Sammys development through the story

â€Å"A&P†, written by John Updike is considered as an initiation story. It focuses on Sammy, a clerk and his experience with the three girls and Lengel. The main character, at first is dependent on his family and their connections to survive. He was employed by his father and mother’s friend, Lengel and it is hinted that his grandmother had a considerable influence on him and that they were still seeing each other. Also, he was still living with his parents since his mother was the one who ironed his shirt for that day. With this dependence on his family, unfortunately, comes a price: he must do his best not to upset nor disappoint his parents. Like most young boys, Sammy was curious, observant and almost always wonders. With the arrival of the girls, Sammy at first adopts the usual response of a young, immature teenager and that was to admire the girls based on their appearance. Usually one not to commit mistakes, he was scolded by an elderly lady for his lapse. Instead of taking responsibility for his mistake, he comforts himself by saying that the old woman was a witch who had nothing better to do. In the first parts of the story, he was still childish and hormonally driven, especially when he was with his friend Stokesie as they â€Å"checked out† the girls. For him to take such a keen interest and distract him from his responsibility emphasizes the temptation that the girls—or more specifically, the â€Å"Queen†Ã¢â‚¬â€posed on him. The situation was then exacerbated since they started to walk around with nothing but their bathing suits and distract everyone around them, and unwittingly seduce people with their gestures. The dream was broken when Lengel entered and started to admonish them in front of everyone. The girls going around the aisles can be interpreted as a dream for Sammy; three attractive young girls walking slowly around in the air conditioned room under the lights in their bathing suits with no beaches nearby. It was unreal and fantastic; it was a dream for every hormone active teenager. Even the fact that they ended up in his lane and the way that the â€Å"Queen† took out her payment was like a â€Å"dream come true†. The movement of the girls and the way that every aspect of them was emphasized seemed sublime. The pace of the story itself seems to be dreamlike in nature, all seen in Sammy’s eyes. Lengel’s entrance from the outside breaks the dream; his entrance can be interpreted as reality coming back. In reality, a boy like Sammy has to answer to an authoritative figure represented by Lengel. His manager symbolized responsibility and the end of childhood fantasies. Updike narrates that Lengel is the straitlaced type of man, one who teaches Sunday school. He starts to admonish the girls and embarrassed them in front of every body. Sammy watches the girls state their reasons for coming in yet Lengel still admonishes them. In Sammy’s eyes, Lengel was being unreasonable and preferred to have things only two ways: his way or one is a delinquent for not following. At that point, the main character realizes that the situation is more complicated than the girls not following policy. What Lengel did in Sammy’s eyes was a show of power; using his position as manager to not only admonish the girls but to also embarrasses them. Even if the girl was only fulfilling an errand for her mother, he still didn’t listen. It was obvious that the â€Å"Queen† went out of her way to buy the jar of herring snacks since the beach was miles and miles away. Also, the â€Å"Queen† seemed to be of a higher social class than Sammy; he sees this and realizes the difference between the both of them. Before they left, the main character made a show of quitting, an indirect way of telling the girls that he was making a stand and that he thinks that they were untreated fairly. Unfortunately, in contrast to his ideal fantasies of them seeing him as their hero, they left him to fend for himself. A mark of his maturity was shown in the way that he refused to back down despite being alone in his opinion since he has developed the sense that one must go through with one’s actions and take responsibility for them. He then mustered up the courage to question the authority for their actions. Lengel then explained to Sammy his own view of what transpired, ushering another realization for the main character. The realization is that not everything is black and white and that people tend to have differing opinions and their own point of view, never realizing the harm that they cause others. Also, in contrast to what is usually taught, in practice, people will choose their own interests and will care little for the welfare of others. Like in the case of Lengel, the manager thought that they were the ones being embarrassed by the girls and not the other way around. It was then clear that Lengel pulled this exhibition of power since everyone else was watching and that he felt that the integrity of the store was being threatened. In Lengel’s eyes, the girls were putting on an indecent show for everyone and even distracted his most trusty clerk. Yet Sammy still retained some of his dependence and thirst for approval since he briefly thought of his grandmother and how proud she would be of him if she could see him now. Lengel then started to remind Sammy of his responsibility to his parents, a sacred oath that he was not allowed to break. In his transition of maturity, he went through with his decision knowing the consequences and outright told Lengel that he knew what he was doing and that the manager was the one who didn’t know what he himself was doing. At that point, Sammy developed a different opinion based on what he saw and what his point of view was, signaling to the audience that he was exhibiting the same behavior as the adults. He then starts to shed the clothes that symbolized his dependence: the bow tie and the apron. Yet with his actions, Sammy still exuded that idealistic and childlike quality that enabled him to care whether the girls were still there or that he can make a clean exit since it was summer and he didn’t have to fumble around for his winter apparel. Throughout the course of the story, he has addressed the shoppers as â€Å"sheep†, letting themselves herded into one point or the other. His description takes life when the shoppers stood and did nothing to defend the young ladies from Lengel’s verbal assault, unlike Sammy who stood up for what he believed in. As Sammy went out of the store, Lengel is seen taking care of the â€Å"sheep† in his place, the people who were still willing to follow authority despite of its misgivings. The last transition then occurred at that point: Sammy realized that fighting for what you believed in would be hard and most often times would leave you lonely and that since he has divorced himself from his dependence on his parents, he would have to make it out on the world on his own. This transition is symbolized by Sammy standing in the hot summer sun with no one but the mother who is frustrated at her children while the others are inside in the comfort of the air conditioned A&P. Seeing Lengel with such a harsh expression also made Sammy realize that the world has not been friendly to the old man either, and that he had to be strong and be the way he is just to survive. He had to forego other people’s feelings and put his interests first. From being a childish, hormonally driven pampered boy, Sammy matured into a responsible man who is not willing to back down from what he believes in once he sees injustice being committed. Like a young man, he went through with his decisions and refused to be intimidated by threats or emotional blackmail. Yet like a young boy, he still holds his idealism and somehow had a feeling that the world was a lot more complicated that he thought and that not every â€Å"right† thing was rewarded. Standing up for what was right will prove to be difficult in a world of Lengels who all thought that they were the ones who were right. If he were to refuse to see injustice and stand up and oppose authority for what he believed in every single time, then like his experience at A&P, he will have no choice but to leave. Either that or he would have to be harsh like Lengel was. It is also interesting to note that while Sammy was narrating the story, his parents thought that it was sad; yet Sammy himself thought nothing of as if he accepted what transpired.

Essay on Global Warming Essay

Global warming is the term used to describe a gradual increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere and its oceans, a change that is believed to be permanently changing the Earth’s climate. Even though it is an ongoing debate, it is proved by the scientists that the planet is warming. The 29th century is experiencing a continued increase of Earth’s mean atmospheric temperature by about 1.4 degrees F and about two thirds of it occurring since 1980. This is global warming is affecting the nature’s balance and has a huge impact on life like continued heat waves, and sudden occurrence of storms and floods. Don’t we see time to time the epidemics that are devastating to human life and the flooding of the farmlands that puts economy in a deep hole? Scientific evidence indicates that since 1950, the world’s climate has been warming, primarily as a result of emissions from non -stop burning of fossil fuels and the razing of tropical forests. Since the industrial revolution till this day, there is a constant emission of the carbon into the atmosphere, everything we do we leave carbon footprints. It is a man made cause of the global warming. The global emissions jumped 3 percent in 2011 and are expected to jump another 2.6 percent in 2012, researchers reported. The greenhouse effect is a process by which the greenhouse gases absorb thermal radiation; these are then reradiated in all directions. But when some of these radiations come back to the surface and lower atmosphere, it causes increase in the average surface temperature leading to global warming. Global warming Causes The causes are many of which the main culprit is the increase in the greenhouse gases that is produced by burning fossil fuel and deforestation, thus intensifying the greenhouse effect leading to global warming. The four main contributors of the greenhouse effect are, water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane and ozone. Mining for coal and oil releases methane in the atmosphere. More ever the leakage from natural gas fields and landfills are additional source of methane. Excessive cutting down of the trees is another factor causing global warming. When deforestation happens the efficiency by which carbon dioxide is stored and oxygen released by the green plants are decreased to a huge rate in turn causing increased concentration of carbon dioxide that leads to increased greenhouse effect. The nitrous oxide from fertilizers, gases used for refrigeration and industrial processes are other factors that cannot be forgotten as the cause of Global Warming. Another source of methane is methane clathrate, a compound containing large amounts of methane trapped in the crystal structure of ice. As methane escapes from the Arctic seabed, the rate of global warming will increase significantly. Ice caps and glaciers reflect sunlight, bouncing high temperature sun -rays back into space away from the Earth. When these icecaps are removed the earth gets warmer as the dark oceans absorb much thermal radiation from the sun. Some regions may be wet with rain and some areas will suffer drought due to global warming. The climatic changes happen due to global warming. Seasonal changes are unpredictable unexpected thunderstorms might result as mentioned earlier. The burning of wood (should be reduced to a greater extent) releases oxidizable carbon to the atmosphere whose presence in greater amount causes the elevation of temperature. There is strong evidence that emissions of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were the major cause of the recent abnormal warming. Like carbon CFC do not trap heat but in the presence of UV rays the chlorine gets detached from CFC, drifts up into the stratosphere and these unattached chlorines catalytically convert Ozone molecules into Oxygen molecules depleting the ozone layer.

Evidence Based Practice in a Clinical Setting Essay

Evidence Based Practice in a Clinical Setting - Essay Example The evidence-based practice paradigm combines clinical expertise, patient preferences, and values, the surrounding clinical circumstances with the integration of the best scientific evidence (Salmond, 2007). The purpose of this paper is to apply evidence-based practice to the case of a patient and develop an effective patient care plan In order to apply evidence-based practice effectively there is a need for a critical evaluation of the patient’s health condition. It is also equally important that a thorough research is conducted by the health care provider (physician/nurse) in order to generate information that relates to best evidence practice (Bennett, & John, 2000). The research in most cases is conducted in absence of already established guidelines that are grounded on previous research and are used for purposes of integrating evidence-based practice into everyday clinical practice. It is this information that will be integrated with the clinician’s expertise, pati ent preferences and values and the surrounding circumstances to develop a patient care plan that will optimize the outcomes and result in delivery of quality healthcare service (Schulman, 2008). Patient Profile The patient, in this case, is a 51-year-old male computer programmer who is mildly obese. Patient has a history of smoking and has been trying to quit for over 30 years. He has tried using nicotine patches to help him quit smoking but was unsuccessful. The patient is reluctant to use Bupropion because he holds certain reservations against that particular group of drugs (antidepressants). No diabetic complications with controlled blood sugar levels. Patient has osteoarthritis on both knees which harbor sporting injuries. The blood pressure according to the past two visits is mildly elevated (160/94 mmHg). The patient takes large doses of Vitamin E and Fish oil for his heart and glucosamine for his knees. The patient takes St. Johns Wort to assist him to stop smoking. Research It is of primary importance that the patient’s treatment goals be identified. The goals offer guidance on which areas need research promptly. The treatment goals for the patient include solving the patient’s smoking problem, understanding the patient’s mild hypertension and possible therapy, managing the obesity, and determining the best therapeutic approach that can be used to treat the patient’s osteoarthritis. The patient has a history of smoking that spans over 30years. Such a patient can be considered to be a heavy smoker. Many smokers have been associated with several failed attempts to quit smoking. This particular patient has tried the use of nicotine patches to assist him to quit smoking but was unsuccessful. According to Stead, Perera, Bullen, Mant, and Lancaster (2008), the single purpose of nicotine replacement therapy is to ease the transition from smoking cigarettes to complete abstinence from smoking. The nicotine temporarily replaces the n icotine from cigarettes thereby reducing the motivation to smoke and the overall withdrawal symptoms that are associated with abstinence from smoking.

Anti Trust Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Anti Trust - Essay Example United States of America and State of Michigan V. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan On October 18, 2010, the Attorney General of US and state of Michigan brought civil anti-trust charges against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (Blue Cross). Blue Cross is one of the biggest independent licensees of the Blue Shield Association (Robinson, 2003, p.102). Blue Cross is a non-profit organization that administers and provides health care reimbursements to over 4 million members in Michigan. It was alleged in the charges that Blue Cross used most favoured nation (MFN) clause in contracts with its member hospitals to enforce monopolistic advantages. The Attorney General defended that such MFN status will hurt competition by Reducing capability other health insurers’ to compete with Blue Cross The clause will also help Blue Cross to raises prices beyond fair value It will create an entry barrier for new entrants MFN status of Blue Cross will raise the health insurance prices in Michi gan Hence, from the above summary of charges of anti-trust against Blue Cross by FTC it can be said that Blue Cross’ MFN status with the hospitals of Michigan are likely to influence anti-competitive effects in the market (Tonn, 2011, pp.1-4). Anti-Trust in Health Care The purpose of anti-trust acts is to encourage a free market place which have competitive environment. These laws are aimed to protect public interest and restrict monopoly practices that adversely affect public in society. The main purpose of such anti-trust law is to encourage best possible allocation of scarce resources and services to public at lowest prices (Ladenburg, 2007, pp.33-35). The federal anti-trust law is based on the following three acts that prohibit all restrictive trade practices and conspiracies in contacts or agreements: The Sherman Act – Under Section 1 of the act, the rule applies to all agreements which may include restrictive trade practices, monopoly practices and boycott of oth er firms, conspiracy to fix price, separate market territories, harm competition and use of coercive tactics. The Federal trade Commission Act – Under Section 5 of the act, the law applies to all types of actions that use unfair advantages and methods of competition. The Clayton Act – Under Section 7 of the act, it prohibits any such merger and acquisition that has the potential to create a monopoly in the market or substantially reduce in the market. Recommendations to Management From the above discussion regarding the anti-trust act against Blue Cross and lessons learned, it can be said that Blue Cross obviously had the market power to its advantage via MFN clause in contract which will further influence sale of health insurance products and services in Michigan. Making such a contract is discouraged by FTC under the anti-trust act in health care organizations. This is because, from the charges and rebuttals charged by the Attorney General on Blue Cross, it is clear that contracts including ‘MFN’ (Most Favoured Nation) status will fall under the purview of the act because of its very nature to of creating anti-competitive environment. In addition, it is also important to note that the senior management must ensure contract or agreement regarding the

The Rural Riverina and the Urban Perth Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Rural Riverina and the Urban Perth - Essay Example In 2005 when Wagga Wagga region of Riverina projected a population of 58,055 ranking 29th in the list of populated cities in Australia (Wagga Wagga 2007), the Perth region ranked 4th with a population of 1,477,800 and a population density of 274.4 per sq. km in the same year (Perth 2007). According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics the Perth metropolitan area alone accounted for around 73% of Western Australia's population (Department of Local Government 2005). In Perth people over the age of 65+ were found to be the fastest growing age group in 1996-2001 (Department of Local Government 2005). Considerable growth was also observed in the 0-14 year age group during the same inter-census period (Department of Local Government 2005). The picture was just a bit different in the Riverina region where a steady rise in the number of people in the age group of 30+ mostly paved the way for growth in the region (Riverina Regional Development Board n.d.a). The fall in the population of the younger age groups mainly below 30 was overcome to a certain extent by the consistent rise in the older demographics (Riverina Regional Development Board n.d.a). In ... Age-wise population distribution of Percentage of Residents in 0-14 and 65+Riverina and New South Wales (2001) Age Cohorts in Perth Years 0-14 65+ 1996 21.5 10.8 2001 20.6 11.2 (Riverina Regional Development Board n.d.a) (Department of Local Government 2005) From the above assorted forms of data, the age-wise population of Riverina and Perth may be roughly illustrated from the following: Age-wise population distribution in Perth and Riverina in 2001 In Griffith region of Riverina where the 0-14 year age group reflected the maximum contribution to total growth, the 15-64 year age group chiefly signifying the working age population continued to grow considerably (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2005a). Ethnicity and Religious Affiliations Both Riverina and Perth share common religious affiliations. Christianity was found to be the most commonly reported religion. Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Jehovah's Witnesses, Salvation Army, Churches of Christ, Uniting Church and other divisions of Christianity revealed to be predominant followed with Buddhism and small percentage of Islam, Hinduism and Judaism in Perth (Australian Bureau of Statistics 1994) as well as Riverina along with all the other regions of New South Wales (Community Relations Commission n.d.). Around 56% of youth population in Perth was found to be Christians, 2.9% were affiliated with Buddhism whereas 24% of them had no religious affiliations at all (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2005c). Indigenous and non-indigenous sites of Cultural significance Both the Riverina and the Perth regions exhibit some of Australia's richest cultural heritage. When compared, it becomes extremely difficult to rank the two regions in order of their cultural

Emotional intelligece Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Emotional intelligece - Research Paper Example In order to attain high level of emotional intelligence, one is required to firstly, recognize their emotions. Managing one’s emotions help in avoiding conflicts and embarrassing other people. For example, when a person says something wrong in a meeting, you only need to correct them after the meeting, but not when the meeting is on session. Secondly, one needs to manage their emotions. This helps you communicate effectively with colleagues in a clear manner without creating any misunderstanding. Thirdly, you need to recognize other people emotions. This way, you are able to avoid any conflicts that could have occurred and it helps in maintaining personal and group peace. Lastly, one needs to effectively respond to others emotions. By doing so, you make other experience a sense of belonging in any company. Also, in order to improve emotional intelligence, one needs to be empathetic, have self-regulation, motivate others and be aware of himself or herself.   Working with lead ers of different emotional intelligence from that of his or her employees would be a challenge. However, this is achievable through acquiring skills that will improve the relationship. Such skills include understanding and observing the way they react to other people, understanding their environment, performing personal evaluation, cross examining the way they react to stressing conditions, being responsible of their actions and understanding the way their actions affect others.

Decision to Charge Appropriate Interest Rate Essay

Decision to Charge Appropriate Interest Rate - Essay Example However, if any of the above mentioned determinants, fails to meet the expectations of the investors, then investors become shaky regarding their investments. The investors are mainly of two types, one who receives the ownership of the business by purchasing the shares of the company, in this way they invest in the company and are known as shareholders. They demand their return in two major ways i.e. dividends (distribution of profits) and capital gain (increase in the value of shares). On the other hand, the other kind of investors, are the creditors and they provide loans to the business such that amount of loan is repayable in certain time against which they demand a return in the form of interest. Generally, if the financial prospects of the business seem sound in the future, shareholders also require more return. However, if the financial prospects of the company are to show more vulnerability and inconsistency, then loan providers charge higher interest because their investment comes at stake due to increasing risk of solvency, bankruptcy and likelihood of inability of business to pay interest and principal. In short, out of the two types of investors, i.e. shareholders and debt holders, this particular article mainly focuses upon the required rate of return demanded by the debt holders only. Generally if an organization’s future financial outlook seems to be stable and bright looking, the debt holders prefer that organization to invest in as they would find their investment less risky as compared to that organization which is found to be struggling in dealing with its financial prospects. To be more specific, debt holders will charge less interest to that business which has consistent and growing cash flows, profitability, less amount of debt included in the overall capital structure and increasing net worth of the business. All of the above mentioned factors are the determinants of a safe, prosperous and better looking business. Conversely, debt holders would charge a relatively higher interest from those businesses which have inconsistent cash flows and profitability, highly indebted and having vulnerable net worth of the business in upcoming periods. Debt holders find their investment highly risky and as a result of bearing that extra risk, they demand higher interest to compensate that risk. As far as ACME Consulting Business is concerned, its cash balance is going to increase at double rate on yearly basis with the amounts of $39K, $138K and $177K. The net profit margin is also estimated to increase as it will be 0.33%, 4.87% and 5.94% respectively. Total Debt to Total Asset ratio will also be expected to decline from 76.55% to 61.24% in three years time. Lastly, Net Worth to Total assets of the business is estimated to increase from 65.09% to 86.31% in the same period. Debt ratio of the business is however higher than industry which is a questioning sign for the business. Net Worth ratio is better than the industry whi ch can be a positive sign for the business in future. For Interstate Travel Center, the cash balance will also be increased at almost a double pace, with

Organization Theory and Design by Daft, RL Essay

Organization Theory and Design by Daft, RL - Essay Example Rites of Renewal: The 'culture fit' after a long time in practice wanes its characteristics. To rejuvenate the organization with more or less the same culture-specific new rites are implemented from time to time. They are essentially system-supportive; and enthuse in the employees' mind a hope that their expectation is being realized, so that they reinforce their motivation in the organization as before. Rites of Passage: They help in new recruitments in the organization. The pre-training in the military and the police, extensive and intensive testing, screening, counseling, group discussion, interviews and assessment exercises are examples of these rites. Rites of Integration: These rites foster social co-relation by reviving common feelings and realsing individuals' commitment to the bound to the organization. They attempt at bringing people of different hierarchy through recreational activities like giving parties, picnic and joining en mass the common eating, drinking, dancing and other exchange performances. 1(b). Mission Culture: The 'mission culture' is as defined by D Denison in 'Corporate Culture and organizational Effectiveness' (1990) is a hypothesis that concentrates on certain values, goals and cultures (or subcultures) to achieve within a timescale. For this it lays a set of shared definition of the function and purpose for an organization. It is concerned with both internal factors and external environment to make the shared values positively effective. It has primarily two focused motivations. One, it instills in the mind of the employees non-economic reasons along with the economic targets, for employing their efforts for the well-being of the organizational set-up: there lies their own wellbeing. It sets a defined direction and cherished end-goals to follow for the organization. The Adaptability Culture: Adaptability culture is however more plastic in nature. It involves risk taking efforts, trusting each other. It follows a proactive approach to organizational life and is quick to recognize a possible hurdle and find its solution. It instills a positive confidence in the ability of the persons of all ranks and thus enthuse in them to achieve the 'mission culture'. Good examples of the 'mission cultures' which have made themselves a name to reckon with in the world are the McDonalds, Honda, Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC). McDonalds has a mission culture, while its varying menus for different cultures is the example of its adaptability culture. Therefore we may say that adaptability culture is more effective in achieving the target than the mission culture which is its mere identity with all unique technologies. 1(c). Culture strength: The strength that derives an organization is enshrined in a set of rules to be followed by strictly. Deviation is not tolerated. It rather makes people to instill assurance and certainty about the organization and is closely associated with durability of it. Only then the employees have faith in the organization and hence can be motivated to accomplishment. (Hmapden-Turner; 1990:13). Subcultures: They are just opposite of the culture strength in characteristics. Every dominant culture is characterized by some small homogeneous sets of beliefs, values and assumptions within it. The dominant culture

Hw Speech or Presentation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Hw - Speech or Presentation Example Compute the results from a hypothesis test of p1=p2 (with a 0.05 significance level) and a 95% confidence interval estimate of p1-p2 A study investigated survival rates for in- hospital patients who suffered cardiac arrests. Among 58593 patients who had cardiac arrest during the day, 11604 survived and were discharged. Among 28155patients who had attacks at night, 4138 survived and were discharged. We want to use 0.01 significance level to test the claim that survival rates are the same for the days and nights. .In a randomized controlled trial in Kenya, insecticide treated bed nets were tested as a way to reduce malaria. Among the 343 infants using bed nets, 15 developed malaria. Among 294 infants not using bed nets, 27 developed malaria. (Based on data from sustainability of reductions in malaria transmission and infant mortality in western Kenya with use of insecticide treated bed nets. By Lindblade et al. Journal of the American medical Association.) We want to use a 0.02 significance level to test the claim that the incidence of malaria is lower 9n infants using bed nets. The results are statistically significant since they provide the information required for statistical estimation. However, the results are not practical since it is not easy to estimate and improve the

Communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 19

Communication - Essay Example This paper discusses this with certain examples. Let’s suppose a workplace in which a male employee is talking to a female employee. The two are in some sort of an argument over a matter related to work. The male employee finally says, â€Å"You know what? I give up. No man can win an argument from a woman.† The female employee becomes offensive and says, â€Å"So you suggest I am right because I am a woman? Not because what I am saying is actually right?† She snaps at the male employee and walks out of the room. This explains how the use of sexist language can serve as a barrier to communication. Now let’s suppose a scenario in which two colleagues are dining together at the cafeteria. One of them is an Indian and the other is an American. The two are having gossip and a good time together. The American colleague orders a Pizza for himself and asks the Indian colleague what he would like to have. The Indian colleague replies, â€Å"I would like to have chicken curry.† Suddenly, the American colleague says, â€Å"Now I know why you Indians smell like curry.† The Indian colleague replies, â€Å"For the same reason that you Americans are so obese.† Seeds of dislike are planted in the hearts of both for each other. Now let’s suppose a situation in which two friends are attending a party. One of them is straight while the other is a gay. The former doesn’t know the homosexual orientation of the latter. The straight guy suggests the gay, â€Å"Hey look, why don’t you pair up with that blonde in the skirt! She’s pretty.† The gay guy manages to change the topic. The straight guy again suggests a suitable match. The gay guy finally says, â€Å"I’m into men†¦OK?† The straight guy says, â€Å"Is that why you’re with me? OMG! All this while, I’ve been with a fag!† The gay guy thinks he has heard enough, and snaps out. Concluding, sexist, racist, and homophobic

Kodak and Digital Revolution Essay Example for Free

Kodak and Digital Revolution Essay In 1976 Kodak controlled 90% of the film market and 85% of camera sales in the United States. By 1992 the share of film market decreased by 5%. In 1991 they launched the first professional digital camera. In 1998 they spent $1. 2 billion to two joint ventures with the Chinese government and by 1999 became number two in digital cameras in the United States with a 27% market share. In 2001it launched â€Å"Where it all clicks† theme to stimulate digital imaging and in 2002 launched the first mass-market product for digital film processing. By 2003 they controlled most photofinishing transaction in the United States with 15% unprofitable digital camera market. Digital imaging was a disruptive technology that was emerging in early 80’s and Kodak got blind sighted by its extreme focus on existing customers and their needs. They followed a customer focus strategy instead of taking digital imaging as a disruptive innovation. Their focus was to provide products that its existing clients want in a cost effective manner. Kodak’s strategy for digital imaging has been way off and its first digital product, the â€Å"Photo CD† which was a failure. It couldn’t leverage upon world’s first electronic image sensor that they launched earlier that was widely used by computer industry worldwide. They used all strategies to the disposal but its timing was way off. They used Radical to incremental innovation an example is their digital photography compared to Sony’s Then their strategy shifted from convergence of digital and film based imaging to selling hardware such as digital cameras and printers by alliancing with computer and electronic industry. This strategy also failed as competition was too fierce by 1995 and profit margins shrunk. Then strategy was changed to picture business and network consumables with at least 50% market share. These strategies were based to the changing market needs and competition especially from Fuji films Kodak is a showcase for failing to innovate; they missed the digital revolution because they were focused on protecting its core business, traditional photographic film. The reality is different, though. Kodak was in fact one of the first companies to have worked on digital imaging it’s not that they were ignoring the digital revolution! Today, Kodak is still leading digital imaging, as the company holds many patents in this field that are used in products such as HP printers. The painful Kodak factory closures that one can see nowadays are nothing but the price to pay to transition from one era to the other, from the era when Kodak was a chemist to an era when it is a software company. For all its mistakes, Kodak is doing what few companies have been able to do. Lessons Learned No doubt, Kodak was victim of the innovators dilemma. The most immediate takeaway from the fall of Kodak is clear: Don’t be afraid to cannibalize your own business in the name of progress. But Kodak’s inability to make any of its products stand out over the last decade is demonstrative of an overall reluctance to innovate.

The strategic international human resource management Essay Example for Free

The strategic international human resource management Essay In order to explore the role of strategic international Human Resource management in making multi-national organisations competitive, this assignment reflects the strategic international human resource management issues that the branch of the Vietnamese Pha Lai glass company has to face through human resource process: (Polycentric approach). Some introduction about Pha Lai glass manufactory Some introduction about Laos and PEST analysis Issues relating to Human resource process in Laos: + Forecasting labour demand and supply + Recruitment + Selection and placement + Training + Appraisal performance + Remuneration and benefit + Compensation + Occupational health and safety Issues relating to Vietnam expatriate managers : + Cross-culture suitability (Geert Hofstede (1984) in cross culture study) + Family requirement + Language + Host environment in Laos Some best examples for other Vietnamese organisations have success in operations in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Introduction: In the new background, as Vietnam became an official member of international organisations such as Asean, Apec, Afta and along with the integration trend of Vietnamese economy into the Asean economy and the world economy, the business environment will be opened up with a lot of new factors, more opportunities accompany by more challenges. Therefore, competition becomes fiercer and fiercer. This situation requires Vietnamese enterprises have to a more long-term prospect as well as more effectiveness about their development. Engaging in international operations is one of the most suitable strategies that many Vietnamese organisations choose for their existence and development. The Pha Lai Glass company is one of the typical examples for that. The company has successful performed in the domestic market over the past five years, and now it is in the early stages of a feasibility study for expanding its manufacturing capacity, and as part of the strategic plan is considering establishing a plant in a foreign country, Laos, which is the neighbour country of Vietnam. The branch will be located in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Some introduction about the Pha Lai Glass factory Pha Lai glass factory, one of Vietnamese famous manufactory, is in the early stages of a feasibility study for expanding its manufacturing capacity in a foreign country after success over the past five years. The factory is located on Pha Lai Town, Chi Linh District, Hai Hung province in Vietnam. The products of the manufactory include glass products. The initial capital is 6753 million Vietnam dongs; total revenue now is 9758 million Vietnam dongs. The total manufactorys labour is 587 people. Some introduction about Laos Lao is bordered to the north by the Peoples Republic of China (505 kilometers), to the south by Cambodia (435 kilometers), to the east by Vietnam (2,069 kilometers), to the northwest by Myanmar (236 kilometers), and to the west by Thailand (1,835 kilometers). Laos has a total area of 236,800 square kilometres, stretching a distance of approximately 1,000 kilometers form north to south. The Lao political system is run as a peoples democracy with the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party at its head. The nations political policy can be simply stated as a democratic government empowered by the people to work for the people. The total population of the country is approximately 6 million people. Of the total number, 2965300 are male and 3034700 female. (Source: http://www.business-in-laos.com/laos.htm) PEST analysis An analysis of the new environment is important because it increases in the quality of the operation of the manufactorys branch in Laos by considering a range of relevant features well before making a suitable strategic decision. It is necessary to identify the threats that the branch have to face as well as the opportunities it can be get in the Laos invest environment by applying PEST analysis. Political/legal The Laos Government allows a great deal of flexibility, particularly welcomes foreign investors who wish to operate business in Laos. Laos is perfectly prepared for every type of investment, it is ready for development and, by its membership of ASEAN in July 1997, and it intends to participate with other countries in the development of the region to keep pace with the changing world. The branchs property and investments in Laos shall be protected by the laws and regulations of the Lao PDR. Such property and investment may not be requisitioned, confiscated or nationalized except for a public purpose and upon payment of prompt, adequate and effective compensation. Economic The countrys trading policy has varied from to period according to economic policy. Trade occurred with other socialist countries, that is, Viet Nam, Cambodia and the Soviet Union. Public enterprises began to play a role in foreign trade. With the advent of the policy of New Thinking, the nations economic development has steadily been liberalized and is moving towards a market economy. Due to the natural expansion of the economy, Lao achieved a high growth rate. Laos opened its doors to foreign investors, total investments from both the local and foreign investors was nearly US$ 8 million for total 636 projects. Socio-cultural Population and labour force According to Laoss statistics, the population of Laos is nearly 6 million in which the labour force represents 48% (approximately 2800000 people) of the total population of the country. That is considerable labour force for the development of the branchs human resource. The employment rate was slightly higher for male than for female, 52% and 48% respectively. The labour force is aged 10 years and above. It is an important issue that the branch must to be interest first because that is too young labour force. Health Life expectancy rate is appreciated about 51 years. Education and Literacy About 72% of men and 53% of women have access to education in Laos. Educational quantity has been increased. This advantage will lead the branch have a suitable human resource plan. Technological Economic development in Laos is aimed mainly at the development of its infrastructure. Another focus is on such unique opportunities as being an electricity-exporting centre for neighboring country, particularly Thailand and Vietnam. Thus, technological applications to help in the development of the country current tend to learn towards those areas of knowledge and management rather than more varied and complicated machinery. (Source: http://www.business-in-laos.com/laos.htm) After fulfilling PEST analysis in order to assess the investment opportunities in Laos, it is recognized obviously that this is potential investment environment for Pha Lai glass factory expanding the branch in this fully potential neighbour country. The Functional Organisation for the manufacturing branch in Laos includes as follows: One President One Vice President of Production One Vice President of Marketing One Vice President of Human Resources One Vice President of Finance Polycentric approach for the organisation structure The Organisation structure for the branch in Laos is applied the polycentric approach. It means: The President is from the PCNs, Vietnam. The Vice President of Production and the Vice President of Finance are also from Vietnam in order to assure that operations are supervised under PCNs policy. The Vice President of Marketing and Human Resource are HCNs (Laoss) because they are local people in Laos so they understand deeply about politics, economy, socio-culture and technology environment in Laos, they will achieve their mission better. 585 Laos employees (99% of total labour force of the branch). A polycentric staffing policy is one in which HCNs are recruited to manage subsidiaries in their own country and PCNs occupy positions at corporate headquarters (Dowling, Welch and Schuler, 1999). The branch does not recruit from TCNs. As a role of the president of the branchs operations in Laos, the International Human resource management model will be applied by Ralobbins and Coulters model (2003), p 283. Part 1: Issues to Vietnamese expatriate managers in Laos Selecting Managers The advantages and Disadvantages of using Parent-country Nationals Advantages * Organizational control and coordination is maintained and facilitated * Promising managers are given international experience * Vietnamese managers may be the best people for the job because of special skills and experiences. * There is assurance that subsidiary will comply with company objectives, policies, and so on Disadvantages * The promotional opportunities of Laos staff are limited * Adaptation to Laos staff may take a long time * Vietnamese managers may impose an inappropriate HQ style * Compensation for Vietnamese and Laos managers may differ Cross-culture Suitability According to Geert Hofstede (1984) in cross cultural study, there are four kinds of culture as follows: Power distance (PD) is the extent to which an unequal distribution of power is accepted by members of a society. Uncertainty avoidance (UA) is how much members of a society are threatened by uncertain and ambiguous situations. Individualism collectivism (I) is the tendency to take care of oneself and ones family versus the tendency to work together for the collective good. Masculinity-femininity (M) is the extent to which highly assertive masculine values predominate (acquisition of money at the expense of others) versus showing sensitivity and concern for others welfare. (source: Geert Hofstede (1984) cross cultural study) The cultural environment in which Vietnamese managers operate is an important factor in determining successful performance. Laos has some features of the uncertainty-avoidance culture that will be convenient for Vietnamese managers in Laos. Because Laos has a good traditional culture for long-time ago, and up to now, it is still kept and developed more brilliantly. A good cultural environment will assist Vietnamese managers avoid the culture sock as well as stress at work. Family Requirements The contribution that the family, particular the spouse, makes to the success of the international assignment is now well-documented. However, there are other issues that the planners needs to concern due to a spouse or partners difficulties with adapting to life in Laos as well as covering all of the Vietnamese expatriate familys living cost. Language The ability to speak a second language is an aspect often linked with crosscultural ability (Dowling, Welch and Schuler, 1999). Language skills may be regarded as of critical importance for managerial positions. Tung (1986) suggested knowledge of the host-countrys language is an important aspect of expatriate performance, regardless of the level of position. Differences in language are recognised as a major barrier to effective crosscultural communication. Thus, Vietnamese expatriate managers must be good speaking Laoss language people in order to perform operations of the branch effectively. Host Environment The environment in Laos also has an impact on Vietnamese expatriatess operation capability. According to Gregresen et all, nd, the international context with its differing societal, legal, economic, technical, and physical demands can be a major determinant of expatriate performance. However, the environment in Laos is likely to have positive impact on Vietnamese expatriate because Laos and Vietnam have had a good relationship for long time ago as well as have a certain neighbourhood. Part 2: issues relate to Laos human resource staff. The Human resource management process includes following steps: Step 1: Human resource planning Step 2: Recruitment Step 3: Selection and placement (identification, selection, and placement of competent employees) Step 4: Training Step 5: Performance appraisal Step 6: Remuneration and benefits Step 7: Compensation Step 8: Occupational health and safety Human resource planning After PEST analysis in the new investment environment, the branch needs to have an appropriate Human resource planning. Human resource planning includes forecasts of labour demand, forecasts of labour supply, forecasts of labour surplus or shortage, goal setting and strategic planning. The main advantages of a polycentric policy identified above, are: + Employing Laoss staff eliminates language barriers, avoids the adjustment problems of Vietnamese managers and their families, and removes the need for expensive cultural awareness training programs. + Employment of Laos allows the branch to take a lower profile in sensitive political situations. + Employment of Laos is less expensive than that of Vietnam, even if a premium is paid to attract high-quality applicants. + Employing Laoss employees gives continuity to the management of the branchs operation in Laos. This approach avoids the turnover of key managers that, by its very nature, results from an ethnocentric approach. Forecasting, on both the supply and demand sides were used by judgemental method. Forecasts of labour demand: Total labour force in the Pha Lai glass company is 587. So the labour demand at Vientiane will be similar to 587 including one Vietnamese President, two Vietnamese vice presidents of Production and Finance; two local vice directors of Marketing and Humance Resource and 582 local human resource employees. Forecasts of labour supply: The labour force in Laos is about 2800000 people that the percentage of men and women are 52% and 48%, respectively. Particularly Laos has the young labour force from 10 and above. This is an abundant, strong labour supply force for the project. Determining labour surplus or shortage: According to two forecasts of labour demand and supply, the labour force is surplus and this issue is determined, the branch can determine the next issue for potential problems. Goal setting and strategic planning The second step in human resource planning is goal setting and strategic planning. The goal directly comes from the analysis of labour supply and demand The labour force can be appreciated satisfactorily for the current and future of the branchs operation targets. Recruitment Recruitment is a complex process, generally defined as searching for, and obtaining, potential job candidates in sufficient numbers and quality, and at the right cost, for the branch to select the most appropriate people to fills its jobs. The questions for recruitment process will be as follows: + How many people does the branch need? + Where can the branch recruit? + Who are sufficient for jobs? For these issues, the responses will be: According to determining labour demand, the branch needs 582 workers within sufficient skills, competence and knowledge for it targets and goals. * Methods for recruitment can be either internal methods such as posting skills, inventory or external methods such as radio, television, newspaper, trade journals, computerised services and so on. * Sources for recruitment can be external sources such as referrals, walk-ins, agencies, schools, CES, trade unions. Selection and placement Selection is the process of gathering legally defensible information about job applicants in order to determine who should be hired for long or short-term positions. Interviews and test are applied for selection process. This includes questions about the following: * Age, sex, religion and national origin * Number of children and who will care for them * Height and weight, unless job related * Marital status * Conviction record unless strongly related to job * Credit status * Relatives and friends working for the employer. At the end of selection, every potential candidate is identified and placed their appropriate positions. Training Only by examining the skills and competence for a job (as defined in manufacturing glass, for example), managers can identify training requirements and select the training programs that be based on job-related criteria (Holton and Bailey 1995; Hong and Lin 1995; Piskurich 1994). Required skills and competence will be transferred from Vietnamese major manufactory to Laoss staff in order to adapt business operation requirement in Laos. Performance appraisal Although Laos employees may learn about how well they are performing through informal means, such as co-workers telling them what a great job they are doing or their supervisors giving them an occasional pat on the back. Performance appraisal will be defined here as a formal, structured system of measuring, evaluating and influencing an employees job-related attributes, behaviours and outcomes to discover at what level she or he is going to perform in his or her job: That is, how productive he or she is and whether he or she can perform more effectively in the future. It is a dynamic and multidimensional process (Latham and Wexley 1981; Carroll and Schneier 1982). Remuneration and benefits Another important issue is to motivate employees and the way which is used to motivate employees to perform more effectively is based on distribution salaries and benefits. For the growth and development of the branch, Laos employees need to express satisfaction with their salary and benefits. Compensation All Laos employees in the branch must be covered by workers compensation insurance by compensation policies of the branch. The insurance provides a scale of benefits for employees who are injured at work or who incur a work-related illness. The aim of the legislation is to maintain employees income and employment benefits for the period that the employees is unable to perform his or her usual work Occupational health and safety One of important issue is occupational health and safety for labours force. If the branch can reduce the rates and severity of its occupational accidents, diseases, and work-related stress levels and improve the quality of work life for its employees, it can become more effective. Line directors must have a large responsibility in ensuring that program intervention is implemented, demonstrated to Laoss workers that occupational health and safety objectives are supported at all levels. Conclusion The ability to manage Human resources on an international basis is one of the first important issues that any manufactory must assess before expanding its operations abroad. With fully detailed analysis about the opportunities as well as the challenges that the branch will have to face in Laos, I, as a role of the Human resource manager in the factory, believe that applying International human resource management strategy above can help the branch of Pha Lai glass factory have many prospects for further sustainable development in Laos as well as in other countries in the future. Current examples of best practices suitable to the company There are many Vietnamese enterprise have operations successfully in Laos, some examples below are the most obviously detailed evidences that are realistic and feasible to illustrate. Dien Quang Lamp Company had already set up a distributorship and agency in Vientiane. Now it was looking to expand. Dien Quang products are exported to 18 countries all over the world, including in Asia and the Middle East. In 2002, we aimed at breaking into the Lao market and this year, we had an advertising plan to take our trade name to Lao consumers Mr Phan Ngoc Huy, Assistant General Director of Dien Quang Lamp Company said. Mr Dam Van Hong, from the Sales and Marketing Department of Saigon Plastic Company said the company was planning to build a factory in Laos. Our factory will be located at Km 7 and will be 4,000 sq m in Area. The Vietnam trade representative office in Laos said almost all the Vietnamese business that joined the That Luang Trade Fair on this occasion met their targets to penetrate the local market, to find partners to establish agencies or become distributors and to introduce high quality products to the Laos consumer. (Source: http://www.mot.gov.vn/Laowebsite/News.asp?id=65kind=1) References Books 1. Dowling Peter J, Welch Denice, Schuler Randall S, P 1999, International Human Resource Management Managing People in a Multinational Context, third edition. 2. Brewster Chris and Harris Hilary, P. 2000, International Human Resource Management Contemporary issues in Europe, second edition. 3. Kramar Robin, Mcgraw Peter and Schuler Randall, P. 1998, Human resource Management in Australia, third edition. 4. Sisson Keith and Storey Storey, P. 2001, The realities of Human resource Management Managing the Employment Relationship. 5. Geert Hofstede, P. 1984, Cross Cultural Study 116000 employees 40 countries. 6. Stoner James A.F, R. Edward Freeman, Gilbert Daniel R, Jr, P. 2000, Management, sixth edition. Webs 1. http://www.thuonghieuviet.com.vn/index 2. http://www.business-in-laos.com/laos.htm 3. http://www.hanover.park.org/Thailand/MoreAboutAisa/vninfo/companies/cty2451.html 4. http://www.mot.gov.vn/Laowebsite/News.asp?id=65kind=1 Bibliography Books 1. Dowling Peter J, Welch Denice E and Schuler Randall S, P. 1999, International Human Resource Management Management People in a Multinational Context, third edition. 2. Sisson Keith, Storey John, P. 2001, The realities of Human Resource Management Managing the Employment Relationship, second edition. 3. Brewster Chris and Harris Hilary, P. 2000, International Human Resource Management Contemporary issues in Europe. 4. Lewis Pamela S, Goodman Stephen H and Fandt Patricia M, P. 2001, Management: Challenges in the 21st century, third edition. 5. Kramar Robin, Graw Peter Mc and Schuler Randall S, P. 1998, Human Resource Management in Australia. 6. Robbins Stephen P and Coulter Mary, P. 2004, Management, eighth edition, Pearson, Prentice Hall. 7. Geert Hofstede, P. 1984, Cross Cultural Study 116000 employees 40 countries. 8. Stoner James A.F, R. Edward Freeman, Gilbert Daniel R, Jr, P. 2000, Management, sixth edition. Webs 1. http://www.handover.park.org/Thailand/MoreAboutAsia/vninfo/companies/cty2451.html 2. http://www.drc.com.vn/index.php 3. http://www.business-in-laos.com/laos.htm 4. http://www.thuonghieuviet.com.vn/index 5. http://www.bitis_vn.com/ 6. http://userwww.sfsu.edu/~jnichols/clas-618.htm 7. http://www.mot.gov.vn/Laowebsite/News.asp?id=65kind=1 8. http://www.ilir.uiuc.edu/courses/Non-current/lir490b/Lectures/6_IntroToCulture/Sld010.htm

Puppetry Theater In Pakistan Media Essay

Puppetry Theater In Pakistan Media Essay A couple of months back I attended the Karachi Literary festival, over there I saw puppeteers perform, a nostalgic feeling took over and reminded me of my childhood days when I enjoyed puppet shows with my parents at carnivals, birthday parties, entertainment in school and etc.In fact in primary school level it was almost necessary in our arts and craft class to make hand puppets with socks and develop stories and characters around them. I remember it being very popular even on television, characters like Uncle Sargam and the show Kalian were shown in the 90s on PTV.It was once a vibrant part of our popular culture but with the advent of technological changes, lack of funds and constant development this form of art and its popularity is retreating into darkness. In this dissertation I am going examine the rise and fall of theater puppetry in Pakistan with particular focus on reasons of decline of this industry in comparison to other countries in the subcontinent. I will provide an analysis of the downfall and the efforts of The Raafi Peer Theater to revive puppetry in Pakistan. Literature review: Puppetry captures the imagination and interest of young students and therefore used in many schools in the west and east as a medium to communicate and teach the children. Stories are told and retold through toys, gestures, animals and puppets using dramatic voices and theatrical effects. The popularity of puppets as a method for teaching can be traced for centuries. In the Flemish manuscript The Romance of Alexander, written in 1340, there is an illustration of glove pup- pets. Xenophon and Plutarch mention the use of marionettes. Medieval morality plays are performed by marionettes, and the pup- pets popularity is alluded to by Cervantes and Ben Jonson, Haydn, Mozart and Bach compose brief operas for marionettes in the wealthy court circles of the eighteenth century.  [1]   In Puppetry as an Educative Media Roberta Jane Confino reveals how puppetry can be transformed into an effective media by the educators today.Puppetery is often related to artwork and brings out the creativity in children as it mixes both memory with imagination, it seeks expression rather than true representation.  [2]  It becomes the educators responsibility to guide, encourage and build a rapport with child. The most important function of the teacher in an art room, and perhaps in every other school room also, is to create a creative atmosphere.  [3]   Puppets can be created from various objects such as finger puppets involve paper cut outs and material to fit over a child finger. Hand puppets involve movement of the entire hand with fingers and different areas. Shadow puppets are created when rod puppets are shown on a screen illuminated from behind. Marionettes, or string puppets may be simply worked with one or two strings or they may be made more complex.  [4]  Puppets may be made of materials found around the house or in nature. Painted branches or twisted scraps of wood are the beginning elements of characterization, paper-bag puppets, milk container puppets, puppets with simplistic design, and puppets with detailed color or features.  [5]  These puppets offer great opportunities for diversity, the possibilities are almost endless and Creativity and imagination can flourish  [6]   Technological advancements have also played a major role with animation and computer graphics. These days characters are made on the computer and shown on television catering to a larger audience. Steve Tillis in Art of puppetry in the Age of Media production questions if the figures made of the computer can be termed as puppets and if not what the reasons are for it. Is a person operating a puppet (tangible or virtual) in real-time is doing what puppeteers have always done; but a person working at a keyboard with a virtual puppet-despite the fact that one is controlling the movement of the puppet-does not seem to be engaged in the same activity, despite the fact that the result (i.e., movement of the figure) is the same.  [7]  One might say that the computer has freed the puppet from its dependence on conventional puppeteers, but computers have not freed the puppet from the necessity of human control of one sort or another. Steve Tillis brings the issue of tangibility as computer graphics figures are not tangible, they cannot be touched. However there are striking similarities in the creation of computer graphics figures and puppets: the creation of both involves the construction of a figure, in short, are artificial human constructs designed for manipulation (of one sort or another) by people.  [8]  Despite the similarities, I feel tangibility is a significant part that distinguishes the two. Puppets are as we have known them be thought of as tangible, while computer graphics figures are thought of as virtual puppets. The hands on experience of making the puppet, interacting with it, learning about it, integrating culture and history to it cannot be compared to a figure made on computer. There is a pleasure still to be found in the live performance of a tangible puppet, the direct confrontation between an audience and a living object that is distinct from the particular pleasures of media puppets. Rachel A.Bonney in her article on, Teaching Anthropology through folklore for the Anthropology Education Quarterly brings an anthropological view on the importance of folklore as an educational tool for children and the society as these stories hold value, cultural traditions that are passed on from one generation to the other. In this article Rachel A.Bonney focuses on how storytelling can be used for educational practices not only for children but at college level as well. She has been using this method for the past ten years as a teaching aid in both introductory and advanced anthropology classes.  [9]  She describes three separate uses of folklore: collecting folklore through fieldwork interviewing, analyzing themes in these stories and using folklore through puppetry and plays.  [10]  She points out how folktales are used as sources of information and insights on child-rearing and making them more aware of other cultures and on their morals, traditions and values. However, children are more familiar with their own culture and traditions than of others and therefore she used American or European cultures to analyze folklore material as it is easier and effective to identify and relate. For her study she used Grimms fairy tales such as Hansel and Gretel and Little Red Riding Hood because these two stories are popular in the American culture despite Medieval European origins and cultural change.  [11]  Furthermore she tells us how these stories are dramatized with puppet plays where students make their clothes, give them a face and make the surrounding that are illustrated to make it is culturally appropriate. They may range from stick puppets to socks, scraps of cloth, paper plates etc, and are often performed in a small scale setting and therefore it is cost effective.  [12]  Often additional sounds effects are used for example music, back vocals that are taped to enhance the dramatic presentation. Through background research for script writing students learn about another culture in depth, for example if the students were putting up a puppet show about Ali Baba and the forty thieves they would have to look in to the historical background, the roots of the charactors, what they wore in that time and so on. Rachel A.Bonneys argues that folklore might be seen as high tech in modern America, but her approaches have successfully shown us how Western and non-western values can be integrated to a childs bringing up not only in the literate society but as an effective device in non-literate society  [13]  . She further builds her argument by saying that anthropology is not exclusively an exotic and esoteric discipline for the study of primitive society. Anthropology is not for a few elite, but for everyone.  [14]   Her study on folklore tales is not restricted to the western world but also relatable here in the subcontinent. Much of the puppetry in the sub continent is associated with folklore stories based on historical themes. They hold great pride in their stories as they have been passed on from generations through oral history and have become a central part of identity of tradition and culture. Common folklores in the sub continent are of Heer Rahja,Sassi Pannu and Laila Majnu, these characters are recognized and referred to in their everyday lives. For example when someone is madly in love he will be referred to as Majnu not Shakespeares Romeo. Shakespeareans characters Romeo and Juliet represent undying love such is the case with Laila Majnu. Many additions and subtractions have been made to the story over the years but what remains constant is Majnus love for Laila. Puppets are portrayed differently around the sub continent for example in India they are popular in Tamil Nadu,Orrisa,Andhra Pradesh,Asaam and the West Bengal. They portrayed unique features of the art and are operated through strings attached to the knees, hips, wrists, shoulders that make each and every part of the body move in different directions just as humans do. This method is practiced till today. Thyagaraja Sharma, an English Professor, said that the art dated back to Indus Valley Civilization.  [15]  Excavations of clay dolls from the site were an indication of this long tradition. A lot of information about puppetry was seen in Sangam literature too. They are often religiously portrayed from epics like Mahabarata, Bhuddas life and Raamayana.Besides dealing with religious themes, Indian puppetry also conveys useful messages from Panchat`ntra and other mythological and historical epics.  [16]  Started initially as a medium of entertainment, puppetry became the media for propagation of ideas, dissemination of information, and educating the masses.  [17]   Anna Sobel, a professional puppeteer and an activist was intrigued by a show put up by the Indian puppeteers in the Smithsonian gallery in Washington DC.She spoke to them later and found out that they use puppets for social awareness programs such as AIDS in villages back home. In September she went to India on a nine month Fulbright grant to study Indian puppetry as a tool for social change in the primitive society.  [18]   In her article Mutual respect: Re-examining puppetry in India, Anna Sobel discusses how the uneducated class in India respond to puppetry and how their behavior changes because of it. As mentioned above India has a rich cultural association with puppets and with the help of government funding educational puppetry in not a foreign concept. The puppeteers took this responsibility as a moral obligation to the public which includes adults and children.  [19]  Sobel observed that the children in the village would get up early as four in the morning to practice and recite the story of Ramayana which they performed for forty one nights straight. They took this opportunity to provide extensive commentary on healing properties of local herbs and discussed educational themes.  [20]  She further observed how puppeteers were able to adapt a show to in the local ambiance much better than what she saw at the Smithsonian, as the audience recognized the stories, songs and characters. In addi tion, the live performance of the puppetry allowed direct rapport with the audience allowing them to be involved directly, the likely hood of them to remember the message more than if they saw the program on the television for example. Live shows are more common in the rural areas in India because they do not have access to mass media, such as television or newspaper. This may be the reason why in the cities puppetry is not common anymore as media has replaced this source of entertainment. However, the Indian government has still reinforced this craft because they use this as a tool for religious education. In Pakistan Rafi Peer theater workshop(RPTW) is one organization that has revived puppetry through theater,dance,music that has provided a rich cross cultural experience to audiences in Pakistan and abroad. In a country where accessing early childhood education is close to impossible, those who attend dropout at a early stage due to financial and family issues.RPTW is a non-government organization which is doing pioneering work in the field of Arts is run by the Peerzada family. Headed by Usmaan Peerzada, Faizaan Peerzada, Saadaan Peerzada, Imran Peerzada, Tasneem Peerzada and Salman Peerzada.It has built a Museum of Puppetry. It runs the Universal Child Art Foundation, promoting child art and visual learning globally. Presently it is developing a Theatre Arts training Institute. RPTW most important milestone is the establishment of the Museum of Puppetry in 2004.Till now it has organized over 25 international performing arts festivals. Festivals are one of the most popular attractions of cultural tourism, have been a part and parcel of South Asian culture for a long time. Pakistan Children Television (PCT) can be considered a landmark when it comes to educating children who lack formal education opportunities. Through PCT they started a show called,Sim Sim Hamara, an educational series of shows for children. It is a adaptation of Sesame Street has been created by RPTW in collaboration with the Sesame Workshop, New York, and funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The project is the outcome of extensive research as it includes participants from different provinces .They worked with the government and other educational experts so that they can cater to the educational needs for the children. This TV series was set to provide high-quality early education resource for a larger audience. Their goal is to educate families and children and the fact that learning can happen in formal and non-formals means. They use examples from the real world for example reading prayers from The Holy Quran, buying vegetables from the local market, attending school, how to communicate with other people, measuring ingredients for roti as a basis for storylines and materials.

Female Genital Mutilation Essay -- History Human Rights Research Paper

Female Genital Mutilation Female Genital Mutilation is believed to have started in Egypt 2,000 years ago and spread from there. Only a few years ago, FGM was considered a cultural tradition, but now the United Nations has labeled it as a violation of human rights. Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United States has declared Female Genital Mutilation grounds for seeking asylum and is a punishable offense (1).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Many of us never heard of Female Genital Mutilation until the story of Kauziya Kasinga, a woman from West Africa. Her father did not believe in polygamy, forced marriage, or "female circumcision". He died when she was 17 and the father's sister inherited the home, banished the mother, ended Fauziya's schooling, and arranged a marriage as a fourth wife to a man she had never met. The aunt scheduled her for the circumcision and she ran with 3,000 dollars that one of her aunts had saved.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  What is female circumcision? The female genital mutilation term covers three main varieties of genital mutilation (2). There is the "sunna circumcision"; this consists of removal of the prepuce and/or the tip of the clitoris. Ironically, sunna in Arabic means "tradition". This is done because it is believed that the clitoris is a very dangerous part of the female anatomy. In our culture, Freud stated in his book, Sexuality and the Psychology of Love, that the "elimination of clitoral sexuality is a necessary precondition for the development of femininity. In 1979, the "Love Surgery" was performed on women in the United Sates. Dr. James Burt, the "Love Surgeon", introduced "clitoral relocation" (sunna circumcision) to the medical field. He believed and acted upon the idea that excision does not prevent sexual pleasure, but enhances it. Dr. Burt practiced in Ohio for almost ten years before he was exposed after which he gave up his license.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Clitoridectomy, also referred to as excision, removes the entire clitoris and the removal of the labia. Thirdly, there is a procedure called an infibulation. This is the most extreme form of circumcision, it consists of the removal of the clitoris, the labia, and the joining of the scraped sides of the vulva across the vagina, where they are secured with thorns or sewn with thread. A small opening is kept to allow passage of urine and menstrual blood. A woman with this type of circumcision must be cut ... ...is "absolutely certain that if similar tortures were inflicted on boy children the whole world would rise up to stop it by all means". Works Cited 1. Atrocities Against Women: Female Genital Mutilation. Mason, Marcia L. Sept. 1995. HTTP://WWW.WORLDCITIZEN.ORG/ISSUES 2. FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION: AN INTRODUCTION. National Organization of Circumcision Information Resource Centers FGM Awareness and Education Project. Box 2512 San Anselmo, CA 94979 3. Female Genital Mutilation. http://www.hollyfeld.org 4. Female Genital Mutilation. http://www.hollyfeld.org 5. Associated Press Article, Feb 1998, web site found at http://www.feminist.org/news/newsbyte/february98/0218.html 6. Female Mutilation in Africa, Middle East and Far East; anon. http://www.religioustolerance.org/fem_cirm.htm 7. ABU-SAHLIEH Sami, "To Mutilate in the Name of Jehovah or Allah: Legitimization of Male and Female Circumcision: available online at Http://wwwhollyfeld.org 8. Nawal El-Saadawi, "The Hidden Face of Eve, Women in the Arab World," translated and edited by Sherif Hettata, Zed Press, London, 1980, pg.33 9. The Women's Watch, Spring 1996 Vol. 22 No. 2, pg.44-49. Fran Hosken, Editor.

The Economic Underpinnings of the First Industrial Revolution in England :: essays research papers

The Economic Underpinnings of the First Industrial Revolution in England The manufacture of military munitions and the development of a home market were critical underpinnings of the first industrial revolution in Britain. Military manufacturing supported by the British Government contributed directly to technological innovation and spurred industrialization. This is because the companies that choose to fulfill the government contracts to make military munitions found money could be made if new processes and technology was developed to fulfill the huge contracts. Military manufacturing was one of the few industries where innovation was rewarded. In most other industries conservative investors were reluctant to invest in new manufacturing technology. But in military manufacturing the government was the investor and was unconcerned with the manufacturing technology as long as the product was delivered on time. Many technological advances were made through military manufacturing some of these were new ways to manufacture iron, conveyer belts, and the use machine tools . The technology developed for military manufacturing then spilled over into the civilian sector of the economy. And because it was now a tested technology investors who were normally cautious were willing to put their capital into these ventures which instead of pouring iron to make guns now made iron ore into stoves and pots. The second critical underpinning of the first industrial revolution was the development of a home market in Britain. The first British industrialists manufactured textiles; specifically cotton for the home market. The growth of the home market in Britain promoted industrialization in several ways. First, it was a steady market which able to cushion the export market which was very dynamic and had sudden fluctuations. This allowed a steady rate of growth even when exports fell. Second, the home market started the process of urbanization by causing people to leave the agricultural sector of the economy and move to the cities to work in the cotton and textile factories. This urbanization had a snowballing effect throughout the economy because it caused other business and factories to open in the cities to support this new urban class. Third, the home market caused investments to be made in improving infrastructure including roads,

Orlistat: A New Option in Weight Control :: Pills Weight Loss Orlistat Essays

Orlistat: A New Option in Weight Control Orlistat is a lipase-inhibitor drug designed to help obese individuals lose and maintain their body weight. The drug in combination with a healthy low-fat diet and exercise can help in the treatment of obesity. Reducing fat intake is critical when attempting to reduce body fat. Orlistat reduces body fat by increasing the amount of fat passed through the body. The drug has already been approved in Europe and is expected to be approved by the FDA in the US in 1999.There have been scientific studies which support the effectiveness and low risks of Orlistat. Diet and exercise should be stressed in all attempts at weight loss, yet it seems Orlistat may be a helpful addition to the weight loss program for obese patients. Purpose of Treatment: Orlistat is a drug that is geared towards helping obese patients who have a bodymass index of 30 or over. It is not meant to replace a healthy lifestyle, instead it is meant to be an additional supplement with exercise and a healthy diet (Brooks 835). Orlistat is designed to prevent the body from breaking down and absorbing fat. In addition to reducing body fat Orlistat also reduces highblood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar (ukyes.com). Some of the unpleasant side effects of Orlistat can lead to behavioral changes as well. Orlistat causes a learned aversion response to over indulging in fatty foods and thus decreases the amount of calories and fat consumed by the body (drdiet.com). How it Works: The drug does not effect the brain as do other weight loss drugs such as Redux and Phen-fen and Meridia. Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor, meaning it interferes with fat absorption. Dietary fats are large molecules which are broken down by enzymes known as lipases and then absorbed into the body. These digestive enzymes are produced by the liver and pancreas whenever food is injected into the intestine. The enzymes aid in the absorption of nutrients from the food. Orlistat has been designed to act as an inhibitor of two enzymes: pancreatic and gastric lipases. This action reduces the hydrolysis of dietary triglycerides and prevents the absorption of free fatty acids and cholesterol (David 1997). One digestive fluid contains pancreatic lipase, which absorbs fat. Orlistat inhibits this lipase causing less fat to be absorbed into the bloodstream. The drug must be consumed right before or within an hour of consuming a meal.

English charles dickens great expectations Essay

Discuss Dicken’s presentation of the relationship between Pip & Joe explain why it is important. Pip is a young boy who loves with his sister and her husband, Joe Gargery. One day while Pip is at the graveyard tending to his parents resting place he encounters a convict named Magwitch who forces Pip to give him file and food in order to escape. Then later on he is hired as a playmate by Ms. Havisham for the adopted daughter, Estella, who he later falls in love with and pursues most of his life chasing. Then Pip discovers he has a benefactor who remains a secret and he leaves his home in order to live in London. There he meets an old an acquaintance, Herbert Pocket, whom he met while visiting Ms. Havisham. Herbert and Pip become very close friends however while Pip is in London socially improving himself he neglects the friendship he has with Joe and as time goes by they gradually grow apart. Later on Pip meets his true benefactor but to his shock it was not Ms. Havisham but instead Magwitch who made a fortune. Magwitch decided he wanted to thank Pip and repay him by helping him escape and allows him to become a gentleman. However while Pip is visiting Ms. Havisham the estate is caught on fire and Pip does his best to try and save her. Magwitch wishes to escape and in the process Pip discovers he has a long lost daughter who he thinks is dead but is revealed it is actually Estella the love of Pips life. However Magwitch also dies in the process of trying to escape just before his conviction and then Pip falls terribly ill and is nursed better by his long time friend Joe and his new wife Biddy. Later on Pip realizes Estella is educated by suffering and the pair follow their own routes. There are a number of themes in this story which could include Suffering, Obsession and Greed. Each of these play a major part in the story and the build up of Pip’s journey in the story. But the main factor of the story is the friendship that Pip and Joe share and how it changes and it differs from the start but there are references made and short clips often show the respect and courtesy which Joe shows towards Pip. There are three main events which take place where they clearly describe the relationship that the two have and how Pip wants to become a gentlemen and how he wants to heighten his social and economic status effects how they treat each other. One of the three main events which describe the whole relationship that Pip and Joe have and how it progresses through the story is just after Pip’s sister dies where he teaches Joe to read and then Joe describes a very personal moment from when he was a child in this short piece you can see how close they actually were because in the rest of the story Joe does not show another moment from his past to anyone and see how much Joe can trust Pip and the respect in which he has for him. But this differs from when Joe decides to visit Pip in London there is completely different atmosphere no longer does Joe look to Pip as a frail young boy in need of attention and guidance but now a gentlemen and feels out of place and when he is drawn out of his comfort zone he feels alone and lost and this allows him to see Pip in a different light and also this works for Pip he has lived in London for a while and is used to the highest standard of people and living therefore when Joe decided to visit him he remembers the marshes and the home he used to live in and Joe as a common man and not as a socially accepted person.