Harvest of Empire by Juan Gonzalez

The book Harvest of Empire offers many examples of the factors leading to migration, which include economic and political persecution. The book has a direct connection between the hardships Latinos faced economically and military in their perspective countries. By reading this book it is clearly stated that Latinos are on the verge of becoming the largest minority group in America. Juan Gonzalez presents a devastating perspective on U. S. history rarely found in mainstream publishing aimed at a popular audience. Few of those countries were immigrants from Puerto Rico, Mexico, Dominican Republic and Central Americans.Gonzales develops his thesis by asserting that Latin American immigration and Latino presence in the United States are markedly different from European immigration history to this country in at least three main ways: Latino immigration is closely tied to the growth and needs of the U. S. empire; race and language attitudes in this country have had the effect of moving Lat in Americans not from immigrant to mainstream status, but rather from an immigrant to a racial caste status and how Latin Americans have arrived when the United States is already the dominant world power. Harvest of Empire† mentions how since the 1820’s Mexicans have migrated to the United States. They’re the second largest immigrant nationality in our history. Meixco is the most populous Spanish speaking country in the world. Most of the country’s wealth flows outside of Mexico, meaning the U. S. After the tragedy of World War II , the United States reached an agreement with Mexico to import Mexicans for a certain period of time and after their harvest was done they’ll go back to their country.This was the bracero program, which brought millions of immigrants into the United States only for seasonal work and once they were supposed to leave, they managed to stay illegally in order for them to provide to their families. World War II also made Mexica n Americans active in the U. S armed forces. â€Å"Santos Molina and Manuel Garza were two Canales family member who served in combat, in the same army so many of their ancestors had fought against.Nearly all his men were killed or wounded that day, and while Molina survived unscathed, he was severely wounded by machine gun fire later in Germany†. ( 103) Even after all this tragedy of people being killed Mexican Americans returned home and still faced racial discrimination. Tejano, Texans of Spanish and Mexican descent, formed several organizations in the early 20th century to protect themselves from official and private discrimination, but made only partial progress in addressing the worst forms of official ethnic discrimination.The movement to overturn the many forms of state-sponsored discrimination directed at Hispanic Americans was strongest in Texas during the first fifty years of the 20th century. It was just right after World War II that returning veterans joined the League of United Latin American citizens (LULAC) to end segregation. Their main goal was to have equal rights for Mexicans. â€Å"According to the U. S Census, tejanos comprised 32. 4 percent of the workers in the state and owned 33 percent of its wealth†. (102) Between 1961 and 1986 more than 400,000 people legally immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic. More than 300,000 Dominicans lived in New York City by 1990, and the total was expected to reach 700,000 early in the millennium, making Dominican migration one of the largest to this country of the past forty years†. (117) The causes of the Dominican immigration are various and have changed over time. the first significant immigration from the Dominican Republic to the United States was in large part the product of political and social instability at home.Those who opposed or had reason to fear the new regime in 1965 and those who were fleeing violence throughout the 1960s came to the United State s in notable numbers. As time went on, however, and the political situation stabilized, Dominicans continued to emigrate, because of limited employment opportunities and poor economic conditions. Through the 1930s, 40's and 50’s, the Dominican Republic was ruled by the former cattle rustler and now dictator, Rafael Leonidas Trujillo Molina, better known in the United States as simply Trujillo. He surrounded himself with murderers who kept the public intimidated.The Dominicans who came at this time were usually more educated and more politically active. â€Å"One 1980 study revealed that 41 percent of New York City’s Dominican immigrants had completed ten years of high school or better, nearly twice the average of city dwellers in the Dominican Republic†. (125)Once they arrived, they started making their own business like owning their own bodegas and supermarkets. Most Dominicans work in nonunionized workplaces for wages that most â€Å"established† Americ ans would refuse. Many Dominicans have encountered race prejudice in the United States also.The mixed Afro-Hispanic heritage of many Dominicans has led them to be categorized as black by white Americans, they have encountered the same racial prejudice that African Americans have experienced for centuries. Despite the accusations by their compatriots that they have been assimilated into American culture, Dominicans have tended to be seen by Americans as especially resistant to assimilation and committed to their country, culture, and language of origin. Dominicans also joined political parties and even manage to start their own organization.Most Dominicans that arrived in the 1960’s began to settled themselves on the Upper West of Manhattan, Washington Heights. Dominican Americans are one of the newer national-cultural communities in the United States. They are still in process of creating a unique place for themselves here. Their relationships to the United States and its cul ture and to the Dominican Republic and Dominican culture are still evolving. However, the Dominican American community will find its own ways of living in the United States, and will make its own unique culture.Puerto Rico has been an unincorporated territory of the United States, they’re the onlyLatin Americans who once they arrived to the U. S they’re already U. S citizens, without the need of a resident card. The massive migration of Puerto Ricans to the United States was largest in the early and late 20th century. Between the 1950s and the 1980s, large numbers of Puerto Ricans migrated to New York, especially to the Bronx, and Spanish Harlem. Juan Gonzalez shares his story and the reason why his family and himself moved to the U.S and settled in â€Å"El Barrio† is due to the fact that jobs over there didn’t provide sufficient money to provide for his big family. â€Å"The 1930’s were the most turbulent in Puerto Rico’s modern history , and Ponce, where my family had settled, was the center of the storm. The Depression turned the island into a social inferno even more wretched than Haiti today†. (84) Meaning that they were facing hard times. There was a lot of violence and crime. By the 1960’s, more than a million Puerto Ricans were living in the United States with jobs like washing dishes in hotels, restaurants, maintenance in apartment buildings, factories or bodegas. 90) â€Å"The Puerto Rican community became dominated during the 1980’s by two different social classes, both highly dependent on government. † â€Å"Massive disinvestment by government in public schools and epidemics of drug and alcohol abuse, all tore up the quality of city life†. (95) They also faced identity and language problems. Juan Gonzalez throughout the whole book has a combination of historical analysis that led to immigration and racial discrimination.He describes in details the experiences of working c lass families from different countries like Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Central America and Dominicans and how they have approach to assimilate their new lifestyle once they get to the United States. The author gives out reasons of how immigrants really go through hardships in order to get to America and live â€Å"The American Dream†. Latinos don’t just come here to get on government programs like Section A, welfare, etc. They actually come here for a better prosperity for them and their families even though this may cause them to be far away from them.

Nike in Southeast Asia

Abstract Nike is the world leader in the manufacturing of sports wear and gear. So at first, Nike didn't pay attention to the criticism it was receiving because it was coming from a small group of activists, although later on, the social pressure became very high that Nike was forced to take some measures to quiet down the public who wanted to know what was going on. In this paper we will examine the various difficulties Nike faced as they tried to balance both, the company performance and good corporate citizenship. We will also discuss what I would have done if I was in that position.Summary Nike, was founded in 1964 by Phil Knight, Nike's business model was developed by Knight while attending Stanford Business School in the early 1960's. In 1998, Nike was the leader in the sports shoe industry, with annual sales of $9. 5 billion and a 40% share of the American sneaker market. It became a lightning rod for protest when alleged â€Å"sweatshop† conditions where happening in S outheast Asia. May 1998 is when Phil Knight, the founder and CEO, admitted that â€Å"the Nike product has became synonymous with slave wages, forced overtime, and arbitrary abuse. What people couldn’t understand was how Nike could get associated with deplorable labor practices. The strategy that Knight developed involved outsourcing all manufacturing to contractors in low wage countries and pouring the companies resources in high profile marketing. They where trying to take the blame off by saying that â€Å"We don’t know the first thing of manufacturing. We are marketers and designers. † They did manage to be marketing a lot by placing the Nike â€Å"swoosh† on the uniforms of athletes such as Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods.When manufacturing started it was done in Japan, but as wages rose, they transferred production to Korea and Taiwan. Later on, in 1982 more than 80% of Nike shoes where made in those two countries. But once again as wages went up th ey moved to Southeast Asia, by 1990 most production was based in Indonesia, Vietnam, and China. Young Indonesian woman who were working in Korean-owned plants under contract with Nike started at 15 cents an hour. Mandatory overtime was often imposed, and workers with experience might make $2 for an 11-hour day.In 1991 Indonesian wage went up from $1. 06 to $1. 24, only two cents above what the government calculated as necessary â€Å"minimum physical needs. † Workers often toiled in crowed, poorly ventilated factories, surrounded by machinery and toxic chemical all because the government was eager to attract foreign investment. Nike's initial response was to deny any responsibility for the practices of its contractors. They said that these were depended contractors from which Nike merely buys shoes from.That the workers are not Nike employees, and that their wages are above legal minimum and the prevailing market rate. When asked about labor strife in some factories supplying Nike, John Woodman, the Company's general manager for Indonesia said â€Å" I don’t know that I need to know. † he defended Nike by saying that yes they are low wages, but they have given jobs to thousands of people who wouldn’t be working otherwise. At the end of the case it says he might have added giving employment to Michael Jordan, whose reported $2 million fee in 1992 was larger than the payroll for that year in Indonesia.I don't agree with the way Nike handled this case, there where other ways of taking care of the situation not just by saying that they didn’t know and trying to wash their hands from the ongoing dilemma. If I was to be in their shoes I would have been looking into what was going on in the factories since they are handling our product. Yes they did save some money but at what cost, their name was tarnished for a while and having people that supposedly didn’t know what was going on didn’t help them at all.One of the fe w things that I would have done was gave the workers some sort of incentive since, I supposedly didn’t know what was going on in the factory. Yes you want to save money but you don’t want to lose your consumers for such a reason like this. That is where ethics comes in and they have to create a meeting and figure out a way to look like the good guys once again by helping solve the problem and prevent it from happening again, like setting up certain laws that their subcontractors should go by.Through reading this case study I became aware that many things go on with a product, behind the consumers eyes that sometimes aren’t very ethical of the company that is selling to the consumer. It also teaches that no matter what, when a company is trying to cut expenses and they push the envelope a little to much a big chaotic scene can happen. Which if not handled right away can lead to the falling of the company that might have taken many years to build up.

Adolescence and Teenagers

Teenagers spending time at night It is a common phenomenon seeing teenagers hanging out at night in big cities. Places which teenagers like to hang out are shopping malls, computer games centers and sometimes, roadsides. These places have become teenagers’ favourite places because they can meet other teenagers to socialize. Teenagers start congregate at these places since evening and some of them even stay out late loitering aimlessly. Many adults feel that it is risky to allow teenagers to loiter at night. However, some parents think that it is just a phase in life which adolescence feel that they need to mix around with their peer group. These parents tend to give too much freedom to their teenage children because they think that they should not deprive of their children’s freedom to mingle with friends. Nevertheless, not every parent agrees that teenagers should be allowed to go out at night too often. These parents are obviously concerned that when their teenage children spend time out of the house too frequent at night, their children will spend only little time at home with their own family members. When two parents are working, the only time which is available for quality family time is at night. Parents are also worried who their teenage children’s companions are and what influence their children will get from their companions. In addition, parents are also concerned about the food their children consume. It is definitely unhealthy for teenagers to spend their time at fast food outlets which serve high greasy and sugar-contained food. Overeating at night could result in obesity and diabetic. Besides, undesirable and inconsiderate habit of wasting the parents’ hard earned money will be developed.

Market Research Master Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Market Research Master - Essay Example There is a growing consensus among management professionals on the role and significance of research in marketing decision-making. While there is a popular belief that more money spent on marketing research may reduce the chance of a bad decision, business owners and marketers are often esoteric, [Chiba, 2005] and even critical of marketing research, considered costly in terms of money and time and lacking accountability and precision, being only a recommended action. [Chee and Harris, 1998; p. 193] The paper attempts to understand and establish the significance of marketing research in decision-making and for business success. As a prelude to the topic, it may be imperative to define and understand the scope of marketing research. "the systematic collection and objective recording, classification, analysis and presentation of data concerning the behaviour, needs, attitudes, opinions, motivations etc., of individuals and organizations (commercial enterprises, public bodies etc.) within the context of their economic, social, political and everyday activities" [Cited Cannon, 1996; p.100] According to Bennett's Dictionary of Marketing Terms, marketing research provides information for identifying and defining marketing opportunities and problems; generating, refining and evaluating marketing actions, monitor marketing performance and improve understanding of marketing as a process. It also designs the method for collecting information; manages and implements the data collection process, analyses the results; and communicates the findings and their implications. [Bennett, 1998; p. 117-18] It is significant to note that the definitions, while placing an emphasis on the measurement and analysis of markets, goes beyond the confines of market research to solve a particular company's marketing problem, encompassing the broad field of marketing. [Cannon, 1996; p.100] Accordingly marketing research essentially encompasses the '4 Ps' of marketing; Lancaster and Massingham present the major types of research, as including: 1. Marketing and sales research, which encompasses Determination of market size of both developed and new markets Identification of market characteristics and segments Identification of market trends Sales forecasting Obtaining information on customers and potential customers Obtaining information on competitors 2. Product research, which covers Generation of new product ideas Product concept testing Product testing Test marketing of products Packaging research focusing on different types of packaging 3. Pricing research focusing on Identifying the relationship between a product or service's price and demand 4. Marketing Communications research covering Effectiveness of advertisement campaigns and marketing communications Media selection research Copy testing Sales territory planning 5.

The color purple Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The color purple - Research Paper Example It'd kill your mammy" (1). What Celie is forbidden to articulate publicly is her repeated rape by the man she believes to be her father; this violation of both Celie's body and her voice speaks of an underlying socio-linguistic censorship that relegates the female subject to an objectified position, as passive, absent, and silent. In this paradigm the maternal must be sacrificed if the subject is to speak. The relationship between Celie and Alphonso illustrates this phenomenon, as the paternal interdiction relies upon the premise that if Celie speaks, she is forsaking her "mammy" (1). Celie comes to represent this forced contract between a woman and the Law of the Father, where a female's body, spirit, and speech are sacrificed in an act of socio-symbolic rape; however, as Celie's subversive authorship suggests, it is a sacrifice she is unwilling to make. In her article "Women's Time," Julia Kristeva speaks of the role language plays in violating female subjectivity; she states, "a n ew generation of women is showing that its major social concern has become the socio-symbolic contract as a sacrificial contract, †¦that they are forced to experience this sacrificial contract against their will" (Kristeva’ ‘Women’s Time’ 25). ... e, identification with the sacrificial logic of separation and syntactical sequence at the foundation of language and the social code leads to the rejection of the symbolic--lived as the rejection of the paternal function and ultimately generating psychoses" (Kristeva’ ‘Women’s Time’ 25). The psychoses that Kristeva identifies can be seen as reflecting hysterical discontent, as a conflict of gender that is realized through linguistic disruption. Kristeva posits two possible strategies to counter the exclusion and silence experienced by women: the first, to attempt to possess the symbolic by adopting the dominant ideology; the second, to approach language as a "personal affect experienced when facing it as subject and as a woman" (Kristeva’ ‘Women’s Time’ 24). Such an approach suggests a need to "break the code, to shatter language, to find a specific discourse closer to the body and emotions, to the unnamable repressed by the soci al contract" (Kristeva’ ‘Women’s Time’ 24-25). Kristeva's perspective of language posits a revolt against the exclusion of the symbolic contract. In About Chinese Women, Kristeva identifies women as able "to give a name" to the repressed, as able to restore the body back to a place of significance (Kristeva ‘About Chinese Women’ 30-35). In this context, the body becomes intertwined with Kristeva's notion of the semiotic, as a sort of expression that exists outside of the symbolic, preceding language while simultaneously existing within language, albeit in a repressed form. Semiotic discourse moves beyond the symbolic by opposing structures of exclusion. The mother-child bond becomes the definitive relationship of semiotic discourse, as it exists beyond binary differences of gender and sexuality. When viewed in this

Discuss the relevant advantages and disadvantages of quantitative and Essay

Discuss the relevant advantages and disadvantages of quantitative and qualitative methods in the context of real estate research - Essay Example Nowadays, independent research and innovative solutions are provided by a number of companies that have resulted in the noteworthy advancement of the real estate industry. Such companies provide independent fiduciary services, information related to investment opportunities, litigation, counseling, and research services that facilitate the real estate providers in various capacities. (Dalphin, pp. 16-19) In this sector of real estate research, it is very imperative that such companies may have access to detailed knowledge and data related to the trends of real estate industry, as it is very important that proper research should be carried out to provide investment opportunities to the clients. All these companies have to continue their research and keep it up to date, in order to survive in the real estate industry. In this regard, proper methodologies of research play an important and crucial role in acquiring proper information according to the requirements of the clients and customers. In this paper, some of the research methodologies will be described, discussed, and compared, in order to understand the effectiveness, strengths, and weaknesses of the techniques that will be helpful for the real estate industry in the future. In terms of definition, quantitative properties and their relationships are investigated scientifically in a systematic manner with the facilitation of quantitative methodology during a research project. In addition, mathematical models and hypotheses are developed and employed during the quantitative research. One of the concerns during the implementation of a quantitative methodology is that natural phenomena are considered during the employment of different hypotheses. Moreover, experiential and mathematical expressions are collected in a quantitative relationship through a fundamental connection of measurements. Both natural sciences and social

Legal Provision in Mental Health Services Essay

Legal Provision in Mental Health Services - Essay Example While dealing with the patients with mental health problems, the care-providers are often faced with situations of dilemma that require proper decision-making. The traditional approaches to decision-making that concern a patient with a mental disability involved the professionals at the central position and the families of the patient. Little or no attention was given to the feelings of the patient. The patients were required to follow the directions of the professionals and the available members of the families. However, significant changes have been recorded with the increasing needs to protect the rights of these patients with mental health problems. To make the appropriate decisions, the care providers should integrate both the professional ethics and the regulatory provisions that guide the provision of care to these individuals with mental health problems. The individuals should be included in making all the decisions that are likely to affect their health. The patients have to be guided to make a decision. The professionals need to explain to the patients all the possible courses of action to be taken and their respective consequences. This will enable a patient to make an informed consent on the kind of intervention that is appropriate. The practitioners and carers have to understand that even though this patient has mental problems, he/she still has the rights to make decisions on his or her life. The legal provisions require that they are consulted.

Sears Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Sears - Case Study Example The accusations brought against the company were considered to be quite grave and fatal owing to its impact on the reputation and business of the company. The request for reviving the case of Francis Latanowich prompted a review of the case by Judge Carol Kenner which revealed few facts that proved to act against the actions of the company. It was found from the further evaluation that the company mailed the security guard an offer according to which a payment of $28 each month made by the individual would prevent the company from reclaiming the goods that were purchased by Francis Latanowich before turning bankrupt. The act of influencing the debtors to enter into such agreements was known as reaffirmations and is considered to be lawful. Such kinds of agreements are considered to be quite common in the business of retail credit, however, it is perceived to be an unethical behavior by numerous judges. In addition to this, it was made mandatory for credit companies to file those reaf firmations with their respective courts for the reason of evaluating the potency of the debtor by the judge with regard to the fresh payment. The affirmation of Francis Latanowich was not found to be filed by the court and an explanation for such a conduct was demanded from the company by Judge Kenner. This proved to be the other breach that was made by the company. The company was also found to pay no heed to the law in quite a few similar cases that were considered to be illegal. Such grave accusations against the company and the violations of law made by the company called for huge losses as well as adverse reputation for it which would hamper its business operations in the future. The company was already stated to be suffering from huge losses owing to the increasing cases of personal bankruptcies that occurred from 1994 to 1998. In accumulation of the already existing losses, the fresh losses or charges incurred by the company due to violations and unethical practices would pro ve devastating for the survival of the company (Eugene D. Fanning Center For Business Communication, 2010). Recommendations The company should send out a letter of apology to its existing customers through electronic mails as well as through print media entailing newspapers. The company should also make an apology to the public and accept its responsibility regarding the unfortunate event through a press conference. It is

Hurricane Katrina and African-American Society Essay

Hurricane Katrina and African-American Society - Essay Example In the days that followed, the death toll due to the storm would rise to one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three people, 1577 of that number in Louisiana, with hundreds still unaccounted for (CNN). Even though the water was pumped out of the city within four days, thousands were left homeless and abandoned in the wreckage of the city. The survivors of the storm and flood made their way through the remnants of New Orleans to the Superdome. What was previously the home of the New Orleans Saints became home to thousands of refugees awaiting government aid that fell far short of expectations. Survivors were abandoned for days as they waited for aid that wouldn't come fast enough. The world watched helplessly as graphic images of people begging for assistance, of people dying in the streets filled television screens urging them to act, to help bring relief to those affected by this senseless catastrophe. The end result was just as horrifying as the uncensored images displayed which both brought world-wide attention to the nightmarish circumstances facing the survivors and exploited them for those who would take advantage of the disastrous situation (Hartman, Chester; Spires, Gregory). There were plenty of people waiting in the wings to capitalize on the devastation surrounding the survivors of the storm. The total dam age has been estimated at $125 billion (CNN). When our ownWhen our own government wouldn't step up to the challenge, other groups stepped in to raise funds for those displaced by the storm and subsequent flooding. Some of these were legitimate non-profit groups whose only interest was to try and help, such as the Red Cross and the Salvation Army who brought food, water, clothing and volunteers to the area. Others were scam artists and large corporations who took the opportunity to profit from the devastation and take advantage of those who required assistance most. The United States government made no preparations for those that depended on public transportation just to get around the city, for those sick, invalid, or financially unable to leave on their own merit in the days leading up to Katrina (Brookings Institution). Even after the storm passed and the National Guard made their way into the devastation of New Orleans, they brought few supplies for those trapped inside the city, were even instructed to not distribute their own water and supplies to those crying out for help (Hartman, Chester; Spires, Gregory). Survivors were left in the ill-equipped Superdome as the government feared the spread of disease from those who had been forced to live in the fetid waters flooding the city. When they finally were brought supplies from the government, refugees were given boxes containing the vaccine for SARS (Hartman, Chester; Spires, Gregory). The lack of real response to the poorer, African-American population on the behalf of our government is a point of contention worth a deeper examination. The most recent numbers from the government show a total federal infusion of one hundred and twenty-six billion dollars into the Gulf area for rebuilding. Of that amount, one hundred and one billion has either been dispersed or is available for the affected states' governments to draw on (White House). President Bush has committed the federal government to allowing the state of Louisiana a thirty year period to repay their segment of

South Korean Financial Crisis Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

South Korean Financial Crisis - Case Study Example Korea was progressing well in 1996 and had become a part of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). As people celebrated, nobody knew of the impending disaster about to strike. During the latter part of 1996, the current account deficit increased to 5% from previous year’s 2%, a decrease attributed to lessened competition among Korean industries. The GNP declined from 14.1% to become 7.1% and foreign debt rose to a high 100 billion dollars. These and various other debt related indicators were showcasing the upcoming crisis for Korea. The first half of 1997 surfaced a few more indicators of the disaster. Foreign investors in Korea were starting to get wary of the market and lacked confidence in investing because of long recessions, large deficits in current accounts and growing short-term external debt. In January 1997, Hanabo Steel, the 17th largest Korean seller went into bankruptcy. Soon the Sammi Group, another steel company, failed and major affil iates of the Jinro Group went bankrupt. In July 1997, another major automobile manufacturer, Kia motors failed. With the downfall, foreign capital began to flow out of the country. In July 1997, the Southeast Asian crisis broke out first in Thailand, followed by Indonesia, Malaysia and in Hong Kong in October as the stock market crashed. Within October to December, the Korean economy crashed by 112% compared to the US Dollar. ... Within October to December the Korean economy crashed by 112% compared to the US Dollar. From October 1997, the yield spreads of the global bonds of Korean Development Bank (KDB)3, Korea's indicators of the sovereign risk premium, started to jump. By early December, Korea's bonds were reassessed by Moody's and Standard & Poor's and were demoted to junk bonds from their A1 status. Soon the banks could not renew the maturing loans and needed to withdraw from the Korean markets. Foreign lending crashed from the $100 from January to October 1997, to minus $20 billion by the end of the year. The won plunged lower to 50% in a span of two weeks in the month of November. As of November 1997, foreign reserves were seen to stand at 24.2 billion dollars, of which only 9.3 billion dollars was finally available. The figure was much lower than the required foreign reserve level of 36 billion dollars. Korea did not have enough money to repay back its 10 billion dollars short-term borrowings. At the edge of sovereign default, foreign debt touched highs of 119.7 billion dollars and the whirlpool of the crisis was pulling in Korea. The Causes and effects of the Crisis The causes that led up to the crisis were many and experts state that a single cause cannot be pinpointed as the culprit. While the economy crashed along with that of other nations, many experts also state that the currency crisis in Korea is quite different from other traditional situations. This crisis had little to do with the mismanagement of monetary and fiscal policy. The macroeconomic fundamentals were also good. The effects were as diverse too, but boiled down to the financial destruction of Korea. However like every failure or

Environmental Laws Essay Example for Free

Environmental Laws Essay The constant North South divide over enforcement of international environmental law plagues the operationalisation of many international treaties. Most developing countries are caught in a cleft stick. Whilst understanding the need for environmental action, they also require increasing industrial activity for achieving economic growth and poverty alleviation objectives, activities that entail definite enhancements in greenhouse emission. They are additionally constrained by their lack of resources and do not wish to divert what is available from developmental needs. Many developing countries also suffer from lack of necessary infrastructure and underdeveloped legal and judicial systems to be able to carry out treaty obligations in an organised and systemic manner. (Bell Russell, 2002) Whilst many international agreements are worded to ensure their legal binding on signatory nations, these treaties do not become enforceable within a country until their enactment into domestic law is complete. Australia, for example, has signed on the Montreal Protocol and the World Heritage Convention and carried out appropriate domestic legislation. Apart from taking these legislative measures, the nation has enacted several laws for environmental regulation. (Lyster, 2004) The Environment protection and Biodiversity Act, 1999, is a key legislation that gives effect to the country’s international law obligations. Numerous other enactments like the amended Fisheries Management Act, 1991, The Maritime Legislation Amendment (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act, 2006, the Protection of the Sea (Harmful Anti-fouling Systems) Act 2006 also work towards enhancing environmental protection and bringing the domestic legal system in line with its international treaty obligations. (Australian Legal Information Institute, 2007) Domestic enactment of new laws, (as well as amendment of existing laws) is necessary because it makes the country’s commitment towards international environmental laws concrete and their provisions enforceable. In the absence of specific domestic legislation little action can be taken against environmental offenders and controlling environmental degradation becomes well nigh impossible. Compared to the Australian approach, which involves legal enactment and resolute enforcement of international law obligations, the actions adopted by a developing country like Bangladesh appear to be significantly inadequate. The country, (which became independent only in 1971), drafted a broad ranging environmental policy in 1991 but is still to enact any of its major features into law even though sixteen years have passed since. Factors like internal strife, lack of developed legal systems, and scarce resources, have prevented the country from moving forward on environmental action. Whilst economies like India and South Africa have been able to make significant progress on the environmental front, many developing countries in Africa, Asia and South America share Bangladesh’s problems and are thus unable or unwilling to abide by international environmental law obligations. (Mastny French, 2002) 3. Conclusion The inherent weaknesses in rules of international diplomacy render many environmental treaties practically pointless. Seeing the abject non implementation of most environmental treaties by developing nations, international organisations are seeking new ways to toughen these agreements. While most such laws impose few penalties, peer pressure is emerging as a potent tool for this purpose. Some treaties also ask nations to report on the progress of promises made at the time of agreement. Beyond persuasion and embarrassment, trade incentives also help in securing compliance. Members of the Montreal Protocol, for example, are forbidden to purchase CFCs or products containing them from nations that have not agreed to the treaty, a condition that has led many nations to join the treaty and take action to reduce ozone depletion. (Bell Russell, 2002) International agencies, sympathetic nations and NGOs can encourage soft laws through funding decisions and public campaigns. Soft laws tend to establish certain expectations-or create an international mindset-that can then form the basis for more permanent agreements. A large part of the inability of developing nations to act on accord occurs because of their poverty and constrained resources. Redressing this imbalance will depend largely on providing financial and technical assistance to developing nations-and ensuring that funds are well spent. References ASEAN Ministers Okay Agreement on Environmental Laws. (2006, November 12). Manila Bulletin, p. NA. Australian Legal Information Institute, 2007, Retrieved September 25, 2007 from www. austlii. edu. au Barrett, S. (2005). Environment and Statecraft: The Strategy of Environmental Treaty-Making. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Child Development Theories Natural vs Social Process

Child Development Theories Natural vs Social Process To what extent has childhood been viewed as a social and cultural process rather than a natural process? Illustrate your discussion with reference to Book 1, Chapter 1, Children and development. Childhood is such a fundamental and integral part of humanity that on first considerations, we may take it for granted as an entirely natural process. The biological journey of maturation is a universal shared experience.   Yet even if childhood is recognised only in these limited biological terms, it is still influenced by social factors i.e. the health and life choices of the mother during pregnancy. In the civilised world, there are very few who would be prepared to argue that childhood should be viewed as an entirely natural process. Contemporary developmental theorists recognise the child as an active agent whom is developing both physically and psychologically; the individual experience of childhood is dependent upon how they interact with their environment and how that society understands their specific nature and needs. The attitudes to children and views of childhood vary dramatically between different periods in history and different cultures, and are also actively evolvi ng within our own culture; therefore it is, currently, more accurate to view childhood as a social and cultural process rather than a natural one: â€Å"The immaturity of children is a biological fact but the ways in which that immaturity is understood is a fact of culture†¦.childhood is †¦.constructed and reconstructed both for and by children† (James and Prout, 1997, p.15) Woodhead (2005) illustrates that historically, throughout Western culture, childhood has been viewed as both a natural process and as a social and cultural process. It has also been viewed as an interactive process between the two. These changeable and evolving attitudes confirm James and Prout’s assertion that â€Å"childhood is constructed and reconstructed†. By comparing and contrasting the origins of the four main Psychological perspectives of Child Development and acknowledging their legacies to modern day practices, I intend to conclude that childhood has probably been viewed to a greater extent as a social and cultural process than it has a natural process. It has been proposed that ‘childhood’ is in itself a recent invention. Philippe Aries (1962) is chiefly accredited with underlining the socially constructed character of childhood. He studied the history of literature and paintings and concluded that in mediaeval times childhood didn’t exist. Obviously younger members of the species existed but they were not granted any special or distinctive status.   Once weaned, they were thrust into adult society. Aries claimed that the awareness of children’s distinctive nature did not emerge until the end of the fifteenth century. This can de illustrated in the emergence and gradual rise of schooling and paediatrics. Aries has been criticised for making general conclusions which rely on limited sources. The largest group of children would have been the poor, and they would not have been represented. However the broad framework of his argument (the socially constructed nature of childhood) is the foundation of subsequent studies: â€Å"The idea of childhood must be seen as a particular cultural phrasing of the early part of the life course, historically and politically contingent and subject to change†. (James and James, 2001) There are four main perspectives of child development. These theories stem from three opposing philosophies which attempt to define the essential nature of humanity as embodied in the newborn child. Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) believed children to be inherently sinful. He believed that development should be shaped by control and discipline. Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) believed children to be inherently innocent; his supporters advocate that development is shaped by following children’s natural stages. The theories of Hobbes and Rousseau are classified as nativist theories; maintaining that childhood is a natural process. John Locke (1632-1704) didn’t view children as either inherently sinful or innocent, but rather a ‘tabua rasa’ (blank slate) to be written on by experience; those influenced by him maintain the chief factor of development is experience.   Locke’s Theory is classified as empiricist; advocating that childhood is a social and cult ural process. Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) believed children to be born with mental structures specifically designed to interpret information from the environment; the essence of development being interaction. Kant sets the tone for the ‘transactional models’ of development; not viewing childhood as exclusively a natural or exclusively a social process, but a combination of the two. Thomas Hobbes believed that all human beings were born with original sin, therefore all children were born evil and had to be ‘saved’. The prime factors of development were control and discipline. He was an important influence to the formation of the Methodist church. The theory that children were inherently sinful was very desirable and easily identifiable from an Armenian perspective; people believed that children learned obedience to God through obedience to their parents. Childhood was a time of strict parenting and harsh discipline: â€Å"Severe beatings of children in the name of discipline were common occurrences. Heaven was sometimes described to children in Sunday school as a place where children are never beaten†. (Newman and Smith, 1999) This view was apparent in the early nineteenth century in Hannah More’s evangelical writings on child rearing. She too argued that it was a fundamental error to view children as inherently innocent and it should be down to society to curb their evil dispositions. The omnipresence of God and Satan in every person’s life was an unchallenged premise: â€Å"The hard line view of infants as limbs of Satan persisted throughout the eighteenth century†. (Ezell, M.J.M, 1984) This harsh and unsentimental view of children was not just religiously, but also demographically and economically motivated. Infant mortalities were extremely high; between twenty and fifty percent of babies died within their first year. Many parents referred to their child as â€Å"it† until they reached an age when survival was probable.   Although it is problematic to speculate, it seems plausible that parents were consciously detached from their children as a coping mechanism, should they not survive into adulthood. Although Hobbes advocated a nativist perspective on the essential nature of children, the religious attitudes which he and his contemporaries would have taken for granted as truth are now dormant in the majority of Western societies (apart from some remaining puritan cultures).   Any who did share the popular religious view would not have been recorded.   This validates James and Prouts assertion that childhood is â€Å"constructed and reconstructed†. Hobbesian views of childhood did not unfold naturally, but were constructed through social discourse. Jean-Jacques Rousseau believed the exact opposite to Hobbes; that children are not inherently sinful, but are inherently innocent, and would develop naturally in positive ways if allowed to do so. He referred to children as ‘noble savages’, this romantic notion supposes that all humanity is born pure and good until corrupted by civilisation. The environment does not have a positive, but has a negative affect on development: â€Å"Everything is good in leaving the hands of the Creator of Things; everything degenerates at the hands of man†. (Rousseau, 1762) During the eighteenth century, views of childhood began to change; children were seen as innocent and in need of protection, (not unlike the way we see them today) consequently though, they were also viewed as weak and susceptible to temptation. Along with the notion of protection came the notion of discipline, as parents taught their children to avoid the enticements of their social world. Until the late 1800s, child labour was commonly practiced and accepted. It is reported that up to half of all workers in northern factories were children under the age of eleven. Children worked as long and as hard as adults. Because of their small size, they were sometimes given difficult and hazardous jobs, like cleaning out the insides of narrow factory chimneys. In poor urban families, parents often forced their children to engage in scavenging and street peddling.   Rousseau’s observations were not surprising given that the desire to protect children was coupled with their seemingly inevitable exploitation. Although chiefly belonging to the realms of Romanticism, Rousseau’s theory did have practical psychological applications. He is attributed with presenting the first truly developmental account of childhood, through his emphasis on maturation and stages of development. His book; â€Å"Emile† (On Education)(1762) suggests children should be allowed an ‘Age of Nature’ covering the period from birth to twelve years. This should be a time in which children be allowed to play and have their natural innocence respected.    It is Rousseau’s emphasis in allowing the child to indulge their natural stages of development which is his legacy to child development. Fredrich Froebel (1782-1852): the pioneer of the kindergarten movement and designer of toy building blocks shared Rousseau’s vision: â€Å"The child, the boy, man indeed should know no other endeavour but to be at every stage of development wholly what this stage calls for† (Froebel 1885). The idea of natural stages of development sets the tone for contemporary teaching templates by setting guidelines for what is considered ‘developmentally appropriate’ practice, especially the balance of play and teaching within early years education. Although Rousseau’s legacy can be illustrated in modern day views of childhood, it is his practical advice about nurturing the Childs natural development, and not his nativist perspective which persists.   John Locke’s theory contrasts both Hobbes and Rousseau’s. He didn’t believe that children were born inherently evil or innocent, but rather a blank slate. He saw the character of childhood as extremely malleable; experience being the sole factor of development. He recommended parents as tutors, responsible for providing the right environment and offering moral guidance in which to shape and nurture their children into mature, rational adults.   Locke was the pioneer of the Educationalist movement. His essay,† Some thoughts concerning education† (1693)asserts that; â€Å"a Childs mind must be educated before he is instructed†.   Although some of his critics accused Locke of â€Å"despiritulising† childhood, his theory permeated throughout society: â€Å"The root of all corruption is poor Education† (Osborne London Journal, 1732.) Locke’s theories echo contemporary debates concerning modern family values. The infamous ‘Back to Basics’ conservative campaign of the early 1990’s suggested that a breakdown in traditional family values was responsible for a degenerating Britain. In May 2002, Patricia Amos was jailed for sixty days because of her daughter’s persistent truancy. Most recently, in response to a spate of teenage shootings in East London in February 2007, leader of the opposition; David Cameron controversially proposed that absent fathers are responsible for an emerging class of feral children.   These attitudes don’t assume that children are passive receivers of their environment as Locke believed, but do demonstrate the huge onus of social responsibility he proposed. Immanuel Kant viewed the key influence on development to be interaction. He agreed with Locke that experience plays a crucial role in learning but argued that knowledge could not arise from what is taken in by the senses alone. Kant acknowledges the child as an active agent in their own development. He deems it unreasonable to assume that children are just passive receivers of external stimuli or blind followers of a pre-determined biological pattern. The precipitator of development becomes the continuous interaction between the two. Both nature and the environment are equally significant. Kant creates the framework for the transactional models of development which assume the child to be an active autonomous agent in their own development and attempt to explain this relationship of cause and effect that they have with their environment.   This is the most popular start point for modern child development theories, such as social constructivist theories.   The religiously dictated views of Hobbes and Romanticism motivated views of Rousseau are unconvincing to a modern audience. Their legacies are derivative of their child rearing advice and not their rigid perspectives. James and Prouts assertion that â€Å"childhood is constructed and reconstructed is convincing enough to dispel these solely nativist theories. Locke’s emphasis on education (although not to the extent he proposed) is echoed by today’s politicians.   It seems reasonable to assume that the real character of childhood is an interactive process between the two as proposed by Kant. .   In the civilised world, the onus of social responsibility to our children has always been great and is growing. Underlining the socially constructed character of childhood has had a great influence on our attitudes; therefore childhood has probably been viewed to a greater extent as a social and cultural process than it has been viewed as a ‘natural process’.

The Foreign Policy Decision Making Politics Essay

The Foreign Policy Decision Making Politics Essay Politic like any other concept in the social science can be defined in various ways and also politics can be said to be universal meaning politics is very were. According to Aristotle man is a political animal. To him every human being belonged to a state and no man could be self-fulfilment outside the state. Individual, when isolated he said is not self-sufficingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ But he who is unable to live in society or who has no need because he is sufficient for himself must be either a beast or a god (Somervill J. and Santoni R. E, 1963, 61,62). As men find themselves in a society they have to make decision for them self or take decision from other making them act in a political manner. One can say that poltics happen in every environment even in the bedroom were the man or the woman has to take certain decisions there. Many scholars try to define politica in their own way, in the book of Robert Dahl Modem political Analysis (1976, 1-12), Harold D. Lasswell defined politics as who gets what, when and how, to David Easton another scholer scholar of poltical science said the discipline concerns itself with the authoritative allocation of values whiles Max Weber a German sociology defines politics as a relationship of power, rule and authority. The common element in these and several other definition of politics and political activity is that they all agree with Aristotle that every society consists of rulers and the ruled. Therefore in every human community there is the present of power, authority or rule. A policy is typically described as a principle or rule to guide decisions and achieve rational outcomes. The term is not normally used to denote what is actually done; this is normally referred to as either procedure or protocol. Policies are generally adopted by the Board of or senior governance body within an organization whereas procedures or protocols would be developed and adopted by senior executive officers. A policy can be considered as a Statement of Intent or a Commitment. For that reason at least, the decision-makers can be held accountable for their Policy. A policy maker is a person with power to influence or determine policies and practices at an international, national, regional, or local level. It can be said to be the actions and inaction of government, what the government planned to do or not to do. Polity,is used to described a political institution or stureture such as those institution responsible for making the policy or those that the policy pass through before they actual become policies, these include the ministry, department and agancies of a state or government. It can be used to also described a potical system. The process of making policies is some kind of the activity of the granding mill that is how the granding mill operates. We have the machine were u will but your millet or corn inside it for it to grand and it will come out not as millet or core but as flour and when it is well not granded u will put it back into the mill again to grand it until you get a well granded flour. The same apply to policies, here the millet or the corn will be the bill which is influenced mostly by politics and the machinc will be the polity that is the various institution who work on the bill before it becomes a policy and the flour which is the final product will be the outcome that is the policy itself. Just like the granding will machine when the policy is not well done or does not achieve it aim it has to go through the machine again until it suit the country and the people. In the process of making a policy it is affected by several factors such as interest groups, public opinion, media and so on. These factors can be grouped into two forms that is the internal and external environment. These two forms of the environment affect the outcome of a policy or shape the policy outcome. Foreign policy decision making According to Chanan (2002, 2), three main models will be used to built a general model into which the role of the media can be seen. The focus of these models is recognizing the environment as major input of foreign policy decision making processes. In explaining these three models chanan made used of scholarly work. According Snyder et al. (1969:203), Decision makers act upon and respond to conditions and factors that exist outside them and the governmental organization of which they are a part. Setting has two aspects: external and internal. . Setting is really a set of categories of potentially relevant factors and conditions that may affect the action of any state These authors describe the internal setting as a human environment composed of culture and population and include public opinion (Snyder et al., 1969:201; 203). If we adopt a revised perspective on this setting, the media may be a major component of this environment. It can be described as the tool which expresses the non-governmental interpretations and expectations of the various members or groups of the society as described in Snyders model (Snyder et al., 1969:204), as well as a tool to express government policy in state-owned or dominated media. Michael Brecher developed a much more detailed framework for foreign policy decision-making analysis, and he incorporated the media explicitly as the communication network within the political system which enables the flow of information about the operational environment to the incumbent elite (Brecher, 1972:11; 183-207). Brechers framework is environmental in its design, and he believes that: The foreign policy system comprises an environment or setting. The operational environment defines the setting in which foreign policy decisions are taken. The concept of setting refers to a set of potentially relevant factors and conditions, which may affect a states external behaviour. The operational environment thus sets the parameters or boundaries within which decision-makers must act. (Brecher,1972:2-4). But Brecher, like the other authors, does not incorporate the media explicitly as one of the input variables of the foreign policy decision-making process. By input variable I mean an external factor, part of the international environment. Perceiving the media as an input variable means understanding its role in influencing society and politics, in agenda setting and in constructing reality. Brecher and the other scholars of foreign policy see the media in a narrower way, as a channel through which the operational environment can have an impact on the foreign policy process. This impact exists only to the extent that it is communicated to the elite. Information may be communicated in a variety of ways: the mass media press, books, radio, and TV (Brecher, 1972:10). Brecher and Snyder (et al.), and later Papadakis and Starr perceive the media as an internal component of the process, a channel to deliver messages from the diplomatic-political-security environment to the leaders. Such media, as information channels, have a minimal role in influencing leaders and their decisions. The broader perspective, which does not exist in the international relations literature, suggests that the media are part of the external-international environment which influences policy, and perceives the press and TV as external components or sources, as an input variable which drives decision processes as the other external input variables of the environment (i.e., regional power structure, other actors economic capabilities, etc.). In a more subtle way, the media may be seen not only as part of the international environment, but also as part of the internal environment of the state. In the state the media are not just information channels, they form a communication network influencing policy from within the state, as well as the party system, interest groups or the socio-economic stratification of society. A third environmental foreign policy decision-making model was developed by Papadakis and Starr (1987) to analyze the process in small states, but it is relevant to dealing with other states as well. The environment which forms the input for the policy-making process is described as a structure of opportunities, risks, and potential costs and benefits, constraining the decision makers (Russett and Starr, 1992:21). The authors did not incorporate the mass media into their model, neither as forming part of the societal level of environment, nor as part of the opportunities or constraints internally influencing a government in its foreign policy decision-making process it should be noted that all these models see the role of the image as an important mechanism in the decision-making process which is also strongly influenced by the media (Brecher, 1972, 11-13; Elitzur, 1986;Vertzberger, 1990). The image is a the total cognitive, affective, and evaluative structure of the behavior unit, or its internal view of itself and the universe (Boulding in Brecher, 1972:13). According to Chanan (2002,6) The media have a twofold role in the environment., they first provide input into the process as an independent variable added to environments described in the former models of Snyder et al., Brecher and Papadakis and Starr. Here the leaders react to the perceived reality as constructed by the press and take it into consideration. The second one is that it is part of the environment which foreign policy makers try to affect or influence by making their decisions. This implies that these leaders who perform in an environment which includes the media take political decisions to solve problems, but at the same time they try to make such decisions that will improve their image or develop a campaign that will affect the media dealing with the relevant international events and interactions. This is he said is the output environment component of the environment. The effect of the media on foreign policies Making The effects of the media on foreign policy decision making can be seen in two (2) fold or it is a double-enged saw. At one enged or side the media is seen as an input variable influencing foreign policy decision making process and at the other enged or side it is seen as an output variable, which compels leaders to relate to it in their decisions ( chanan 2002:7) One way through which the media effect foreign policy decision making process is through agenda settings. Paul Lazarsfeld and Robert Merton (1971) in their work gave the social role of the media as Status-Conferral function. To Lazarsfeld and Merton ( 1971:560-561) this role means the mass media confer status on public issues, persons, organizations, and social movements. Common experience as well as research testifies that the social standing of persons or social policies is raised when these command favorable attention in the mass media. The mass media bestow prestige and enhance the authority of individuals and groups by legitimizing their status In trying to look at the role of the media in foreign policy decision process, Bernard cohen (1963) made used of this idea. To Cohen ( 1963:12-13), It is here, in the description of the political environment and the suggestion of the policy alternatives that give the best promise of managing the environment, that we shall find the press playing such an important role in current thinking about foreign policy. This map-making function of the press is so central to the real impact of the press in the foreign policy field that a few words of elaboration may be appropriate. . Cohen (1963, 177) went on to say that For most of the foreign policy audience, the really effective political map of the world that is to say, their operational map of the world is drawn by the reporter and the editor, not by the cartographer. The press.. may not be successful much of the time in telling people what to think, but it is stunningly successful in telling its readers what to think about. The last statement is the basis for agenda setting approach, which is mostly related to Maxwell McCombs (1972; 1981). McCombs (1972;177) stated that, While the mass media may have little influence on the direction or intensity of attitudes, it is hypothesized that the mass media set the agenda for each political campaign, influencing the salience of attitudes toward the political issues McQuail (1994:356-357) presented this approach as a four-fold hypothesis: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Public debate is represented by salient issues (an agenda for action) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The agenda derives from a combination of public opinion and political choice. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Mass media news and information reflect the content and order the priority of issues à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ This representation of issues in the mass media exerts an independent effect on issue content and on relative salience in public opinion. The mass media is greatly relied upon to keep the public and government apprised of crucial developments and events on the world stage as they unfold. Most times, the only source of information available to the public is the media and as such, the media forms the basis of views and opinions on world events and issues as it massively influences public opinion thereby setting the agenda for government policy. The media has become an instrument of power that influences government policies and can surpass national boundaries; the media through agenda setting makes issues somewhat important to the public, and the policy makers to take action (Tumber and palmer, 2004). The rise in the availability of real-time news cause policy makers to react swiftly than before to public opinion. This influence of the media on the public or government could be achieved by either impacting on the public who in turn will put pressure on the governments to make certain decisions considered therefore as an indirect influence on policy making, or by creating an impression on the policy makers themselves thereby prompting them to action. The media played a role in influencing the war in Iraq. Saddam Husseins ability to acquire and produce weapons of mass destruction (WMD), his cruel and inhumane acts to his own people, using chemical agents on his people is enough evidence to prove his ability to use WMD on an enemy or opponent (Mazarr, 2007). However, this was not the only reason the United States relied on to take a unilateral decision to invade Iraq and oust the dictator. Certainly, the media played an important role in conveying the message to the public. It easily used information concerning Saddam Hussein atrocities to prompt US public opinion and defend President Bushs stand to wage war against Iraq. The congress of the United States was also influenced by the information transmitted by the media as the resolution to go to war with Iraq was deliberated in front of millions of viewers. The presidents decision to go to war was justified by the media through the messages communicated to the public. Although it could be argued that the decision was already made in advance, but the media was used to capture successfully the deliberations of the US congress. The media made sure that the American public saw and heard continuously about the evil to be confronted so as to enhance the safety of the world. Framing The media construct reality with another tool, called framing. This technique is important, since any political conflict centers on the struggle over interpretive frames (Wolfsfeld, 1993, xiii; Wolfsfeld, 1997a, 13-30, 31-35, Scheufele, 1999,103-122). In this process, the media transform the nature of events through formats, which constitute ideological or value perspectives in which the media focus on story lines, symbols, and relevant stereotypes (Entman, 1991; Entman and Rojecki, 1993; Entman and Page, 1994; Iyengar and Simon, 1994, 171). The evidence indicates that individuals views of national issues are altered by the way in which television news frames them (Iyengar, 1994, 141). Therefore, in the competition over media frames some relevant factors should be analyzed, such as the ways in which political actors are referred to; and nuances of the use of language (e.g., in headlines) (Roeh and Nir, 1993, 178-180; Wolfsfeld, 1997a, 49). Finally, framing is the process in which the media create the images that reflect and filter reality in the foreign policy decision-making processes. The media as an output environment We are now going to look at the media as an output variable. We are going to see the role of the media as part of the environment which foreign policy makers try to affect or influence when making decisions. To chanan (2002;8) this means that leaders who perform in an environment which includes the media make political decisions to solve problems, but at the same time try to make decisions that will improve their image or develop a campaign that will affect the media that deal with the relevant international events and interactions. The media management How do the leaders (and their media advisors) join foreign-policy decisions with considerations that take into account the media environment? How do they try to affect the media to reflect a favorable attitude, or to frame their side of the story in an international conflict? This is achieved by media management (MM), defined with the common term spin. The processes of utilizing the media are varied and apply to national as well to foreign policies (Gergen, 1991; Ben Eliyahu, 1993; Cook, 1998; Kurtz, 1998; Paletz, 1998; Pfetsch, 1998). These policies can range from initiating coverage to government-arranged censorship; from classifying information and data to pooling journalists (see figure 4). Moreover, journalists may be restricted in their movement, accredited selectively, or favored by leaders according to their positive-supportive coverage. Administrations and governments who need the media to cover their political activities and their foreign policy should promote give and take relations with the press. Who is in Charge? In managing the media covering decision-making, governments use professionals, public relations specialists or marketing professionals. These professionals work together with the ministerial level and alongside the spokespersons in charge of media relations in the relevant offices. Furthermore, they consider allowing these spokespersons and even some of the professionals to be present at the decision-making process. The optimal method is allowing them to be involved in the processes and contribute their professional input. MM or spin techniques are used on the diplomatic front to promote peace processes, as well as in times of conflict and war. When foreign policy decisions are made, or peace policies are adopted, governments may accompany these policies with threefold PR strategies toward the media. Foreign policy officials (and their media advisors) can disregard or ignore the press (e.g., not convey any message to the media); they can try to develop a spin (as explained earlier); or they can adopt a policy that is only media-oriented (e.g., only publishing public announcements without any real political action). By choosing any of these options, a government influences the media by regulating the flow of information. It is trying to affect the political environment through the media while competing with the opposing political powers, who try to influence the media as well. When governments succeed in taking control of diplomatic events and enjoy a high degree of public consensus, the news media become supportive, and the role of the PR professionals is intended to preserve and promote this support. But when a government loses control over the political-diplomatic process, the media become independent and critical (Wolfsfeld, 1997a, 25; Wolfsfeld, 1997b, 30-34). In this negative political environment, the role of MM professionals is more complex, and they try influence the media to change their attitude and be less critical, more understanding and even supportive. In the diplomatic-cooperative arenas of international relations, leaders use the media to keep options open and at the same time to build consensus (Ben Eliyahu, 1993; Cook, 1998; Kurtz, 1998; Paletz, 1998; Pfetsch, 1998). Here, the media, by setting policy agendas and stimulating popular support for policies, provide tools for leaders to assert control. Moreover, a leaders staff can utilize the media to deliver specific messages to specific audiences (Gergen, 1991, 55-56; OHeffernan, 1991, 62-67, 105-112; OHeffernan, 1994, 242). In addition, the medias role as a promoter of public debates on policy issues can be used as a tool to gain support and tilt public opinion (Hindell, 1995; Powlick and Katz, 1998, 29-61; Weiman, 1994, 291-307). In order to achieve the best results in these processes, leaders and their MM professional advisors may use various diplomatic channels with regard to the media. They can decide to keep diplomatic interactions secret, hidden behind closed doors or made public (Gilboa, 1998a, 211-225; Gilboa 1998b,56-75) and work with the media accordingly.

Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Issues - Homophobia and Self-hatred :: Argumentative Persuasive Topics

Essays - A Debt that Must be Paid    Adolescence, under the best of all circumstance, is a time of great stress and confusion for young people. Bodies, relationships to friends and family, and moods change rapidly as social, psychological, and physiological puberty is navigated.    In this society, to be an adolescent who is gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered (hereafter referred to as 'gay') means to be at significant risk for suicide, depression, dropping out of school, violence, homelessness, rejection from family, prostitution and substance abuse.    Estimates suggest that at least three million children and adolescents in the United States are homosexual.    For this group, the societal stressor of homophobia (both external and internal) adds a significant and often lethal component. Researchers estimate that up to one-third of all adolescents who commit suicide are lesbian or gay. In addition, gay teens are two to three times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual counterparts.    Data collected in 1985 suggest that 85% of gay youth who attempt suicide also use illicit drugs. Nearly a quarter of that group had already undergone chemical dependency treatment. The mean age for suicide attempts is 15 years and most report multiple tries. Overdose and self-laceration account for 80% of these attempts.    National dropout statistics reveal that 28% of gay and lesbian high school students leave school because of physical and mental harassment resulting from their perceived sexual orientation. While in school, the data indicates that more than 37% of adult gays experienced threats, harassment, or violence in either junior high school or high school.    Feelings of social and emotional isolation are also are rampant. Four-fifths (80%) of gay adolescents report severe problems in this area. According to a 1986 survey, 40% of homeless youth identifies as gay, lesbian, or bisexual. In addition, half of all lesbian and gay youth studied, report that their parents reject them because of their sexual orientation. It is estimated that 26% are forced to leave their own homes.    Gay youth are more likely to experience violence perpetrated upon them by family, school peers, and total strangers. Nationally collected data is not available, since the Bureau of Justice statistics do not indicate crimes against youth who are gay. Non-national studies show that of youth who report assault crimes, 46% say that their sexual orientation was an issue. More sadly, 61% of the violence perpetrated on this group occurred within their own family.

Robert Browning :: essays research papers

My Last Duchess, by Robert Browning, is an example of a dramatic monologue. A dramatic monologue is a kind of narrative poem in which one character speaks to one or more listeners whose replies are not given in the poem. The Duke is speaking to an envoy about his fisrt wife who is apparently dead. From what he is telling him, one can conclude that he is arrogant, domineering, and very insecure about his relationship. The Duke of Ferrara was a very arrogant man. He did not seem to care about the happiness of his wife, only his own. He did not like the fact that she found happiness in other places beside himself, as if he should be the only life in her life. He could not understand how she could rank his nine thousand year old name with more simpler things such as her white mule that she rode on the terrace, an act of kindness from an "officious fool" and the "drooping of the daylight in the west." His wife, no doubt, had no idea he felt that way but he could not discuss it with her, blaming it on the fact that he had no skill in speech. He let the problem persist until he no longer could stand it and finally "gave commands" that in one way or another caused her death. Another problem that he had was that he was too domineering. This is evident in the fact that he went to the extreme and killed his wife just because she did not conform to his image of a perfect wife. He wanted things to be his way regardless of how she felt. He now talks about his last duchess as if she were simply a thing painted in a picture to be admired. Other evidence that supports the idea of him being domineering is shown when he told his envoy that no one but him could touch the curtain that covered the picture. It is almost as if he has marked his territory and if anyone crosses the line they would be "dealt with" accordingly. Lastly, on the way down to meet his company he proudly points out his bronze sculpture of Neptune taming a sea horse. This is probably the embodiment of his whole mentality. He wanted to tame his wives into perfect women. Insecurity is something that we all feel at one point or another in our relationships.

Separation Or Assimilation? :: essays research papers

Separation or Assimilation? Our country, The United States of America, was essentially founded on the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness through solidarity of human kind. In Bernard R. Boxill's article, "Separation or Assimilation," he fundamentally poses the Hamletesque question: to assimilate or not to assimilate. Subsequent to the dilemma of some black cultural nationalists, whom not only argue for assimilation of the black American populace, but also believe that this assimilation into white culture is inevitable, against cultural pluralism. Cultural pluralism, which was initialized by W. E.B. Dubois in the late 19th century, is founded upon the peculiarities of races, living harmoniously in one nation-state, and lacking superiority or inferiority. Consequently to posing this question one dictates that there exist certain boundaries between cultures in our American society. Where do these boundaries come from and are they indeed necessary? Is integration of these cultures indeed inevitable? The goal of cultural pluralism as stated by Boxill are to establish pride in one's own race, to maintain the authenticity of one's own culture, and finally to benefit the world populace. Through pride, the disdain of inferiorities along with self respect, one adopts an attitude of self- segregation. Boxill argues for pride as a means of preserving one's race, overemphasizing differences between individuals because of the color of their skin or cultural differences, is a great defense to assimilation. Understanding Dubois's concept of cultural authenticity is to delve into the mysteries of self-actualization, that is to realize one's own potential. He asks himself, as an African American, whether his true identity lies in the jungles of Africa or in this land of America. He is of the opinion that these are his only two options. He concludes that his true identity goes beyond his American birth, citizenship, political ideals, language, laws, and religion; deep into the heart of Africa where a timeless culture was born and should be preserved for its beauty and used to benefit the world populace. "...the Negro people, as a race, have a contribution to make..."(Dubois,p244) The "Negro people" as a race, have certainly had a peculiar world condition throughout time and have had the ability to lend privileged insights into the human condition. The whole of humanity consists of many parts. From the cultural pluralist perspective, this whole can be benefitted most by the contribution of gifts from each race of humanity. But does not true diversity exist in individual persons rather than in large groups of unique individuals. It would seem obvious that the greatest degree of solidarity of humanity can be achieved

Visual art analysis

French occupation. The painting also evokes neither the people of Madrid nor Spanish troops who rose up against the invader and to protect their love and respect land. The most remarkable of the painting is the man In the white shirt that was standing in front of the Napoleon troops took place on the left hand side of the painting. His clothes are white and clean contrasting to the other townspeople who were wearing dirty with blood stained. HIS snowy presents purity ND also Is believing of religion as well.He Is holding his arm In an unmistakable reference which shapes like a V and does salary to the Christ on the cross explores peace and Independent. Thus, It also suggests the audiences that he Is a martyr for the rest of the town. As a consequence of his stance, his left hand was polluting to the church at the background conveys Ideology of their religion which Is Catholic; his others hand are above the townspeople's heads symbolizes as a shield of protection. The man in the white shirt is standing out in the darkness of the sky. The dark sky is successfully represents the feeling of sadness and hopeless of the townspeople to audiences.Besides, there is a puddle blood in the foreground with a dead body on that. Though, there is a group of Spanish troops in the middle of the painting were standing with hands over their faces emphasizes that they were suffering and sorrowful with a great lost. Those events encounter the Napoleon's troops that lining up with guns. The guns were holding up between their faces and shoulders level pointing straight to the townspeople. The troops took place on the right hand side of the painting. They were wearing full uniform with hats and black shoes represents powerful and unity.They face were showing no mercy and inspirited. The visual techniques used by French Soya plays an important role in the painting. The artist has uses many visual techniques such as facial expression, colors, contrast and vectors. There are many facial e xpressions to communicate character's feeling to audiences namely inhumanity from the Napoleon's troops and feelings of pain, suffering or even nervous of the Spanish which was an outcome of war. Other technique is contrast; it used to created outstanding of the characters usual art analysis By bounyalisouvankham their love and respect land.The most remarkable of the painting is the man in the townspeople who were wearing dirty with blood stained. His snowy presents purity and also is believing of religion as well. He is holding his arm in an unmistakable reference which shapes like a V and does similar to the Christ on the cross explores peace and independent. Thus, it also suggests the audiences that he is a martyr for the rest of the town. As a consequence of his stance, his left hand was pointing to the church at the background conveys ideology of their religion which is Catholic;

Comparing Oedipus and Minority Report

Sophocles Oedipus the King and Spielberg Minority Report. (Critical Essay) Sutton, nana. Full Text: COPYRIGHT 2005 Wheeled publications Many English teachers today pair older, canonical works with recent films that strongly allude to those earlier works–Mrs.. Daylong and The Hours, for example, or Heart of Darkness and Apocalypse Now. One palling teachers might consider Is Sophocles Oedipus the King with Steven Spielberg 2002 film Minority Report. While it would be an exaggeration to call Minority Report a futuristic retelling of the Oedipus story, the film does borrow most of the central elements of Sophocles play.In particular, the play and the film share an emphasis on literal and symbolic vision and blindness, a plot device in which a protagonist is told he will commit a murder in the future, and a thematic concern with fate and free will. Minority Report establishes its emphasis on vision and blindness within the first minute of the film. The first words we hear are †Å"You know how blind I am without them,† spoken by a character named Howard Marks about his glasses. As we hear these words, we see a scissor blade stab through the eye of a face In a magazine photo, as Marks's young son cuts out pictures for a homework project.A few seconds later, we see a close-up of an eyeball. All this Is, of course, reminiscent not only of Oedipus stabbing out his own eyes but also of the many comments about vowels and blindness In Sophocles play, such as Oedipus comment to the plague-ravaged chorus, â€Å"How could I fail to see what longings bring you here? † (142). As in the preceding quotation from Sophocles play, both the film and the play employ images of vision and blindness to refer not only to physical sight but also to seeing as understanding.And in both works, this understanding involves past and future killings. In the film's opening minute, we see images of events that have not yet taken place, but which are being â€Å"seen† by a woman named Ghats, the person whose eye appears in the close-up. Ghats is the most gifted of three â€Å"process†Ã¢â‚¬â€œhumans blessed and cursed with the ability to envision murders before they take place, and thus used to warn the police of the murders so they can be prevented, In a system called â€Å"Presence. In the opening scene, Howard Marks has Just â€Å"seen† that his wife Is having an affair and that he is about to kill her and her lover with the scissors. But the police?led by the elm's protagonist, John Anderson–prevent him from doing so. Similarly, in Oedipus the King, the one character who understands the truth and knows the future at the beginning of the play, Eateries, tells Oedipus, â€Å"You're blind to the corruption of your life† (162).In Minority Report, the linking of physical sight with understanding, specifically of murders, extends far beyond the opening sequence. Later, Ghats, tormented by knowing who murdered her mother an d by the fact that the police have been fooled regarding the murderer's identity, repeatedly shouts, â€Å"Can you see? To John Anderson as she tries to lead him to solve the crime. And when Anderson finally recognizes that his interest In this past crime is the reason he has been set up to be arrested for a future murder, his first words are, â€Å"How could I not have seen TLS? –a line reminiscent of Oedipus statement, shortly after realizing the truth of his situation, that he had been too long â€Å"blind to the ones [he] longed to Report play a role analogous to that of the Oracle at Delphi in Oedipus the King, a similarity made explicit in the film. The process stay in an area referred to as â€Å"the ample,† and early in the film, one character refers to the process collectively as â€Å"the oracle,† and their handlers, the police, as â€Å"the priests. And in both the play and the film, soon enough, the oracle tells the protagonist that he will commi t murder. As a young man, Oedipus was told he would kill his father and have children by his mother (185); early in the film, Anderson is informed by the process that he will murder someone named Leo Crow. Although both protagonists are informed that they will commit murders in the future, both the play and the film are set in worlds erupted by the fact that political leaders have not been detected for murders they committed in the past.In Oedipus the King, Thebes suffers from a plague that can be removed only when the murderer of the previous king is discovered and punished–a murderer who turns out to be the current king, Oedipus. In Minority Report, Washington, DC (and thus implicitly the entire nation, especially since precise is about to go national rather than being limited to DC) is corrupted by the fact that the head of precise, Lamar Burgess, has murdered Ghats's mother to prevent losing Ghats as a precook, unbeknownst to anyone but Ghats.Thus in both works, the prota gonist is doubly a detective: he must discover the truth about the oracle's prediction that he would murder someone, and he must solve the murder that corrupts the political world in which the work is set. In addition, the protagonists of both works receive prophecies not only from seemingly divine oracles, but also from blind mortals. Eateries declares that Oedipus is himself the murderer of the previous king (159) and then adds, correctly, that by the day's end Oedipus will be reduced to blind beggar and will know he is both son and husband to his wife, both brother and father to his children (164).In Minority Report, a sleazy character with grotesque, hollow sockets where his eyes should be sells John Anderson a drug he calls â€Å"Clarity† and then says, â€Å"In the country of the blind, the one-eyed man is king†Ã¢â‚¬â€œa statement that proves prophetic later in the film when Anderson, possessing only one of his original eyes, is able to outwit others who are â₠¬Å"blind† to the true situation regarding the murder that Burgess committed. The most obvious, and obviously sight-related, really between the two works is the fact that both protagonists voluntarily lose their eyes.And in each case, this loss of eyes largely coincides with the protagonist's ability to â€Å"see† in a deeper sense. Once Oedipus realizes that he did indeed murder his father and marry his mother–once he sees the truth–he stabs out his eyes. In the futuristic world of Minority Report, omnipresent eye scans make hiding virtually impossible, and so Anderson, once he is wanted for the future murder of Leo Crow, has his eyes removed and exchanged for a different pair to evade detection, having en advised by one of the inventors of precise that â€Å"Sometimes in order to see the light you have to risk the dark. It is only through this swapping of eyes–and through retaining at least one of his original eyes in a plastic bag, for use in eye scans for security clearance–that he is eventually able to â€Å"see the light† and solve both mysteries: why he is accused of murdering Leo Crow and how Lamar Burgess murdered Ghats's mother. When we reach the protagonist's encounter with the person he was predicted to kill, both the play and the film are somewhat ambiguous other), as the oracle had said he would, despite every effort he makes to avoid fulfilling this fate.Indeed, his efforts to avoid his fate lead him to precisely the spot where he must be to fulfill it. But critics have long emphasized that the character traits Oedipus displays in the plays present are precisely the ones that would have naturally led him to react as he did when he encountered his father (Knox and Thaliana 598). They have also emphasized that the gods can know the future without causing it (Odds 23). Thus, the killing seems both an expression of inexorable fate and the natural expression of Oedipus character.Similarly, when John And erson finally confronts Leo Crow, he tries to arrest Crow rather than kill him– but Crow, determined to die, grabs for Andersen's gun and is eventually fatally shot, with the film ambiguous as to whether Anderson (accidentally) or Crow (intentionally) pulls the trigger. So, Anderson does not attempt to murder Crow yet plays a role in the man's death. Moreover, the film paradoxically insists that although the future can be accurately predicted, those who know their future have the power to change it.Thus, both works concede considerable power to fate but also leave room for free will. Minority Report alludes to Oedipus the King in smaller ways as well. Early on, a character named Danny Witter repeatedly mentions finding a â€Å"flaw† in Anderson– surely an echo of the concept of â€Å"tragic flaw† in characters like Oedipus. Later, as curiosity leads Anderson toward confronting Leo Crow, whom he has never met but whom he is â€Å"supposed† to murder , Ghats warns him, â€Å"You have a choice. Walk away. Now. † But he refuses, saying, â€Å"l can't. I have to know. I have to find out what happened to my life.

Language Acquisition and Development

A huge variation in the rate of vocabulary and language development can be observed   in children , and parents/caretakers should not expect all children to develop at the same rate .The development of speech is dependent on the environment that the child is brought up in especially the social interactions the child has with the members of the household. A child who is spoken to often and is exposed to the daily routine of the house/ neighborhood develops its own interpretation and relation between words and actions. Kids typically try to use the type of communication conventional in their community for example a child brought up in a active Spanish household may start waving its arms to communicate before actually forming the words when it sees the people in its orbit doing so. A child brought up in a silent household may not speak early as it has negligible exposure to the use of verbal or non verbal communication. The Motor function development in the child also impacts the rate of speech development. Children who are read to often or encouraged to speak are seen to make better effort at communication rather than those children left to their own devices. It is also found that children of working parents, who are left in day care, adopt the speech mannerisms they are exposed to in the day care center. There are instances when children develop speech when they find they are not getting what they want or need and vice versa. There also needs to be allowances made such as the health of the child and its behavior patterns.   The development of speech is also dependent on the interest displayed by the child in learning and participating in activities like play or reading.   Therefore we can see that children develop at different rates depending on their environment and internal biological development. The exposure that a child is given compounded with the pace of motor functions impact the age of speech for different children. References Wegner, Lynn (2007).Screening for Speech and Language Delay in Preschool Children: More Answers Are Needed. Pediatrics. 533-534. Nelson, Heidi D., Nygren, Peggy, Walker, Miranda, & Panoscha, Rita (2007). Screening for Speech and Language Delay in Preschool Children: Systematic Evidence Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force. Pediatrics, 298-319. Wertsch, James 1985. Vygotsky and the Social Formation of Mind. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.   

Employment and Delegation Essay

In the scenario given there were five behaviors of delegation used. They were: clarifying the assignment, specifying the employee’s range of discretion, allow the employees to participate, inform others that delegation has occurred, and establish proper feedback channels. In this paper, each behavior will be discussed as used in the scenario, and will give specific detail of how we as managers would have handled the delegation. Clarity of the assignment, is providing clear expectations of an assignment with details, deadlines, an audience, and the importance of the assignment being done on time. This is the first step in the delegation process of the project. If we ask someone to complete one of our assignments, we would want to be sure that the assignment is done the way we would have completed it. There’s a reason why we asked that particular person. If it was something anyone could do you can ask for volunteers. Informing others that delegation has occurred is essential behavior in the delegation process. Obviously Ricky has other employees that he manages. So it is important to inform those employees about the delegation as well. He chose Bill because of his three year experience in the contracts group. However, there isn’t any mention of addressing Ricky’s other employees. Since he assigned Bill to this project what about Bill’s daily duties? Is Ricky going to provide Bill with help in regards to his daily work, or will he be required to complete both the project and his work? That’s what we do not know, but they were having a meeting in the morning to discuss the assignment. These are issues Ricky has to figure out now, along with informing his staff, because if Ricky did not inform his other employees, they may perceive it as favoritism and think he is trying to hide it from everyone. Ricky should also inform Bill of the reasons he chose him at their meeting in the morning, and also let him know he will be communicating the project to the rest of the team so they are aware Bill will be working on the assignment for the given time frame. Normally in those situations you look to the person who may be capable of doing the job based on previous experience. It is important to share the wealth when it comes to delegating task to the staff. I would assume that Bill is one of the go-to guys that can and is able to complete task with assigned deadlines. However, the behavior skills that stick out to me the most are clarify the assignment, inform others that the delegation has occurred, and establish feedback channel. It is important that Ricky clarifies with Anne what the guidelines for the new manual are so that he can clearly communicate them Bill. Setting up one-on-one sessions or a team meeting will be useful to inform all team members of the decision. Lastly, Ricky should set up periodic reviews with Bill to check on his progress and also see if any assistance is needed. agree that some of the delegation skills where used in this scenario, but not all were used fully. I like the point made earlier in the discussion that Ricky probably manages more then one employee, In the scenario I think Anne did a poor job for a few reasons. 1) Ricky already was working on a major project, and as his boss she should have been aware of that before she asked him to do it. She may have been, but this is what we don’t know. 2) Anne asked Ricky to do the assignment. Obviously there was a reason why she asked him, so when he requested Bill to replace him why did she allow it? If I delegate an assignment to my employee I want the person to do what I asked. I feel that clarifying the assignment, specifying the employee’s range of discretion, allow the employee to participate were the delegation skills used the most in the scenario, while establishing feedback channels and inform others that delegation has occured wasn’t as much if any. I remember an old saying form a manager I had who would say, â€Å"inspect what you expect! † We are tasked to ensure what we empower our workforce to accomplish is completed the way we expect it to be done. However, if we do not adequately communicate our expectations to the employee, than how will we be able to hold them reliable for the job. Now, am I saying we should micro-manage? Never! And i’m sure no body wants to spend time micro-managing. What we do want to ensure though is task completion and work from a decentralized form of management so the employee doesn’t get frustrated in their job. Bottom line, we empower people everyday, the question is how much do we trust them? â€Å"Allow the employee to participate. † We have that found the employees participation is the best means to empower them not only in their job, but it gives them personal satisfaction. Now, this can be somewhat dangerous because you never want to give them an unchecked decision machine. As the section mention, you allow the employee to participate in that decision and then a set limit of authority is transferred to them for the project. We know, from experience that you must maintain that channel of communication with the employee so to keep them on the right direction. This will be training opportunities for managers with the employee in how to better make decisions without being biased. I know it can be challenging at times and personal matters may strive to cloud our decision process, but over time the employee will learn how to set aside personal reasoning.