Mechanistic Versus Organic Structures

Mechanistic versus Organic Structures a. Mechanistic Structure is appropriate for organizations focusing on a cost- minimization strategy through tight control, extensive division of labor, high formalization and centralization. The information network is limited and employees rarely participate in decision making process. b. Organic Structure is decentralized and has low complexity and formalization. It has an extensive information system, and employees rarely participate in decision making. It tends to be flexible and adaptive. c. Structure in function of the organization’s fundamental strategy. ) Innovation Strategy focuses on developing important new product or services. An organic structure provides the flexibility for this strategy. 2) Cost-minimization Strategy imposes tight controls over expenses and reduces product prices. The mechanistic structure is appropriate. 3) Imitation strategies are not adopted by true innovators but rather by organizations that move into new markets after smaller competitors have demonstrated the potential for success. Limitation best suited to a structure that combines mechanistic and organic. d. Structure is also a function of 1) Size.Larger organizations tend to be mechanistic because greater formalization is needed. Strategies also change as sizes changes. Growing organizations often expand activities within their industry. 2) Technology. An organic structure may be best for coping with non-routine technology because formalization is low. 3) Environment. In general, the more stable the environment, the more mechanistic the organization. A mechanistic structure is appropriate when the environment has little capacity for growth. Dynamic environments require an organic structure because of their unpredictability.Moreover, a complex environment also requires the flexibility and adaptability of an organic structure. a) The environment has three key dimensions: i) Capacity is the degree of growth an environment can suppo rt. ii) Volatility concerns the relative instability in the environment. iii) Complexity is the amount of heterogeneity and concentration in the environment. Thus, an industry with few very large firms is homogeneous and concentrated. b) Uncertainty not a specific environmental factor. The foregoing factors determine the level of uncertainty present in the environment. 11.According to Henry Mintzberg, an organization has five components. Depending on which is in control, one of five different structure involve. a. The five organizational components include the 1) Operating core- workers who perform the basic tasks related to production 2) Strategic apex- top managers 3) Middle line- managers who connect the core to the apex 4) Technostructure- analyst who achieve a certain standardization 5) Support staff- indirect support services b. The five structures include the following: 1) Simple structure (apex) has low complexity and formality and authority is centralized.Its small size and simplicity usually precludes significant inefficiency in use of resources. 2) Machine bureaucracy (technostructure) is a complex, formal and centralized organization that performs highly routine tasks, groups’ activities into functional departments, has relationships. 3) Professional bureaucracy (operating core) is a complex and formal but centralized organization in which highly trained specialist have great autonomy. 4) Divisional structure (middle line) is essentially a self-contained organization.It is characterized by substantial duplication of functions compared with more centralized structures. 5) Adhocracy (support staff) has low complexity, formality and centralization. Vertical differentiation is low and horizontal differentiation is high. 12. Centralization and Decentralization a) Centralization concerns the centralization of authority in an organization and the degree and levels at which it occurs. b) Decentralization is a philosophy of organizing and managing. C areful selection of which decisions to push down the hierarchy and which to hold at the top is required.The degree of decentralization will be greater if 1) More decision are made lower in the management hierarchy. 2) Some important decisions are made lower in the management hierarchy. 3) More functions are affected by decisions made at lower levels. 4) Fewer approvals are required before implementation of a decision. c) Centralization and decentralization are relative terms. Absolute centralization or decentralization is impossible. d) The degree of centralization or decentralization depends upon the situation. 1) Information. Decisions cannot be decentralized to those who do not have necessary information. ) Ability. Decisions cannot be decentralized to people who do not have training, experience, knowledge or ability to make decisions. 3) Timeliness. The organization should decentralize decisions requiring a quick response to those near the action. 4) Degree of coordination. The organization cannot decentralize below the level at which coordination must be maintained. 5) Significance of decision. Decisions cannot be centralized to lower levels if they are of critical importance to the organization. 6) Morale. The organization should decentralize, when possible, for the positive influence on morale.

Chapter 2 Thesis Enrolment System

Notes on Philippine pre-colonial literature Notes and anecdotes on Philippine pre-colonial literature, mostly taken from my Filipino 14 class under Mr. Popa. The pre-colonial period in the Philippines is the longest chapter in the country's history. Yet it is also the darkest chapter in history, with very few records extant. The lack of knowledge concerning the period stems from the lack of resources concerning this era, brought on by the perishability of the items produced during those times.Having a strong affinity with nature, the early Filipino communities produced items molded from the raw materials in the region, mostly from plants and trees. Another reason was the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. The Catholic friars who were tasked with converting the â€Å"uncivilized† natives demonized the pre-colonial culture, seeing the beliefs of that era as a threat to their mission to spread Christianity in the land. Only a few manuscripts still survive to this day, mostl y done by Spanish priests who had immersed themselves in the community in an attempt to decipher their ways.One of the most important was the Vocabulario de la Lengua Tagala by Fr. Juan de Noceda and Fr. Pedro San Lucar (1734), an anthology of early oral lore that preserved many examples of pre-colonial literature. However, despite the Spanish teachings, Philippine pre-colonial culture was not as barbaric as it had been made out to be. The presence of a bustling trade economy with Chinese and Muslim merchants existed long before the landing of the Spaniards. The oral literature in existence during that time also displayed a sense of sophistication beyond that of simple barbaric cultures.Anitism, a term coined by Stephen Hislop, refers to the religion prevalent in the religion at that time. The early Filipinos believed in the presence of  anitos, primordial forces of nature that could accompany or possess people. Filipinos also held the principle of  loob  with great importance . Loosely translated,  loobmeans inside. Loob  is also a vague reference to the soul. An attempt to explain  loob  may proceed as follows. The concept of  loob  can, first and foremost, be related to the concept of a soul. It is something that resides within the person.However, it is not corporeal, or as specific as a soul; it is a vital part of the person but not the person in his/her entirety. Loobis also related to space and trust; with the phrase  malapit ang loob ko sa iyo  (malapitmeaning near) referring to a person's high trust level with the other. Loob  is also a personal space, something sacred to the person that belongs to him alone. The Filipinos were also well-endowed in the area of literature. A long-standing oral tradition that still survives in remnants to this day traces its roots to the pre-colonial period. Philippine literature employed everyday language, and was a communal activity.As such, the social relevance of literature during that time was very important. Themes included the daily routines of the community, living in accordance with nature and living within the community. Literature was the primary expression of the community's experiences, beliefs and emotions. Filipino pre-colonial literature followed certain conventions. Due to its oral nature, most stories had a formulaic method of construction. This was reinforced by the duty of literature as a reflection of the communal belief and experience; the repetition of themes highlighted the prevalent qualities of the region's culture, and identity was thus embodied.The oral tradition also refined the structure of pre-colonial literature, employing the use of rhythm and rhyme to great effect. Rhythm and rhyme distinguished literary pieces from normal conversation while employing the familiar everyday language that everyone in the community understood. These devices also made the pieces easier to remember and retell, while allowing the storyteller to associate the rise a nd fall of tone with the appropriate portions of the story.Philippine literature possesses a deep level of sophistication, seen in the organic unity of language, theme and relevance within each piece. The use of common language did not prevent the pieces from obtaining a touch of elegance that set it apart, a testament to the literary ability of the pre-colonial culture. Literature was a vital tool for community cohesiveness, rooted in the foundations of language as a tool for survival. Banding together to overcome the dangers of the wild, literature took on communal themes that promoted a sense of togetherness throughout the locals.Literature also reflected the affinity of pre-colonial Fipinos with nature, with the use of colorful metaphors and vivid backgrounds to enhance the story and express their appreciation of nature itself. Literature is such an integral part of pre-colonial Philippine culture that it was one of the methods employed by the Spanish in order to convert the Fil ipinos towards Christianity. However, the Filipinos were intensely critical of these Spanish pieces, largely due to their inability to relate them to their communal beliefs.

Rape Culture Essay

In the United States, rape has become one of the most underreported crimes each year (â€Å"Reporting Rape† 1). The term rape culture refers to how our society has taught women how not to be raped instead of teaching men not to rape. Through jokes and the sexualization of women we are more likely to believe rape is not a big crisis in our nation. Rape culture leads to the acceptance of rape as a natural occurrence through images that objectify women, media, and the stigmatization of rape victims. In our culture we are made to believe that victims should be blamed for their own abuse according to their state of mind or what they were wearing at the time. Rape culture has become such a major part of own lives that we don’t know its even happening. In todays society, women have become such a â€Å"sex† object from the media, movies, and advertisement, or even jokes. Through images that dehumanize women, they turn them into objects, leading to the increase of violence towards women. In a Stop Violence Against Women event students face the issue face on and said: When the media objectifies women, it also creates an analogous definition of masculinity. She added that the media imposes these societal roles, causing people to ignore complex human personalities and identities (Turmam 1). The over-sexualization of women in today’s media gives women the wrong hopes. At one-angle women see sex as a necessity to be in todays â€Å"norms† but not to put themselves out enough to be sexually assaulted. The word â€Å"slut† has oppressed women by telling them to dress a certain way, where to go or not go, who to talk to and who not to talk to. â€Å"Slut† shaming is an act of shaming a person based on how much they flaunt their sexuality. Taking the word too lightly can have awful consequences on how rape will be justified. Women who show too much skin or dress provocative are labeled as â€Å"sluts† and are tormented as well as looked at with less respect. Women should be able to wear whatever choice of clothing they want, go out where they want and not be in constant fear of rape. We are living in a culture where survivors are afraid to speak up (Kacmarek 2). Most women are afraid that by speaking up they are putting themselves out to be judged. People around us judge a person who has been raped not on the  circumstances but by the type of clothing they were wearing, saying that they have â€Å"lost their self-respect† which means they might have brou ght it upon themselves. Research has found that an increase in sexist jokes can have a negative outcome for rape victims (Viki 1). By creating a society that looks down on those who show their sexuality, it creates fear when women are sexually assaulted. This also makes men believe that it is â€Å"okay† to come onto women. Nobody but the rapist should be blamed for the abuse that happened. No one ever asks to get raped, in any situation. Jessica Valenti confronts the issue of â€Å"no means no†: Until American culture and law frames sexual consent, as proactively, enthusiastically given, there will be no justice for rape victims. Its time for the U.S to lose the â€Å"no means no† model for understanding sexual assault and focus â€Å"only yes’ means yes† instead (Broderick 3) America has looked at consent is such a loose way. Many forget that â€Å" no† does not mean â€Å"convince me.† A survey reveals that many people between the ages of 14-25 do not actually learn about consent in mandatory sex-education classes (Broderick 2). A consent sex does not mean there wasn’t a no, but rather that the yes was not forced upon by convincing or hostile situation where they feel like th ey were pressured to say yes. Also that being when people are under the influence or even unconscious, just because they didn’t say no does not mean that it gives the right for a person to have sex with him. Two people consenting is a necessity when it comes to sex. Many people are not aware of how frightening the statistics involving sexual assault is. The crime of rape is at an alarmingly high rate due to the fact that â€Å"slut†-shaming and victim shaming, many are afraid to speak up about rape. Every year there is 237,868 people sexually assaulted (â€Å"Statistics† 1) Only 40% of rapes actually reported to the police (â€Å"Reporting Rates† 1) That means that 60% are too afraid to report a sexual assault and many rapist getting away for what they have done and possibly doing it again. Out of the 40% of rapes that are actually reported 3% of rapist will ever spend a day in prison (â€Å"Reporting Rates† 1). There is no justice for women in the United States who are being raped. Angie Epifano states how rape is somehow have to more â€Å"legitimate† compared to other crimes: If you were mugged in New York City people would be horrified. No one is going to sit there and say ‘Are  you sure you were mu gged?’ With sexual assault there is always this question of ‘Are you sure?’ ‘What were you wearing?’(Kacmarek 2) Men rape on a daily basis because they know they can get away with it. Our culture has become so involved in bashing others on how to dress or how to act we have forgotten that it is not the victims fault, but that people rape because they are rapists. Another thing that most people forget is that rapes do not happen by random strangers. Most rapes happen by the people we know, friends or family. We are afraid that to face the fact that the rape is not only committed by evil psychopaths but instead by those who we look up to or those who we’ve got to know the best (Broderick 1). About â…” of rapes are committed by someone the victim knows (â€Å"Statistics† 1). Some of best examples how rape culture has taken such huge effect in the United States is in the media. Rapists are made to look like victims in today’s society. A culture where it’s believed that â€Å"boys will be boys,† where men cannot control themselves if they see women in revealing clothing. In the media, rape culture has affected the way rape cases are looked at. The bias opinions on the way news coverage looks at the rapes have been having a negative effect on the viewers. A prime example of this is seen in the rape case in Steubenville, Ohio. The trial was against two young men, Trent Mays and Ma’lik Richmond, both in high school. These two boys raped a unconscious girl who was highly intoxicated. They referred to this young 16 year old as the â€Å"dead girl,† but in trial denied knowing that they were raping her because it â€Å"wasn’t violent†(Plank 1). A person who is unconscious is unable to consent any type of penetrati on. Just because there isn’t a no, does not mean that means that is what the girl wants. Silence is not consent. Rape is usually not violent or forced. The two boys continued to urinate on her, live-text, and disseminated naked pictures of the victim (Plank 1). During this many watched as the girl was being raped, most laughed and took pictures as this was happening. This rape trial is being dismissed because she was not saying â€Å"no† during this. Rape apology in the media was clearly shown when CNN, covered and responded the rape trial. Finally a trial where the rapists were sent to jail the way the reporter dismissed the rape and instead victimized the rapist. Poppy Harlow went on to discuss on how deeply sorry she was for this rapist: I’ve never  experienced anything like it Candy. It was incredibly difficult even for an outsider like me to watch as these two young men that had much promising future, star football players, very good students literally watch as they believed their lives fell apart (Plank 1). Here she makes the rapist seem like a victim when he was the one that made the decision to rape and hurt another human being. Even one of the nicest guys can rape. No one but the rapist should be blamed for violence they inflicted on the others. No matter what the girl was wearing or how her state of mind was, no one but the rapist should be blamed. â€Å"As long as we publicly sympathize with rapist, we are glorifying them. Rapist deserve no apology, rape victims do† (Plank 2) Therefore, there is conclusive evidence that rape culture is prevalent in the United States. Our culture has desensitized and minimized traumatic experiences for its victims. Women are being dehumanized because of they are objectified and over-sexualized. Victim blaming has become such a norm in our society we forget that no one but a rapist should be blamed for what they have done. Statics show how there is not justice for women, when men are not being put away for their crime. Culturally men and women are taking bias sides because of sexist ways that the victim is somehow responsible for being raped.

The minimum age to vote, drive, and serve in the military in US Research Paper

The minimum age to vote, drive, and serve in the military in US - Research Paper Example Young adults from the age of 18 are allowed to join the military and defend the country, for example, during Vietnam War many young Americans from the age of 18 participated in the war. The legal age for alcohol consumption in US is 21, before 1984, the legal drinking age was 18 and it was later on changed in the course of the year to 21 through the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 (Koroknay 2005). The drinking age was increased because of several reasons that I will also explain this article. Due to the changes in the ages, I believe it is unethical that the United States government allows its citizens to vote, drive, and serve in the military a full three years before they are allowed to consume alcohol. Before 1971, the voting age in US was 21, Senator Kennedy raise the matter of the age arguing that it is wrong for young adults to join the military and defend the country but they cannot vote since the minimum age of serving in the military during that time was 18. Kennedy receives overwhelming support from the senators and he took the mater to senate committee for constitution amendment. The bill passed and the age was reduced to 18. Another argument was that young adults pay taxes when they buy any item, some work and they are eligible to be given driving license, so why can’t they vote. Many school students across US during that time were lobbying for the voting age to be lowered to 18. The president of the nation youth’s rights association argued that in the society, young adults take part in many things such as paying taxes or being charged of crime so they should be allowed to vote. He went ahead and argued that if young adults are allowed to vote it will add rea l meaning and relevance to social studies and civics subjects in school which taught before the age of 18 (Christopher and Dobkin 2011). When the voting age is lowered, it is a liberal action, this is because it will create more opportunities for younger adults to have a say in the formation of the government. If the age is increased, it will become a conservative action because young adults will not have the wisdom and experience to know what is good for them (Christopher and Dobkin 2011). This change in voting age is just a change in the liberal direction and currently people are changing their attitudes towards equality and rights. The critics of the idea argued that young people lack the required level of knowledge and complexity to make informed decision on electing leaders; many believe that young people can be swayed easily by politician to vote for them irrespective of their character. One of the main critics about the idea was Curtis Gans who is the director of committee fo r the study of American Electorate (). He thought that it is a dumb idea if the voting age was lowered to 18 since at that age, a person can be drafted and die for the country. At the same time, young adults at the age of 18 lack life experience and do not understand the issues facing a country in details. In the American history, the right to vote has expanded vigorously to be more inclusive, and this come as a result of hard political battle by the disenfranchised group who are demanding for political representation. When US constitution was drafted in 1789, only the white people was allowed to vote and later the constitution was amended to allow the black vote (Traci, Toben, and Lenk 2009). In 1920, the 19th constitutional amendment

Risk Mangement and Worker Protection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Risk Mangement and Worker Protection - Essay Example Risk management involves procedures and measures that can be used to minimize or eliminate effects arising from risk. Risk management takes shape through certain various steps such as identifying the peril, analyzing and structuring methods toEvery business faces risks some which expose the business but they are controllable and predictable. Others are hard to control or to predict thus leading to uncertainty in operations of the business. Determining risk and controlling it is one of the most essential factors in risk management. Outlining certain measures and practices assists the organization to control risk if it is controllable or devising strategies to recover from loss due to unpredictable and uncertain risk. The management should ensure that proper measures are put in place to eliminate or reduce the effects of risk in the organization (Hopwood and Thompson, 2006). According to Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), health care and precaution measures should be i nstalled in the workplace to reduce effects of risk if it occurs. This means that risks such as epidemics should be reduced by application of measures that can reduce the spread of the condition if it occurs. For instance, if an epidemic like influenza occurs in the work place, the health care team should be quick to detect and suspect the pandemic from the patient. This should be followed by immediate healthcare delivery to the patient and placing the patient in an enclosed place to avoid spread.

Oral Business Report Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Oral Business Report - Case Study Example It produces a variety of dairy consumer products which are divided into four categories, namely: milk, cheese, butter & spreads, and cream. (Devondale, not dated) Devondale has been very particular about the consumers' demand and satisfying it. It also keeps track of the trends in the market and consumers' lifestyles through efficient market research. These researches help Devondale in transforming consumers' requests into finished products that are profitable for the business. Significant proportion of Australia's population is working and it is not easy for working people to arrange full meals in a limited period of time. People are also much more aware and conscious about health and nutritious food. Devondale used these finding to its advantage and came up with a range of low-fat products that were very appealing to the Australian consumers. (Devondale, not dated) Devondale's promotion slogan says "Wholly Australian". These slogans have a certain psychological effect on the consumers as a lot of times people buy products on the basis of the country of origin. These four TV advertisements and a magazine advertisement are going to help us understand the kind of impression that Devondale has been able to create as a brand and how it has become a market leader. Devondale's long life cream ad shows the di

Educational Services in Community Colleges Coursework

Educational Services in Community Colleges - Coursework Example The contract linking the funder and the services donor is evidenced in an agreement and is applicable for a particular specified given period of time (Taylor 2003; Wang 2000). The contract in management service provides the several advantages in both public and private educational colleges, It includes enhance the efficacy of skills and innovative ideas from the overall public education sector. Management contracts actually empower the managers to take the decisions, lessen the technical issues and union constraints linked with community service empowerment, encouraging the competition level among the all organizations to win the race of contract and promote the education establishments to identify the overall performance criteria so they can transform the contractors if the presentation of performance is unsatisfactory. Professional services also played an important role in the public and private education system, the professional who can provide the teaching training services, delivery of textbooks, the design of syllabus and pure quality services certification, and further miscellaneous services which are satisfactory can be contracting out. The major advantage of these services is to promote the system of public schools and colleges by bringing the private service providers. Other services can be contracted out by providing the education virtually, it can support the overall system of education in the world, for example, government institutes management usually do not promote the canteen and food services at their universities in urbanized countries. Supportive services are essential in both public and private colleges to run the better activities, the maintenance of infrastructure and buildings for academic, the conveyance for students and food services seems to be very expensive in private elite colleges.

Jehovah Witnessess feelings about receiving blood and how it should be Research Paper

Jehovah Witnessess feelings about receiving blood and how it should be handled with a minor child in a life or death situation - Research Paper Example The insistence of Jehovahs Witness parents in refusing blood transfusions for their children can be viewed in the larger context of alternative religious beliefs and their effect on medical treatment. Many people in contemporary society are guided by religious beliefs which prohibit them from accessing medical care in favor of spiritual healing (Catalano, 2010, p. 157). Whilst adults have the right to refuse medical treatment, their behavior becomes controversial when they refuse medical treatment for their ill children (Catalano, 2010, p. 157). The decision to refuse medical treatment to children may necessitate intervention by the State in cases when children suffer from serious illnesses (Catalano, 2010, p. 157). Many Constitutional issues are raised by this situation, such as religious freedom, the right to privacy, and fundamental liberty issues related to parenting (Catalano, 2010, p. 157). In such cases the Courts are forced to decide between the religious liberty of the paren ts and the States interest in protecting the lives of minors (Catalano, 2010, p. 158). This matter if particularly controversial because no matter what the outcome of, somebodys rights are infringed (Catalano, 2010, p. 158). In some cases government intervention is secured too late and the childs life is lost (Catalano, 2010, p. 158). Between 1975 and 1995, 172 children died because they were denied medical care for religious reasons (Catalano, 2010, p. 158). The State must balance the interests of religious parents and their innocent children, respecting the welfare and autonomy of both parties. A fundamental concern of the state is the protection of the welfare of children, one for which it may intervene when it is absolutely necessary (Catalano, 2010, p. 159). Despite this fundamental concern, the United States gives parents ample autonomy to raise their children in the

Criminological Theory and Sanctions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Criminological Theory and Sanctions - Essay Example Perceived net benefit, therefore, motivates a criminal behavior. Routine activities theory further explains interaction of motivation from perceived net benefits with presence of a vulnerable target and absence of guidance. Occurrence of a crime within these frameworks would therefore define a normal criminal activity and support normal sanction codes but not an occurrence outside frameworks, which should require a different consideration in determining a sanction. A criminal activity in which perceived cost is far above perceived benefits or one that is conducted in full presence of a guardian and on non-vulnerable target identifies factors that may require lesser sanctions. This is because of possible biological, social, and psychological complications into criminal behavior that requires different approaches to prevention of criminal activities based on causes. Remedying behavior caused by genetic problems, for example, require biological initiatives that are not the same for init iatives for social or psychological dependent behavior (Bryant 144-

Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Report - Essay Example The report will also seek to examine the impact of British popular culture on people outside Britain. The extent to which British popular culture is prevailing in the offshore of Britain, how it is conceived by non-British, the level of influence British popular culture has on strangers and aspects of the phenomenon of popular culture that should be held on to and those that need to be scraped shall all be outlined in this report. The British Popular Culture in the International Status Britain is a highly respectable world force. Britain is also a dominant world force with a lot of influence all over the world. This respect, dominance and respect makes concepts, ideas, and perception that have British origination have a lot of following the world over. The same is true about British culture. Storey (1994) notes that British popular culture have gained international status because it is adhered and practiced by most countries the world over. Prempeh (2005) posits that parts of the int ernational regions where Britain has more following are countries that were once colonised by Britain: thus commonwealth countries. Special mention can be made of countries such as Australia, Ghana, Nigeria, Bahamas, Dominica and Canada. Undeniably, the most common areas of British lifestyle and culture that have so much dominance in international countries and more especially British colonies are education, language, sports, fashion, music and in some cases, governance system. The practice of these systems and culture in international cycles contributes largely to the popularity and dominance of Britain in world politics. The practice of British popular culture in the international arena has in no uncertain terms made Britain popular and worth calling a standard. Even as British popular culture continues to grow in international circles, what needs to be done is a careful scrutiny of how UK as a people can amass deserving profits from the phenomenon. Reports and researches of this kind must continue to show the way worthy of advancing. With such reports and researches, it is also important not to pay attention to popular culture’s positive influence on society but also seek to identify pitfalls, if any so that necessary adjustments can be made on them to make British popular culture all-beneficial. History of popular culture in the UK – The development of popular culture in the UK The Guardian (2000) suggests that Popular Culture had been with Britain long before the term was even espoused. The Guardian notes hat popular culture had been â€Å"preserved in the amber of high literature and art are the traces of the lower amusements of the past.† In this direction, special mention is made of â€Å"Shakespeare, Hogarth or Dickens and you can see the remnants of popular diversions: ballads and songs, fairs and pantomimes, sports and ingenious forms of cruelty to animals† (The Guardian, 2000). Meyer (2008) adds up to this assertion as s he makes reference to the First World War saying â€Å"Much of the scholarship examining British culture of the First World War focuses on the 'high' culture of a limited number of novels, memoirs, plays and works of art, and the cultural reaction to them.† These perceptions that popular cultur

Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant Essay Example for Free

Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant Essay Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant are two of the greatest basketball players to ever live. The way they play the game is memorizing. These two athletes are very extraordinary, though only one can be called the greatest of all time. The debate still and will always continue on who is the best. On one hand, there is the 6 time NBA champion in Michael Jordan; in the other there is the phenom who scored eighty- one points in one game, Kobe Bryant. In my opinion, Michael Jordan is and will always be the greatest basketball player to ever play the game. When I think of the word, legend, only one name comes to my mind and that name is Michael Jordan. Even the president of the United States thinks MJ is the better choice. Oh, Michael, the lifelong basketball fan told The Associated Press I mean Kobes terrific. Dont get me wrong, Obama said of the four-time NBA champion. But I havent seen anybody match up with Jordan yet. Michael Jordan tops Kobe Bryant in many ways, such as: offense, defense, and overall career achievements. In today’s generation of basketball superstars, there is one distinguished player, Kobe Bryant that holds a reflection to another known superstar, Michael Jordan in his ability to play the game, offensively and defensively; however, they differ in their overall performances. Although sports fans attempt to compare the two players, many will agree that Michael Jordan carries the best offensive and defensive numbers, while Kobe Bryant holds the title of the youngest all-star to ever enter the National Basketball Association. Both Jordan and Bryant were offered huge endorsement deals, with Kobe Bryant taking the lead as one of the largest global brands, in basketball history. The game of basketball is a rewarding sport that allows its players to give back to the community. There is no competition, when it comes to giving back to the community, as each player is equally involved in charitable organizations. In the professional basketball world, sports fans will agree that Michael Jordan is the better player, while other fans are loyal to Kobe Bryant. When looking at offensive and defensive numbers, objectivity and a hard look at the facts leaves one conclusion without a doubt, that Michael Jordan is one of the greatest players in NBA history. He is famous for blocked shots, rebounds, and scoring an average of 30 points per game, during his career (Squidoo, 2012). As an offensive player, Jordan has the advantage. In his best season, his fans will count on him to average 37 points per game compared to Kobe Bryant’s best season of 35 points per game. Michael Jordan, a true team player, averages eight assists per game in his best season, and an average of five assists during his career. Unlike Jordan, Kobe Bryant, as an offensive player averages six assists per game during his best season, and he is close to beating Jordan’s average with four assists per game.

Discuss how society viewed the ideas of love and marriage in the early 1800s Essay Example for Free

Discuss how society viewed the ideas of love and marriage in the early 1800s Essay Jane Austen was born in 1775 and spent most of her life in the countryside in a village called Steventon, Hampshire. She was the daughter of a clergyman, Reverend George Austen and her mother was called Cassandra Austen. She had a brief education starting at the age of seven and ending at eleven, when she settled at home. Like women in Austens society, she had little education due to the beliefs at the time; the only education she would have received would likely have been to up her social status, through marriage. She wrote Pride and Prejudice to portray societys views of love and marriage to the reader and to shoe that marriages take place for different reasons. We see throughout the novel the excessive number of marriages and courtships that take place. The opening sentence Its a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in the possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife introduces the theme of love, marriage and money in an ironic way. The irony is contained in the fact that marriage is meant to be about love and happiness but clearly revolves around wealth and social standing. In the novel we see two established marriages take place; The Bennets and the Gardiners. Throughout the novel four other marriages take place; Lydia and Mr Wickham, Charlotte Lucas and Mr Collins, Elizabeth and Darcy and Jane and Mr Bingley. The marriage between Mr Collins and Charlotte Lucas is purely based on financial and social security not love or appearance, It was extremely common fro women in Austens era to marry and save themselves from spinsterhood and social security and to gain, the above mentioned, financial and social security. In this type of marriage Austen illustrates that women who submit themselves are largely willing to suffer emotional distress in silence. Mr Collins to be sure neither sensible nor agreeable; his society was irksome and his attachment to her must be imaginary. But still he would be a husband This reflects the social beliefs of, at least, the middle classes at the time. Evidently all that Charlotte wants out of life is a comfortable home and enough wealth to sustain this. Im not a romantic girl you know. I never was, I only ask for a comfortable home . The use of the word only emphasises the fact that Charlotte wants this and nothing else. The consequences of her not marring well would be to severely limit her options i.e. she would have to become a governess or an old maid for a wealthy couple, but this would not support her once she had reached an age at which, she could no longer work. When Charlotte Married Mr Collins she seemed happy in their relationship, even though its not based on love :- she has all that she wants out of marriage. She does however ignore her husbands silliness and does not have any bad words to say about him. When Mr Collins said anything of which his wife might reasonably, which certainly was not unseldom once of twice she could discern a faint blush; but in general Charlotte wisely did not hear. From this we gather that the orthodoxy of society has been embedded in her behaviour. She possibly perceives that she is happy because society deems that now she is married she should be happy. The marriage of Mr and Mrs Bennet was a stereotypical marriage of the time. The marriage was based on initial beauty and physical attraction plus the fact that they where matched financially. The family life, was also typical of the 1800s, they had five daughters, and Mrs Bennets aim in life was to marry her daughters of in as quick a time as possible, this compares with Charlottes views of marriage as a step up the social ladder. A single man of large fortune; four or five thousand a year. What a fine thing for our girls! Showing that she is considering the monetary aspects of a possible marriage. It is very likely that he may fall in love with one of them, and therefore you must visit him as soon as he comes Mrs Bennet mentions fleetingly but without conviction, she is mostly interested in trying to marry of at least one of her 5 daughters. Mr Bennet however constantly mocks his wife. We are made aware of this in their first dialogue Do you not want to know who has taken it? cried his wife impatiently. You want to tell me, and I have no objection to hear it. This is a perfect example of Mr Bennets sarcasm and unconcerned attitude towards his wife and their family affairs. Mr Bennet is the complete opposite to Mrs Bennet in the way in which he thinks, about the new gentleman in town for example How so? How can it affect them? Mrs Bennet is immensely annoyed by this but does not possess enough wit to retort. For Mr Bennet this mockery of his wife seems his way of dealing with being stuck in a loveless marriage. In Janes era divorce was not an option, people had no choice, they were devoted to that one person fro life. The Bennets estate is entitled to the nearest male heir which, was common practice at the time, leading to very limited options for the daughters in the family. The marriage between Lydia and Mr Wickham was mainly for desire and attraction even though they were not financially matched. This itself was frowned upon by society and exacerbated by the fact that their courtship was very short, unorthodox and kept a secret. Marriage of their type shows the results of not following societys rules. Society viewed this as dishonesty and because of this their reputation would be severely tarnished. That the loss of virtue in a female is irretrievable and that she cannot be too much guarded in her behaviour towards the understanding of the other sex. Lydias damaged reputation would also affect her families reputation, unless they disown her. she has no money, no connection, nothing that can tempt him she is lost forever. The word no emphasises the fact that she has absolutely nothing and no-one. For Wickham, on the other hand, the slight on his reputation is less so, although still noticeable; She was a surprise- all astonishment that Wickham should marry a girl whom it was impossible he could marry for money; and how Lydia could ever have attached him, had appeared incomprehensible. Here we see that what would have been scorn when aimed a Lydia is mere surprise when directed at Wickham, this is due to the fact that in Jane Austens era the gentleman naturally had a higher social standing; just because of their sex. The Gardiners, along with the Bennets are the established marriages of the novel; but unlike the Bennets the Gardiners are a sensible, lively and intelligent couple who love each other and work well together. They always agree in talking over their route the evening before, Mrs Gardiner expressed an inclination to see the place again. Mr Gardiner declared his willingness. Jane Austen here is being an omniscient narrator . The Gardiners are in a harmonious relationship, a marriage that creates a positive image towards its readers. They are described as a sensible-gentle like man and an amiable intelligent women who are encouraging role models fro the Bennet children due to the poor quality of Mr and Mrs Bennets marriage. As we can see this is an example of one of the rare happy marriage of the time. In general people strove towards this, but most did not find it due to the fact that society dictated that once married you were in love. Jane and Mr Bingley engage in a courtship that occupies the central place in the novel. They first meet at Meryton and enjoy an immediate mutual attraction. They are spoken of as potential couple throughout the book, long before anyone imagines Darcy and Elizabeth might marry. Their marriage was one for physical attraction and love, Jane is the most handsome of the five Bennet daughters who looked for a man who is sensible, humorous and lively. Is he married or single? this shows an automatic interest in young wealthy men. Women in the early 1800s married mainly for wealth and social status however this marriage illustrates that that is not always the case. Bingley love for Jane is strengthened by her beauty and the love between is equal. Janes idea of marriage is to find someone who loves her and respects her as much as she does him. The marriage between Jane and Mr Bingley set s a standard for the rest of the Bennet daughters, It was moreover, such a promising thing for her younger daughters, as Janes marrying so greatly must throw them in the way of rich men. Here their marriage is reflecting societys views of love and marriage as if a member of the family is married into a family of a higher status, then the rest of the daughters would be regarded as more eligible to be associated with higher status, wealthy, respectable men. The word greatly show that Mrs Bennet believes that Jane had chosen accurately and it displays societys beliefs as to what constituted a very good match for Jane. Elizabeth is an intelligent and spirited women who passes a keen wit and enjoys studying peoples characters; on the other hand Fitzwilliam Darcy is a wealthy, proud man with a generous, thoughtful nature beneath his somewhat stiff demeanour. Elizabeths pride makes her misjudge Darcy on the basis of poor social standing blinds him, for a time, to her many virtues. Darcy and Elizabeths realization of a mutual and tender love seems to imply that Austin views love as something independent of these social forces, as something that can be captured if only an individual is able to escape the warping effects of hierarchical society. In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you. Here he speaks well however, there are other feelings besides those of the heart to be detailed. The narrator relates Elizabeths point of view of events more often then Darcys, so Elizabeth often seems a more sympathetic figure. The reader eventually realises however, that Darcy is her ideal match. Intelligent and forthright, he too has a tendency to judge too hastily and harshly, and his high birth and wealth make him overly proud and overly conscious of his social status. When he proposes to her, for instance, he dwells more on how unsuitable a match she is than on her charms, beauty, or anything else complimentary, not handsome enough. Here Darcy is reflecting societys views of love and marriage because many people married for higher social status and financial status rather than for love and beauty. Pride and prejudice is a love story but does not reflect the romantic side. It gives the reader a sense of all the different kinds of relationships, none of them are the same. It shows that the ideal couple is difficult to find, the established marriages in the book being The Bennets and the Gardiners.

Egypt and Russias Political Systems Comparison

Egypt and Russias Political Systems Comparison Introduction The end of the Cold War was a pivotal moment in history of democratization, since it opened up a possibility of a successful spread of democratic ideals across the globe/at the global level. In this context, a range of scholars predicted that countries, previously known for their totalitarian or authoritarian past, would undergo a process of gradual democratization, which will result in their eventual adaptation of a democratic polity model as the fundamental element of their political systems(). However, almost three decades since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the question of whether democratization process had achieved any meaningful progress remains open, since many states had either retained their centralized political system or had adopted a mixed and hybrid political system, characterized by a unique combination of democratic and authoritarian elements within a single polity (Levitsky and Way, 2002; Haerpfer, 2009; EDI, 2010). In order to understand why states had reacted differently to the democratization process, this paper aims to identify similarities and differences in the way political systems are organized in two states, Egypt and Russia, which throughout their modern history were associated with highly centralized and authoritarian form of polity. Although it is possible to identify multiple similarities and differences between these states, this paper will focus attention on four important aspects, namely centralized and authoritarian state model, presidential style of government, limited political pluralism during elections and important role of political culture as an effective obstacle to countrys democratization. This paper is structured as follows. It starts with a brief introductory section, which will define term political system and will explain the case selection. The main body analyses four important aspects of political system in Egypt and Russia, mentioned above. The concluding section summarizes the main arguments. Political System and Case Selection Although the term political system has no universally accepted definition, in context of this paper it refers to a socio-political arrangement of institutions and agencies concerned with formulating and implementing the collective goals of a society or of groups within it ( Almond, et all., 2009:29; Powel, et all., 2015:24). From this perspective, it includes both formal institutions, such as parliamentary assemblies, governments and executives, but also informal arrangements, such as political culture, history, traditions and dominant norms in any given society (Powel, et. all, 2015:24). The paper relies on the deployment of the most similar comparative research design, which aims to explain similarity or divergence in the policy outputs by comparing cases with similar elements and aspects. In this context, whilst it is important to emphasize important differences between Egypt and Russia, some of which will be discussed below, it is equally important to acknowledge that these states share several common characteristics. Historically, political systems in both states were traditionally resistant to change and democratization, focusing instead on preserving the stability of the existing power configuration. Institutionally, Egypt and Russia are interesting cases for a thorough analysis, since despite the fact that democratic organizations and arrangements continue to exist in both states, the power is located elsewhere with traditional democratic organizations enjoying minimal role in decision-making process (). Geopolitically, following the end of the Cold War, both states were required to redefine their identity and find themselves a suitable position within a new geostrategic balance, heavily dominated by US unipolarity. Having defined term political system and justified the case selection, the next section of the essay will distinguish similarities and differences in the way political systems are organized in Egypt and Russia. Authoritarian and centralized state model. Traditionally, the power distribution within Egyptian and Russian political system was highly uneven, with ultimate power for decision-making process placed in the hands of a powerful national leader, supported by several elite groups, who was able to impose his political programme on society through mixture of coercion and consent. This gradually resulted in a popular acceptance of the principle of patrimonialism, defined as the idea that country is considered almost as a private property of a specific ruler, within Russian and Egyptian political societies with very weak levels of trust in democratic institutions (Hopwood, 1991; Remington, 2009). From this perspective, opposition forces had minimal chances of challenging and restricting the authority of the national leader, since they were often viewed either as an unnecessary distraction from maintaining an overall political stability or as open enemies of the regime, which by weakening the power of the governing elite can endanger an overall wellbeing of the society. The situation changed to a certain extent after the end of the Cold War, when both Egypt and Russia, under increasing IMF and US pressure, undertook a series of reforms, including encouraging the creation of political parties, providing more powers to legislative assemblies and allowing more competitive elections in order to democratize political systems with a varying degree of success. In case of Egypt, the reform programme was aimed at strengthening countrys reputation at the international level, whilst retaining and consolidating existing power configuration. In this context, despite multiple changes in political system, country still remains a military dictatorship with strong repressive and authoritarian elements, whereby, where all primary power mechanisms belong to a current national leader, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, backed by a mixed coalition of military elites and local bureaucracy (Freedom House, 2016; Osman, 2011; Cambains, 2015). In contrast, the majority of political reforms did achieve a considerable degree of success in Russia, particularly taken into consideration the minimal levels of democracy and freedom of political expression, which country experienced during Soviet times (Bova, 2003; Sakwa, 2009; Lucas, 2008). Nonetheless, according to Remington (2009:358), although the political elites in Russia are interested in retaining and upholding existing democratic arrangements, they often resort to indirect and hidden mechanisms of exercising dominance within such institutions. For instance, although opposition parties are officially allowed to exist and compete during national elections, the multiplicity of rules and regulations regarding party electoral registration make it extremely difficult for smaller opposition to compete and win sufficient number of electoral seats (Lucas, 2008). Likewise, the National Electoral Commission received immense legal mandate, allowing it to disqualify and remove unwanted alternative parties and candidates from ballot for the alleged violations of electoral procedures (Lucas, 2008; McFaul and Petrov, 2004). In this context, although parties may be vocal and critical during electoral campaign period, the majority of parties that receive parliamentary seats have strong incentive to cooperate, rather than criticise the governing party once in parliament (Sakwa, 2008; Lucas, 2008).

Golf Tourism :: Environmental Sports Golfing Essays

Golf Tourism Golf tourism is spreading rapidly all over the world in places like Asia and Mexico. Although most people who play the sport of golf play because of its interaction with nature, what most golfers do not realize or consider is the damaging environmental impact on the sport. The booming golf trade throughout the world creates a haven for golfers and a nightmare for environmentalists. According to members of the Malaysia-Based Asia-Pacific People’s Environment Network, golf development is becoming one of the most unsustainable and damaging activities to people and the environment (TED Case Studies, 1997). Asia has gone from just 45 golf courses in 1970 to over 500 today (TED Case Studies, 1997). The rapid increase in development also brings a rapid increase in ecological problems. In Southwest Asia ecological apathy includes greens carved out of paddy fields and virgin forests. Development of golf courses also entails clearing vegetation, cutting forests and creating artificial landscapes. These activities lead to land erosion and block the soils ability to retain water (Klein, 1996). Golf courses also need large quantities of pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides, which cause health problems among golfers, workers, and nearby residents. Unfortunately, these numerous problems are overlooked by developers who are often supported by the Asian governments due to the economic rewards from the sport. The low green fees in Asia have increased tourism to these courses as well as increasing the temptation for further golf course development. The most notorious debate among golf course development in recent years has been the plan to create a $311 million project consisting of 592 luxury homes, hotels, restaurants, and a 7,276-yard golf course in Tepoztlan Mexico. Opponents of the golf course claim that golf-course projects use dangerous chemicals and too much water as well as induce higher property taxes and disrupt culturally intact communities. The site of development in Tepoztlan will be located on 462 acres of communal land within a national park and a biological corridor that harbors Aztec ruins and 28 endemic species of animals (Planet ENN, 1996). The high amount of water necessary for the project is estimated by developers to be approximately 800,000 gallons a day for peak irrigation (which is nearly five times that pumped daily by Tepoztlan). This brings about much debate because of the town’s ongoing problems with water shortage. Those who support the Tepoztlan golf plan (mainly developers) believe that it will create 13,000 construction jobs over seven years, and 2900 permanent jobs (Selcraig, 1996).

My Philosophy :: Philosophy of Education Teaching Teachers Essays

My Philosophy Why do children turn out the way that they do? Do the decisions we make as teachers have a big impact on our students? Consideration needs to be given to these issues as we enter classrooms. The children of today will be the leaders of tomorrow. Therefore, all children need a structured education to help them learn their responsibilities in life. Children need to stay active in the classroom and be aware of the importance of their education. Students of the elementary age have various characteristics. They have curiosity flowing and their minds are active. Children want to understand what is happening around them. Students have a wide imagination, which allows them to be creative and unique. Children respect their teachers and imitate their actions because they look up to their teachers as role models. Students are dependent, therefore needing attention and assistance. The nature of knowledge is relative. Each individual learns differently. Teachers need to use different strategies for everyone to learn the same area of curriculum. Everyone has a distinct personality that allows him or her to learn differently. Some areas come easier to individuals than other areas. Each person’s ability to learn something is dependent upon his or her environment around them. For example, if someone isn’t provided with the proper tools for the area of study, they will not be able to learn it. The use of different techniques will allow each individual to use their constructive intelligence. The purpose of education is to help individuals to learn about their world, morals, and the values of their country that will help guide them through their society. Education is a very important aspect in today’s world. Education allows each individual to succeed in life and to inspire knowledge that will be passed on to younger generations. As a teacher, I hope to provide the best education possible for my students. I plan to inspire each individual in a way that will help them in life.

Comunist China And Civil Rights Violations Essay -- essays research pa

China is famous throughout history for both Tieneman square, and capitol punishment . These are each examples of human rights violations. Communist China's one child policy Is yet another example. China's one child policy was stared in 1979 as an attempt to solve their overpopulation problem. The policy states that every couple in China is allowed only one child. In order for a couple to have a child they must first have a birth coupon issued by the government before giving birth to the child. "Birth Quotas" are determined in order to have surveillance of the people who have all ready had their single child allowed to them born. The women of China must deal with their menstrual cycle being monitored publicly to stop the possibility of having a second child. They also must face pelvic examinations if they are even suspected of being impregnated. Any unauthoized pregnancies are terminated by an aboution regardless of the pregnancies progression. Graphically, The baby's head is crushed and then pulled out of the woman, just to name one of the many grusome abortion practices, killing the baby, and torturing the woman. The Chinese law has horrible effect's on the country's major population. Many Infant's are abandoned, or brutally killed at home to cut down upon expenses and fines issued by the government. In 1993 ultrasound machines were in mas importation to China, however in 1993 the use of these machines ...

Monogamy Versus Polygamy and Other Forms of Marriage

â€Å"I believe in monogamy if that is what a couple decides upon together, but it all depends on the personal history and culture of the two involved. † -K. D. Lang. The traditional family system–a lifelong alliance of a man and a woman–has in the past served as an institution for mobilizing the economic, moral, and emotional resources needed to raise children, (Bergmann, 1996). In many cases, marital satisfaction is influenced by the husband’s supportiveness, maternal employment and the age of the husband. However, â€Å"a 50 percent divorce rate in the USA makes a mockery of the beautiful brides’ pictures that appear in newspapers across this nation. It suggests that America's belief in a lifetime monogamous marriage has degenerated into the mere acceptance of serial matrimony† (Miller, 1989). Roget’s Thesaurus defines monogamy as â€Å"a kind of marriage. † In other words, there are other kinds, and perhaps one of these might suit us a little better (Preston, 2011). Monogamy is the only form a legal marriage in Western society. Monogamy can mean marriage to only one person for a lifetime or, as is more common today, marriage to one person at a time, aka â€Å"serial monogamy. † Monogamy is usually between opposite sex couples, though same-sex monogamy is becoming legal in some states and countries, (Libertine, 2008). â€Å"Society expects marriages to be both, but studies that have shown that ten percent of babies are fathered by men other than their legal fathers indicate that the two don’t always go hand in hand; that while social monogamy might be ubiquitous, biological monogamy is not†, (Libertine, 2008). Monogamy can mean marriage to only one person for a lifetime or, as is more common today, marriage to one person at a time, aka â€Å"serial monogamy,† (Libertine, 2008). Monogamy is usually between opposite sex couples, though same-sex monogamy is becoming legal in some states and countries (Libertine, 2008). Monogamous marriage defined as sexually exclusive, though we must distinguish between social monogamy and biological monogamy. The assumption is that this has been the one â€Å"right† way to be married since ancient times, until threatened by the sexual revolution starting in the 1960s. According to a report released by the Census Bureau in October 2006, legally married heterosexual monogamous marriages are no longer the majority of American households, though various forms of marriage-clone relationships continue to flourish. Many other more popular types of marriages do exist. Polygamy, also known, as polygyny is either man or a woman can have more than one spouse. Polyandry, although much less common this is when one woman has several husbands. It has occurred in Tibet, Mongolia, the Canadian Arctic, South America, Nepal, Bhutan, among other places. Polyandry is especially suited to populations that have more males than females, which is perhaps why it is less common than polygyny, because females outnumber males in most societies. In all marriages, there are obligations and duties that the couples agree upon once entering into marriage. Pinning down the No. 1 duty of a spouse can be a tough call, but there is evidence that honest communication is the most important role a married person can play (Herrington). A 2005 study examined the relationships among communication, sexual satisfaction, and marital satisfaction, demonstrated that communication and sexual satisfaction independently predict marital satisfaction, (Litzinger & Gordon, 2005). However, the findings go on to say, â€Å"if couples have difficulty communicating but are sexually satisfied, they will experience greater marital satisfaction than if they have a less satisfying sexual relationship. † Thus, sexual satisfaction may partially compensate for the negative effects of poor communication on marital satisfaction (Litzinger & Gordon, 2005). Herring also pointed out in her article the ever so important sharing of responsibilities. Studies revealed that when one partner feels family duties are shared equally, he is more likely to consider the marriage a happy one. This can prevent one spouse from feeling that he shoulders all of the burdens of life, which often leads to marital strife. Helping to absorb the stress of daily life helps couples feel their relationship is fair, and is an important obligation for married people (Herrington). Sharing responsibility is often connected to the sharing of financial responsibility. The role of economic forces in the development and operation of families, he suggests reasons why the development of nontraditional, non-nuclear families is congruent with economic laws, and why their development is to be expected, today and even predicted in the future (Westley, 1998). Well-known economist Gary Becker asserts â€Å"the primary motivating factor in human action is self-interest, an indisputable basis from which to begin†. Although most economists agree with this concept of human behavior as it relates to economics, Becker also understands how this same concept applies to marriages. People will marry when they think that they can achieve a greater degree of utility in that state than when single, and they divorce when they feel that they can achieve a greater degree of utility in that state than when married (Westley, 1998). The traditional family system has its advantages and disadvantages however, â€Å"whatever the character of society or state, polity or economy, religion or culture, parents cannot escape responsibility for the quality of their children as citizens† (Halsey, 1997).

Single Parenting Stigma

Single-Parenting Families: Attached Stigmas The social deviance that interests me is single parenting, one who chose to have a child out of wed-lock. The stigma attached to being a single parent is rising anew. Many media commentators blame America's uptrend in violence and other social problems on family breakdown – on single parents. This stigma is based on myths and stereotypes that have been promoted by half-truths and, often, by prejudiced viewpoints. Many in our society still regard single parenthood as a unwelcome status.I as a single parent myself, I am often admired, but at the same time looked upon with pity, disgust, sympathy, and perhaps with uneasiness. In defense of single parent families I would argue to de-stigmatized single motherhood by society, in which the shifting of family type in single parent household is now normal and acceptable. One obvious identity is I am a woman and my hidden identities are I am a mother, unmarried, and parenting alone. A complex of set social and cultural stigma perceived as making a selfish or misguided decision to have a child and raise it on my own as a unmarried single mother.Growing up I was told by my parents the unwed mothers were bad girls who make mistakes and gotten pregnant, whom family, friends, and the community shamed and reject. There is a clear cultural, moral, and religious message of stigma. In my parents generation, it would highly scandalous of a single woman raising a child alone and never married. In those days it was expected for the man to do the honorable thing, and marry the woman who is carrying his child. It did not matter whether he love her or not, having a child out of wedlock is unacceptable and the child would be considered a bastard( child born to unmarried parents).I am a single parent. I never planned on being a single parent. Few do. I grew up with an ideal of parenting as something I would do with a husband, within a marriage. Choosing to parent alone was simply not a o ption in my household growing up. Unwed pregnancy was to be avoided at all costs! Divorce with children was quickly remedied with remarriage. The honored and supported single mothers without stigma is through the death of a husband is a widow. Today, nearly one-third of American families with children under the age eighteen are in single-parent families, and this has double the number less than two decades ago.Separation and divorce creates most single parent families, that accounts for twice as many single parent families (60%) as failure to marry (30 %), while the death of a parent creates less than (7 %) of such families. Single parent families are raised by single mothers are becoming the majority family type culturally in United States. However, there is still a powerful negative images associated with Black single mothers and rarely does the dominant culture identify individuals, but instead stigmatized the entire class of Black mothers.Many presume the color of the typical we lfare recipient is a Black mother and that is not entirely true, but Black mothers are disproportionately represented. I personally can not explain why single parent never been married families are far more prevalent in the Black communities than in the White communities. Marriage is the most common for all women and for most women the only way out of poverty. For Black women, however the economic gain of marriage is often few and far between due to the poor economic opportunities of Black men.Although, I am a single mother raising three sons. My children have not and will not suffer from the outcome of poverty, simple because I am a single parent. I am not poor. I am gainfully employed and I own my own home for the last fifteen years. There is a strong stigma attached to single mothers households are living below the poverty line. What are the critics saying about the single mothers? Stigmatizing the single parent families as part of the underclass, broken, and deviant. Their child ren are mostly to have emotional or behavioral problems.To have children out of wedlock, are more likely to have trouble in school, and likely to commit crimes. Therefore, because I chose to raise my children alone†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦society blames me for the decline in social order. The two parent families is still compared as the traditional family formation and contribute to a healthy and successful society. I recently saw on TV an interview with Ann Coulter on the talk show The View †¦. she blames many of society’s problems on single moms. She goes on to say that our jails are filled with the offspring of single moms.To accuse single moms of being responsible for all society’s problems is absolutely crazy. There are many reasons relationships end, and when there are kids involved usually the bulk – if not all – of the responsibility of raising the kids is assumed by the mom. We single moms should be applauded and not attacked for this. Sure, there are some women that decide to have a baby on their own with no man in the picture, but can you blame them?It is hard to find a decent man who also wants to raise a family. Even when you do there are no guarantees he will stick around for the long haul. Nevertheless, single fathers have biological link or legal status as a non-custodial parent. What that actually means is they are expected to pay child support for their children, but rarely do they have sole or joint custody of their children. Some men have this immature concept of fathering that expects men to separate from their children and their responsibility, if they do not maintain a connection to the children’s mother.There is a layer of stigma that is laid upon Black single mothers complete with highly fertile capacity( having many babies), being lazy and shiftless, and being in a relationship with uncaring and equally lazy black man. In which he is not willing to work, will not marry her, and will not support his family. This stereotype does not fit all single African American mothers and fathers. Unfortunately, those are the views of the dominant culture in our society of unwed African American single mothers. There are confronting stigmas and myths of single parenting as society continues to view that stigma as appropriate and justified.The first, single-parent families are poor and single parenting causes poverty and social problems. Second, single-parent families are physiologically unhealthy. Third, single-parent families are immoral. The religious standpoint the families are sinful because they lack the blessing and validation of marriage through the church. Finally, there is a underlying undertone of stigma attached to race and gender beliefs that further support the badge of social scorn and economic hardships. What I know about single mothers is far different from the myths that are circulating in society, resulting in powerful stigmatizing.The truth and reality is many single mother are r aising their children very successful alone, including myself. Parenting is the hardest job, that one will ever have. However, single parenting is even harder, but not impossible to be successful in providing for your family. Society must look at the parent and not the circumstances that lead to their being a single mom or dad. The first priority and full responsibility is towards the child, put the child first in every and all decisions. My personal story is I have always been there for my three sons and it is my job to take care of them, until they can take care of themselves.I have raised boys to men and at the sometime to be gentleman. In my household it is filled with love and support. Education was always instilled and valued in my home. My sons are very intelligent, respectful, good human beings and all because I took full responsibility for them and I took parenting very seriously. I can argue strongly that children need love, discipline, structured, boundaries, and guidance . Children who lack these exposures will perhaps become menace to society, but not from living in a single parent household. Two parent families can be dysfunctional, don’t place the blame solely on single parent families.The house with white picket fence is only a disguise, one can only guess what is truly going on behind closed doors. For the love that I had for my son’s father and yes, they have the same dad (a myth that African American single mothers children have different fathers). We drifted apart and we decided to separate and I focus on being a mom. In neither case was it my choice to be a SINGLE mom; my choice was to just be a MOM. Sorry to report that single mom bashing is nothing new. And, the â€Å"double standard† is nothing new, either.Single dad who pays his child support and see his kids on a regular basis is a hero! Single moms, on the other hand, seem to be held to nearly impossible standards. I can only suggest what has worked for me. I hold my head high, keep my decisions grounded in what's best for my sons , and ignore the small minded people. My sons are my blessings, they are beautiful, and I am very proud to be their mother. Being a single mom presents additional and unique challenges and experiences. I feel I can conquer the world, because being a mom is the toughest job there is.Life is never boring! These myths and stigmas can be confronted successfully and new strength can be found in the truth. As with so many aspects of single parenting, myself and other mothers rise to the challenge and become better people because of it. The myths are sometimes subtle and subconscious, but the more we examine them, the more clearly we take responsibility for our lives and the lives of our children. My deepest love and appreciation goes to my sons, who have taught me more than they will ever know. I love you†¦.. higher than the moon, wider than the sky.

Characteristics of pastors Essay

Crucial role is played by the minister in youth programming, which is quite similar with the other church-sponsored programs. Awareness of the crucial role was received by the senior author of this paper, when a black clergyman from fifty miles away approached this graduate student in the year 1968. The college students were suggested by the minister to provide youth programs in the rural town. Reading tutorials, sewing classes, sex education, health tips, and current events were included in this project. A major study of black youth development was also led during the project. A small Northeastern town of Rubin was selected for the conduction of the abovementioned study. In the present study, the characteristics of ministers have been highlighted with the help of several findings. The sponsorship of the youth programs has also been associated with these characteristics. In general, youth was most favored by the younger clergy during the study. Some of the most prominent issues are being confronted by the African-American youth, which have been indicated by the Black Church Family Project. It has also been observed the black churches are not addressing these issues adequately. Health-related services and AIDS support programs are some of these problems of the African-American youth. Only twenty-seven churches reported the existence of substance abuse programs. Twenty-seven churches also reported the parenting and sexuality programs in their communities. College students’ financial support was awarded by twenty-nine churches. Twenty-five churches reported youth at-risk programs, in which, delinquency was focused during the programs. Role modeling was provided by fifteen churches. Foster grandparents are some of the examples of role modeling in these churches. Employment and job readiness issues were offered by thirteen churches. Discussions which were the greatest efforts of about fifty-five churches across the country are helpful. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS This survey of Black n White churches resulted in gaps between Clergy and formal providers and the gaps grew wider with time. If we compare the Black churches with White churches, we will come to a conclusion that Black Churches proved to be more supportive because it came up with new programs than White churches, it proved to be supportive not only in terms of quantity but it also created some awareness amongst people. They also had a tight budget but always managed to offer strong programs. They managed to control large congregations and large differences in budgets between urban and rural churches. There was some lacking in the linkage between specialty mental health provider and churches. There was a very little interaction with Clergy and the formal mental health service delivery system. Mental health care system was never interested in holding meetings with Clergy or any professional groups. History says that mental health care system has already experienced some mistrust or betrayal from Clergy. Future actions should include building strong associations between providers of health and mental health service and faith communities. They should also pay prior attention to best communication channels and should not ignore apparent absence of communication. Furthermore, they should also work to fill the gaps between cultures and promote free exchange between groups. It is not possible to draw up a clear path but from the study above we can say that urban pastors have more knowledge of mental health detection and are educationally stronger than rural counterparts. Including the fact that Blacks provide more prams than White does not mean that the programs are only for Blacks or it may be not accessible to Black congregations at large. There is a possibility that Blacks may think they are service providers. Or communities that are served are not accepted by the Blacks. This clearly shows that both Blacks and White perceive their missions in a dissimilar manner. Pastors and formal delivery system can benefit from the gaps between mental health service providers and Clergy. Rural individuals are ready to seek general health care help from primary care providers. But they are not ready to seek specialized mental health care. By creating a link between pastors and other church leaders to primary care providers can improve the mental health services for Blacks; by this Blacks can get an effective and strengthened capacity of network. Effective measures should be taken into account to create a strong link between informal and formal networks. This is important to assure the effectiveness of accessible, appropriate mental health care. Joining up the knowledge and matching the capacities and capabilities of churches can prove to be beneficial for the communities and can be healthy in crucial times. â€Å"Most significant for us today, these African American church leaders recognized the importance of what they were doing for future generations of Americans. They wrote histories, biographies, memoirs, and other accounts of religious life in the South during this era. It is through these written texts that we still have access to the many voices that comprise the first century of the black church in the United States. † (2001, np) Churches in other parts of the region like South are well organized; they are very strong to community and cultures resulting in congregational commitment. They respect each others attitudes and behaviors. Mental health care problems in rural areas are due to the lack of stigma and available services associated with mental health. To come up to a healthy solution, creative partnerships between social organizations are essential. For instance, combines churches and informal care will result in providing informal care.

Declaration of the Rights of Men and of Citizens Essay

The Declaration of The Rights of Man and of Citizens begins with a clear stipulation of intrinsic freedom and equality in every man. Equality, therefore, seems to be an appropriate place to begin. The Declaration defines our equality in relation to our rights, such that we are all born with the same entitlements and among them the right to perpetuate such rights throughout our lives. Each and every one of us is entitled to the expression of the will of a community (which, according to Rousseau, is the collective will of the constituent individuals). In a similar light, the law is to regard each individual without bias; performing its duty of punishment or protection as justice sees fit. The sixth section of the declaration states that: â€Å"All being equal in its sight, are equally eligible to all honours, places and employments, according to their different abilities, without any other distinction than that created by their virtues and talents.† Effectually, this levels the metaphorical playing field, rightly empowers the skilful and the able while ensuring men are distinguished not by the colour of their skin, nor by their religion and neither by their wealth – but by their merits and abilities. Unfortunately that has never been so. There are a plethora of sordid historical examples that contravene section VI. The apartheid, holocaust and slave trade are amongst the many historical events that have grossly violated the former section. Nepotism, racism, sexism and segregation still ail society and contribute to its atrophic senescence. One audacious claim is that every man is innocent, until proven guilty by the law. The present Catholic Church disagrees, believing than everyone is born  with the burden of original sin. It is not the only body that believes in immediate guilt, many states (including China) adopt a judicial system, which operates on a contrary principle: that every man is guilty until proven innocent by the law. UNRESTRAINED COMMUNICATION Each individual is entitled to his own opinions, their expression and their communication (regardless of content and context). The Declaration explicitly iterates that this is a man’s most â€Å"precious right† and can only be annulled when it threatens the public order. The law establishes the threat. How exactly can you abuse the right of free speech? Who has the right to decide when freedom of speech is abused? A state may act unjustly towards the expression of politically or religiously sensitive opinions, as they may rouse widespread criticism and lead to an imbalance of governing power and authority. However, is it within the law’s rights to place the right to freedom of speech below its own interests? Such controversy is faced in places such as China and Russia. However, the uproar provoked by Julian Assange and Edward Snowden prove that the West cannot lay claims to an unmarred reputation of moral conduct. Individual intrinsic equality is never defined with autonomy, since it is always bordered by the canons of the law. The Declaration seems to state that the power of the law transcends the rights of man, as it may decide what is within and excluded from such rights. It is given the power to distinguish and determine. LAW The Declaration defines the primary duty of the law as an â€Å"expression of the will of the community† and that the law should only â€Å"[prohibit actions that are hurtful to society]†. It decrees, â€Å"what is not prohibited by the law, should not be hindered† and â€Å"the law ought to impose no other penalties but  such as are absolutely and evidently necessary†. The law is detailed as the decision-making faculty in society, it has the power to imprison, accuse, arrest, apprehend and (the two most important powers) to determine the extent at which one man may secure the liberal exercise of his own rights and to establish when public order is breached or threatened. So who deems what is â€Å"absolutely and evidently necessary†? Who holds the reins to the law? Shouldn’t the law be separate from the normal man, should it not occupy a different order of sovereignty? What gives another man the power to wield the scales of the law, is he superior to any other man that he may decide his counterpart’s fate? Who has the prerogative to empower another man with the sword and shield of the law? According to the declaration, â€Å"all citizens have a right†¦either personally, or by their representatives, in its formation†. So the populace, by right, has power over the law, which in turn, by right, has power over the populace. Ideally, this ascertains the equality of power. A cyclic system where the law changes with the people and adjusts itself accordingly as the essence of man itself changes; where any change in the attitudes of the people is reflected in a change in the law. Equilibrium is, therefore, maintained and this allows elasticity and exposes duality in the expression of power. This is by no means a moral system. By this definition, the law is as fickle as man and serves as an inadequate canon, an imitation canon to reassure us that we are a moral and just society. Though the Declaration implores the equal distribution of law, all being equal in its sight, it has managed to allow the atrocities committed in the past. The witch hunts, slave trade, oppression of women, exploitation of children and the inquisition are merely a few events where the latter section of the clause (â€Å"[the law] should be the same to all†) has been unpardonably violated. Is this the fault of the people? No, the fault lies with the educated  lawmakers, the â€Å"representatives†. REPRESENTATIVE The Declaration mentions lawmakers (or â€Å"representatives†) and their sole duty to express the will of the citizen. They are effectively the mouthpiece of the populace and are crucial for succinct communication between power and the people. In modern society, this role is prevalent in the majority of democratic states in the form of: Members of Parliament in the UK, Senators in the US and LegCo members in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, the representative role can be held responsible for neglecting its duties and promulgating laws in favour of the upper echelons of society throughout history. The Church is one of the main perpetrators, abusing its influence and power to serve its own needs or requirements. It can be held directly responsible for the frenzied witch-hunts, the inquisition and the violent reformation, which are some of the darkest events in history. Wealthy plantation owners all over the world perpetuated the slave trade, since their operations were extremely labour intensive and extensively profit orientated. Plantations could not profit if workers were to be paid and treated fairly; therefore requiring underpaid and exploitable workers. Since the role of a representative is conventionally a caste specific role, it is nearly impossible for a member of the â€Å"people† to ascend to this position. Therefore the role of a lawmaker is somewhat disconnected from the people and is, perhaps, inadvertently stifling the voice of the people. The representative has, of course, the same (equal) rights of the people and therefore is entitled to ambition. Though their duty is to represent and express the will of the people, it is – rather understandably – second only to their personal desires and demands. Self-satisfaction is ingrained within every single complex organism on this planet, so it is only natural to pursue your own interests and seek your own ends. However, those with power (and above all representatives and lawmakers) have  the means to meet their ends. The mere possession of power is corruptive and addictive. Those in the upper classes of society will, at the very least, strive to remain in the rung they nestle in; fearing a relegation to a lower status. Many will desire to advance and climb further from the people and manipulate the resources available to them in order to do so. Yet, it is the privileged that possess such resources or have access to certain opportunities that allow them to advance and the unprivileged that don’t, thereby consolidating caste preservation and setting the cyclic nature of disparity in place. This is where the voice of the people is lost in transmission. This is evident in the American taxation scheme, where the wealthy benefit from certain policies that permits income to be classified otherwise and thereby avoiding the maximum rate of taxation. The Republican Party immortalizes these policies, as it contributes to their socio-economic preservation. What seems not to be apparent is that there is no need to abuse power. The correct expression of power and fair distribution can only bring about what the Declaration suggests: a level playing field. It would encourage a Darwinian model of progression, where the socio-economic advance and preservation of an individual is reliant on performance, ability, talent, skill and virtue. COMMON CONTRIBUTION It is necessary, according to the declaration, for a common contribution. This is for the â€Å"support of the public force, and for defraying the other expenses of government†. The declaration states that this common contribution ought to be â€Å"divided equally† amongst all â€Å"according to their abilities†. The former of the statements still rings true today and is the only thing reputed to be certain (apart from death). The latter stipulation, regrettably, has not. Internationally most citizens are taxed on their income, on the goods they  purchase and the money they inherit. Yet no system of taxation is truly fair, as the law affords disproportionate contribution and means of evading certain taxation. This is most evident in America, where many high net worth investors pay a smaller percentage of their income than their middle class, working counterparts. This is achieved through exploiting the capital gains tax and the carried interest tax. As a result of such exploitation, Warren Buffet only paid a combined tax rate of 17.4% in 2010, where less affluent Americans contributed up to 45% of their income to the government. The declaration stipulates that â€Å"common contribution† should be divided â€Å"equally among members of the community according to their abilities†. A merit and ability based taxation scheme is fair and just. So how should a population be taxed (if they are to be taxed on ability)? Taxing on the basis of income seems not to work. Perhaps the rate of tax should be varied by age or perhaps determined by occupation (seeing as occupation is decided by ability). A problem that arises is that this would discourage hard work and penalize success. Thus resulting in a population hesitant to use their abilities and work to their full capacity.

Historic and Environmental Conversation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Historic and Environmental Conversation - Essay Example The concept of historic preservation is mainly used by the English and the Americans but the other dialects refer to the same as â€Å"heritage conservation† or â€Å"heritage preservation†. The term is commonly used by professionals to refer to the preservation of the built environment as opposed to the preservation or the conservation of wildlife or forests (Forsyth 10). Environmental conservation is a concept that has a resemblance with historic preservation. The only difference is that environmental conservation is concerned with the preservation of the natural environment that includes plants, animals and natural resources (Mauro 4). The environment is defined as the sum of everything that surrounds a living organism, including natural forces, other living organisms that in essence provide conditions for growth and development as well as danger and damage to the living organism. Therefore, environmental conservation is a term that goes hand in hand with natural con servation that involves the protection of nature (Mauro 6). Historical Conservation The idea of historic conservation and natural conservation dates back to the 17th century in England. Members of the Royal Society of England often had antiquarian interests and, therefore, most of them were involved in conservation efforts during this time. This was done for various reasons; one of them was to conserve history for the future generations especially the buildings that had an impact on a country (Simon 335). These efforts by the Royal Society of England in the UK led to the establishment and adoption of the Ancient Monument Protection Act in 1882. Later in the 20th century, the UK’s Ancient and Monuments act was passed in 1913 to protect or preserve defined decayed and obsolete structures of great historical or associative interest. The act was because of the continued modernization that meant the destruction of the older buildings to pave way for the newer improved structures ( Simon 336). During the twentieth century, the UK government under the National Trust Organization started with the preservation of historic houses continuously increasing its scope to cover other buildings of historic significance. In 1944, the UK’s legislature passed the Town and country Planning Act and the subsequent Town and Country planning Act in 1990. This acts increased the pace toward historic preservation on a high scale. Apart from these acts, other court cases from pressure groups and movements also contributed to the first pace of historical conservation (Feilden 35). Preservation efforts in the United States began in the early 19th century with the preservation of the George Washington’s Mount Vernon in 1858. This was later followed by an association founded in 1889 called the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, which was the United States first statewide historic conservation group (Forsyth 50). Another historical building that foll owed in the 20th century is the Washington headquarters state historic site in New York in 1961. One of the first architectural firms that was famous in its bid to preserve historic buildings was Simons & Lapham. It was influential in crafting the first historical ordinance in Charleston in 1930. This gave the city regulatory means by which it could prevent the destruction of historic buildings. Earlier on in 1925, there were massive efforts to preserve the French Quarter buildings in New Orleans and

Unmasking Victorian Monsters Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Unmasking Victorian Monsters - Research Paper Example In The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Dr. Henry Jekyll begins experimenting on himself by drinking a potion that unleashes his dark side, a violent, brutish misanthrope named Edward Hyde. Eventually, he becomes unable to control the shift in personality chemically and it begins to overtake his upstanding persona and psyche as Dr. Jekyll. The novel itself is in the form of Dr. Jekylls last will and testament as it has fallen into the hands of his solicitor. The Island of Dr. Moreau tells the story of Edward Prendick who is shipwrecked in the South Pacific and finds himself on the island of Dr. Moreau. Moreau was a famous London physiologist who was shunned when his experiments in vivisection were revealed. He has exiled himself to this island where he can continue his experiments in vivisection unhindered by public opprobrium. Prendick learns that Dr. Moreau has created a collection of Beat Men who may, or may not, be under his control and resistant to their animal tendencies. Bram Stokers Dracula has multiple narrators although its principle one is Jonathan Harker, a London solicitor. Harker journeys to Transylvania to assist a client, Count Dracula, with a real estate transaction. Subsequently, Dracula arrives in England and begins to work his evil on a British woman, Lucy Westenra. As she wastes away the Dutch vampire expert, Abraham Van Helsing, eventually joined by Harker and his fiance, Wilhelmina Mina Murray, wages war against Dracula. Lucy and her mother both die after a wolf attack; the struggle eventually returns to Transylvania where Dracula is exterminated; one of his hunters, Quincy Morris, is also killed; and, Mina is freed from the mental and emotional thrall of the evil vampire. Indicatively, Moreaus creations are known as the Beast Folk. They appear to be neither people nor beasts but rather an