements are clearly both beneficial and frightening[46]. This is because it is commonly understood that no modern technology derived from the development of telecommunications poses a greater threat to privacy than the Internet[47] by allowing researchers to collect data much more cheaply and efficiently[48] because what once took a great many days hard labour can now be accomplished with a keystroke[49]. But it is also important to appreciate that the remit of the Data Retention Directive[50] effectively allows EU Member States to synchronise their laws so all telephony companies and ISP companies within each and every EU Member State are obliged to retain details on all electronic communications for up to two years for the purpose of investigating, detecting and prosecuting serious crimes[51]. 2.3 The scope of data retention laws The main categories of data ‘generated and processed’ to be retained under the Data Retention Directive regarding communications are the retention of data to (a) trace and identify its source (e.g. caller); b) identify its destination (e.g. number dialled); (c) identify its date, time and duration; (d) identify its type (i.e. network or service used); (e) identify equipment (i.e. means); (f) identify that equipments location; and (g) regarding unsuccessful calls[52]. But this is somewhat controversial because ‘unsuccessful calls’ occur where a telephone call has successfully connected, but has not been answered[53]. However, whilst no data regarding the content of the communications is to be retained[54], EU Member States should also ensure data’s security is respected as a reflection of equivalent provisions for the protection of personal data in the Data Protection Directive[55]. This is because, through measures to protect data against accidental or unlawful destruction, accidental loss or alteration, or unauthorised or unlawful storage, processing, access or disclosure[56] of data is accessible by authorised personnel[57]. As part of this process, EU Member States must also have measures in place to ensure any criminal access to or transfer of data retained under the Data Retention Directive is punishable by effective penalties[58]. Therefore, the Data Retention Directive provides only data retained should be provided to the ‘competent national authorities in ‘specific cases’[59], but fails to recognise which authorities are likely to be competent and the reasons why such data may be accessed. This effectively means this could lead to uneven access to data across the EU because there is no definition of ‘specifically authorised personnel’ or ‘law enforcement authorities’, but Article 9 recognises each Member State must designate one or more public authorities to be responsible for monitoring the application of the Directive regarding security of stored data. Therefore, in the UK, the Home Office has looked to publish a set of draft Regulations in the form of the Data Retention (EC Directive) Regulations (‘Regulations’)[60] to effectively implement the Data Retention Directive’s nature and scope[61]. But the Regulations only looked to address the retention of certain call data by telephony companies because EU Member States can delay the Data Retention Directive’s implementation regarding traffic data for an additional 18 months until March of 2009[62]. Nevertheless, even before they have been implemented, the UK Regulations also nothing to allay the fears raised by human rights’ advocates regarding the EU’s Data Retention Directive because the Regulations remain as unspecific and unrestrictive as the Directive. However, domestically, the authorities have â€Å"a great deal of experience with the retention of traditional communications data† because they â€Å"have been working with the ind ustry to ensure the retention of this data since 2003, when Parliament first approved the code of practice for the voluntary retention of communications data under Part 11 of the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001†[63]. Nevertheless, whilst the retention of data was voluntary under the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act (‘ATCSA’) 2001, because it was made in response to the terrorist attacks of 9/11, its voluntary code has served as the foundation for establishing a practical framework for the enforced retention of communications data so the draft regulations provide the next step towards a mandatory framework[64]. Such a view was supported by the fact that the EU set a high global standard in data privacy protection when it forged its Data Protection Directive[65], which became effective in October 1998[66], and created such a rigorous legislative approach to privacy[67]. But the ATCSA 2001 was then amended so that the purpose of such retention became â€Å"(a) for the purpose of safeguarding national security; or (b) for the purposes of prevention or detection of crime or the prosecution of offenders which may relate directly or indirectly to national security†[68] so the a ccess would then be just for limited purposes. Therefore, it is important to recognise that the UK’s Regulations have established provisions to continue with the policy of reimbursing public communications providers their expenditure from adjusting their business practices to comply with the Government’s requirements for the retention of communications data. But the interception of communications and the obtaining and disclosure of data relating to them is currently regulated by the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (‘RIPA’) 2000 because section 21 recognises communications data does not include the contents of the communications, but that, in the interests of national security, they may still obtain it. Consequently, the Data Retention Directive will effectively serve to augment RIPA 2000 that does not currently require the specific retention of data in advance, but the police are able to serve ‘section 22’ (‘S22’) telecommunication companies within the industry for acces s to the data that they retain. Accordingly, whilst the RIPA 2000 will only permit the interception of communications in the UK by defined bodies in specified circumstances to protect individuals’ privacy, the longer the data retention period, the greater the period of access that will provided to the authorities in the interests of security[69]. Nevertheless, ostensibly, it is to be appreciated that the RIPA 2000 is designed â€Å"to ensure that the relevant investigatory powers are used in accordance with human rights†, since it extends the legal regulation of interceptions to cover private networks that are â€Å"attached, directly or indirectly to a public telecommunications system†, and includes â€Å"anything comprising speech, music, sounds, visual images or data of any description†. Therefore, a criminal offence is not committed in the UK if the controller of a private network intercepts a communication in the course of its transmission, but section 1(3) provides that intercepti ons â€Å"without lawful authority† are still actionable under the remit provided for by the HRA 1998 that is discussed below[70]. On the basis of this understanding of data retention laws discussed in the previous chapter, it is also important to look to consider whether the scheme for identity cards proposed under the ICA 2006 based on personal data retention as a means of identification will serve to violate the recognition of individual human rights and civil liberties. This is because whilst it would clearly be hard to argue using surveillance technology to gain solid evidence for the purposes of preventing serious crime and encouraging counter terrorism is a bad thing, there is an all too prevalent need within the current climate for the striking of a balance between maintaining national security and unnecessarily invading an individual’s privacy. In spite of their legitimate aims, the introduction of identity cards in the UK could be considered to be just the latest step in the government’s efforts to encourage crime prevention and counter terrorism at the expense of the individual rights and freedoms. This is because, in the same way as other advancements in surveillance technology, identity cards are also not without their problems. There is a prevailing feeling the use of identity cards across the nation will serve to breach individual human rights and civil liberties in the same way as many other forms of surveillance. In particular, it has been argued the use of identity cards will serve to breach individual rights to privacy because of the nature of the personal data that will be stored and retained within them and on the NIR database[71]. Therefore, although there is little doubt the use of such technology for information gathering is very advantageous to help the government, the police, and even everyday people, question marks have arisen in relation to just how far surveillance technology should be used to monitor the public. Consequently, there is an argument those who use surveillance for the purposes of information gathering should take on certain responsibilities they must then uphold in view of the implementation of the ECHR into the UK via the HRA 1998. But in some ways technological advances have arguably hindered the recognition of human rights and civil liberties as much as they have helped crime prevention and counter terrorism by allowing the authorities an unprecedented look into people’s lives. 3.1 The right to personal privacy The right to personal privacy is an important right, however, it is all too easily taken for granted because, like freedom, no one really appreciates its value until it is threatened, as in this case with the enactment of the ICA[72], so that in the wake of technological advancement privacy has all too easily become an afterthought in social advancement[73]. This is a significant failing. The right to privacy should not merely be limited to the idea an individual may live their personal life how they choose. It is also meant to include the right to establish and develop relationships with other people for the development and fulfilment of one’s own personality[74], whilst sexual relations are the most intimate aspect of the right to a private life[75]. However, the right to a private life also covers an individual’s physical and moral integrity[76], encompassing protection against compulsory physical interventions and treatments[77]. Moreover, in spite of the

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Oloudah Equianos The Slave Trade Essay -- Equiano Slave Trade Slavery

Oloudah Equiano's The Slave Trade Olaudah Equiano was born in 1745 in an area of Africa which is now Nigeria. At the age of eleven he was captured and brought into slavery. In his book, The Slave Trade, Equiano describes the slave trade during this time. He illustrates how he became a slave and how slaves were treated. Through his descriptions of his homeland and other aspects of his life, we gain insight into the state of world trade at that time. Equiano's description of his homeland exemplifies "the Columbian Exchange" in operation. First of all, Equiano discusses how planters from the West Indies preferred slaves from Benin because of their ability and hardiness. This statement illustrates a connection between the Eastern Hemisphere and the Western Hemisphere. Equiano also describes some of the crops which were grown in his homeland. He mentions corn and tobacco which are both native to the Western Hemisphere. One can see an example of "the Columbian Exchange" through Equiano's experiences. A network of trade can also be seen in Equiano's discussion of the marketplace of his homeland. He describes the presence of Oye-Eboe people at his village's marketplace. Oye-Eboe is translated as "red men living at a distance." These men would bring European goods such as guns and gunpowder along with hats, beads and dried fish to trade. The Oye-Eboe Equiano describes could actually be Aro people from the south of Isseke who were involved in the slave trade. The Aro would trade these goods for captives to be sold as slaves. Because these people had fish to trade, one can see they were from the coast, therefore, they most likely had direct contact with Europeans. The network of trade between Africa and Europe is mapped out by his... ...e worst of it suffocated. Equiano was very ill and was able to spend a good deal of time on deck, where at least the air was a bit fresher. The crew of the ship were brutal to the slaves. They once tossed fresh fish overboard while the slaves begged to eat some. Equiano was treated like a human being while still in Africa, but like a wild animal on the British slave ship. Through my reading of Equiano's memoirs, much of what I had known before was reinforced. However, there were a few things I didn't understand before. First, I didn't know before that Africa even used slave labor. I was also surprised to learn that African people were enslaved by other African people. I was glad to learn, however, that slavery was used as a form of punishment. I was also very surprised at the strong contrast between the treatment of slaves in Africa and in the Western Hemisphere.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

The Right to Privacy Essay examples -- Bill of Rights

Individuals are born with certain liberty and freedom. Some freedom are being protected by the Bill of Rights, like freedom of religion, speech, press, and assembly, and some are not. Privacy is one of the rights that was not mention in the Constitution. The definition of the right to privacy is the right to be left alone without government’s intrusion. Throughout history the Supreme Court has been ruling in favor of the right to privacy like in the cases of Griswold v. Connecticut, Roe v. Wade, and Lawrence v. Texas. People who believe that the Constitution should be taken literally protest that this is an act of judicial activism, or judiciary misuse of political power to implement their own opinion on federal laws. Then there are those who believe that the judiciary pursuit justice when protecting individual’s the right to privacy. In this paper I will argue that the right to privacy is an example of the judicial authority in pursuit of justice because it is inferre d in the Constitution, it’s a just liberty, and it’s in the state of nature. The judiciary authority is responsible for individual’s right to privacy because it exists in the state of nature. Does the Constitution protects privacy? Justice Douglas answered yes. In the court case of Griswold v. Connecticut, Griswold offered informations about birth control to married couples. His action violate with the state law of Connecticut which prohibited any use of device that will prevent contraception (261). This court case raise a question of the right to privacy that protect individual from government intrusion. There were difficulties in addressing the question because unlike other liberties and freedoms, the right to privacy was not stated directly in the Constitution.... ... 225-229. Douglas, J. â€Å"Opinion of the Court.† Griswold v. Connecticut, 381 U.S. 479 (1965). Ed. D. Hartouni. D. Horwitz. D. Skrentny. 261-262. Hamilton, Alexander. â€Å"The Federalist No. 78† (1788). Ed. D. Hartouni. D. Horwitz. D. Skrentny. 75-78. Hartouni, Valerie. Horwitz, Robert. Skrentny, John. Dimension of Culture 2 Justice. San Diego, CA: University Readers, 2011. Locke, John. â€Å"Chapter II: Of the State of Nature.† â€Å"Chapter V: Of Property.† â€Å"Chapter IX: Of the Ends of Political Society and Government.† The Second Treatise of Government (1690). Ed. D. Hartouni. D. Horwitz. D. Skrentny. 21-36. Peckham, J. â€Å"Opinion of the Court.† Lochner v. New York, 198 U.S. 45 (1905). Ed. D. Hartouni. D. Horwitz. D. Skrentny. 231-237. Taney, Roger, J. â€Å"Opinion of the Court.† Dred Scott v. Sandford, 60 U.S. 393 (1857). Ed. D. Hartouni. D. Horwitz. D. Skrentny. 151-156. The Right to Privacy Essay examples -- Bill of Rights Individuals are born with certain liberty and freedom. Some freedom are being protected by the Bill of Rights, like freedom of religion, speech, press, and assembly, and some are not. Privacy is one of the rights that was not mention in the Constitution. The definition of the right to privacy is the right to be left alone without government’s intrusion. Throughout history the Supreme Court has been ruling in favor of the right to privacy like in the cases of Griswold v. Connecticut, Roe v. Wade, and Lawrence v. Texas. People who believe that the Constitution should be taken literally protest that this is an act of judicial activism, or judiciary misuse of political power to implement their own opinion on federal laws. Then there are those who believe that the judiciary pursuit justice when protecting individual’s the right to privacy. In this paper I will argue that the right to privacy is an example of the judicial authority in pursuit of justice because it is inferre d in the Constitution, it’s a just liberty, and it’s in the state of nature. The judiciary authority is responsible for individual’s right to privacy because it exists in the state of nature. Does the Constitution protects privacy? Justice Douglas answered yes. In the court case of Griswold v. Connecticut, Griswold offered informations about birth control to married couples. His action violate with the state law of Connecticut which prohibited any use of device that will prevent contraception (261). This court case raise a question of the right to privacy that protect individual from government intrusion. There were difficulties in addressing the question because unlike other liberties and freedoms, the right to privacy was not stated directly in the Constitution.... ... 225-229. Douglas, J. â€Å"Opinion of the Court.† Griswold v. Connecticut, 381 U.S. 479 (1965). Ed. D. Hartouni. D. Horwitz. D. Skrentny. 261-262. Hamilton, Alexander. â€Å"The Federalist No. 78† (1788). Ed. D. Hartouni. D. Horwitz. D. Skrentny. 75-78. Hartouni, Valerie. Horwitz, Robert. Skrentny, John. Dimension of Culture 2 Justice. San Diego, CA: University Readers, 2011. Locke, John. â€Å"Chapter II: Of the State of Nature.† â€Å"Chapter V: Of Property.† â€Å"Chapter IX: Of the Ends of Political Society and Government.† The Second Treatise of Government (1690). Ed. D. Hartouni. D. Horwitz. D. Skrentny. 21-36. Peckham, J. â€Å"Opinion of the Court.† Lochner v. New York, 198 U.S. 45 (1905). Ed. D. Hartouni. D. Horwitz. D. Skrentny. 231-237. Taney, Roger, J. â€Å"Opinion of the Court.† Dred Scott v. Sandford, 60 U.S. 393 (1857). Ed. D. Hartouni. D. Horwitz. D. Skrentny. 151-156.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Speeding: Speed Limit and Effective Form

The quickest way from point A to point B is a straight line but while driving a vehicle that is rarely an available path. So to make up for that some people decide to speed, but with speeding comes a lot of risk and dangers. Speeding can cause you to get a ticket which is expensive and time consuming, increase your cost of insurance, put your life and others lives in danger, and above all it is against the law. In North Carolina, 1 person is killed or injured in speed-related crashes every 22 minutes. The risk of a crash in a 60 mph zone doubles with every 5 mph above the limit.The public needs to be more aware of the dangers of speeding. You can frequently watch ads for fast cars and ways to avoid police on the roads. The police and the community have expressed particular concern about the potential of these ads to influence the behavior of young drivers. The risk of being involved in a crash increases with the speed a vehicle is being driven because there is less time to react, les s control of the vehicle and the distance needed to stop is longer. The higher the speed a vehicle is travelling when it hits a pedestrian the greater the chance of a fatality occurring.The impact on a person in a crash at 60 mph is equivalent to falling from a four story building, while the impact at 100 mph equals falling from a 12-story building. Speeding has been implicated as a contributing factor in about one-third of all fatal motor-vehicle crashes. Speed reduces the amount of available time needed to avoid a crash, increases the likelihood of crashing and increases the severity of a crash once it occurs. Speeding is defined as travelling faster than the posted speed limit or travelling too fast for the road condition.Such as when it is raining, snowing, fog present, dust storm, ice on the road, or even bad visibility from the sun rising or setting. For example the speed limit might be 55 mph on a road but there is so much fog you can’t see but up to 20 feet in front o f you. In this situation you could either slow down to a safer speed or if it is bad enough pull off the side of the road and turn on you emergency flashers. Speeding is the number one law violation in fatal motor vehicle accidents and the average American is more likely to be involved in a traffic crash than be a victim of a crime.Those two facts put together make a strong argument on why you should not speed or drive an unsafe speed when road conditions are less than good. While you might be in a hurry if you get pulled over because of you excessive speed you will be even later than you would have if you were just driving the speed limit. Also you will probably be losing time and money in the near future. Speeding is one of the most common ways that people break the law. When people break the law there are unpleasant consequences. A speeding ticket is an effective form of discipline: paying for a ticket, traffic school, and higher insurance rates.Paying for a speeding ticket is an unpleasant experience. A ticket can be outrageously expensive depending on how fast you were speeding. Some states charge ten to twenty dollars per mile an hour over the speed limit. The officer assigns you a day to appear in court, if you choose to fight the ticket rather than pay the fine. Waiting in the courtroom to see the judge is a painful wait. The wait is long, and the company can be frightening. Once you plead your case, you generally end up paying the fine. This only leads to another line, and another wait.This has to be the most unpleasant part of a speeding ticket. In addition, paying for traffic school is also a disagreeable experience. If you waited to see the judge, you may be on your way after paying the fine. If the judge is kind, and offers a traffic school option, the unpleasantness continues. Usually the traffic school is nowhere near to the courthouse, which causes you to search to find it. The great experience of paying is close at hand after locating the scho ol. You must endure the nine hour course after paying for the privilege of attending.This is a class most people would have never taken if given the chance. The unpleasantness associated with a speeding ticket is almost finished when you have completed the course. It is like studying for your driver license all over again. A reoccurring reminder of a previous mistake is evident in higher insurance rates. Most insurance companies feel that speeding tickets make someone a higher risk. So, to offset the risk they raise the premium. Which means it is more expensive to obtain insurance. If the insurance company decides to raise your rates by only ten dollars it can have a lasting effect.When the ticket falls off your driving the record, usually in three to five years, you have spent more than one thousand dollars more than if you had not been speeding. The insurance company raises your rates with each ticket, until they cancel the policy. This alone makes it worthwhile to obey the law. A speeding ticket is an effective form of discipline, with court, with traffic school, and with higher insurance rates. The deterrents for speeding are not all outwardly noticeable until you has been through the process.Once you have a speeding ticket experience, you may be more careful to obey the law. If you choose to not pay the ticket or go to your assigned court date there are consequences such as additional fines, license suspension, and even impoundment. If you don't pay your speeding ticket, eventually your fine will increase. If you have more than one speeding ticket, costs can add-up quickly. In some places, it's possible to avoid fines entirely by going to traffic school. If money is a significant problem for you the court about working out a payment plans.You might be able to save some money and ongoing hassle by participating. In many places, the consequences of having one or more unpaid tickets are temporarily losing your license. While you can sometimes negotiate with the court to have some driving privileges, such as driving to work or taking your kids to school, your license will be useless until you pay up and meet any other requirements set by the court. Your unpaid speeding tickets can cost you your car, at least temporarily. Some cities will boot your car if you have several unpaid tickets on your record.Not only will you have to pay all your fines, but you'll also have to pay to have the boot removed. Even worse, the city may eventually tow your car, which means that you'll have to pay your fines, then get a ride to the tow yard and pay to get your car back. All of this because you didn’t pay your ticket by your court date or show up to court. Clearly speeding comes a lot of risk and dangers. Those risks and dangers include getting a ticket which is expensive and time consuming, increase your cost of insurance, put your life and others lives in danger, and above all it is against the law.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Erickson Integrity Versus Despair Essay

Older adults spend more time thinking and reflecting about their past than they use to. They also tend to be much less critical now of decisions made years ago then they do at that time. They often remember dreams they wanted and how close they may have come. Is this process of reflection something that older adults go through? This may be in response to retirement, the death of a spouse or close friends, or may simply result from changing social roles. According to Erikson (1982), a personality theorist who examined aging as a stage of development, this struggle comes about as older adults try to understand their lives in terms of the future of their family and community. As the older adult enters late life, they begin the struggle of integrity and despair, which is the process by which people try to make sense of their lives. Thoughts of the older adults own death is harmonized by the understanding that they will live on through their extended family. Erikson calls this understanding a â€Å"life-affirming involvement† in the present. Within the integrity versus despair, older adults encounter a life review, the process by which older adults reflect on the events and experiences of their lifetime. The most important event at this stage is coming to accept one’s whole life and reflecting on that in a positive manner. Erikson believed that to achieve integrity, a person must come to terms with the choices and events that have made his or hers life unique, and accepting one’s life for what it is. He believed older adults that reached integrity become self-affirming and self-accepting, and they judge their lives to have been worthwhile and good. The adult feels a sense of fulfillment about life and accepts death as an unavoidable reality. Those people who can look back on their lives with happiness and decide that they have lived a well rounded and fulfilling life will gain ego integrity and will not be fearful of death. â€Å"People develop ego integrity and accept their lives if they succeed, and develop a sense of wisdom a â€Å"detached concern with life itself in the face of death itself†(Erikon’s Psychosocial Stages of Development, 2009). If a person looks back on their life and remembers negative thoughts and dissatisfaction with life they will develop despair and experience a fearfulness and anxiousness about death. â€Å"Too much wisdom leads to presumption, too much despair to a disdain for life† (Erikson’s Psychosocial  Stages of Development, 2009). It has also been said that â€Å"children won’t fear life if their elders have enough integrity not to fear death.†(Psychological Theory- Erikson, 1995). I think that Morrie Schwartz is a great example of Erikson’s integrity theory. Morrie’s basic core of integrity ran deep, more so than any one person. Morrie showed this when he commented on his own battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease â€Å"It was very important for me to make clear to myself that my body is only part of who I am. We are much greater than the sum of our physical parts. The way we look at the world is fashioned by our values and our thoughts about good and evil, things that go into making up who we are†.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Farmhand by James Baxter Essay

This poem was written by James Baxter who was born and lived in New Zealand. He was brought up in a farm in a quiet and bleak south east corner of New Zealand. The poem is about a farmhand who is portrayed to be a very ambivalent character. He is unhappy and rather diffident in certain situations and extremely confident and gloriously happy in others. Some â€Å"old wounds† a past experience or probably â€Å"the secret night† which has witnessed some deep dark personal experiences relate to his emotions and melancholy. However all his sadness is vanquished once on the farm where he feels like a king. In the first two stanzas the poet describes the Farmhand as he stands outside the dancing floor. The first stanza tries to give the impression from his gestures that he is a careless person not interested in what is going around him the way he is smoking and joking with his friends. But as the poet helps us observe him closer and find him † Looking out into the secret night† and † always his eyes turning to the dance floor and the girls† we realize that the farmhand is not as he appears to be. It is obvious that he desires and longs to be inside but something is holding him back. Describing girls as â€Å"drifting like flowers† shows how he is able to appreciate their beauty and grace inspite of his work and natural settings being devoid of them. Music is personified to show effect. Baxter says the music is so emotive that the â€Å"music tears slowly in his mind an old wound open† reveals that he has had an unpleasant sad emotional experience and the deep wound has not yet healed. Painful memories may be still fresh and surface upon watching the girls dance on the floors or listening to the music or even gazing at the dark night, which shares his secret and sorrow. The reader feels very sympathetic towards the farmhand in the second stanza when the poet writes, â€Å"His red sunburnt face and hairy hands were not made for dancing or love -making†. The description of his bodily features convey he is unappealing to the girls of upper social class and not fit to indulge in â€Å"dancing and socializing or love making† which is privilege of the elite and handsome. The farmhand is engaged in an occupation, which benefits and is a necessity to all mankind. Yet his sacrifice and selfless attitude to his work is not appreciated and he feels inhibited and diffident to mix with girls because of his external appearance and social standing. He is categorized as only fit for: earth wave breaking and for using the plough† The crops are described as â€Å"slow-growing as his mind†. This simile maybe interpreted as slow to reveal his emotions and express his thoughts and feelings and may possibly be the reason he is yet to have a girlfriend or wife. The fourth stanza talks of the farmhand’s loneliness and vacuum he experiences in life. He longs for someone to love and someone who loves and cares for him. Like other people of his age and he yearns to have someone to walk with, to laugh and share life with. He has his hopes and dreams but he feels because of his â€Å"hairy hands† and â€Å"sunburnt face† he may only be able to weave or yarn dreams but they may never become a reality. Here again the reader is moved, as life has been so harsh to the farmhand because of the nature of his job that he is now even diffident and embarrassed to dream and hope. In the last stanza the poet tells us that the Farmhand is in his domain The Farm and once in his natural element he is confident and comfortable. His looks don’t affect him and his low self-esteem is vanquished. The sound of the tractor engine is music to his ears one which energizes him, not which makes him nostalgic and sad. His hairy hands, which seemed clumsy around delicate girls on the dance floor, are perfect for his job he carries out effortlessly. The poet uses the exclamation†Ah† as an exclamation of admiration towards the farmer and how perfectly he fits his role and job! It is touching to note that the persona has not been given a name and is referred throughout as â€Å"Farmhand† gives the impression that he has no personal identity and is known and recognized by his job around which his life revolves. He lives for his job.