Project Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Project - Assignment Example The constructive discussion with the with the various teams of IT, manufacturing, distribution and marketing helped in the charting out of four probable alternative that can be implemented by the company. The alternatives that are identified ranged from operating as separate business, merging all functionalities, merging nothing at all as well as merging some functionality. After weighing out the advantages and disadvantages associated with the four alternatives, the acquiring company has focused on progressing ahead with the alternative associated with merging of some functionality. By opting for the alternative related to merging some functionality, the acquiring company will have a series of unique advantages. Explaining in a more elaborate manner, it can be said that the acquisition of the soft candy company by the client has already increased as well as diversified their product portfolio. The diverse product portfolio will help the company to market their product to a larger group of target audience, who has a liking for either or both hard and soft candy kind of products. In order to gain the maximum amount of mileage in regards to the expansion of the product portfolio, the client company should focus on implementing a series of strategies. The first strategy is to create demand for the company’s expanded product portfolio through strong advertising. The advertising campaign should focus largely on raising awareness for the new soft candy products as well as developing an overall brand for the company. The second strategy is to separately identify and forecast the demand for hard and soft candy products in the various pockets of the domestic market and then sending estimated amount of products to fulfil the variable demand and thereby eliminate the option of either stock out or accumulation of inventory. This method of identifying and forecasting of product demand in the various pockets of the

Sherlock Holmes Essay Example for Free

Sherlock Holmes Essay Sherlock Holmes emerged in 1893 as a fictional amateur detective. He had solved many cases and was able to find the villain using scientific evidence. When Sherlock Holmes came out into the open, Britain was a corrupt place as the police force was useless and people used to kill and steal just for the sake of it. Jack the Ripper is the best known pseudonym to date from that period. He used to kill women prostitutes from the slums and cut out their throats. He then sent body parts of his victims to the police showing his superiority. People thought of Sherlock Holmes as a hero because they thought he could protect them from paedophiles and murderers even though he was a fictional character. The mastermind to Sherlock Holmes was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. He based the super sleuth character on his fellow doctor, Dr Joseph Bell. He, like Holmes, was able to use the power of deduction to find out his patients occupation. Conan Doyle created this transcendent character because he was frustrated with other detective stories. Therefore he created a super human like detective who used scientific evidence to solve his cases unlike coincidence like the other detective stories. This made Sherlock Holmes a huge success story and when Doyle killed off the character, there was a public up roar and death threats were sent to his house. Because of this, Doyle brought back the character and his side kick Watson back from the shadows. Doyle managed to keep his audiences interested in Sherlock Holmes by cleverly making a flawless idea. This was to release different stories every month instead of keeping one story and carrying it one month after month. This was a clever and successful philosophy because Conan Doyle knew that if he stuck to one story then people would lose interest because people who missed an issue wouldnt buy the next one whereas if he made a new story every month then people would still buy the issue every month as they didnt miss anything. This is why it became known as Sherlock Holmes adventures. Sherlock Holmes adventures have a very unique structure. This is because it creates a story with in the story. It starts with the victim coming to Holmes about their problem(s). They then explain to him their problem(s). This is where Doyle creates a story within the story. Next, Holmes investigates and then sets out a plan. He eventually catches the villain. Parts of the structure can often vary. This is shown clearly in the story The man with the twisted lip. Instead of the victim coming to Holmes, they come to Dr Watson; Holmes right hand man. This shows us that Doyle is trying to vary his structure. Another thing is that the victims mostly always seem to be of high class. This is not present in the Red Headed League as Jabez Wilson (The victim) is of lower class. Although he is of lower class and his case is a bit dubious (this is because he suddenly stopped getting à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½4 weekly from his secondary job as it just suddenly disappeared) Holmes was still determined to solve his case. This shows us that Holmes will take on any case no matter who his client is or how silly the problem was. A good quotation to support the matter is the strangest and the most unique things are very often connected not with the smaller crimes. The characters that the stories revolve around vary from story to story. There are only two characters that are present in all the 3 stories that I have read (The Speckled Band, The Red Headed League and The man with the twisted lip). These two characters are the sleuthhound Sherlock Holmes and the wannabe detective Dr Watson. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle uses characters as a good device by showing the reader and audience that he has used the six rules of a good detective story. * The crime must be significant * The detective must be memorable * The criminal must be a worthy opponent * The clues must be available to the audience * The suspect must appear early in the story * The solution must be reasonable and possible Because of these rules, Holmes appears to be supernatural to the naked eye but if looked at closer you would find that this mind-blowing character has an idiosyncrasy. This is because he smokes on a regular basis and takes drugs etc. The fact that he smokes is shown clearly in the quotation from the Red Headed League Watson, I beg of you leave me for 1 hour. I believe this is a 3 pipe problem This emphasises the amount that he smokes. 3 pipe problem means he will have to smoke three pipes before he will get the answer which implies that it is a very difficult issue. This is because a determined and intellectual person like him doesnt struggle with much. The quotation in the paragraph above also shows us the way Holmes treats Watson. Holmes treats him like a child who doesnt know much. Another quote to back up the matter is My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We are spies in an enemys country. This is when Holmes replies to Watsons question with an unclear answer. It shows us how disrespectful Holmes can be and that Holmes feels that Watson has a lot to learn. Watson plays the role of the narrator and hooks the reader. Another role of his is the foil. He makes Sherlock Holmes look better. You reason it out beautifully. I exclaimed in unfeigned admiration. It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings true. This extract quoted from Watson, admires Holmes professionalism. It also highlights his deductive skills and scientific methods. Another thing Watson does is draw the mission to a satisfactory conclusion. This is also shown in the quote above. Watson always goes with Holmes on day and night trips to offer protection since he has a revolver. This shows his bravery as he offers his life and limbs to protect Holmes and himself. He often goes voluntarily even after Holmes has told him his life may be at risk. This reinforces his indomitability. Villains in Sherlock Holmes stories are always cunning and a good match for Sherlock Holmes. This makes the story more exciting and intoxicating as we dont know if the villain will get away with his crime. The villains are always of high class which makes them harder to track down or suspect as most people wouldnt question them. The villains in Holmes stories vary from classic villains or victims who are the villains. One classic villain is Dr Roylott. He is of high class and and has one of the oldest families in Britain. Another thing is that he is a doctor who has gone sour. This is reflected in the clothes he wears. As he goes to confront Holmes, he wears a black top-hat, a long frock-coat, a pair of high gaiters with a hunting crop swinging in his hands. This shows us that for a high class man, he has no self-esteem and has probably lost his dignity in the process. This definitely makes him a classic villain as he has no alternative but to become a villain to keep what he has left. All of this has an impact on the reader. It makes the reader second look Dr Roylott as they dont think he is a criminal at first but then it makes them look back at that decision and reassess the matter before making a conclusion that Dr Roylott is the villain. After this hectic period, the reader is left on the edge of their seats to find out if he gets away or if Sherlock Holmes and his accomplice catch him in the act. It builds so much tension as they are an even match. It makes the reader want to keep reading to find out what happens. Tension starts to build as soon as Dr Royllott walks in through the door. It has an impact on the reader as they want to know who the strange man is and why he came. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle manages to paint a picture perfect image of the characters into our heads. Doyle does this by using short but powerful adjectives to describe every unique and common feature of their body. He gives the detail over 1 or 2 lines to make it short and snappy. Even though he does this, he is able to paint the picture in our heads to the very last detail. A very stout florid-face elderly gentleman with fiery red hair This quote backs up the fact that the writer uses 1 or 2 lines of detail and is still able to make you imagine what the character looks like. He uses words like fiery which are short and snappy yet effective. It is ideal to describe Mr Wilsons hair colour. Florid is a good word as it lets the sentence flow and is still capable of using it to maximum effectiveness by describing Jabez Wilsons face. Holmes determination is probably the most important part of all Sherlock Holmes adventures. It is shown in all the stories I have read and has helped solve all 3 of the cases. This is because he always perseveres through the tough and easy times. The most iconic out of the 3 stories I read was probably The man with the twisted lip This is because it took him so long to figure out who the criminal was. Instead of turning his back on the case, he persevered and solved the case. He did this with sheer determination. In the end, the criminal was the victim (Neville St Clair). Overall, Sherlock Holmes is a magnificent character. This is because many people thought he was a real person. This shows how good Doyles writing was. Holmes also gave Victorian people hope as many murders and paedophiles lurked the streets. He even was a role model for the police force as trainee police officers were told to read them to show them how to catch criminals. Sherlock Holmes will be remembered for many centuries to come and his scientific way of thinking has been adopted by police forces. He will always be renowned as the greatest fictional and non-fictional detective the world has ever known. Baker Street also has a house where people post messages to Sherlock Holmes as that is where he is believed to have lived.

Impact of Multinational Corporations on Developing Countries

Impact of Multinational Corporations on Developing Countries Introduction For too long, citizens have been content to follow where government and multinational corporations lead. The profit motive has become immune to attack. It is understood that as long as something is profitable for shareholders, nothing else matters enough Occupy Protester CTV Op-ED RT News. The word Multinational is a combined word of Multi and National, which when combined refers to numerous countries. A Multinational Corporation is a corporation that has its facilities and other valuable assets in at least one country, which is other than its parent country. It is a organization or company that both produces and sells services and goods in a multitude of countries. Some MNCs have a budget which is greater than some small sized countries GDPs. [1] Some of the major examples of MNCs today are Nokia, McDonalds, Microsoft, Exon Mobile and BP. One of the initial MNCs was the East India Company (1600 1874), which is an excellent examples of both the benefits and drawbacks of such ventures. On one hand there existed a dynamic profit making entity, on the other existed a company operating on foreign soil, under very little control of the British government, having, operating and running their own private armies, utilizing military power and ultimately taking over administrative functions of India. MNCs have come a long way since then and have seen a sharp increase in the past few decades. The numbers of active MNCs went from being roughly 7,000 in the 1970s to 78,000 in 2006, being responsible for over half the global industrial output. [2] Multinational corporations usually bring with them foreign direct investment, which is direct investment in a country by the company for expanding their existing business base or for buying of raw goods and inputs from them. Multinational corporations were the vital factor in globalization, where local and national governments competed against each other in order to incentives and attract more MNCs and ultimately, investment in their countries. An example of such incentive is the Free Trade Zones, where goods may be manufactured, handled, landed or even exported without any intervention of the local custom authorities. Most of these free trade zones exist in developing countries such as Pakistan, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Brazil and India, as they are eager to attract more foreign investors. [3] Definition of MNC: Economists are not in unanimous agreement as to how best define trans or multinational corporations. Most MNCs are multidimensional and can be viewed from a multitude of perspectives. These include: Ownership, strategy, management and structural. According to Franklin Root (1994), that though some argue that ownership is the key criterion amongst all of the above, a firm truly becomes multinational given its parent company or headquarter is run/owned by nationals of varying countries. Examples that fit this category are Unilever and Shell, which are owned and run by Dutch and British interests. However via this test, very few companies would fall under the banner of being a true Multinational company, rather most are uninational. According to Howard Perlmutter (1969) [4] multinational companies might pursue either world oriented, host country oriented or home country oriented policies. He uses these terms as geocentric, polycentric and ethnocentric, however the last is misleading since it focuses upon ethnicity and race, but most countries are themselves populated by a variety and mix of races, whereas Polycentric means the MNCs operations only take place in a couple of foreign countries. Franklin Root (1994) [5] states that MNC is a parent company which: Shows implementation of strategies of finance, marketing, staffing and production in its business. Has direct and binding control over its affiliates and their policies. Uses those affiliates to conduct foreign production in several countries. Advantages of MNCs Increased Investment: The primary argument in favor of MNCs is that they enable investment into less developed countries which is essential for their growth. According to this argument, there exists a huge gap between the optimal investment levels and the levels of savings in a country. This gap can be minimized via foreign direct investments, i.e. transfer of resources from a foreign source in the form of economic injections. Technological Transfers: Another important aspect is the issue of technological transfer. Any MNC operating in a certain country needs to have an agreement with the host country about its operating guidelines. This can be both beneficial or harmful, depending upon the negotiations. If done right, the MNC would agree to a transfer of technology which would turn out to be very beneficial for the host country, since technological advancements require huge research and development funds that the developing countries just do not have. So it makes sense for them to open up their markets in exchange for a technology that could make them self reliant and self sustaining. Transfer of skills: Like a transfer of technology, MNCs also bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience. Their staff is amongst the best in the world and employees from the less developed countries learn plethora of skills from them, enabling them to train others and have a trickledown effect. Foreign firms pay for and provide world class training to its employees and stimulates intellectual as well as capital growth. Trickle down effects: MNCs, via their broad investments enable linkages backward, forward and horizontally. Not only does the MNC provide a FDI, but it also benefits companies that it collaborates with, such as industries that produce complementary goods. The service industry also benefits via the increase in investment. It creates additional demand and improves infrastructure abilities. Increase in Tax revenue: An increase in tax revenue is also an added benefit, since the host country gets to tax them and includes it in their public revenue. This can be used to finance projects that lead to development of infrastructure, causing economic development. Reduces gap between capital and labor: Less developed countries are also highly labor sensitive. As in the ratio of capital to labor is very low. MNCs employee vast numbers of the local population reducing this gap, creating jobs and employment and revenue means for the populace. There are two effects, direct and indirect. Job creation is direct, while the increased stimulus in demand and supply is the indirect employment effect. Encourages competition: This investment encourages entrepreneurship and breeds a culture of competition, increasing competitiveness amongst local companies, causing them to improve their own goods and services by increasing their efficiency and ultimately quality in order to better compete. Improves Balance of Payments: An added benefit of foreign direct investment is that it helps the Balance of Payments of both, the capital and current accounts, of the host country. Criticism of MNCs: Multinational corporations do control. They control the politicians. They control the media. They control the pattern of consumption, entertainment, thinking. Theyre destroying the planet and laying the foundation for violent outbursts and racial division. Jerry Brown There are two sides to every coin, and this is no different. Critics of MNCs state that the cons far outweigh the pros that MNC involvement brings to host countries. The primary concern for them is the high levels of unmonitored influence these companies have on host countries. Colonialism: MNCs are seen as a offshoot of western colonialism, albeit in a more subtle manner. Far from improving the balance of payments on both the current and capital accounts, critics argue that MNCs worsen it. This they argue happens when the profits are repatriated to their own countries. Though the local governments may come to an agreement that a certain portion of their inputs be bought in the local market, this however may come at a cost with negative impacts upon the less developed countries current accounts. Unmatchable influence: The power, influence and reach of these MNCs have enabled them to have considerable and highly influential affect on the political dynamics of numerous governments and their countries. The MNCs have been known to use this influence to pressurize governments into letting them become more competitive via the implementation of national policies that is conductive to their end goals, which is ultimately a hefty profit. One major drawback of such reforms is a vast decline in any socio-economic reforms. The regulation and responsibilities of states is growing in number as MNCs continue to expand economically and geographically. A set of new difficulties have taken rise as MNCs continue to take over most economic activities. Today, they outnumber states in terms of size and power. General Motors is an outstanding example to explain this phenomenon. The MNC is run at a scale larger than seven nations together. The power it has in terms of economics and politics, allows it to control a huge chunk of the world. Hence, it is worthwhile to note that since the 1990s when there were only 3 MNCs controlling the worlds economies, the number jumped up to 15 within the span of 10 years. Their large investment portfolios make MNCs a powerhouse when it comes to the negotiating table and most developing countries cannot match up to their level, enabling the MNCs to get the upper hand. This leads to them coercing the government into implementing policies that favor their needs at the expense of the local industry and market. Technological fraud: Technological transfer agreements are not always kept, and when kept they are usually skewed in favor of the MNC. Even though most do not agree to a full transparent technological transfer, even if that comes to pass, the technology passed onto the country is usually obsolete in nature or is patented so it would be of little use to the host country on a global scale. Little or No accountability: MNCs comprise of international bodies which function beyond the state authorities, in terms of decision making power and the power they hold over monetary assets. Though this legitimate challenge has been out there for thirty years now, yet only slight developments have been noted in terms of accountability. The old-fashioned regulatory body and the MNCs significant economic and political power have resulted in a clash which makes the regulation of states turn into a major problem. The MNC has surpassed the national legal structures and disregarded the delicate international bodies, increasing the already existing burden of fulfilling the basic norms of human rights. Undermine Social and Economic Rights: The MNCs dominant and significant position within the international forum increases its opposing competencies. MNCs can easily promote or undermine economic and social rights, which can in turn affect the international community, positively or negatively, depending on the local market of an economy. Though the State still holds much power over the laws and regulations on an international level, MNCs have a considerable impact over the decision making process of nation-states. As MNCs continue to grow economically and politically, the shift in power is gradually becoming visible. It is a must that the MNCs take into consideration the impact that they are leaving in developing countries. As MNCs continue to grow, their interference in the public domain also continues to increase. Their interference, leads to social and economic hazards for the public, i.e., the shareholders, employees, consumers and local populations. There is increasing support that calls for a more rigid and stricter regulation of the responsibilities of MNCs within their new assumed role. The world order is determined via deregulations of economics in nature and the lessening of government responsibilities when it comes to the public domain. This new reality has highlighted the growing need for regulation, as the influencing powers of various private organizations is increasing. This needs to be done in order to manage policies and reduce the gap. This extends to the customarily governmental realm of political and social policy, which are areas in which the Multinational Companies hold particular sway. Their contribution, be it positive or negative, will affect the economies, accordingly. Hence, a positive outlook on their part is a necessity if economic, cultural and social rights are to be promoted in this growing world of evils. Stifles Competition: The superiority of MNCs shines through their competitive nature as the stifle competition by getting subsidized inputs, lowering their costs and then competes with local manufacturers who cannot realistically match up to their prices. This results in a lot of them leaving the field, leaving the MNCs to monopolies the economy and then once in power, to jack up prices. Although FDI is supposed to foster growth, with the inclusion of MNCs it might lead to a loss of jobs as more businesses are put out of work. Although host countries require foreign investors to have a fix percent of local workers, this requirement is on the decline due to WTOs agreement on Trade Related measures on investment. Unmatched budgets: An offshoot of their influence on the government, the MNCs also have a huge advertising budget, which enables them to portray a much better image in the eyes of the local populace. With budgets that run in the millions, MNCs almost always succeed in gaining mass market shares of their products since the local companies cannot produce/hire production companies to do the same. This again alienates the local entrepreneurs and makes it harder for the majority of the population. Human Right abuses: The Multinational Corporation is an adaptable and established entity that profits from the principles of neo-liberal economics, as well as the predicament of the home and host state, the combination of which with restricted levels of liability and a decentralized decision-making hierarchy allows for abuses of human rights to take place internationally, by having doubt standards. Moreover, polices of MNCs such as the WTO, OECD, IMF and the World Bank, have enabled MNCs to gain a position of considerable influence on agendas of social and economic nature. In this never ending race to be the most economical, one major aspect that has not been given much due consideration is linked to the capacity that a state has to meet the terms and conditions of different forms of human rights obligations, i.e. economic, cultural and social rights. In order to meet this challenge, IMF and the World Bank have imposed economic reforms that allow production of goods and services to be worth exporting along with being deregulated and privatized. Foreign investment has become a must. Today, all states are inclined towards easing labor standards and modifying legal taxes to attract foreign investors. This inclination of states, in turn has led to a major destruction of human rights principles and the capability of states to self-sufficiently regulate their progress. Cooperation is required not only on an international level but also from non-state actors to safeguard rudimentary societal and financial privileges. As nations continue to fight over sovereig nty and the power shift continues to impact human rights negatively, the international legal structure is fast becoming inadequate to regulate and control the growth of influential non-state players, i.e. MNCs. Environmental impacts: Economic globalization has had quite a destructive impact on state regulation. People have been affected negatively and gradually the impact is increasing and becoming more obvious. The more competitive a nation, the lesser the regulations. Though this tactic is almost perfect in attracting multinational corporations, it is quite destructive in nature. In order to compete with such nations, other states are also forced to decrease their regulatory measures if they wish to get foreigners to invest in their country. No nation wishes to reduce its competitiveness or power. Foreign investors are now consuming the money that should have been legally invested in maintains the rights of the public socially, economically and culturally. Hence, MNCs are free from any legal obligations which may bind them and put a stop to the activities which are prone to destruct the communities that are subjected to the MNCs treatment. Moving Forward: With the growing economic power of corporations, an increasing number of domestic and international systems have started relinquishing control over their business over to their locally dominant MNCs. This leads to economic power having a say over political influence, which can be dangerous if left unchecked. The MNCs have complete power over national development, i.e. on matters such as trade, patent and monetary strategies. While regimes remain divided due to contradictory interests (effectiveness versus social modification), MNCs have a terse, vibrant and single-minded aim of creating as much profit as possible à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" profit which allows them to control all parties a national and international level. The abuse faced by developing countries at the hands of MNCs has now become almost unbearable. The international financial structure that accentuates the free market way of thinking, denationalization and a decrease in the involvement of the public sector is thwarting many developing and underdeveloped countries from sanctioning a fair and reasonable progress, on the basis of human rights. MNCs have uncountable funds, are only inclined to maximize profit, use the least amount of employees possible, jump from nation to nation without much consideration , import employees rather than using the local labor, and refuse to acknowledge the social requirements of the state they operate in. All these activities directly impact the socio-economic rights of the public. As a consequence of these elements and several other international monetary problems such as inadequate technology transmission, absence of external investment and the brain drain, various developing countries need guidelines in order to react efficiently to the circumstances. [6] There is a growing mistrust and anger developing in the developing countries where the economic and environmental impacts have started to show. Conclusion: I was initially recruited while I was in business school back in the late sixties by the National Security Agency, the nations largest and least understood spy organization; but ultimately I worked for private corporations. John Perkins In his book, Confessions of an Economic Hitman (2004) [7] , John Perkins states how he was hired by such organizations to coerce leaders of developing countries to take high levels of un payable loans in favor of a quick short time gain. He states that by doing so, the country would eventually default or ask for more time, upon which these multinationals would sweep in and monopolize the markets. This practice, he emphasized was being carried out globally and under the guise of various fronts. The public must be made aware of such fraudulent activities and they should demand an end to such exploitations. A few sweeping observations can be made. With trade and investment barriers on the verge of being dissolute globally, the penetration of MNCs across the globe, especially in developing markets is bound to increase. This would lead them into further clawing their way into the inner workings of weak governments and increase their socio-politico-cultural influences. With numerous MNCs merging, they are increasing their powers and would be harder to resist. Foreign direct investments has its pros and cons. However they should not be ignored for fear of their adverse effects. Instead policies should be made to better utilize them as the host country sees fit. Foreign capital is one of the primary catalyst of encouraging development, but it should never been treated as an alternate to domestic investments, but rather a helping supplement. Developing countries need to develop more indigenous industries that are capable of competing on a global scale, in a market full of MNCs. This cannot be done if local industries are considered infant industries and given subsidies so they could play safe, rather they should be forced to compete with the best of them, which would enable them to increase their efficiency. Less developed countries should focus internally and improve basic areas, so as to better compete against mega organizations and prevent them from dominating the market. This can only be done if they are made to come to economies of scale and plan on operating on a global scale, rather within the confines of a few local markets. [8] Multinational Companies are a reality and they are here to stay for the forseeable future. It is time for countries which have been exploited to start making changes and amend their ways for the better and the sooner the better.

Contemporary Rural America Captured in Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of

Contemporary Rural America Captured in Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Most Americans probably believe our times are different from Washington Irving’s era. After all, almost 200 years have passed, and the differences in technology and civil liberties alone are huge. However, these dissimilarities seem merely surface ones. When reading â€Å"Rip Van Winkle† and â€Å"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,† I find that the world Irving creates in each story is very familiar to the one in which I grew up. The players may have changed, and institutions have mostly replaced roles traditionally taken on by people, but the overall pieces still fit the rural lifestyle of contemporary America. Perhaps the biggest variation from life in these stories and life today in the small town concerns the role of the Van Tassels. As the prominent family in Sleepy Hollow, they serve as the social center. Baltus Van Tassel has more the air of an English country squire during harvest time than he does an American farmer. He is hearty, down to earth, and full of largesse (â€Å"Sleepy Hollow† 549, 556-557). The â€Å"’quilting frolic’† (553) is really a potluck dance. This type of community gathering continued throughout American history in rural areas. We have barn-raisings, fall festivals, holiday celebrations. However, the nature of the gatherings has changed in that the role of the prominent family now goes to the city or civic groups (such as a church). Rural America still has wealthy families and farmers, but rarely do they open their homes to the community for dancing and potlucks. The closest we still see of this is the ranch barbeque , but the outside nature makes it far less intimate. In my experience, these events are... ...ture of King George in â€Å"Rip Van Winkle.† Rip returns to his village twenty years after he left and realizes that someone has transformed the King into George Washington (541). Irving, realizing that much of life is merely a refashioning of the same ideas and structures into something that looks new, has taken an old German folk tale and turned it into a story of American life. We may live in a time with vastly different resources, technologies, and opportunities, but the urges that drive us are still the same. Works Cited Irving, Washington. â€Å"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.† The American Tradition in Literature. Vol 1. Eds. George Perkins, et al. 7th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1990: 544-563. 2 vols. ---. â€Å"Rip Van Winkle.† The American Tradition in Literature. Vol 1. Eds. George Perkins, et al. 7th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1990: 533-544. 2 vols.

Strict Parents

STRICT PARENTS Having strict parents is both a blessing and a curse. Of course, I appreciate how they don’t want something to happen to me, but I’m already 18 years old and I need to live my life before I regret it. I know my parent’s think what is best for me. They probably want to teach me about discipline and respect for the elders, but that’s not what I want to hear, so I get frustrated. These are the 3 reason why my parents are so strict. My parents are overprotective. It honestly frustrates me when half the time I’m never allowed to go anywhere with my friends, and go to places without my parents having to be right next to me.I understand they want to protect me because they love me, and I appreciate it, but it gets to the point when sometimes it’s just ridiculous and over the top. How can I ever enjoy myself during vacation if I’m never allowed out? Last week my friend Kim invited me to go out and watch movie at night time, I as ked my parents if I can go watch the movie with Kim and they just won’t let me go out so I cried that night and just stayed in my room. They won’t even let me have a boyfriend because their thinking that I’m going to get pregnant if I have one. They just don’t trust me on having a bf.When will I ever be free? I know they limited my life a lot (until I went off college). I am their baby at 18 years old, but deep down very sensible and not rebellious. However, to this day I have insecurities because of limitations placed on me. They discipline me by imposing a curfew to help me to become a responsible person, but of course it comes with a punishment. for example, when I go out with my friends, they always tell me that I have to be home by 10:00, and I have to obey them and go home on time because when I’m not on time there will be a consequence.Last month I went to my best friend’s birthday party and I was surprised that my parents allowed me to go out but I have to be home by 10:00 pm. I was enjoying my time at the party and I didn’t even notice the time and it was 1:00 am. I looked at my phone my parents have 25 missed call and I knew that I’m in trouble. I was grounded for 2 weeks and my mom confiscated my phone because I didn’t answer her phone call. I didn’t feel bad because it’s actually my fault if I was really aware of my time I wouldn’t be on that situation and I still love my parents.Most of all, they are strict because of their cultural traditions like when they grew up on their traditional rules and they are kind of doing the same thing to me. My mom used to tell me in the old days they were more strict than today. Their parents don’t let them go out without any companion. They had to do their chores every day before they could go out, and their parents also picked the right guy for them and that is hard because being with a guy that they don’t love is t otally unfair.I can’t imagine placing myself in that situation but my parents are using that rule to me and it’s so unfair for my part. For example, there was a time that I had to go to my friend’s birthday party, and my mom wouldn’t let me go out without any companion, so I have to bring my cousin with me to be sure that I went there and didn’t go some other place. I mean I’m old enough to go there alone without any companion with me. I just want to do my own thing and just be me. I want to be independent, and my parents just don’t get it.My parents are being strict because they are afraid of losing me. As I am their only child it’s their responsibility to protect me. Well, to solve this problem I will probably talk to my parents about them being strict and explain myself to them how am I feeling about them being strict. I will also prove them that I can be a good daughter, and I will gain their trust so that they won’t be as strict as before. I just want to live my life without rules and be a good daughter to them because I love them so much.

Philosophical Autobiography Essay

Life is what not it’s cracked up to be. Sure, it sounds like good, but eventually we all encounter despair, failure, suffering, frustration, the being unloving of our own hearts and of those around us, and finally death. Experience tells us even the best aspects of life are ultimately unsatisfying.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Probably the most significant question we can ask ourselves is what the most important thing in life is. The question has far reaching implications in that the answers that we arrive at can determine the course of the rest of our lives. Many would consider money or financial success as the most important factor in life. The high rate of suicide amongst lottery winners would contradict this. Others would search for fame, yet the list of famous people who have committed suicide or died from an overdose of drugs continues to grow. Good health would be high on anyone’s priorities, and the presence of love in ones life is also of major importance.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I would propose that wisdom is the most important thing in life. The best definition of wisdom that I have read is â€Å"the best means to achieve the best ends†. Wisdom is needed to achieve the best results in the myriad decisions we all need to make daily in our personal, financial, family, work, community lives. Each one of us has a unique mindset or set of beliefs which are continuously changing and which we use to make decisions, each of which has significant roll on effect on how the rest of our lives turn out. These mindsets are determined by the unique environments we have grown up in, our age, our education and the cumulative impact that each life experience has had on us. Our unique mindset is either working in our favor or working against us in each and every situation that we face. One way that we can test how online our thinking is in a particular situation is to look at the results we achieve as a result of the actions we took. Good results means our governing beliefs were online, bad results means that we need to re-evaluate our beliefs to determine what caused the negative outcome. I would propose that life is very much like a game and that a comparison between the two is very enlightening. In any game, you need to be fit, possess certain skills and have a good knowledge of the rules in order to participate. In life, we need to have a good knowledge of the rules that apply and to use this knowledge continuously in order to assess and make decisions in every situation that we face. The more intensely we play the game of life, the better our knowledge and application of the rules, the better the results we will achieve, much like a football player who is skilled, trains hard and knows the rules. During the course of our lives we progress from being dependent on our parents for food and shelter and emotional support, to being independent as we become young adults. We learn to make decisions for ourselves, and as we see the results of our decisions we get feedback and the resultant experience adds wisdom to subsequent decisions. The next stage is to develop relationships with others, or interdependence, and it is through these relationships that significant personal growth can occur. Many of us however have a low sense of self esteem which holds us back in relating to others. We look at the results we have and are achieving in our lives. If our results are unsatisfactory, we reassess our beliefs and make adjustments to our actions. Additional feedback is our emotions like fear, anger, unhappiness, disappointment etc. Our target is to lead a joy-filled, intense yet balanced life, leading to continually increasing wisdom.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   On the other hand, most of us need to unwind and get away from our hectic schedules from school, work, and other things that keep us busy. Like other young adults, they hang out in bars to have some fun but in my case, I rather go to the beach or in the mountains with my family to spend time with them and at the same time to recollect, meditate and appreciate the creation of God. Each place has its own beauty that attracts my attention. I love nature that much. I am thrill and feel excited every time I gaze their natural beauties. These are the places where I can meditate, recollect and reminisce my past or the things I do previously.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I like going to the beach if I want to find enjoyment and fun. I like the beach a lot because the breeze is very fresh. When I am in the beach, I enjoy staying under the heat of the sun while reading my favorite book and the sun makes my skin tan and adorable to look at. I also feel free and at ease. I can wear too my favorite swimwear.   When I am in the beach, it gives me an opportunity to surf and play beach ball games which I cannot do when I am at home and school. I also bury myself under the sand as a sort of relaxation and therapy to my body and when I do that, it gives me a sort of relief. Going to the beach also gives me an opportunity to meet new set of people from different walks of life.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   On the other hand, going to the mountains is also an interesting thing to do. It is fun and adventure. If I want to be on my own and don’t want to be disturbed by people, I immediately go to the mountains. The air there is as fresh as in the beach but it is not crowded with people. I can only find trees and animals. The chirps of the birds really inspire me and want to live life to the fullest. It makes me realize, too, that though birds live simply, they are happy and contented with their lives. They don’t ask for more but happy of what they have. This is the perfect place for meditation and for adventure. I am free from air and noise pollutions from the city where I live. When I am on the mountains, it gives me an opportunity to sleep early and helps me wake up excitedly the next day to have a brisk walk or climb some mountainous areas. Moreover, as a wide reader, I love to read detective and inspirational books. These would help me develop my critical thinking and analyze why things happen that way. Hence, I also like the works of Shakespeare especially the story of Hamlet. Considered as one of the greatest of Shakespeare’s tragedies, Hamlet is also one of the best-known plays in world literature. It is distinguished to be one of the first of its kind of being peculiarly a â€Å"philosophical play†, in addition to having a variety of metaphysical and psychological theories. Although revenge tragedies already existed during and before its time, Hamlet best exemplifies the genre of Elizabethan revenge. A center of many arguments is the apparent delay of Hamlet’s revenge. Critical discussion of this supposed procrastination has a long history. Goethe thought Hamlet too sensitive, Coleridge and A.W. von Schlegel too intelligent to be capable of action. The early 20th century English critic A.C. Bradley saw him as restrained by melancholia, the 19th century German scholar Herman Ulrici by moral scruples; the Freudians viewed him as too complex-ridden to kill his uncle (â€Å"Hamlet†). This aspect of Hamlet’s behavior is seen either as a flaw or a virtue. The story contains four sons of murdered fathers (Hamlet, Laertes, Fortinbras, and Pyrrhus), but Hamlet differs from the three’s pursuit for revenge. He even goes as far as feigning insanity in order to conceal his real agitation and divert attention from his task of revenge. The subject of revenge, which is one of the focal themes of the play, transcends every genre, for there is a Hamlet in every one of us. As Hamlet in the story suffers pain and grief as a result of the circumstances surrounding his father’s death, the usurping of the throne and by the betrayal he felt from his mother’s remarriage to his father’s brother, Hamlet is then filled with the dilemma of whether to take revenge against the wrongdoer. Suffering and grief as a consequence of injustice and oppression is as old as man’s history. Even during the course of the play, Hamlet’s torment alienates him from all those around him, even though he has a close friend to confide with. Such inner turmoil is only expressed in his soliloquies but unknown to those around him. Certainly, the depth of suffering is known only the most by the one who suffers.   How people variously react to such agonies is showcased in the play’s story. Most often, it is the common desire to act as the three other young men (Laertes, Fortinbras, and Pyrrhus) did — pursue their task of vengeance with ruthless single-mindedness. However, Hamlet’s situation is far more complicated. This shows that indeed, vengeance is far from simple. While it seeks to retaliate by inflicting pain for pain, Shakespeare’s Hamlet shows the peril of vengeance. All those who sought revenge died. Hamlet’s loved ones (such as Ophelia), those whom he could have sought solace and comfort, and himself also died. They became victims of Hamlet’s reckless rage as a result of his deflected and unfulfilled desire for retaliation. Revenge therefore, sinks both the offender and the avenger, pulling down along with it the innocent. It is a bearer of destruction. While most revenge plays justifies the avenger by emphasizing him or her as a victim, Hamlet’s character hangs a question above it. At the very core of revenge is bitterness, and is like a ‘rotten apple that spoils the whole bunch’. It has destroyed everything that’s good in Hamlet and made him much more evil than his stepfather. The danger of retaliation is to do greater harm than what was received. No one overcomes evil, with evil. Before bitterness could do its harm, it is best thrown out. Truly, Shakespeare’s Hamlet speaks to every individual in every genre, since ALL of us must pass through a time of making that choice: â€Å"TO BE (bitter) OR NOT TO BE (bitter)? That indeed is a question we all must face.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In addition, I believed that I am a one of a kind person so the saying or quote that would definitely describe me is â€Å"The Grateful One†. The reason I chose this quote is because this is what I perceive myself as and this is what other people think about me too. Not all people are being appreciative and thankful of what they have in life. Some of them would only be grateful when things go smoothly and when they can get the things they want. But through the years and seasoned with testing and circumstances, I have learned that I should be grateful in every way; thus, thanking those people who have helped me shape my character not only those people who brought positive impacts in my life but including those people who have hurt me. It is so irony to be grateful for those people who have hurt me but to some degree, their negative actions toward me make me strong as an individual and learn to depend on God. I have learned, too, that I should not only be thankful during the times when my spirit is uplifted but as well as the time when I am also down because I believe that everything has a purpose why things happen and during those gloomy days of my life, I was able to ponder and see the true beauty of life; thus, showing me who are my true friends are.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Moreover, I never let the day pass without being appreciative and thankful to every people I meet. I may not directly say thank you to them but at least I would tell them that I appreciate to be with their presence. But most of all, I will continually be grateful to God for giving me a family and parents who are very supportive and really inculcated that good conduct. Actually, I come from a strong Christian background and my family tells me, consistently, to always acknowledge God and to remember where my blessings come from. I am what I am today because of them.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Though I am very active with my academic career and civic organizations, I had this experience before that totally teach me a lesson. It teaches me how to listen some advices from others especially from our parents. This is my other side. To let go of someone you dearly love is very painful to do. The pains cause by ending relationship is very unbearable. Some people may find their world tear apart when they realize that their relationship with their partner is not going well. I have had this relationship in the past that truly marks in my heart and in my mind. I do love this person very much despite of his weaknesses and flaws but many people around us do not like the idea of being us together. At first, I try not to give ear to their comments and opinions because of my love for my partner. But in a long run, I decide to call it quits because I find out that my partner is having an affair with other man; take note, it’s a â€Å"man.† It truly hurts me a lot because he exchanges me to a man! It is a big slap my on face. That is the first factor I consider when I break up with him. He is not trustworthy and faithful. I just strongly believe that a woman is meant to be with a man and a man is meant to be with a woman. Though I live in a liberated world but I cannot just take and stand with this kind of idea that is having an affair with same sex. When I break up with him, I feel so much freedom that I never been experiencing when we are still together. I don’t know why I feel that way, but that is how I really feel. I feel like a bird being imprison in a cage for a long time and has the chance to be released. When my friends especially my parents learn about it, they are very happy and relieve. They don’t just like my partner because they can smell something fishy on him. After the break, I feel such joy in my heart and feel more beautiful inside.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Furthermore, many people think of personality as being made up of observable traits such as shyness, friendliness, and initiative. However, such traits are only the outward expression of various inner conditions and processes such as intelligence, attitudes, interests, and motives. Normal persons develop relatively consistent personalities that are distinguished by certain dominant traits. Persons belonging to the same cultural group—such as a family or nation—have many traits in common. But each person exhibits different traits under different circumstances, and each has unique traits as well as those he or she shares with others. It is also known that personalities develop throughout life, and may even undergo fundamental changes as result of psychotherapy or other treatment.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Moreover, personality is produced by the interaction of heredity and environment. Inborn qualities affect the individual’s response to the outside world, and the environment influences the way in which inborn capacities develop. However, the precise reasons why one person develops certain personality traits, while other develops other traits, are not known.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   What you have known to yourself is not known to others. They only base their judgments on what they see and that is your personality. Basically, the treatment of people on you depends on how you carry yourself, through your composure when you are irritated and how you dressed up yourself.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   An example of this is how you dress up yourself.   Don’t wear clothes that will give others a reason to criticize and not respect you at all but rather wear clothes that would motivate them to respect you as a person because if you would like to be respected, pay respect first to yourself by wearing clothes decently.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I have observed that people that I meet pay me respect because of the way I dress and talk to them. I have a number of experiences that with regards to how I dress up and gaining respect from others. They find my personality respectable because of how I act and how I carry my clothes.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Another thing, we cannot deny that there is always prejudice and biases wherever we go. People will treat you nicely or give you special treatment if they find you attractive or appealing but if you are not attractive to their eyes, they will just ignore you as if you do not exist. It usually happens in big and known department stores or any establishment. If you wear flashy clothes and very attractive to look at, the salesperson will entertain you very well and gives you a welcome smile but if you wear just a simple dress and you are not that attractive, there is a tendency that the salesperson will not give you a fair treatment. She/He might think that you cannot afford the stuff they are selling and why does she/he bother entertaining you?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are times too that attractive people are always popular and they are respected because of their good looking appearances. Moreover, many people would be fanatic to them and may imitate their styles. Just like the actresses and actors that we have in the past and at present. Because of their charisma, many people would try to imitate and dream to be like them. But if you only have a plain face, there is always a tendency that people would make fun of you. So we cannot deny that in this world, most people are looking only for the outside appearance and they forgot to look what is in the heart.

In Search of Excellence Book Review essays

In Search of Excellence Book Review essays In Search of Excellence is a book dealing with many different principles of economics and what makes big business' excellent. The first idea that Peters discusses is his chart of the McKinsey 7-S Framework. The graph is very simple but the ideas are fairly complex. In their research, they found that their philosophies were too hard to explain and easily forgettable. They made this Framework to deal with strategy, structure, style, systems, staff (people), skills, and shared values (culture). This has 7 S's (easy to remember) and a graphical representation to visualize. This shows the businessman that the intractable, irrational, intuitive, and informal organization can be managed. For example, anyone assuming that a new manager of a Taco Bell will perform exactly as the old manager did is ridiculous. The organization of workers must adjust and adapt to the new manager's way of business. Another more main topic of the novel is the Eight Basic Principles. Their research had shown that the excellent companies had been based on the basics. The companies had to try to keep things simple. Sometimes, to a big business, it might seem logical that business should be run more complex the larger it is. From their research, this is usually not true. The first pricnciple is a bias for action. This is basically saying "Stop talking and do something about it." When Taco Bell has a rush of customers and their supplies for making food are low, they (usually) don't say "You know what, I have no more cheese" or "Could someone get me some more cheese?" They take action and get the cheese, make it if necessary, and get the problem solved as quickly as possible. The second Principle they deal with is to be close to the customer. This means good service and listening to what the customer has to say. If the producer, Taco Bell, is not in touch with what the customer wants to eat, then the business will most likely fail. Although it also refers to custo...

Case Management for Breast Cancer Patients

Case Management for Breast Cancer Patients Tumours are diseases that can be characterized with little percentage of preventive measures taken to forecast the condition of a patient or analyze the possibility of inherited genomes to provoke development of cancer tumours. In this respect, preventive measures should be taken in order to decrease the mortality rates all over the world in terms of cancer illness and breast cancer in particular. Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Case Management for Breast Cancer Patients specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The changes should be made in the area of preventive approaching the breast cancer as a chronic illness in institutions addressing the healthcare providers’ professional competencies and the way patients, families, and communities perceive this illness and prevent its appearance. Breast cancer as a chronic disease Breast cancer is a chronic illness because it is a recurring one and, as a rule, it progresses sl owly. Mammary neoplasms are treated as a chronic illness if neoplasms occur constantly even after the use of invasive method and chemotherapy sessions and demonstrate a low progress. In this respect, it needs a completely different approach than a single instance of breast cancer tumour that can be extracted and a tumour can happen to occur no more. Another case that can be considered in breast cancer treatment is the fast or inoperative instance of mammal neoplasm. Inherited propensity and different external factors (smoking, eating carcinogenic products, and others) can accelerate the risk of cancer occurrence. However, sometimes, people live with cancer tumours all life long and undergo a number of chemotherapy sessions that slow down the development and spreading of infected cells. So, a patient should be screened for a breast cancer and appropriate measures should be taken if a patient has an inherited propensity of breast cancer. As reported by Perry et al. (2007), in June 2 003, the European Parliament called for establishment of a programme by 2008 which should lead to a future 25% reduction in breast cancer mortality rates in the EU and also a reduction to 5% in the disparity in the survival rates between member states† (p.615). So, this can be considered the first set of measures to be taken for improving the treatment incorporation of preventive measures into practice as an alternative for supportive measures. Though supportive measures are necessary for patents that have been diagnosed advanced breast cancer tumour, it is necessary to think about alternative ways to decrease the rate of mortality caused by breast cancer and various complications. Advertising Looking for essay on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Thus, Blamey et al. (2007) have studied the survival of invasive breast cancer which presupposes supportive taken for patients that were diagnosed adv anced breast cancer tumour and have to perceive some treatment in the form of surgical invasion followed by chemotherapy sessions. In this respect, breast cancer can be characterised as a chronic illness that needs preventive measures to be introduced for healthcare providers and for patients and their families as an alternative to supportive measures. Supportive care contrasted to preventive measures As supportive measures were taken for breast cancer patients in the late 20th century, it is necessary to implement some preventive measures. Perry et al. (2007) suggests that even the supportive invasive measures were well-coordinated in case of advanced tumours diagnosis (p.619). In other words, supportive measures are contrasted to timely screening of breast cancer and preventive measures taken for breast cancer patients. When preventive treatment does not work, it is necessary to implement healthcare education for patients and their families. In addition, all types of health care institutions should incorporate preventive measures for patients that have inherited predisposition to breast cancer. Counselling sessions and other ways to inform people that may potentially be diagnosed breast cancer would be primary steps to prevent breast cancer and reduce the mortality rate. As a rule, the reports inform about increase in the spreading rates and the mortality rates. However, the study by Ravdin et al. (2007) offers some evidence of the decrease in breast cancer incidence in breast cancer in the United States in 2003. Perhaps, it is necessary to analyze the measures taken by healthcare providers that year to achieve this result and continue in the same manner. One of the possible ways to increase the awareness of patents in their possible illnesses is to inform the population of the measures to be taken to decrease the effect of various factors on their organism and undergo a set of procedures. Thus, Robson, Offit (2007) report of certain risk assessment and g enetic testing to be taken in case a patient can potentially be diagnosed breast cancer. Besides, there are measures that can be taken to inform the patient and her family members about the risk and risk that exists in this case. A set of preventive measures can be taken if a person is of definite age and can be potentially diagnosed breast cancer due to certain external factors. Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Case Management for Breast Cancer Patients specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In addition, it is necessary to take some measures such as mammography to prevent the slightest possible percent of being diagnosed breast cancer. However, even if you are diagnosed breast cancer, it woud be more productive to remove the tumour and take non-invasive measures while fighting against the disease. Another study that analyzes management measures that should be taken to prevent occurrence of a disease is the one by Narod Offit (2005). Hereditary illnesses should be opposed to chronic ones. In addition, there should be definite measures taken for patients that have already been diagnosed breast cancer and those who may potentially have it in future. As a rule, it is a matter of time if all female relatives of a patient were diagnosed breast cancer. In this case, preventive therapy is the most appropriate measure that consist in risk assessment, genetic testing, counseling sessions, and other steps including breast examination, mammography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography, and screening for other cancers, as well as chemoprevention and surgery as parts of strategies for reducing risks. Moreover, the preventive measures for breast cancer include prophylactic mastectomy, analysis of reproductive factors, and oophorectomy for breast cancer risk reduction. As you can see, there are many steps that can be taken but the most appropriate way to fight against the cancer in the earliest stages is to take a combination of those steps and prevent the occurrence of the disease before the patient is diagnosed breast cancer. Conclusion It appears to be more productive to take preventive measures instead f taking invasive measures while dealing with such problem as breast cancer and inherited breast cancer. Advertising Looking for essay on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More When women face such problem, they should receive constructive counselling. Moreover, most women with a possibility to have breast cancer can undergo a set of preventive measures including mammography that would help to screen the tumour when non-invasive measures would be enough. The patents as well as health care providers should be aware of the alternative measures to be taken in every separate case and certain complications and individual peculiarities that should be taken into account while considering preventive measures and certain complications, age, family health history, and other numerous factors. Preventive measures can be introduced on the regular basis to help women with different stages of breast cancer to fight their disease int he most productive way. Reference List Blamey, R.W., Ellisa, I.O., Pindera, S.E., Leea, A.H.S., Macmillana, R.D., Morgana, D.A.L.,†¦ Elstona, C.W. (2007). Survival of invasive breast cancer according to the Nottingham Prognostic Index in cases diagnosed in 1990–1999. European Journal Of Cancer, 4 3, 1548-1555. Narod, S. A., Offit, K. (2005) Prevention and management of hereditary breast cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 23 (8), 1656-1663. Perry, N., Broeders, M., de Wolf, C., Tà ¶rnberg, S., Holland, R., von Karsa, L. (2007). European guidelines for quality assurance in breast cancer screening and diagnosis. Fourth edition – summary document. Annals of Oncology, 19 (4), 614-622. Ravdin, P. M., Cronin, K. A., Howlader, N., Berg, C. D., Chlebowski, R. T., Feuer, E. J., †¦ Berry, D. A. (2007) The decrease in breast-cancer incidence in 2003 in the United States. The New England Journal of Medicine, 356 (16), 1670-1674. Robson, M., Offit, K. (2007). Management of an inherited predisposition to breast cancer. The New England Journal of Medicine, 357 (2), 154-162.

INTERNATIONAL ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION Coursework

INTERNATIONAL ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION - Coursework Example Eventually, through the enaction of the Arbitration Act 1996 and through several cases, the arbitration clause was held to survive even if the underlying contract was void or invalid. The details of the evolution of the arbitration clause, with relation to whether it survives the death or invalidity of the underlying contract, is the topic of this submission. Analysis Historically, courts have approached the issue of the separability of arbitration clauses in different ways. In England, the issue of arbitration clauses being separable was decided in such a way that the arbitration clause became another contract term, in the case of Kill v. Hollister in 1746.1 This decision was in accordance with another decision by France different around this same time that was decidedly anti-arbitration. France’s Napoleonic Code outlawed enforcing arbitration clauses. However, the notion of separability evolved in Europe, so that Germany, in the late 19th Century, decided that the law of the arbitration and the law of the contract could be ruled by separate jurisdictions. This is because Germany decided that arbitration clauses were procedural, therefore would be ruled by the law of the forum. The contract itself, being substantive, would be ruled by a different law. Hence, Germany decided that arbitration clauses were separate from the contracts themselves.2 In England, a landmark court decision was seemingly influenced by the German notion of contract and arbitration clause separability. Hamlyn v. Talisker was a House of Lords decision in 1894 that decided that arbitration clauses were governed by separate laws than the contract themselves, and this meant that the law of the arbitration clauses would be governed by the place of arbitration, even though the law of the contract might be a different law than that of the arbitration. Other countries have followed suit, to where â€Å"separability for conflicts of law purposes has been accepted amongst the key arbitratio n countries.† 3Although most countries are in accordance with the notion of contract and arbitration clause separability, they handle the issue in different ways. Some countries allow parties to choose the law of the arbitration clause and the law governing the contract separately, while others â€Å"simply apply by statute the law of the seat to all cases proceeding in their territory.†4 The principle of severability is perfectly illustrated in the case of Mastrobuono v. Shearson Lehman Hutton, Inc., et al., 514 U.S. 52. In that case, the parties entered into an agreement that had an arbitration provision and a choice of law provision. In that case, the arbitration provision stated that the law of Illinois, and the rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, would govern arbitration, and the contract would be governed by the laws in New York. The parties arbitrated the disagreement in Illinois, and the plaintiffs were awarded punitive damages. The problem with this is that New York, which governed the contract, had passed a law that stated that arbitrators may not award punitive damages. Therefore, the defendants appealed the award of punitive damages, stating that, since New York precluded such an award. The United States Supreme Court granted certiorari on the matter because the lower courts were in conflict as to whether contractual choice of law pro

Monopolies in the Media Buisness Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Monopolies in the Media Buisness - Essay Example (Federal Communications Commission, 2008a) Under the Wireline Competition Burea and the Media Bureau of FCC, the researcher will discuss the regulation in terms of promoting free market competition in different markets of radio, television, wire, satellite and cable radio, TV and Internet. Eventually, the researcher will discuss how monopolies could negatively affect the media businesses in the United States. Prior to the main discussion, the researcher will determine whether Clear Channel is considered as a monopoly or not. The Wireline Competition Bureau is mainly responsible for developing rules and regulation as well as the future goals and objectives with regards to telephone companies that provides an interstate and intrastate telecommunications service to the people with the use of wire-based transmission facilities. (Federal Communications Commission, 2008a) have several choices and opportunity and fairness in the wireline telecommunications services. (Federal Communications Commission, 2008b) Through its implementation of a deregulatory initiatives under the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (Telecommunicatins Act of 1996, 1996a), the Bureau was able to promote market competition necessary in keeping the infrastructure and services of the local wireline telecommunications efficient and competitive. In line with the promotion of market competition to all telecommunications company, the Bureau could maintain a high economic growth in the local telecommunications industry by increasing the quality of services at a reasonable and affordable market prices. (Telecommunications Act of 1996, 1996b) In the end, the Bureau could easily make the telecommunications services available and accessible in all regions in the U.S. Considering the high-cost of telecommunications infrastructure, FCC encourages new operators or carriers for the telecommunications business by extending a high-cost universal support to qualified

The Impact of Inward Foreign Direct Investment on Host Countries Essay

The Impact of Inward Foreign Direct Investment on Host Countries - Essay Example According to the research findings, Foreign Direct Investment has over the last three decades aroused conflicting responses from the first and third world. In essence, FDI gives the investor the power to operate a company in another country for the long term. Developed host countries are not too welcome to the idea on the premise that they fear foreign firms will end up dominating their local firms. In contrast to this, developing countries are more welcome to the idea on the grounds that FDI will bring additional capital, expertise and new technology into their country. Host countries record FDI flows as liabilities along with similar items in their balance of payments. In host countries like these FDI flows make up a large percentage of the total investment in the economy as compared to more developed countries; the effects of FDI on these countries differ as well, with developing countries showing a steady growth trend as compared to developed countries who showed boom and bust cy cles as a result of engaging in FDI. Growth is normally measured by looking at the trends in per capita GDP growth. Analysts relate FDI to per capita to GDP growth by looking at figures of gross FDI inflows and FDI inflows per capita to see if they have any impact on the economic growth of a country. Research has revealed a positive relationship between FDI levels and growth levels in an economy, in some cases, these results have been insignificant as well but these variables have never shared a negative relationship. The extraneous variable has a magnitude changing effect on this relationship. It has been seen that the more developed a country is, the better and greater positive effect FDI will have on its economic growth. Most studies that have analyzed the impact of FDI on the economic growth of the host country have found the results to be pretty elusive. Most established relationships are based specifically on the host country’s own specific economic characteristics. Thu s it is difficult to generalize these effects and apply them to other countries as the findings of a study. However, the probable effects are not completely elusive, as the endogenous growth theory provides a framework for the positive linkage between growth and FDI inflows.

Multimedia & Design Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Multimedia & Design - Essay Example It is therefore vital to acknowledge that emotional effect by a product to its users has to be made one of the focal point in the design process. Norman greatly recognizes the necessity of emotional appreciation in the available products, goods and services to the human beings (Norman, 2004). Figure 1: Key design considerations Throughout the scheme of importance of experiences and emotions, Normans has laid key emphasis on the importance of emotional appreciation. In addressing the subject, Norman divides human’s appreciation with focus laid at two notions that influence appreciation (Norman, 2004). These notions are visceral and aesthetic appreciation. Visceral appreciation engrosses a human being’s pleasure to something motivated by one’s natural intelligence or knowledge in practical circumstances where any of the stimuli sensory faculties are triggered from in or outside an individual’s body (Norman, 2004). The stimuli faculties here include an indivi dual’s ability to hear, view around (sight), smell, equilibrium, taste and touch. Triggering of the sensory stimuli leads an individual to consider something as favorable or unfavorable. On the other aesthetic appreciation encompasses the decisive reflection on art, nature and culture driven by one’s judgment of outlook or even taste. In brief, the second Norman’s division of emotional appreciation is based on one’s sensor-emotional values (Norman, 2004). Thorough analyses of the visceral and aesthetic appreciation provide a clarified detail of each and their integration to trigger an individual’s appreciation of one thing over another (Norman, 2004). Clearly, visceral appreciation focuses keenly on one being driven by the stimulus factors in or outside one’s environs. In this sense, it clarifies that visceral appreciation significantly revolves around effects of a product or service on one or a number of the stimulus faculties. For aestheti c appreciation, emphasis is laid on an individual’s sensory implication or sentimental judgment of a product, service or things around. It is hereby clear that the two do not have to be separated since revolve almost the same notion. To be precise, I disagree with Norman’s idea of dividing emotional appreciation based on the two. Norman clearly over complicates the idea of emotional appreciation. From point of view and thorough scrutiny of the subject, I can deduct that, emotional appreciation is based on the sensory effects resulting from only stimulus faculties and experience on a product or service. In other words, this clarifies that since aesthetic appreciation focuses on sensory judgment of a thing, then it (aesthetic appreciation) must involve one or more of the stimuli faculties. Therefore, if the stimuli must be involved, then that means it (aesthetic appreciation) depends on a key component of the visceral appreciation (Norman, 2004). This is because, as anal yzed earlier, visceral appreciation focuses mainly on the effects of stimulus faculties in or outside one’s body. It is in this sense that I prefer that Norman should have merged the visceral and aesthetic appreciation instead of separating them. In addition, the experience levels an individual has on a product or service with relation to another further enhances that individual’

The Influence of Youth Gangs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Influence of Youth Gangs - Essay Example Often, the blame is placed on social and economic disadvantages, lack of parental involvement, or a failure of institutionalized support such as the foster care system. Intervening in a child's pre-teen years could help change the child's first inappropriate steps down the road to becoming a gang member. Yet, many of the child's decisions to engage in extreme anti-social behavior have their foundation outside the child's upbringing, socio-economic status, or physical environment. The social environment of today's youth has left them vulnerable to the influence of gangs, and has helped shaped a class of youth incapable of determining right or wrong and incompetent to realistically weigh the outcome of their actions. Finding markers that could help sociologists, family courts, schools, and law enforcement predict a child's propensity to engage in gang activity could help lead to early intervention or create effective anti-gang programs. To begin a discussion on gangs and gang membership it is helpful to clear up some of the more common misconceptions and myths that surround gangs. While gangs are often perceived as a modern problem brought on by the stress of growing up in today's world, they have been around since the beginning of mankind. The origin of gangs in America began as the new immigrants, faced with a harsh life in a new country, would die or abandon their children. The 18th century orphanages, predecessor to the foster care system, were set up to care for the expanding population of homeless children (Lewis). However, the children soon discovered that they could look after one another as a means of existence. According to Lewis, "Gangs were generally comprised of members of the same race and ethnic background, who banded together for protection, recreation and financial gain". This would inevitably lead to problems of delinquency and theft as the gangs became more organized and cohesive. In essence, youth gangs in America were initially formed for the purpose of survival. Modern gangs can today be found in almost any medium sized American city, and have focused their criminal activity on the drug trade and violence. Gang membership has exploded in recent decades and Savelli reports that national membership topped one million youths in 2001. In addition, gangs are spanning the country to cities such as Minneapolis where members are as young as 13 years old (Chanen and Collins A1). Their escalating numbers have also been accompanied by an escalation in the types and severity of their crimes. Firearms have become much more commonplace within the youth gang setting and a study by Ruddell and Decker revealed the following: Regardless of the location of these respective studies, juvenile respondents generally told the researchers that they had some experience with firearms and that they were relatively easy to obtain. In addition, when juveniles were asked about their firearm of choice, they typically indicated a semiautomatic pistol of some description (50). This has led to more sophisticated organizations as rival gangs fight for drug territory and use violence as a means to settle their disputes. As an example, the US Department of Justice states that, "The Black Gangster Disciples Nation (BGDN) exemplifies such an evolution from a relatively disorganized criminal street gang to a formal criminal organization"

Operations Strategy Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Operations Strategy - Case Study Example In fact, empirical evidence shows us that realized strategy tends to be about 10-30 percent of intended strategy. What really determines strategy is the "patterns of decisions that emerge from individual managers adapting to changing external circumstances and the ways in which the intended strategy was interpreted." What is Apple's mission and strategy today' Apple's mission is to deliver a highly innovative and superior solution to a customer's personal computing needs. Apple's present day competitive strategy is a return to differentiation. Key elements to this strategy are an emphasis on design, service, branding through advertising, and quality. Drivers needed to attain these objectives are through the firm's unique marketing abilities, engineering skills, creativity, and R& D (Apple Computer, 2005). Although the company has excelled in delivery and order processing, it still has yet to prove its operational efficiency. Therein lies Apple's principal weakness. In the past, Apple has failed to reconcile the added cost of differentiation with operational efficiencies in production and distribution. Apple has also shown competencies in building brand reputation and generating buzz for its products. Their marketing campaigns have been successful and remain a value added activity. Financially, the company remains liquid with substantial cash reserves and is not highly leveraged in debt (Apple Financial, 2006). Apple's differentiation strategy is uniquely aligned with the changing dynamics of the industry. Firstly, Apple owns the only viable alternative to a "Wintel" machine. All other major computer manufacturers are only slightly differentiated because they are forced to conform to the "Wintel" standards of an Intel chip and Microsoft operating system. They are limited to differentiating themselves based on accessibility, service, and marketing. Apple has successfully differentiated itself as the only viable alternative to the PC standard. The two major forces that have affected market share loss are the misconception that Apple computers are incompatible with available software for Wintel machines and buying one will result in losses in functionality. This can be overcome with aggressive marketing campaigns in which Apple has demonstrated value added competencies. The second major factor contributing to Apple loss in market share is the unmatched price erosion from the PC market. Apple has failed to narrow the gap because of its operational inefficiencies. If Apple can narrow this price gap and overcome the negative software perception, it will undoubtedly regain market share (Bateman - Snell 2004). Internal Analysis Mission, Long-Range Objectives, Current Strategy, and Performance Between the years of 1980 and 2001, Apple slid along a turbulent slope of declining market share and profit erosion where it lost its leadership position and now lags as a market follower with a mere 3% total market share. Apple's inability to defend its market share and leadership status can be directly attributed to one general, yet prevailing driver. Throughout this fleeting tenure, Apple lacked a clear mission and competitive strategy that drove the value creating activities of the firm (FEI 2006). Apple began with the mission to "change the world through technology." More specifically, the company sought

Multimedia & Design Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Multimedia & Design - Essay Example It is therefore vital to acknowledge that emotional effect by a product to its users has to be made one of the focal point in the design process. Norman greatly recognizes the necessity of emotional appreciation in the available products, goods and services to the human beings (Norman, 2004). Figure 1: Key design considerations Throughout the scheme of importance of experiences and emotions, Normans has laid key emphasis on the importance of emotional appreciation. In addressing the subject, Norman divides human’s appreciation with focus laid at two notions that influence appreciation (Norman, 2004). These notions are visceral and aesthetic appreciation. Visceral appreciation engrosses a human being’s pleasure to something motivated by one’s natural intelligence or knowledge in practical circumstances where any of the stimuli sensory faculties are triggered from in or outside an individual’s body (Norman, 2004). The stimuli faculties here include an indivi dual’s ability to hear, view around (sight), smell, equilibrium, taste and touch. Triggering of the sensory stimuli leads an individual to consider something as favorable or unfavorable. On the other aesthetic appreciation encompasses the decisive reflection on art, nature and culture driven by one’s judgment of outlook or even taste. In brief, the second Norman’s division of emotional appreciation is based on one’s sensor-emotional values (Norman, 2004). Thorough analyses of the visceral and aesthetic appreciation provide a clarified detail of each and their integration to trigger an individual’s appreciation of one thing over another (Norman, 2004). Clearly, visceral appreciation focuses keenly on one being driven by the stimulus factors in or outside one’s environs. In this sense, it clarifies that visceral appreciation significantly revolves around effects of a product or service on one or a number of the stimulus faculties. For aestheti c appreciation, emphasis is laid on an individual’s sensory implication or sentimental judgment of a product, service or things around. It is hereby clear that the two do not have to be separated since revolve almost the same notion. To be precise, I disagree with Norman’s idea of dividing emotional appreciation based on the two. Norman clearly over complicates the idea of emotional appreciation. From point of view and thorough scrutiny of the subject, I can deduct that, emotional appreciation is based on the sensory effects resulting from only stimulus faculties and experience on a product or service. In other words, this clarifies that since aesthetic appreciation focuses on sensory judgment of a thing, then it (aesthetic appreciation) must involve one or more of the stimuli faculties. Therefore, if the stimuli must be involved, then that means it (aesthetic appreciation) depends on a key component of the visceral appreciation (Norman, 2004). This is because, as anal yzed earlier, visceral appreciation focuses mainly on the effects of stimulus faculties in or outside one’s body. It is in this sense that I prefer that Norman should have merged the visceral and aesthetic appreciation instead of separating them. In addition, the experience levels an individual has on a product or service with relation to another further enhances that individual’

Operations Strategy Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Operations Strategy - Case Study Example In fact, empirical evidence shows us that realized strategy tends to be about 10-30 percent of intended strategy. What really determines strategy is the "patterns of decisions that emerge from individual managers adapting to changing external circumstances and the ways in which the intended strategy was interpreted." What is Apple's mission and strategy today' Apple's mission is to deliver a highly innovative and superior solution to a customer's personal computing needs. Apple's present day competitive strategy is a return to differentiation. Key elements to this strategy are an emphasis on design, service, branding through advertising, and quality. Drivers needed to attain these objectives are through the firm's unique marketing abilities, engineering skills, creativity, and R& D (Apple Computer, 2005). Although the company has excelled in delivery and order processing, it still has yet to prove its operational efficiency. Therein lies Apple's principal weakness. In the past, Apple has failed to reconcile the added cost of differentiation with operational efficiencies in production and distribution. Apple has also shown competencies in building brand reputation and generating buzz for its products. Their marketing campaigns have been successful and remain a value added activity. Financially, the company remains liquid with substantial cash reserves and is not highly leveraged in debt (Apple Financial, 2006). Apple's differentiation strategy is uniquely aligned with the changing dynamics of the industry. Firstly, Apple owns the only viable alternative to a "Wintel" machine. All other major computer manufacturers are only slightly differentiated because they are forced to conform to the "Wintel" standards of an Intel chip and Microsoft operating system. They are limited to differentiating themselves based on accessibility, service, and marketing. Apple has successfully differentiated itself as the only viable alternative to the PC standard. The two major forces that have affected market share loss are the misconception that Apple computers are incompatible with available software for Wintel machines and buying one will result in losses in functionality. This can be overcome with aggressive marketing campaigns in which Apple has demonstrated value added competencies. The second major factor contributing to Apple loss in market share is the unmatched price erosion from the PC market. Apple has failed to narrow the gap because of its operational inefficiencies. If Apple can narrow this price gap and overcome the negative software perception, it will undoubtedly regain market share (Bateman - Snell 2004). Internal Analysis Mission, Long-Range Objectives, Current Strategy, and Performance Between the years of 1980 and 2001, Apple slid along a turbulent slope of declining market share and profit erosion where it lost its leadership position and now lags as a market follower with a mere 3% total market share. Apple's inability to defend its market share and leadership status can be directly attributed to one general, yet prevailing driver. Throughout this fleeting tenure, Apple lacked a clear mission and competitive strategy that drove the value creating activities of the firm (FEI 2006). Apple began with the mission to "change the world through technology." More specifically, the company sought

In Defence of Harry Flashman Essay Example for Free

In Defence of Harry Flashman Essay It is understandable why the first mention of the character of Harry Flashman – the opportunistic philanderer of his Majestys service who lied and cheated his cowardly way through the Victorian pages of his fictional memoirs by George MacDonald Fraser – is enough to deter the browsing lady, though far be it from anyone to say it should. Since patterns of book-buying snake across the sexes like a flailing sidewinder, it would be hopeless to say as to where on the shop shelf the hand might lay to rest. Nevertheless, for a series of stories far too overlooked for the publics common good, what could the otherwise fairer sex also find to appreciate in a man whose charm seems as fictitious as the women who fall for it? To put it more simply: can this man – to borrow the blurb – be all bad? If the name â€Å"Flashman† is shouting forward from the back of your mind, dare the â€Å"Lord Flashheart† be named as the bothering heckler? Dont think him an unwanted associate, for Blackadders slavering womaniser could be seen as an exaggeration of the â€Å"Flashman persona† and certainly close to what Harry himself may have become had he not, by hand and boot of queen and empire, been thrown into the Flemingesque scenarios he haphazardly emerged from, some the wiser and better-shaped. Unlike the all-consuming debauchery of his comedic counterpart, Harrys lechery is merely a tempered impetus; punctuating his desire for the English comforts that makes for the only form of patriotism youll see in him, if you can call it patriotism – the patriotism of Bond it most certainly is not. What differs Harry from James is awareness, and when taking stock, the idiom trumps the ammo. It would be daft to credit Harrys decision making with the weighing of political consequence, however; that would be a laughable excuse; something he doesnt begin to admit. Its fear that has his mind running back to the jolly English riff-raff and the spread of beds that await. Though isnt to think with your legs the best strategy for the reporter? Reluctant maybe, Harry is a better reporter than he is a soldier. This cowardice kept him alive til a time when he could afford to admit the truth. Concerning the First Afghan War, the truth about a man, General Elphinestone who single-handedly stripped the meat from his ranks as he rung them through the Khord-Kabul pass on their retreat from Afghanistan. Long after witnessing rom on high, the massacre of the regiments from which he had high-tailed the night before, Flashman verbally guts he whom he declares â€Å"No fate could be bad enough for†: â€Å"I still state unhesitatingly, that for pure, vacillating stupidity, for superb incompetence to command, for ignorance combined with bad judgement in short for the true talent for catastrophe, Elphy outshines all as the greatest military idiot of our own or any other day Now what a sorry waste of insightful wit it would have been to have it lost amidst the idiot pride of a fellow more gallant than Harry. Elphinestone is not alone; Harry considers many of the figures he meets to be – to varying degrees – morons, despite his care to concede a grace here and there. Its no surprise that he met such a top-heavy pile of fools; he was, after all, involved in some of the worst disasters of British imperialism all the more reason to flee when he could. But you know the fastidious type. Perhaps youve a friend whom fits this description, in which case, youll understand how empowering it feels to have them praise you – youre worth a cheer! When chance encounter pairs Harry with one he considers of rare dignity, you too, as the reader, hold them as praiseworthy, or rather, worthy of investigation. It was in 1842 when he jumped into the carriage of Lola Montez – an Irish dancer girl turned adventuress of Europe whose life was spent â€Å"playing with kingdoms† as one might romantically say. Her appearances in Royal Flash are glimpses; moments too brief to capture her entirety, yet he alludes to a life beyond the pages with so delicate a respect that one is inspired to follow. Whilst Harry never himself existed, he may as well have. Its very easy to speak of his personality as anything but fictional. Perhaps to no great surprise considering we get to know the fellow through his own confessions, worded not merely to the benefit of his own authenticity, either. The true blue honesty rubs off well onto those he brushes shoulders with. Its what we have to thank this bounder for – dramatising without disfiguring a past of characters pallid to most today and enriching the pursuit of history for ourselves. Harry once said about the Earl of Cardigan, that some human faults are military virtues; for Harry, some human faults are literary virtues.

Tactics And Targets Of Revolutionary Terrorism Politics Essay

Tactics And Targets Of Revolutionary Terrorism Politics Essay Revolutionary terrorism is a phenomenon that has affected much of the world since the beginning of the 20th century. This essay will argue that revolutionary terrorism has its roots in revolutionary socialist theory. It is this framework that provides the justifications and rationales for revolutionary terrorist activity. I will begin with an outline of the key concepts of revolutionary thought, as described in the writings of Marx and Engels. Furthermore it will be shown that other key figures, including Vladimir Lenin, Mao Tse-Tung and Marighella have influenced the evolution of revolutionary terrorism in the 20th Century. Secondly, I will outline the tactics employed by revolutionary terrorist groups and the groups and individuals that constitute their targets. They argue that the use of terrorist tactics with the aim of replacing exploitive capitalist governments with an equitable socialist society is in keeping with the fundamental aims of revolutionary socialism. In order to il lustrate the influence of the theory discussed, I will examine the cases of the Italian Red Brigade and the Japanese Red Army. These groups underwent a campaing of terror to facilitate this change. By opting to use terrorism they sought to undermine the legitimacy of their respective governments and agitate for a popular uprising. In order to understand the justficications that revolutionary terrorists have had for the use of terrorist activity, it is necessary to look at a series of events that took place in the 20th century. The writings of Marx and Engels are key. Marxist thought holds that the great inequalities that exist in the world in terms of the uneven distribution of wealth, power and land are due to the oppression of the working classes by the wealthy bourgeoise. Marx contends that a fundamental change of government must occur to achieve social, economic and political equality. His vision of an equitable socialist society will take place only after the advent of revolution, the overthrow of the bourgeoise by the proletariat. Central to Marxist thought is a call to arms of the masses. It is this call to arms that is central in revolutionary terrorists rationales for the use of political violence. Although Marx was personally opposed to terrorist violence as a means of achieving his socialist vison, further developments of the 20th century can be seen as instrumental in the evolution of revolutionary terrorist rationale. 1917 saw the Russian revolution and the succesful creation of a communist government. The progression of the socialist cause in other countries around the world however stagnated. This was partly due to the repression of leftist movements in liberal states around the world. Soviet Leader of the time Vladimir Lenin criticised socialist leadership for their passivity and their lack of militancy in bringing about revolution. Lenins solution to the problem came in the form of the concept of the Vanguard. He proposed the creation of an elite militant group to create the circumstances in which a popular uprising could occur. Mao Tse-Tungs use of guerilla warfare in his fight against the Chinese nationalists was inspired greatly by Leninist thought. The Chinese Red Army acted as the vanguard of the socialist cause and succesfully radicalised the population, which was key to their eventual victory and ascent to power. By the 1960s The lack of success once again in bringing about the revolution led to leftist thinkers turning to even more violent and militant means to achieve their political aims. The contribution of Brazilian marxist and writer at this point in time was undeniable. In his most famous work the Minimanual of the Urban Guerrilla of 1969, he provides advice on how to overthrow an authoritarian regime to bring about revolution. Among the key messages of his writings is that of armed propoganda. He argues that the use of violence and terrorism is an important tool for those seeking to achieve socialism. In his book he describes terrorism as a weapon the revolutionary can never relinquish. The use of terrorist tactics in conflicts in South America became a source of inspiration for leftist groups in Europe and other parts of the world. During the 1960s and 1970s the vast majority of developed countries experienced attacks from revolutio nary terrorists. Thus, the inherent inequality that exists in a capitalist society can be seen as the primary justification that revolutionary terrorists have for the use of terrorist acts to achieve their goal of a socialist society. Among the most well known and most fatal revolutionary terrorist groups was that of the Italian Red Brigade. Founded in 1970 by far left-wing students, the Red Brigades considered the Italian government of the 1960s and 1970s to be a contemporary version of the Fascist Italy of the 1940s. The members were particularly critical of the political and economic institutions of the Italian state. In their 1975 manifesto they state their goal as a concentrated strike against the heart of the state, becasuse the state is an imperialist collection of multinational corporations. The Red Brigades aimed to replicate the socialism of Lenins Soviet Union. They justified their violent acts arguing that they operated within a coherent intellectual tradition and considered themselves the vanguard of the Italian proletariat. The militant leftist group of the Japanese Red Army were established in 1969 and advocated imminent socialist revolution. They differed from their Italian counterparts in their en gaging in terrorist activity primarily on foreign soil. This was due mainly to the fact that the autocratic Japanese regime was very effective in stamping out leftist dissidence. The stated aims of the JRA were to overthrow the Japanese government and monarch and start a world revoloution. Often cooperating with other international leftists groups, the JRA were a well organised and methodical terrorist group. Tactics The tactics utilised by revolutionary terrorist groups are in keeping with the fundamental aims of revolutionary socialist theory. Among the tactics adopted by such groups include; armed robbery to gain resources and weapons for their cause, kidnappings, assasinations, indiscriminate attacks of civilians in public places, hijacking and the taking of hostages. Revolutionary terroists have two key aims that they wish to achieve through their use of terrorist tactics. The first of these is to undermine the legitimacy of the existing regime. By undertaking a series of terrorist acts against both civilian and official targets, revolutionary terrorist groups hope to upset the societal framework on which civilans depend and trust. A successful campaign of terrorist acts will call into question the competence of the government which fails to complete its fundamental responsibility of protecting its people. It is hoped that the resulting decrease of legitimacy in the eyes of the people will b ring about popular discontent and a desire for political change. In this situation the dissidents would have the opportunity to inherit power and implement political, social and economic changes. The second main aim of dissidents is to provoke governments to be repressive. This approach is rooted in the concepts developed by Italian Marxist Antonio Gramsci. Gramsci contendeds that capitalist states engage in deliberate deception of their working classes in order to preserve the status quo. His concept of hegemonic false consciousness holds that states deliberately hide their repressive and authoritarian nature and distract the population to prevent it from taking part in revolutionary activity. In the process of attempting to deal with the threat of terrorist activity and counter the destabalising effects on society, a government will tend to decrease the rights of the population. In doing so the true nature of the state would be revealed and would be opposed by the people. This str ategy of agitational terror was utilised to great effect by the Italian Red Brigades. The Red Brigades also performed a number of bank robberies, which served both to fund their cause. Undertook kidnappings of key political and business leaders. Another method they employed to attack the system was that of kneecapping, which involved shooting both knees of a target in order to cripple them. In the 1977 trial of captured Red Brigade members disrupted proceedings by assasinating a judge and members of Given the Japanese Red Armys inability to operate within Japan, the group Hopes of terrorists is that they will provoke the government to be repressive. In its attempts to deal with the threat of terrorists, government will become more repressive, they will restrict the rights of the population. this repression will make the masses see the true colours of the regime, this will then spark a popular revolt, or at least undermine popular support for the regime. This provocation of hope to destabilise the state, because if the government is unable to deal with the threat of terrorists and support its people, the support for the government will dissappear. The competence of the government is called into question, and thus its legitimacy. Popular discontent could then bring about change, and in this situation the dissidents would have the opportunity to gain power and then implement changes. The intended effect of terrorist strategies include armed robbery: to gain weapons and resources for the cause. kidnapping, assasinations, indiscriminate attacks in public places. kidnapping for the purpose of coercive bargaining. hijacking of aeroplanes, taking hostages. revolutionary terrorists advertise their cause. Carlos Marighella: concept of coercive bargaining. kidnapping of businessmen or prominent figures, demand the settlement of labour disputes or distribution of goods to the poor, or demanding release of political prisoners. Assassinaton: by snipers, letter bombs, car bombs etc. undertake campaigns of assassinations. sometimes also coordinate this with industrial action.. Indiscriminate attacks in public places: Firing randomly of machine guns into crowds of Israeli civilians in 1972 at Lydda Airport by Japanese group sponsored by Palestinian radical exiles. Targets Distinction between audience and the targets of the attacks themselves. The value of terrorism to revolutionary groups lies in its pyschological effectiveness. The intention is to generate a psychological response among the people, which varies from fear to sympathy or admiration of the cause. It is the hope that these emotional responses will influence political behaviour and further the chances of success for the revolution. The main audience is therefore the civilian population. targets are selected often as they are symbols, or represent something. Terrorism affects the social structure as well as the individual; it upsets the framework of precepts and images which members of society depend on and trust. Since no one longer knows what sort of behaviour to expect from other members of society, the system is disoriented. hopes to destabilise the ruling power as its people dont have faith in its ability to protect them, thus diminishing their legitimacy in the eyes of the people. (Thornton, revolutionary terrorism expert) Revolutionary terrorists are not pshychopaths, they are dedicated individuals operating within a coherent intellectual tradition. They do not have the capability to meet established military forces head on in battle, use terrorist tactics The red brigades -Drew on Marxist/Leninist writings. What are the elements/features of socialist thought which have provided terrorists with justifications for terrorist action? What are the ethical justifications for terrorism within revolutionary socialist thought? terrorism as a means/vehicle to overcoming exploitive, repressive capitalist societies. The appeal of marxism in the past is clear. Class inequality, vision of the creation of a communist utopia. Seeking a more equitable distribution of power and wealth. concept of armed propoganda by Carlos Marighella. The terrorists were to bring about the circumstances in which the popular uprising would occur catalysts for change agitational terror. premeditated political strategy. Brainstorming/ notes. In order to understand the justifications of revolutionary terrorism it is necessary to investigate the Marxist ideas in which revolutionary violence is based. Social and political change. Marxist concept of class inequality needs to be rectified. Marxist vision of a communist state/ society, in which there is social, economic and political equality. (economic inequality, inequitable access of resources) Struggle between classes Struggle driven by ownership of means of production End point of history/ goal is communism The generator of this social change is class struggle (tyranny of bourgeoise). The bourgeoise (the owners of means of production) and the proletariat (workers). Marx predicts the eventual clash of these classes, with the prediction that the proletariat will be the victors. An appealing/ utopian political vision, something worth fighting for. The communist manifesto (conveys basic ideas of communism, simply written to appeal to proletariat). à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. So who is going to bring about this change? Who is going to be the vehicle for change? Communists openly declare their aims: The communists disdain to conceal their views and aims. They openly declare that their aims can be attained only by the forcible overthrow of all existing social conditions. Let the ruling classes tremble at a communist revolution. The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains. They have a world to win. Proletarians of all countries, unite! (Marx and Engels 1848). Key message is that in order to make this transition happen, proletariat needs to fight. Lenin: wrote pamphlet What is to be done, as overthrow of bourgeoise had not yet been achieved as predicted by Marx. Came up with concept of the Vanguard. Aimed to accelerate revolution. Blamed the lack of change on the passivity of the leadership, that socialist leaders had been to compromising in their dealings with liberal states. He criticised the passivity of the masses. Solution: the vanguard. the creation of a committed and militant group, who would forge ahead, even if the conditions arent yet perfect for revolution, accelerating history to bring about the dictatorship of the proletariat and an eventual communist society. (from lecture slides). Because of the success of the Russian revolution of 1917, liberal democracies were able to prevent this happening again in their own countries. Different tactic had to be adopted in order for communism to be realised. Must be a more militant approach, an army needs to be built to liberate the proletariat. (good example of maoist china. Utilised guerrilla warfare to bring about revolution. Maos book on guerrilla warfare. For mao, guerrilla warfare is means of radicalising the population. Won hearts and minds of people. A move from a political vanguard to a guerrilla vanguard. Eventually to terrorist vanguard. Concept of the vanguard was central to the thinking of revolutionary terrorists of the 1960s and 1970s. Problem of the 1960s was that revolution seemed to stall againà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ explanation for this was false consciousness. The reason that the proletariat had not yet risen up to bring about the revolution. Antonio Gramsci, Italian Marxist. False consciousness argument is that through media, advertising, books, novels etc.. the bourgeoisie class convince the oppressed proletariat that their life is not so bad. They distract the people from realising that their real place is in revolution. Introduces concept of hegemonic false consciousness, makes people desire what is not really in their interests. The way to educate the masses, to neutralise the hegemonic discourses which seduced and distracted the people, is to shock them. Arguments of Carlos Marighellas: (wrote The minimanual of the urban guerrilla). That terrorism is an important tool for revolutionaries. Armed propaganda, using violence to gain attention to the cause. A way of cutting through false consciousness. Provokes the liberal state to be repressive and thus expose its true face as a fascist dictator. Terrorism is used as a means of mobilising the masses to act. Armed propaganda. Role is to fight, to keep up the cause, to remind people that communism is still a realisable dream. Keeping alive the revolutionary dream. (marighellas argument). Examples: Japanese Red Army, pro Palestinian Red Army Faction. Italian Red Brigades: Antonio Negri. Definition revolutionary terrorism: Revolutionary terrorism is a part of insurgent strategy in the context of internal warfare or revolution: the attempt to seize political power from the established regime of a state, if successful causing fundamental political and social change.