Analize a social problem in the community in which I live Essay

Analize a social problem in the community in which I live - Essay Example The mental health professionals hold important positions in implementation and strategizing such an intervention, and one such project has been presented here that can be implemented. Following implementation, this proposal incorporates an idea to evaluate to see how far it has been able to achieve success in reducing bullying or implementing the social change in the community. "But it did not end there. As soon as Amanda got home, the instant messages started popping up on her computer screen. She was a tattletale and a liar, they said. Shaken, she typed back, "You stole my stuff!" She was a "stuck-up bitch," came the instant response in the box on the screen, followed by a series of increasingly ugly epithets." This is the story of Amanda, writes Harmon (2004) in her New York Times article, "Internet Gives Teenage Bullies Weapons to Wound From Afar" published on August 26, 2004. This is a consequence of a fight that started at school, when Amanda Marcuson dared to report the makeup in her pencil case stolen in the school by some eighth-grade classmates (Harmon, 2004). Amanda, however, said the girls never said a word to her in person, and she thought, "It seems like people can say a lot worse things to someone online than when theyre actually talking to them," (Harmon, 2004) but, these messages went to the full capacity of her cell phone mailbox. This is the picture of the county where this author lives, Westchester County in NY State, USA. It seems bullying is no longer an evidence of cruelty that is confined to schools; the quarrels can be pursued and amplified even from a distance into homes in a more devious manner. Most likely bullying is inbred in schools for perhaps as long as schools have existed. Recently, systematic investigation has confirmed to be a pervasive phenomenon. However, in her discussion, Arehart-Treichel (2004) comments that parents and teachers have become more determined to have actions taken

A Life Of Sacrifice History Essay

A Life Of Sacrifice History Essay November 13, 2010 wasnt a special day to many people. But to about fifty million Burmese, it might be the turning point of their lives. On that day, a lady called Aung San Suu Kyi was released from detention. In front of her house, a crowd of her supporters gathered together to celebrate the release. The lady is the pro-democracy leader of Burma and has been detained for 15 of the past 21 years, most of it under house arrest. Define Moral courage Thesis statement. Aung San Suu Kyi was the only daughter of Aung San, the man considered to be the founder of modern Burma. Unfortunately, Suu Kyi was only two years old when her father was assassinated in 1948. She hardly remembered anything about this great man. But even though I never really knew him, she said, I was always told how much the Burmese people loved and revered him.' (The Lady) Aung San Suu Kyi spent a lot of time learning about her fathers philosophy and commitment to the cause of independence. This desire to understand her fathers feelings eventually translated into the belief that she had to finish the job that her father had begun. When Aung San Suu Kyi was fifteen years old, her mother Khin Kyi was appointed Burmese ambassador to India. As a result, Suu Kyi moved to India to accompany her mother. Upon arriving in India, Suu Kyi spent one year in a strict convent school. The following year she attended Delhi University, where she learned about political science. During the first few years when Suu Kyi lived in India, she explored the lessons of passive resistance of Mahatma Ghandi and Jawaharlal Nehru. When Suu Kyi was accepted at St. Hughs College at Oxford, she left Delhi University. As an undergraduate at St. Hughs in Oxford, Suu Kyi was remembered as very demure and genuinely innocent, yet with a strong sense of belonging to the Burmese elite. (The Lady 48). Two years after Suu Kyi received her degree, she left for New York. When Suu Kyi arrived in New York to stay with Ma Than E, the older woman had just started working at United Nations headquarters. At Ma Than Es suggestion, Suu Kyi decided to resume her studies at a later date and instead apply for a job at the United Nations. In March 1988, Suu Kyi received a call from a close family friend in Burma, informing Suu Kyi that her mother had suffered a severe stroke. Almost immediately, Suu Kyi began packing. I had a premonition, Michael wrote in the introduction to a collection of essays about his wife, that our lives would change forever. (Burmas Iron Aunty) The next morning Suu Kyi was on a plane heading to Burma. When Aung San Suu Ki arrived in Rangoon to care for her mother, General Ne Wins military socialist government had been in power for twenty-six years. During that time, Burma had gone from being one of the richest nations in Southeast Asia to one of the poorest, most isolated, and most corrupt countries in the world. Thousands of monks, students, and ordinary civilians took to the streets in protest against the government. For weeks, as Suu Kyi nursed her mother in the hospital, the violence intensified, with groups of young people marauding through the streets of Rangoon.(The lady 56) By June, the doctors announced that there was no hope that Suu Kyis mother would recover. Suu Kyi made the decision to take her mother home to University Avenue, where she could die peacefully in her own room. Aung San Suu Kyi has never claimed that when she came to Burma in 1988, it was to lead a pro-democracy movement. It wasnt as if the students were organized in definite political groups in 1988, Suu Kyi once explained. The democracy movement evolved out of general chaos that was everywhere in Burma. It was this climate of rebellion that caused many political groups to emerge, which eventually coalesced into a democracy movement. On August 8, 1988, a day known as the Four 8s, a nationwide strike was called and that included students, civilians, lawyers, doctors, monks and civil servants. Crowds surged into the streets for a pro-democracy demonstration. Sein Lwin responded by ordering troops to open fire. However, the demonstrations continued and the death toll mounted. As Suu Kyi nursed her dying mother, she was kept informed daily of the news and mourned those who lost their lives on the streets of Burmese cities. By then, rumors that Aung San Suu Kyi was in the country had already sp read. Many people believed that the presence of General Aung Sans daughter in Burma meant that more than fifty years of repression, civil unrest, and violence would finally end. All of a sudden, pictures of General Aung San became a prominent symbol of the pro-democracy movement. In response to the hundreds of thousands of people who continued to demonstrate throughout the countries, Aung San Suu Kyi wrote an open letter to the government proposing that a committee be formed for the sole purpose of leading the country toward multiparty elections. Within days, Suu Kyi became a public figure, speaking out for human-rights and liberal free-market economic system. On August 26, surrounded by her supporters, she spoke to a crowd estimated at half a million people. Her message was simple: nonviolence, human-rights, and democracy. For Burmese, Suu Kyi not only was a poignant reminder of the past, but a living symbol of hope for the future. (Body paragraphs continued, influence of Buddhism, In 1991, this once obscure Burmese woman, when she had been living in exile for more than two decades and had been under house arrest for three years, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. There was no better way for the pro-democracy movement in Burma to make the world aware of the political repression throughout the country than for Aung San Suu Kyi and to have won the Nobel Peace Prize. Yet, there were many people, especially within Daw Suu Kyis inner circle, who feared that winning the prize would make it even more difficult for Daw Suu Kyi and the SLORC to come to any compromise. As the eighth woman in history to win the peace prize, and the first to receive it while in captivity, Daw Suu Kyi became the focus of a variety of human-rights groups throughout the world, as well as the United States Department of State under the Clinton administration-which suddenly put the pro-democracy movement in Burma high on its international agenda. (The lady) Prior to the summer protests, there had been growing unease in the population regarding the economic distress of the country which has stagnant economic growth and is ranked among the 20 poorest countries in the world according to the United Nations.[9] Many, including the United Nations have blamed the economic problems on the leadership of the military junta and the proportion of national income spent on the armed forces. In late 2006, the cost of basic commodities began rising sharply in Burma with rice, eggs, and cooking oil increasing by 30-40%. According to the BBC, on 22 February 2007, a small group of individuals protested the current state of consumer prices in the country. While the protest was small and careful not to be seen as directed at the military junta, officials jailed nine of the protesters. The military junta detained eight people on Sunday, 22 April 2007 who took part in a rare demonstration in a Yangon suburb amid a growing military crackdown on protesters. A g roup of about ten protesters carrying placards and chanting slogans staged the protest Sunday morning in Yangons Thingangyun township, calling for lower prices and improved health, education and better utility services. The protest ended peacefully after about 70 minutes, but plainclothes police took away eight demonstrators as some 100 onlookers watched. On 15 August 2007 the government removed subsidies on fuel causing a rapid and unannounced increase in prices.[11] The government, which has a monopoly on fuel sales, raised prices from about $1.40 to $2.80 a gallon, and boosted the price of natural gas by about 500%.[9] This increase in fuel prices led to an increase in food prices. Soon afterwards, protesters took to the streets to protest the current conditions. These peaceful protests of September 2007 in Burma were not brought to any significant conclusion. The protests were not brought by opposition groups, or foreign governments. However, the Burmese lay people, and the monks were frustrated with the economic and political situation of the country. When the time came activists monks successfully brought together the people of Burma to protest. These protests gave sight to many young people to witness first-hand the brutality of an authoritarian government, thus making them realize the sacrifices the people had to make while fi ghting for political changes in Burma. Furthermore, the junta agreed to talk to the opposition because they want a win-win situation for all. The catch being that the opposition groups follow the rules of the government as of now. Despite all of the talks going on between groups, true democratic changes are still far from being obtained, making the political future of the country uncertain. On the evening of May 3, 2009, Yettaw swam a 2-kilometer (1.25-mile) distance across Lake Inya in Rangoon to the house where Aung San Suu Kyi was held under house arrest by Myanmar authorities. He asked Suu Kyi if he could stay at the house for a few days. She refused, and her caretakers threatened to turn him in to the authorities, but Suu Kyi agreed to let him stay on the ground floor after he began to complain about leg cramps. The Myanmar government requires all non-family overnight visitors to be registered and forbids overnight stays by foreigners. As a result of the 2009 visit, the authorities declared that Suu Kyi breached the conditions of her house arrest.[25] She was charged under the countrys Law Safeguarding the State from the Dangers of Subversive Elements, which carried a three-to-five-year jail term. (legacies and influences) One of the most difficult challenges that Aung San Suu Kyi faces is not only to bring democracy to Burma, but to achieve that goal without putting the people at risk. (her nonviolence philosophy) It is a difficult task since the Burmese people have been shut off from the rest of the world for decades, and do not believe democracy and freedom to be their inalienable rights. As a result, Daw Suu Kyis role lies somewhere between that of a politician who leads the people toward democracy, and a spiritual figure who encourages people to take their initiatives in riding the country of an oppressive regime. For the majority of the Burmese people, the most important sacrifice that Aung San Suu Kyi made for them was not giving in to the SLORCs demands during the six years that the military kept her under house arrest. The SLORC insists that at any time during those years. The lady always had the choice of safe passage out of Burma in a car to the airport and a free one-way ticket back to England where she had been living for the last two decades. For Suu Kyi, that was always an unacceptable alternative. It is also her credit that she refused a sign of courage and stamina that she remained steadfast in her commitment to bring democracy to her country of birth. (The lady) Since 1988, when Aung San Suu Kyi first became visibly involved in the struggle for democracy, the people have become even devoted and loyal to her, more committed to the cause of freedom in Burma, and more dependent on her to bring their plight to the worlds attention. If that were not the case, the NLD would have never survived-and grown-despite all the obstacles the government has put in its way since 1988. (Conclusion) Courage means to work for what you believe with perseverance and to be strong and to have good will. Its not courageous to use ones physical strength and to shout loudly, said Suu Kyi. It is undeniable that Aung San Suu Kyi demonstrated her moral courage. Her sense of responsibility helped Burmese achieve their final goal. Her own little step was a big step to democracy progress in Burmese Unplayed Piano.

Essay --

The Adolf Coors Company is one of the world’s largest brewing companies in the world, and third largest brewing company in the United States. But what makes Coors different from other brewers is its unique advantages and disadvantages in the brewing industry. Coors maintains a certain brand image or â€Å"mystique† that – while positively influencing the company – also causes some strategy problems. The first main problem for Coors is distribution. Coors is branded as a cold, fresh beer and has profited from this immensely in their sales. There are several factors that contribute to this brand image and are ultimately advantages to the company. However, some of these advantages come at a cost. While Coors’ â€Å"pure Rocky Mountain spring water† has been emphasized by the company for over a half century, this water comes from 60 springs on company-owned land where its brewery is in Golden, Colorado. In order to be true to their image, Coors does not want to brew any beer without the fresh â€Å"spring water† of the Rockies. This means Coors is in a bind if interested in shipping beer to parts of the United States such as the east coast. Not only would the beer be extremely expensive to ship over 1500 miles, there is another problem with the idea of shipping the brews across America from a single plant: Coors does not pasteurize their beer. They claim that the heat the beer would experience during a normal ship would harm the taste of the beer. This means that shipments of their unpasteurized beer need to be kept cold the duration of the ship to stay fresh. However, concern about the 25-30 million barrel ceiling on capacity at the Golden, Colorado sites makes it an intriguing prospective to expand sites considering the recent yearl... ...h the beer may be as â€Å"fresh† as Coors claims, companies that do pasteurize their beer are able to ship it across America without the worry and hassle of keeping it cold throughout the duration of the ship. I mentioned reasons as to why this poses some potential problems for the company earlier in this assessment. It’s no mistake that Coors has gained the reputation they have – and it’s mostly a worthy appraisal of the company. As a customer, seeing the extent to which Coors goes to maintain a fresh, unique, brew would make me want to try their product over other â€Å"typical† breweries. However, the very reasons that has led to success for Adolph Coors Company, is also the very reasons why Coors faces potential growth problems. Aside from the problems that Coors’ is dealing with as a result of their pledge to â€Å"freshness,† what other problems does the company face.

College Essay (Soccer)

As a senior, my team and I take our first step onto the turf field; we go on as a family that is striving to bring home the cup. This is my first, yet last chance to do this. The heat from the turf moves through my cleats and onto my feet. The intensity of the sun is shining straight down on me and the sweat is just beginning to start. Then my mind rewinds back to those few words that crushed me terribly last year coming from the varsity soccer coach, â€Å"I think it’d be best if you played on junior varsity this season. I spent countless nights being angry that I did not make varsity and I felt somewhat like a loser because I was a junior playing on the JV team. After a few weeks, I figured it was pointless to feel pity for myself and decided that I was going to show everyone how great I could be. Soccer has been my addiction since I was five and nothing could ever replace the desire for it. My father taught me the rules and coached me; I was set on making sure I knew every aspect of the game, attempting to perfect every skill. I was in complete disbelief when I was not put on the varsity squad, I thought I was good.I knew I had to get better because there is always room for progress. My first step was to improve my physical condition by running and lifting. Running was something that I dreaded to do every day, but knew it was so vital to do. I absolutely despised running, every time I wanted to stop I would just think, â€Å"A starter wouldn’t stop running until they’ve reached the end†. Lifting weights was an activity that I found enjoyable and did not mind doing. Besides exercising, I spent numerous hours working on my ball skills; juggling, controlling, and passing everything a starting player should be precise at.Finally, after many long months, my hard work had paid off. During tryouts I showed everyone that I was a zealous and determined player, taking practice serious and hustling for every drill. The varsity coach awarded me with a starting position for the team my senior year. My determined work ethic, initiative and discipline helped me to get where I am now. To this day I continue to work hard at every practice, even though I am starter. Slacking off is not an option for me. I have applied this lesson to many areas in my life including school work, sports and volunteer work. I am not a quitter and am never satisfied until I achieve my goals.

Example of a Research Plan Essay

Statement of the Problem The aim of the study is to identify the effect of different pH level of the Agar plate to the antibacterial activity of Santol (Sandoricum koet jape). Specifically, the study will seek for the answer of the question: 1.) Is there any difference on the No.of colonies after applying Santol (Sandoricum koet jape) extract on the Agar plate with pH level greater than seven (base)? 2.) Is there any difference on the No.of colonies after applying Santol (Sandoricum koet jape) extract on the Agar plate with pH level less than seven (acid)? Hypothesis 1.) There is no difference on the No.of colonies after applying Santol (Sandoricum koet jape) extract on the Agar plate with pH level greater than seven (base). 2.) There is difference on the No.of colonies after applying Santol (Sandoricum koet jape) extract on the Agar plate with pH level less than seven (acid). Research Methodology Materials and Equipment The study will make use of: Agar Plates, specifically Nutrient Agar, for different tests and as a controlled variable for the problem, Nutrient Broth, same purpose as the nutrient agar, Santol (Sandoricum koet jape) extract, Escherichia coli, for the gram positive, Bacillus , for gram negative, and Candida________ a test subject for the study. Also, the study will make use of litmus paper for measuring and maintining the pH level of the Agar plates. The study will also make use of spectrophotometry. Research Design The study will use Complete Randomized Design as a Research Design.   Control Group Design is two parallel experiments are set up, identical in all respects except that only one includes the treatment being explored by the experiment. The control group may have no treatment, with nothing happening to them, or they may have a neutral treatment. Statistical Tool The study will make use of ANOVA as its statistical tool. T-test can be use to compare two dependent samples/matched-pairs design experiments. The study will make use of two types of pH: Acidic and Basic. Each Agar Plate will be assign to one specific pH level. Inoculate the microbes in the Agar and in the broth. This can be done by streaking the loop containing the gram positive, gram negative, and the fungi . Data Gathering Procedure Prepare the Agar plate and the broth for the experimentation. The pH of the Agar and the broth must also be set. Place the agar filled petri dishes and the broth that have been inoculated in a dark, warm (86 F) place for a week for incubation. Apply the extract of Santol (Sandoricum koet jape) to each Agar plate and Nutrient Broth. Using the Colony Formation Unit (CFU), determine the number of colony inhibited. Record the data from the Agar plates and the Nutrient broth. Figure 3.1 Experimental Procedures Figure 3.1 Experimental Procedures shows the step by step procedure of the experiment. Starting from the preparation of the Agar plate with their assign pH level. The Agar plate will solidify at 32 ºC- 40 ºC but will melt at approximately 85 ºC. Next is to inoculate the bacteria by streaking the loop containing the bacteria. After inoculating the bacteria, the agar plate must be incubated for one week. After the incubation of the agar plates, apply the Santol (Sandoricum koet jape) extract to the each agar plate. Each plate must receive equal amount of the extract. Using the Colony Formation Unit (CFU), determine the number of inhibited colony/ies and record the data. Data Classification pH Level of the Agar Plate| Number of Colonies| | Trial 1Mean of Three Repetitions| Trial 2Mean of Three Repetitions| Trial 3Mean of Three Repetitions| pH 5| | | | pH 6| | | | pH 7| | | | pH 8| | | | pH 9| | | | Figure 3.2 Interactions in Acidic, Basic, and Neutral Agar Plate Figure 3.2 shows the effect of pH levels less than seven (Acid) on the no. of colonies. pH Level of the Nutrient Broth| Number of Colonies| | Trial 1Mean of Three Repetitions| Trial 2Mean of Three Repetitions| Trial 3Mean of Three Repetitions| pH 1| | | | pH 2| | | | pH 3| | | | pH 4| | | | Figure 3.3 Interactions in Acidic Nutrient Broth Shows the effect of pH levels lower than seven (Acid) on the no. of colonies. pH Level of the Nutrient Broth| Number of Colonies| | Trial 1Mean of Three Repetitions| Trial 2Mean of Three Repetitions| Trial 3Mean of Three Repetitions| pH10| | | | pH11| | | | pH12| | | | pH13| | | | pH14| | | | Figure 3.4. Interactions in Basic Nutrient Broth Shows the effects of pH levels greater than seven (Basic) on the no. of colonies Bibliography * Anke, T. & Weber, D. (2009). Physiology and Genetics: Selected Basic and Applied Aspects, Volume 15. Springer-Verlag: Heidelberg, Germany * Chapelle, F. (2001). Ground-water Microbiology and Geochemistry (2nd ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.: Canada. * Kubitzki, K. (2011). Flowering Plants. Eudicots: Sapindales, Cucurbitals, Myrtaceae. Springer-Verlag: Heidelberg, Germany. * Shahidi, F. & Ho, C. T. (2000). Phytochemicals and Phytopharmaceuticals. AOCS Press: USA. * Storz, G. & Aronis, R.H. (2000). Bacteria Stress Responses. ASM Press: USA. * â€Å"Agars.† Difco & BBL Manual. http://www.bd.com/ds/technicalCenter/inserts/Agars.pdf, accessed January 17, 2008. * â€Å"Agar Bottles – Preparation & Equipment Use.† Science Stuff, Inc. http://www.sciencestuff.com/playground/agar_bottle.shtml, accessed January 14, 2005. Mott, et al. * â€Å"Agar Bottles – Preparation & Equipment Use.† Science Stuff, Inc. http://www.sciencestuff.com/playground/agar_bottle.shtm l, accessed January 14, 2005. * â€Å"Artificial Environments for Growing Bacteria.† WW Bio Institute. http://www.woodrow.org, (www.woodrow.org/teachers/esi/2002/Biology/Projects/lab_skills/ls5/), accessed January 14, 2005. * â€Å"Microbiology.† MadSci Network. http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/mar98/888937612.Mi.r.html, accessed January 25, 2005.

Under Armour (Case 26) Essays

Under Armour (Case 26) Essays Under Armour (Case 26) Essay Under Armour (Case 26) Essay Student 9/23/13 Under Armour (Case 26) Technological Hot and sweaty t-shirts are a thing of the past. New and innovative material for making clothing has changed the game for sports apparel. Now, high-tech fibers are woven into shorts, shirts, Jackets and more that can adapt to and regulate the bodys temperature. This advancement is huge for athletes of all kinds, allowing increased performance and endurance. New water-resistant material and fibers that prevent ultraviolet and infrared rays are among the long list of technological advancements taking place in the sports apparel industry. Demographics Performance sports apparel has not always been so widespread. It started off as being primarily utilized by major sports teams, but over the recent years the market has extended to accommodate nearly all sporting activities. Not only are all of the major sports teams using some sort of performance apparel but also active lifestyle consumers and youths. Research has shown that nearly 80% of activewear is worn for non-sports activities. Another study determined that more than 85% of athletic footwear is being used for a different sport other than what they were made for. Only sports teams and sporting activities used sporting apparel until recently. Now sporting apparel extends to men, women and children of all shapes, sizes and walks of life. Economics The sports apparel industry has grown exponentially in the past few years mainly due to heavy marketing and advertising, technological advancements and a vast catalog of new items in new product categories. The ever-prolific sporting world has seen consist Political/Legal Large companies in this industry must stay up to date with the most modern clothing ine and accessories in order to be competitive. With new products and materials come legalities to maintain dominance over specific innovations. Outsourcing production and manufacturing also plays a huge role in legal policys and political conflicts. Sociocultural and Global Climate has a big effect on when, where and how often you can exercise or train. With innovative clothing lines that can repel water, prevent harmful rays from the sun and moderate body temperature, come new possibilities to train anywhere, anytime and for longer periods of time. And sports apparel is available to all who seek increased pertormance. Porters Five Forces Model†Apparel Supplier Power (High) Businesses in the performance apparel industry establish credibility with their suppliers. The suppliers use new and technologically advanced materials and create highly differentiated products; thus, giving them more power over their buyers. Barriers to Entry (High) A few very large sports apparel companies, i. e. Under Armour, Nike, Adidas, Columbia, that have been well established for many years dominate the market. Over he years, the larger companies have been able to establish themselves through brand recognition, advertising and various distribution channels. Thus, a company trying to start off in this industry would struggle initially but could profit in the long run due to fewer competitors. Competitive Rivalry (Moderate) The large companies are constantly inventing or reinventing their product lines depending on the consumer market and modern design. Due to a large degree of differentiation in performance and quality, there is less rivalry among performance apparel businesses. Threat of Substitutes (Moderate) There are a few substitutes when it comes to performance apparel. Only a few have been at the cutting edge of technological advancement and quality enhancement by which they have established themselves as being among the top leaders for quality and performance. However, there is still a major threat of substitution for cheaper alternatives if the economy were to weaken. Buyer Power (High) Customer buying power for apparel is strong due in part to the availability to switch to other products at little, if any, cost, but mostly due to the percent of revenue that he large companies sell from their individual product segments. If a company has a large percentage in a single product category, they are more vulnerable than a company that has a well-diversified combination of products. Competitive Analysis Under Armour has several large competitors; the largest being Nike, Adidas and Columbia Sportswear. These companies are similar in that they all stress product innovation, advertising and sponsorships. Adidas is broadly focused in all sporting categories but fails to stand out. Columbia is known almost solely by its winter gear, imiting its growth potential and creating strong seasonality trends. Nike strives to be the best in every segment while Under Armours goal is to be a leader in each process of its product development, concentrating on quality over quantity. An advantage for Under Armour is that it is focused more on improving its brand and unique products, licensing o ther items and accessories manufacturers. Internal Analysis through independent Under Armour is continually improving their apparel line and broadening there market. The company has been growing at a substantial rate, 30. annually over a 5-year period, largely due to the ambition of Kevin Plank, founder, and also to heavy marketing and promotions. Plank attributes the success of the company to brand recognition and the ability to market to all consumers. Under Armour makes head- to-toe apparel for anyone during any season. It has pushed its image into as many stores as it can, reaching college universities and numerous distribution channels. Suggestions to the Firm Over 80% of Under Armours revenue comes from the sale of its apparel line. While it eans that it has been very successful in this segment, there needs to be more diversity to increase competitiveness and decrease supplier power. While creating a footwear line will aid in Under Armours aim to create a full apparel product line and increase the pressure on competitors, many challenges will need to be overcome in order to penetrate this product market. Under Armour will need to reinvent and reengineer its footwear line. Alternative Strategies Expanding the product line to diversify its product portfolio may dilute Under Armours image and label thus causing consumers to deviate from premium-priced products. Alternatively, Under Armour could focus more primarily on the development of its footwear product and increase those sales. This option will be very costly and challenging due to the huge market players that already have dominance in footwear, i. e. Nike and Adidas. I suggest Under Armour pursue other product opportunities as well as the footwear to put more pressure on its competitors and to keep the focus on quality and performance rather than quantity.

Tap Water in 42 States Contaminated by Chemicals

Tap Water in 42 States Contaminated by Chemicals Public water supplies in 42 U.S. states are contaminated with 141 unregulated chemicals for which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has never established safety standards, according to an investigation by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Tainted Tap Water Used by Millions of Americans Another 119 regulated chemicals- a total of 260 contaminants altogether- were found by the environmental group in a two-and-a-half-year analysis of more than 22 million tap water quality tests. The tests, which are required under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, were conducted at nearly 40,000 utilities that supply water to 231 million people. Pollution Threatens Tap Water Quality According to a report by the EWG, the top 10 states with the most contaminants in their drinking water were California, Wisconsin, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, Texas, New York, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Illinois- in that order. EWG said the biggest sources of contaminants were agriculture, industry, and pollution from sprawl and urban runoff. Utilities Need More Enforceable Standards for Tap Water EWGs analysis also found that almost all U.S. water utilities comply fully with enforceable health standards once they are developed. The problem, according to the environmental group, is the EPAs failure to establish enforceable health standards and monitoring requirements for many tap water contaminants. Our analysis clearly demonstrates the need for greater protection of the nations tap water supplies, and for increased health protections from a number of pollutants that are commonly found but currently unregulated. said Jane Houlihan, vice president for science at EWG, in a prepared statement. Utilities routinely go beyond what is required to protect consumers from these contaminants, but they need more money for testing, and for protection of vital source waters. Additional Information: Why Is Chlorine Added to Tap Water?Does Fluoride in Tap Water Improve or Harm Your Health?

Sociology Essays on Michael Jackson

Sociology Essays on Michael Jackson With the demise of legendary pop singer Michael Jackson, students should expect to be asked by their professors to write sociology essays about this controversial essay topic. The popularity of Michael Jackson had spread across the globe that his music and his persona influenced individuals in the society from different generations. Writing about the sociological significance of the King of Pop would initially appear to be difficult for students; here are some suggested contents for your essay about Michael Jackson:   Ã‚  Ã‚   An essay about prominent people must start with a personal background about the celebrity. Provide a brief biographical account on Michael Jackson. It would also be recommendable to include a background on the society the singer had lived in during his younger years to provide a situational overview on the kind of society the young Michael Jackson had constant interactions.   Ã‚  Ã‚   Describe the influences of the society on the young Michael Jackson during his childhood days. Examine if his environment had inclined him to be a singer and if the people around him had forced him in some ways to enter the world of entertainment at such a young age. Provide a personal view if the society is partly responsible for children in show business to be susceptible to the dire elements of the entertainment industry causing the corruption of the minds of these children. This part of your academic essay must cite Michael Jackson as an example of your personal views.   Ã‚  Ã‚   Writing essays about Michael Jackson and the society should include the reception of society on his music and his rise to stardom with the aid of society. State your opinion on why Jackson’s music was well liked by the public, the sociological relevance of the subjects tackled by his songs, and the impact of the singer’s distinct character on society. Cite examples such as the sociological issues related to Jackson’s songs as well as individuals imitating Jackson’s fashion statements.   Ã‚  Ã‚   Examine the sociological effects of Michael Jackson and his music had imparted on people. Discuss the reasons behind the tremendous effect the singer and his music had on the society. You may also point out your own views on the possible problems or threats posed by this fanaticism of the public on Michael Jackson.   Ã‚  Ã‚   Relatively, provide a section in your essay discussing the positive and negative effects of music icons on the society. Mention the names of some of the biggest music celebrities that had sociological influences around the world. Specify the harmful effects these music legends had conveyed to people and cite particular incidents that would prove this bad influence of some music celebrities. Enumerate the positive ways these celebrities had influenced the public and state examples of these commendable acts. Give your personal analysis if the society tolerates these manipulations done by pop idols and the ways that the society can use this influence in promoting good causes.   Ã‚  Ã‚   Excessive fame and money often causes celebrities to make irresponsible acts. This does not save Michael Jackson; the controversies and issues that hounded the singer’s life definitely had effects on the society. As part of the society, give your opinion on the common perception and reaction of the members of society as well as the sociological consequences of these unacceptable behaviors for both ordinary citizen and celebrity. Sociology essays about Michael Jackson can be completed easily with the help of these suggested contents. A good essay about this topic can be achieved by incorporating some of this important information.

Organ donation Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Organ donation - Research Paper Example The society is divided in two with regard to this issue. On the one hand, there are people who claim that it is a positive practice that brings a considerable number of positive consequences. On the other hand, the opponents of the above mentioned approach point out various personal as well as religious reasons why people should not perform it. In this essay, I will claim that organ donation is a positive phenomenon that saves lives, contributes to the improvement of the society and helps the families in various ways. To begin with, one should focus on the most positive as well as undeniable advantage of the practice in question: it is literally capable of saving lives of the people. Keeping in mind that being alive should be regarded as the most precious gift that a person is able to receive, there is no doubt that if one is capable to giving it, one should not hesitate for a moment. Indeed, not so many actions that are performed by people have such a positive outcome. Another point that should be mentioned with this regard is that a person does not only save one life by donating organ, but up to eight ("Donate Life Month"). In other words, a single person can help many other individuals and grant them a second chance. It is clear that every day all over the country people die; so, if they all donate their organs that every day eight times more people will be saved. This is surely a positive trend for the society in general. The significance of saving lives of citizens in obvious: it does not on ly allow particular families to be with their relatively longer, but it also strengthens the country in general as there will be more people who will work and contribute to prosperity. Moreover, it will reflect the spirit of value of every single life. The next positive aspect about organ donation that should be taken in close consideration is the fact that it contributes to formation of an effective framework within the

Cyber bullying or social media bullying Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Cyber bullying or social media bullying - Essay Example e in harassing, demeaning and bullying others using the information technology and electronic devices, a practice commonly referred to as cyber bullying (â€Å"Prevent Cyber bullying†). Bullying can cause frustrations on the victims, especially those who are bullied constantly, resulting in psychological trauma or even more fatal occurrences such as suicide. Thus, parents should team up with their children to explore and develop safe ways of using technology, while monitoring and controlling their children’s internet use, to protect their children against cyber bullying. The practice of receiving mean messages, threatening texts, hurtful posts or even negative and damaging rumors is something that is happening with teens and adolescents every single day globally. It is no longer unusual for teens to find sexually explicit and obscene photographs of them or their friends on the internet, even without knowing how pictures ended up there. According to bullyingstatistics.org, 50% of adolescents and teens have experienced cyber bullying, and equally 50% of the teens and adolescents have been involved in cyber bullying (bullyingstatistics.org). Additionally, one in every three adolescents has received threatening messages either through the Internet or over the phone, while 25% of teens have experienced repetitive cyber bullying (bullyingstatistics.org). Consequently, according to statistics from the meganmeierfoundation.org, 2.2 million school children reported having experienced cyber bullying in the USA in 2011 (â€Å"Bullying, Cyber bullying & Suicid e Statistics†). Most worrying though, is the fact that 38% of frequent bullied-victims in 2013 reported having suicidal thoughts, which sends a shock down the spine, considering that suicide has been identified as the third major cause of death for young people aged between 15 and 24 years (â€Å"Bullying, Cyber bullying & Suicide Statistics†). While the connection between cyber bullying and suicidal thoughts for 38% of

Quantitative Research Methods- The Influence of Accent on Person Essay

Quantitative Research Methods- The Influence of Accent on Person Perception - Essay Example Design Questionnaire rating scale was used to conduct the experiment. It gave the participants a guide of what should have been evaluated based on the recorded instruction. Accent is the independent variable, while Competence, and Social Attractiveness ratings are the dependent variables. Methods The experiment was participated by ___ people. They were selected through ____. The participants were asked to listen to a voice recording, and afterwards they rated what they have heard according to the questionnaire given. The influence of accent in a person’s perception had been the topic of many Psychologists, and the results varied from various experiments conducted in England. â€Å"Lambert (1967) has shown in many cultures that regional dialect is a significant cue in assessing personality from voices† (Giles 1971:280). On the other hand, Strongman & Woosley were able to mention that â€Å"Many experiments have demonstrated that personality cannot be judged reliably by just listening to a voice (cf. Kramer, 1963)† (1967:164). â€Å"Most investigations in this field have been concerned with a comparison majority and minority groups. They invariably find that both types of group hold common stereotypes; pro-majority and anti-minority (e.g. Lambert et al., 1960 with English and French Canadians; Steckler, 1957 with Whites and Negroes; Adelson, 1953 with Gentiles and Jews.)† (1967:164). â€Å"Many impression-formation researchers turned their attention to the mental representations that people formed from the information they acquired about a person, and how they later used these representations both to recall this information and to judge the person it describes† (Budesheim et al. 1992:4). According to Reid and Wyer Jr. â€Å"†¦it takes into account the impact of stereotypes at several different stages of information processing, from the initial attention to and interpretation of information about a person to the generation of an overt response. Moreover, it

Healthcare Workforce Shortage in Hospice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Healthcare Workforce Shortage in Hospice - Essay Example And there is an estimation that in the coming years it will increase at a rate of 31% per annum. In terms of patients the number is increasing daily, but the one who has take care of them like Doctors and the Hospital staff is decreasing day by day. More and more people are opting subjects that are not related to medical stream. Thus increasing the gap and resulting in the shortage of skilled medical staff. One feels that the job is very stressful and needs to put his/her concentration on the job completely. A slight negligence could be result a very serious situation. So some people think its better to lose a job in other sector than in Hospice because in latter you may lose job and endanger a patient's life for negligence. So you are accountable for every patient you are assigned to. The scholarships awarded by the Universities are not enough and the recruitment is very limited. No one is going to recruit a medical student until and unless he/she has some experience. So students end up as interns or junior doctors while pursuing their Masters that is a very essential degree, without it no one is going to consider them for a job. So it's again work and work nothing but work, then how come an average person want to join in a medical stream. This is one of the reasons that affecting the organizations like Hospice. According to Center for Health Work

Global warming global trend Thesis Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Global warming global trend - Thesis Example Conversely, there are people who believe that global warming is a myth. According to these people, the earth has witnessed close to 63 alterations between cold and warm climates over the last 1.6 million years. They believe that none of these indications or alterations was caused by changes in the levels of carbon dioxide due to human activity. According to Edmund Contoski (2010), global warming is not scientifically proven because the earth periodically experiences climate change (Gale Cengage Learning 1). This topic was chosen because of the differing views on the cause of global warming. It was also selected in order to research views on global warming that are not popular or mainstream. The first article that will be analyzed is an article by Gale Cengage Learning. The article published in 2010 states that global warming is a myth. The article is based on the observations of Edmund Contoski who found that over the last 1.6 million years, earth has experienced changing climatic conditions. These changes were not caused by an increase in carbon dioxide levels due to human activities. According to Gale Cengage Learning, global warming has not been scientifically proven to show that humans cause the changes in climatic conditions. This article is logically structured because it begins with an abstract that outlines the main arguments and the direction that the article will take. Before the introduction, the author asks readers to consider three questions. Thereafter, the article proceeds to show that there is no connection between global warming and the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. According to Edmund and Gale (2010), manmade emissions of greenhouse gase s such as carbon dioxide significantly increased after the period of global industrialization. Since this period, the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere have increased steadily. Approximately

Macroeconomic Influences and Future Trends Essay

Macroeconomic Influences and Future Trends - Essay Example For instance, the effects of factors like gender, marital status or ethnicity could either be strong or weak depending on their interactions with each other. It is like they borrow something from other factors in order to reinforce the strength of their impacts. Income is important for one simple reason. It determines peoples capability to purchase health care products and services. Wealthy people or wealthy countries are in a better position to secure better health than those from poorer class and countries because they can afford it. Fuchs pointed this out when he explained the relationship between health and income in a cross country analysis, where it was found that life expectancy is related to Gross Domestic Product per capita (Fuchs, 2004, p. 655). The high income class or those people who have the purchasing power also exert influence in the performance of the health care market within several economic principles such as perfect competition. Consumers could help drive up demand for certain products and services. The fact is that strong and capable consumer sector means vibrant health care market that necessitates best performance from all stakeholders such as the government and health care producers. The economic status of countries is also significant in the differences in medical standards followed both in education and in practice. In higher income societies, the health care industry can reach its most ideal condition because most elements are present and working. Such capability also launches several variables such as political pressure. The collective strength of consumers could help shape policymaking as engagement or activism can assume the role of a pressure group. This is significant given the fact that governments h ave the power to intervene, control and regulate health care. In cases of budgetary gaps, for example, the macroeconomic conditions are significantly altered, say, when the government

Global warming global trend Thesis Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Global warming global trend - Thesis Example Conversely, there are people who believe that global warming is a myth. According to these people, the earth has witnessed close to 63 alterations between cold and warm climates over the last 1.6 million years. They believe that none of these indications or alterations was caused by changes in the levels of carbon dioxide due to human activity. According to Edmund Contoski (2010), global warming is not scientifically proven because the earth periodically experiences climate change (Gale Cengage Learning 1). This topic was chosen because of the differing views on the cause of global warming. It was also selected in order to research views on global warming that are not popular or mainstream. The first article that will be analyzed is an article by Gale Cengage Learning. The article published in 2010 states that global warming is a myth. The article is based on the observations of Edmund Contoski who found that over the last 1.6 million years, earth has experienced changing climatic conditions. These changes were not caused by an increase in carbon dioxide levels due to human activities. According to Gale Cengage Learning, global warming has not been scientifically proven to show that humans cause the changes in climatic conditions. This article is logically structured because it begins with an abstract that outlines the main arguments and the direction that the article will take. Before the introduction, the author asks readers to consider three questions. Thereafter, the article proceeds to show that there is no connection between global warming and the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. According to Edmund and Gale (2010), manmade emissions of greenhouse gase s such as carbon dioxide significantly increased after the period of global industrialization. Since this period, the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere have increased steadily. Approximately

Reaction paper Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Reaction paper - Assignment Example ot just a racist but also a narrow-minded and petty individual, cannot accept the fact that her American family is just as successful as Boyd’s African American family. Leo Tolstoy’s The Three Hermits, on the other hand, is a story that strongly criticizes the power of religious institutions. It narrates the encounter of the Archbishop with the three strangely looking old men, or three hermits, living on a remote island. The Archbishop, who first heard the story of the three hermits from the helmsman, insists on sailing towards the location of the hermits to meet them. Finally, when they all meet the Archbishop endeavors to teach the three hermits a prayer, which the Archbishop believes to be a more powerful prayer than the simple prayer of the hermits. However, it appears that the three hermits are in fact more powerful than the Archbishop, or anybody else who recites the prayers taught by religious institutions, when the hermits are seen doing a miraculous deed—â€Å"running upon the sea as upon dry land.† The story of The Three Hermits implies that the direct relationship of people with God is even more powerful and superior than any religious dogma, and that people should not permit anyone including those institutions with authority to mitigate their moral

The Major Feminist Theoretical Perspective In Iran Sociology Essay

The Major Feminist Theoretical Perspective In Iran Sociology Essay Iranian women have fought for the equal rights throughout the 20th century. In this paper I intend to argue about feminism in the present urban communities in Iran. Iran is a vast country and discussing women situation in the rural areas makes this essay totally different. The womens movement in Iran has both expanded and transformed since the revolution. Before the revolution the liberation of women was connected to the process of secularisation. Under the Islamic Republic, however, women are increasingly making arguments for the expansion of their rights by pointing to protections under the constitution, while others are reinterpreting Shariah law. Some scholars have referred to the emergence of Islamic feminism, a term that highlights the difference of approaches that coexist within the womens movement in Iran. As a result, the terrain of womens rights is one of unprecedented cooperation among disparate groups on the one hand and severe ideological and political struggles on the o ther. In discussing these approaches in present urban areas of Iran, it is of vital importance to distinguish between three groups of women who I will talk about them. The first group is women who identify themselves as Secular feminists and are under the influence of women movement in western societies. The second group are women who try to reach equal rights for men and women but as they try to do so under the guidance of Islam and national identity, they make a distinction between themselves and western feminism which they believe will lead to corruption as there is now in the West. They can be named state feminists or Islamist feminists in Islamic Republic of Iran. Minoo Moallem writes about one of these women, Zahra Rahnavard who is one of the equal rights activists and the wife of opposition leader Mir Hossein Musavi in the recent demonstrations against government after the 2009 presidential election in Iran: Zahra Rahnavard charged the West with being a system where women are made into decorative objects. She calls upon her Muslim sisters to question what the sham civilizations have made of women, not to act like dolls, and not to display a debilitated will. She asks women to refuse to be part of the harems of the rulers and the communal harems of the streets. Her allusion to the collective appropriation of women in the streets and her rejection of unveiling have made it possible for her to think of contractual structure of the Muslim family and veiling as sites of womens agency. For Rahnavard, it is through unveiling and Westernization that Muslim women have been turned into objects to be possessed by all men in the public sphere. To resist capitalist rulers and challenge sexual objectification, she asks women to return to veiling and the Muslim family, where women are considered subjects rather than objects of the marriage contract. (2005; 185) The third group includes mostly secular educated women who are not familiar with the notions of western feminism but as a result of modernisation in Iran and under the influence of global mass Media are aware of women situation in other countries and try to simulate a modern life like the ideal type of a western woman for themselves. They have combined some traditional values of an Iranian woman and some modern values of a western woman. As Reza Ghasemi in his acclaimed novel, The Nocturnal Harmony of the Wood Orchestra, describes Iranian women in their transition to modernity: The history of invention of Modern Iranian women is like the invention of car. The difference is that the car was first a carriage with changed content (They removed the horses and replaced the engine) and then slowly the appearance changed but the modern Iranian women first changed the appearance and then when they had been looking for appropriate content, they faced the trouble So everyone as to their personal tastes and their mental demands made a combination of traditional female with modern woman which can be stand in a range of a woman wearing Chador to miniskirt. This woman asks to share in all decisions, but asks all the responsibilities from manShe asks man to work equally in home but at the same time considers the man who works in home of poor character and weakness. (1996; 86) Considering the distinction between these groups, I will argue about feminism as a political movement to gain equality and to free women from oppression in Islamic republic of Iran and the role that each group plays in obtaining this goal. Liberal Feminism: Actually in todays Iran, liberal feminism is the only perspective that can hardly breathe under the pressure of the Islamic government. This feminism always has two aspects which are against the governments will in Islamic republic of Iran. Abdee Kalantari believes that in a political theology that divides the political sphere into good and evil and sees the west as enemy (evil), feminism as a modern western movement is a threat to the whole existence of this theology (2007). In other hand, fighting for the equal rights in law usually opposes Islamic rules which are not easy to face. Hence, women movement not only has to fight with the deep traditions of Islam in the society but also to protect itself against the fundamentalist government which obtains its legitimacy from these traditions. The Islamist ideology denies women individuality, autonomy and independence and this is inside this Ideology that the key objective of Iranians womens rights activists, both secular and Islamic, became the modernization of family law and womens equal rights in matters of marriage, divorce, and child custody. Other concerned issue is domestic violence, with many articles in the feminist press describing domestic violence as both a social problem and a violation of womens rights. A third concern was womens under-representation in formal politics and the need for greater participation in parliament, the local councils, and the highest political offices. These are the reforms that both Islamist and Secular activists are still fighting to reach them. The Islamist feminist do not seek to deny the rules of law and they insist on the preservation of Islam, family and marriage even when it comes in opposition of equal rights. Their aim is to suggest a more flexible interpretation of Islam rather than the one that the government presents. This group can be criticized in the same way that Zillah R. Eisensteins has criticized the liberalism because of feminizing the private sphere and the separation they make between public and private spheres. She argues that this separation could be the basis to liberalisms downfall. As it becomes clear that liberalism is incompatible with equal rights for women, feminism will search for alternative grounds to build its agenda. This gendered separation of spheres will lead liberalism to a lack of concern with the forms of oppression that take place in the private sphere(1981) and that is the same concern that secular feminist in have in Iran. In contrast, the secular feminists work through small-scale Non Governmental Organizations (NGO) and try to develop some analyses of womens collective interests and their oppression in private as well as public life. They have noticed the issues that have been argued in the history of feminism in the west. They write about equal rights as well as body, sexuality, power, homosexuality, violence, pornography and so forth. The problem is that they cannot publish their ideas and normally internet is the only media they can use to raise their voice to be heard. There are many feminist websites that represent this group and they keep working despite the filtering of the government. (e.g. http://www.irwomen.com, http://www.meydaan.com, http://www.feministschool.com ) .Hence, the middle class urban women are the most common audiences of these activists, since the other groups access to the internet is limited. This lack of audience urges this question that whether there is a feminist women m ovement in Iran? If there is, will it stand against Repression, censorship and attacks of the fundamentalist government and even the traditions of a religious based society? As Ahmadi argues that secular feminism faces two barriers in its way, first is the framework of an Islamic republic where fundamentalists hold absolute power over certain state institutions and the other is an inside force, a from within perspective which has been needed to alter the dominant fundamentalist discourse(2006). Hence, in obtaining liberal demands of women movement in Iran is of vital importance for secular feminism to keep its unity with the Islamist feminists, since as Ahmadi elaborates it is the group that not only can expand the domain of dialogue with clerical scholars, but also are able to overcome long-term hatred toward western feminism in Cultural context of Iran (2006) These activists could has been labelled as a group of urban middle class ladies who could not be regarded as speaking for all women in Iran until the August 27th of 2006, when they launched a campaign named One Million Signatures for the Repeal of Discriminatory Laws. The aim was to collect one million signatures in support of changing discriminatory laws against women in their country, but what made this effort important and even a danger for the government, though the organizers of the campaign considered that its demands conform to Islamic principles, was the way they used to collect these signatures. The concept is simple and revolutionary, melding education, consciousness-raising and peaceful protest. Starting last year, women armed with petitions began to go to wherever other women gathered: schools, hair salons, doctors offices and private homes. Every woman is asked to sign. But whatever a woman decides, she receives a leaflet explaining how Irans interpretation of Islamic la w denies women full rights. The material explains how Irans divorce law makes it easy for men, and incredibly difficult for women, to leave a marriage, and how custody laws give divorced fathers sole rights to children above the age of 7.  [i]   The One Million Signatures Campaign is a new and innovative movement because it has not taken shape around one progressive and famous central figure, rather it is a broad movement, where activists visit with other women, engage in face to face discussions with them, they go home to home, and explain to each woman about womens rights. Any signature is equal to conscious these activists tried to make for women from any background and any class. Their main goal is to create a dialogue among citizens and educate them about their rights and it makes women to become sensitive to their status under the law and in society. It seems that the Consciousness raising groups are the inspiring idea of this campaign. The Idea that women should gather in small groups and give accounts of their own lives and how they became a woman and then they will understand to which extent, they share similar problems with other women with different backgrounds and ages and these problems produce by social relatio ns and institutions. As Pilcher and Whelehan argue we can consider the main success of these groups in inspiring many women to turn to feminism (2004) and that is the same success that Iranian secular feminists try to reach. They hope to involve women, not all of whom were actively involved in feminism, but all caught up in the debates of the time and seized by the urge to fight for their equal rights in law and make the process of one womans coming out of false consciousness into enlightenment, possible. The campaign success in changing the laws is comparable with NOW, (National Organization for Women) founded by betty Friedan in 1966, as both expressed not as a self-conscious political theory, but as a common sense application of pre-existing values to womens situation. As Bryson argues NOWs campaigns gained some early legal victories changing laws and could amend the United States constitution to give women equal rights which very nearly succeeded, and it has been a major force in changing attitudes to women in education, employment and the media. Despite the criticisms that later feminists made about equal rights campaigns such as NOW for focusing narrowly on formal legal and political rights which ignores economic (2003), cultural and sexual exploitation and oppression of women, I think that such campaigns are the basic steps of opening debates about other forms of oppression in the traditional and religious society and fundamentalist government of Iran that will take a position against such debates in that level. Marxism Feminism vs. Post Feminism: Since Russia has been the most powerful neighbour of Iran in the contemporary history, this country has had a great influence on the history of Iran. That is why Marxism as an ideology has the greatest effect on the history of modern Iran after Islam. Before the Islamic revolution in 1979, Classical Marxists worked within the conceptual notions laid out by Marx, Engels, Lenin, and other nineteenth-century thinkers and dreamed of a society without classes as they believed that existed in USSR. These groups were an undeniable factor in the triumph of revolution, but due to vast suppressions and executions of the new Islamic government in 80s, these groups lost their power and prevalence within the society, but the Marxism discourse has still an inevitable impact on the Iranian intellectual prospect. The secular feminist as a part of Iranian intellectual discourse are not an exception. This group besides the equal rights movements has always tried to theorize the roots of patriarchy in Iran and Marxism feminism has been one of the most useful perspectives for them to do this work. Many of these theories regard classism and capitalism as a key factor which work parallel with patriarchy in womens oppression (Look at Afshar; 1983). This analysis suggests women to fight with all the displays of capitalism to free them from oppression. They criticize the new Iranian woman in her support of capitalism and the way that Iranian women present their bodies which is one of the most important areas they see as capitalism system uses to oppress woman. As Shahidi states a practical consequence of this approach to the woman question was the de-sexing of woman, clearly visible in the baggy clothes and absence of cosmetics among female activists. These women oppose the compulsory veil but believe that with or without a scarf, a woman-doll will remain the same (1994). In the contemporary history of Iran, the woman body has been the main indication of political change.  [ii]  It is an interesting point that the binary of mind/body which is traceable in western thought, present itself in Iran with the beginning of the project of modernization. Reza shah saw unveiling as one of the most important markers of Westernizing and the Islamic republic made veiling compulsory in order to make an anti-western society and in all these fundamental changes womens body has been the object of change. If the Reza shah project made many women to stay in home and even quit going to school  [iii]  the veiling did not make the modern Iranian woman who I recognized them as the third group of women who make efforts having equality with men, to leave the public sphere. They continued to work and study alongside men and they used their body especially their faces to object compulsory veiling which had tried to ignore their body. Young and older, the Iranian women d efy the Islamic hijab publicly, and confront the states Islamic body politics with a body politics of their own. The youth mock the Islamic hijab, deconstruct it, reform it, and make it succumb to their modern desires. They reveal their hair in public by pushing back their mandated headscarf, transforming it into a garment used for their beautification. Against all cultural mandates of the Islamic state, they reveal their body curves under their remodeled and modernized Islamic garb. They wear loud makeup, walk elegantly, and bring their sexuality to the public. They reject the control of their body by the state, and celebrate their womanhood by defying the Islamic hijab. Since eyes, nose and hands are the only features on show, eye make-up is applied with scientific precision and Tehran has become the nose-job capital of the world. Iranian women spend one million dollar in make-up industry every year  [iv]   Oppressing by the government and morality police, these women have been always criticised by a large group of secular feminists who believe that wearing make-up and presenting the sexual body are the representation of objectifying woman by capitalism. Ezzat Goushegir in his praise of Ariel Levys book; Female Chauvinist Pigs, writes in his personal weblog  [v]  that this is the same raunch culture in Iran that in the universal capitalist system, uses the ideas of feminism about equality and emerge women to appear as a face of capitalism in the society and by this way marginalizes the true demands of women movement. He considers Marxism as a perspective that challenges this objectification and Commodification  [vi]  . (2007) Marxist feminists believe that cosmetic surgeries and make-up industry are two effective instruments of capitalism which not only objectify women, but also make them to pay money for correcting their body image into the Ideal body of Capitalist society. They deny these things as Levy denies them to be liberating and rebellious. Levy argues that how women decide to give meaning to sex industry by producing the fake idea that presenting their sexuality would empower them (2006). I am not going to criticize this book and even I agree with Levy to some extent. The problem is that how Iranian feminists use the book and translate western feminists ideas to apply them on the totally different context. Levy in this book refer to sexist TV shows which distribute the illusion of liberation among women, shows that means the pornoization of culture for Levy (2006). It is the culture that benefits Capitalism, but how about Iran? As I mentioned the history of Iran is not the history of capitalism, it is the history of religious ideology. In Iran power is not within the bourgeois class but at least in contemporary Iran in the hands of clerics (Mullahs) who do not necessarily own economical capital. The most obvious reason for this claim is that the opposition in Iran never could blame the leaders of Islamic republic for having wealth. This is religious capital that structures the power in Iran and ironically this power agrees with secular feminists in the issue of objectification of women and two different thoughts leads to same consequences in the cultural context of Islamic Iran. If Levy talks about shows such as Girls Gone Wild in America, Iranian Women appearing in television programs will not be allowed to wear make-up because it is against Islamic law, repulsive jokes between men and women on television or radio is also prohibited  [vii]  No Magazine has the right to publish a womans face on the cover and using plastic woman models with head (even with hijab) in clothing shops is forbidden. In this cultural context a new reality has emerged in Iran, a reality created by women. The Iranian women are playing an instrumental role in the grassroots challenge to the Islamic Republic through their deconstruction of the hijab and their direct challenge of the states body politics. Challenging the Islamic dress code, they use the everyday life as the site for gaining rights and respect from the society and the state. They demand the right to live as free women. Humiliated, assaulted, and arrested randomly for being women, they have gained resilience, lost the ir fears of confronting the state, and battled the repressive social and cultural Islamic codes of conduct. Using deviance as a weapon, they are creating a reality unimagined by the architects of the Islamic Republic. Naomi Wolf in her book beauty myth has the similar idea as Levi and argues that Women should be able to adorn themselves with pretty objects when there is no question that we are not objects. She believes that they cannot be free of the beauty myth unless they can choose to use their faces and clothes and bodies as one form of self-expression out of a full range of others. She claims that public interest in a womans virginity has been replaced by public interest in the shape of her body (1991). We cannot ignore that Iranian women still live in a society that virginity is more than a public interest; it is a religious and legal rule. The rule that has been ignored by these women using solutions such as Hymenoplasty  [viii]  and this is a surprisingly hot topic in Iran. It is of vital importance to consider if any great theory which we believe in is applicable in other contexts. Wearing make-up and cosmetic surgery is kind of self-expression for Iranian woman, a self who express it self standing against the fundamental laws of ignoring her. It is a kind of resistance against the discourse of fundamentalism. Hence, Body and sexuality is the battlefield of first and third groups. Two secular groups which must be united in opposition with fundamentalism that does not believe in basic rights for women, while both these groups to some extent believe in equal rights for men and women. The ironic side of this battle is that how secular Marxist feminism and Islamist feminism with two different approaches to women issue; blame the third group which is the main potential force of fighting patriarchy, to objectification of women or in their word for acting like dolls. It is true that strong roots of tradition still exist in the third group. They do not identify themselves as feminist because what they have learnt about feminism is women who try to work and wear like men; women who make them misunderstand feminism when there is not a long history of feminism in Iran to make the idea clear for them. Although they do not identify themselves as feminists they have almost same ideas with the new genera tion of feminists in west: the third generation or wave, which its life powerfully has shaped by popular culture, particularly music, television, film and literature as they believe to fight with women oppression. Media figures represent third wave icons in their tendency to refuse to adhere to a feminist party line, but also in their resistance to comply with the types of feminine behaviour deemed compatible with media and mainstream success. (Pilcher Whelehan; 2004) In other words these women as Genz and Brabon reveal are merging notions of personal empowerment with the visual display of sexuality. These women does not manipulate their appearance to get a man on the old terms but has ideas about her life and being in control which clearly come from feminism (2009; 93). Although these Iranian women do not identify themselves as feminist but their notions of sexual freedom come directly from the Iranian feminism that has fought for women freedom and equality during the last 100 year s.  [ix]   Secular feminism has two ways to walk in. The first is to stand against this group and blame them of objectifying their femininity and the other is to stand beside them to fight against fundamentalism which is the greater force of oppression for both groups than patriarchy. In the second solution I believe that Secular feminism should try to make other women familiar with basic notions of feminism such as economical independence and equal payments and other non-radical ideas that is bearable for a society in transition to modernity and not completely modern. Secular feminist must notice that Islam as an ideaology has a great power in the life of even most of secular women. Mohanty in her article on the problem of western feminism on theorizing women issues in developing coutries, referring to Modares, criticizes feminist writings which treat Islam as an ideology separate from and outside social relations and practices, rather than a discourse which includes rules for economic, social and power relations within society (1988; 70). Hence secular feminism which is affected by the west must look over the feminism history and experiences in the west and try to match them with the cultural context of Iran. I do not believe that feminism in Iran and west has to go to the same way. Although the third wave feminism is an idea that comes after the long history of first and second wave feminism in west, the Idea of sexual power that this generation emerge is the fact that young women in Iran practice against the government every day. This practices influence is obvious by the number of morality polices that the government use to control these women. Hence, post feminism is a perspective that worth applying not only imagined as a chronological distinction between second and third wave feminism in the cultural context of Iran. This attitude in Iran must not consider as backlash but as a conjunct to the first group to be influent in Iran. Secular feminism has to satisfy thes e women who object feminist theories which failed to address their problems. Conclusion: In this essay I distinguished three groups of women who can be helpful to reach equality and freedom from oppression in the current cultural context of urban middle class women in Iran. The conjunction between secular feminists and Islamist feminists who try to find liberation through the organized movement for constitution amendment and consciousness rising is traceable. I see this trend as the most relevant perspective for Iranian society that benefits both urban and rural communities in Iran. In the second part I tried to criticize the orthodox Marxism that has a deep root in the history of Iranian intellectualism and its influence on secular feminism in Iran as well. I think that this trend will lead to a separation between secular feminist and secular women who both are fighting against the fundamentalism in Iran. Secular feminism, using the postfeminist notion of sexual power can analyze the practice of these women instead of blaming them to objectifying their sexuality. If fem inists look at postfeminism as a turn to cultural differences and not as a chronological event in the west, they can move on faster and easier in the way of freedom from fundamentalism and patriarchy as well. Notes:

Correlation Between Mental Illness and Violence and Crime Essay

Literature Analysis and Research Proposal of the Correlation between Mental Illness and Violence and Crime Over the past few decades, many researches have strived to test and explain the correlation between violence and crime and mental illness. Moore and Hiday (2006) assert that up 22% of inmates has a mental illness, sometimes containing more mental illness patients than many psychiatric units. Due to these statistics it is evident how important it is to understand the causes of the correlations between crime and violence and mental disorders. This proposal wishes to explain and understand the possible correlation and the reasons for such correlation between mental health illnesses and violence and crime. Further research to test these theories of crime and mental disorders will also be presented. Crime can be described combination between both behavior and mental factors. This will prove incredibly crucial in the definition of crime in relation to mental illness. Many of those that commit crimes are not convicted due to their illness so it is important to note, for the purpose of this analysis, that all illegal activity is considered crime, regardless of conviction (Monahan and Steadman 1983). It is evident that those with mental illnesses have an increased likelihood of committing crimes. It is important to note, however, that not all people with mental illnesses commit crimes or violent behavior so a cause is not evident. Substance abuse, a mental disorder, is also seen as a large risk in violent behavior (Silver 2006). Hiday (1995) asks the questions of the direction of this correlation. Does mental illness lead to violence or is it vice versa? THEORETICAL FRAMEWORKS Silver (2006) asserts the importance of using t... ...s.† Law and Human Behavior 30(6):659-674. Powell, Thomas A., John C. Holt and Karen M. Fondacaro. 1997. â€Å"The Prevalence of Mental Illness among Inmates in a Rural State.† Law and Human Behavior 21(4):427-438. Robbins, Pamela Clark, John Monahan and Eric Silver. 2003. â€Å"Mental Disorder, Violence, and Gender.† Law and Human Behavior 27(6):561-571. Silver, Eric. 2006. â€Å"Understanding the Relationship between Mental Disorder and Violence: The Need for a Criminological Perspective.† Law and Human Behavior 30(6):685-706. Silver, Eric and Brent Teasdale. 2005. â€Å"Mental Disorder and Violence: An Examination of Stressful Life Events and Impaired Social Support.† Social Problems 52(1):62-78. Walsh, Zach and David S. Kosson. 2007. â€Å"Psychopathy and Violent Crime: A Prospective Study of the Influence of Socioeconomic Status and Ethnicity.† Law and Human Behavior 31(2):209-229.

The Manifestation of Pride in The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis Essay

The Manifestation of Pride in The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis suggests that choices made on earth have a consequential effect towards our acceptance into heaven or our plummet into hell. In this book pride manifests itself in a hundred subtle ways as souls whine about perceived injustices or irrational motives. Thankfully, a few tourists do humble themselves, become transformed into marvelously real beings, and remain in heaven. But most don't, about which the great Scottish author George MacDonald, Lewis' heavenly guide, says, â€Å"They may not be rejecting the truth of heaven now. They may be reenacting the rejection they made while on earth†. George MacDonald the narrator/teacher, from whom Lewis found inspiration for his book, is the guide in the journey through the gates of heaven. This provides great wisdom throughout the book which is not understood without reflection. MacDonald in essence presents Lewis with a choice while journeying in the gates of heaven. The stories of lost ghosts in the heavenly gates only provide reflection for Lewis’ own choice. This choice is not revealed by Lewis, rather it is up to the reader to make his/her own choice. MacDonald gives guidance towards our choice, â€Å"The choice of every lost soul can be expressed in the words, ‘Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven.’ There is always something they prefer to joy....† (71). At one point in the book McDonald observes a ghost with Lewis and suggests that truth is a lifelong process, our life longs for this truth. Although we may not all realize truth because of lack of time, Lewis suggests it’s just a matter of obtaining the truth through good use of time. â€Å"Evil can be undone, but it cannot ‘develop’ into good. Time does not heal it† (Preface: VIII). Time is in essence, if perhaps used in the way of authentic leisure, a God given tool for overcoming evil and obtaining the truth of heaven. The women in chapter eleven loves her son so much that she has no love left to give and no room for love to be received. The spirit offers to open love to her, when she replies by requesting to see her son. This love has perhaps prevented her from receiving intellectus (receptivity of knowledge), and in my mother’s case, even the ratio (reasoning) is affected. The saying â€Å"love conquers all things† is true, even if it is not also conquering for the goo... ...tellectus. However, while painting in the ratio he noticed some things were more beautiful to paint than others. Ratio is what caused him to not enter through the gates of heaven. He had not preserved his intellectus or true beauty of things. He had lost intellectus through realization of time, of time slowing. So, instead of letting time go he grabbed it which brought him to reason his paintings through the mind rather than the spirit. â€Å"Reality never presents us with an absolutely unavoidable ‘either-or’; that, granted skill and patience and (above all) time enough, some way of embracing both alternatives can always be found† (Preface:VII). Lewis suggests here that time if spent right can bring us to self-realization of our journey, and in effect influence our choices. These choices are dependent on time. As wrong choices are made only in time, no truly rational choices can be made will out of the realm of time. Time is the evil that surrounds us. It is the letting go of this time when we truly feel void of problems. Only by letting go of our problems we will be able to communicate with God, while in the essence of being one with ourselves and finding our true inner self.

Ellen Goodman Columnist Essay

Ellen Goodman, a Pulitzer prize winning columnist, author, speaker, and commentator who refuses to call herself a pundit. Ellen has long been a chronicler of social change in America, especially the women’s movement and effects on our public, private lives, and has spent most of her life chronicling social change and its impact on American life. As a Pulitzer Prize winning columnist she was one of the first women to open up the pages to women’s voices and became, according to Media Watch, the most widely syndicated progressive columnist in the country.Proof of her strong passion for impacts on an average American life, her column titled â€Å"Dispensing Morality† shows just that. In her column, she expresses how those in professions and careers should reserve the right to distribute drugs or anything that has the ability to harm someone, even if it’s intentions is to aid, if the decision on handing it out conflicts with their ethics, morals, and values. Sh e uses scenarios of situation like those and rhetorical questions to prove a point based on ethos with a tad bit of pathos; while she uses statistics of a considerable amount of claims, facts, expert opinions to appeal to the reader’s logos.She ends of this column saying: â€Å".. last time I looked, the pharmacist's license did not include the right to dispense morality. † Matching the last word with exact title of her column gives it a serious conclusion displaying how serious she is about the subject. In another column of Goodman’s, â€Å"Those Poor College Conservatives† she boldly evinces how politics does not only have a monumental spotlight as the nation as its theatre, but it also has a college level arena where students can take the initial stand of having grand debates as would senators and other officials perform when running for office of any kind.Here she uses statistics of how much Democrats there is for one Republican in the universities of Stanford and Berkeley to indicate how much national politics is effected by students who, as we know, are the next generation – the future. She also uses ExxonMobil; The Independent Women's Forum; and a quote of Harvey Mansfield, a Harvard conservative, to add on to her use logos in addition with her statistics. However, as much as logical this column may be, she uses her strong opinions to include pathos to approve to reader’s emotions, morals, and beliefs.This column demonstrates how much of a determination Goodman has toward the inclusiveness of American lives. One column of hers clearly exhibits her drive for righting wrongs of America. In Goodman’s column, â€Å"Will Her Voice Ever Be Heard? † she stands up for foreign writers to be able to have published books in the United States. This column mainly surrounds Iranian writer, Shirin Ebadi, who was the first Iranian woman to become a judge and the first to receive a Nobel Prize, who’s been es chewed by the government because she’s Iranian and the American government will not allow people who the country fears and is currently in war with.Goodman uses the background and story of Ebadi to convey the difficulties she has had in order to have her books published, those trails are an example of pathos because it is attempting to attract the reader’s emotional state. The author also uses facts revealing discrimination, such as: â€Å"A law written in 1917 allows the president to bar transactions during times of war or national emergency. It was amended twice to exempt publishers.Nevertheless, the Treasury Department in its wisdom has ruled that it's illegal even to enhance the value of anything created in Iran without permission. † To appeal to the audience’s logos state. The purpose of this article is to strike up people’s ethos so they will also stand up for those like Ebadi and hopefully let them have a share of this â€Å"country of free dom. † Ellen Goodman, currently does not write columns, however, as stated earlier, she is considered one of the most advanced columnist in the country.Her passionate columns of justifying the unjust in America truly exemplifies her love for this nation and how much she wants to make it an ideal land for not only its citizens but for those seeking liberty and freedom. Through her use of pathos, ethos, and logos she desires to please everyone’s emotions, value, and intellectual mind-sets, thus spreading her drive and motivation toward others. Her goal for composing such column makes her an astounding writer – not for money, not for fame, not for glory, but to touch reader’s hearts for good.

Why is college education necessary?

Learning vs.. Securing a Career Should the students go to colleges and universities to learn and grow or to secure a sound future career? The answer to this question is debatable. Some people believe that universities should educate students on such lines which make them get a highly paid Job. To some extent this notion is acceptable as far as the economic conditions of the world are concerned.On the contrary, some say that college education should up bring the students In such a way that they hold a position of respect and professional recognition, moreover that they serve as an essential alluding block in the progress of society. A good Job or money Is not everything; knowledge and education are more than that. Just pursuing a degree may not guarantee you a lucrative Job but studying at a college may develop such skills In students that are necessary to lead a protocol life.It Is the knowledge of education, knowledge of empowerment, knowledge of responsibility and the knowledge of curiosity which makes a student an Intellectual personality – but not the degree he pursues nor the institution he goes to. So, students should endeavor for the pursuit f excellence and knowledge. There are many purposes for obtaining a college education. Firstly, it develops the character and personality of students which make their lives sound academically, professionally, and financially as well.It helps students to make themselves a promising career. College serves as a medium for students to fulfill their dreams. It gives them a chance to study and research in their preferred subjects and to pursue their Jobs in that field of their specialization. It provides them with a chance to get exposure within them. Universities tend to train dents to step in the modern world by giving them theoretical as well as practical knowledge. College education also helps the students to communicate with deferent people, which is beneficial in the corporate world.In short, it provides the n ecessary skills needed in a professional life. These college educations have brought about a revolution in the history. The Muhammad Anglo-oriental College, later named as Aligarh's Muslim University educated the Muslims of that time on modern lines to make them compete with their contemporaries, and served as a great platform in the placement of an independent nation – Pakistan. What if a student does not continue his education after school or does not take admission in a college or university?Will he be able to live a life of dignity and prosperity? The probability Is very low. One may earn more money even by not continuing studies at college, but as I mentioned earlier money is not everything – college education makes one academically sound. Therefore, the mall purpose for obtaining college education Is to develop the qualities of Intellectual curiosity and social responsibility wealth oneself, to think beyond the horizon, as well as to up bring oneself to such an I ntellectual personality that one gets a note-worthy Job because of his discern and mental capability.Why is college education necessary? By Muhammad Intense-Khan education should up bring the students in such a way that they hold a position of building block in the progress of society. A good Job or money is not everything; guarantee you a lucrative Job but studying at a college may develop such skills in students that are necessary to lead a prolific life. It is the knowledge of education, curiosity which makes a student an intellectual personality – but not the degree he knowledge.College education also helps the students to communicate with different university? Will he be able to live a life of dignity and prosperity? The probability is academically sound. Therefore, the main purpose for obtaining college education is to develop the qualities of intellectual curiosity and social responsibility within intellectual personality that one gets a note-worthy Job because of his discern and

Human Resource Planning Essay

Objectives of HRP: †¢To recruit and retain the human resource of required quantity and quality. †¢To foresee the impact of technology on work, existing employees and future human resource requirements, meeting the needs of the programs of expansion, diversification and to estimate the cost of human resources. †¢To improve the standards, skills, knowledge, ability, discipline etc. †¢To assess the surplus or shortage of human resources and take measures accordingly thereby minimising the imbalance. †¢To maintain congenial industrial relation by maintaining optimum level and structure of human resources. Process of Human Resource Planning: 1. Analysing Corporate Level Strategies: – Human Resource Planning begins with analysing corporate level strategies which include expansion, diversification, mergers, acquisitions, reduction in operations, technology to be used, method of production etc. 2. Demand forecasting: – Forecasting the overall human resource requirement in accordance with the organisational plans is one of the key aspects of demand forecasting. Forecasting of quality of human resources like skills, knowledge, values and capabilities needed in addition to quantity of human resources is carried out. 3. Analysing Human Resource Supply: – Every organisation has two sources of supply of Human Resources: Internal & External. Internally, human resources can be obtained for certain posts through promotions and transfers. Once the future internal supply is estimated through human resource audit, supply of external human resources is analysed. 4. Estimating manpower gaps: – Manpower gaps are identified by comparing demand and supply forecasts. Such comparison will reveal either deficit or surplus of Human Resources in the future. Employees estimated to be deficient can be trained while employees with higher, better skills may be given more enriched jobs. 5. Action Planning: – Once the manpower gaps are identified, plans are prepared to bridge these gaps by redeployment of surplus manpower. People may be persuaded to quit voluntarily or retrenched. Deficit can be met through recruitment, selection, transfer and promotion. In view of shortage of certain skilled employees, the organisation has to take care not only of recruitment but also retention of existing employees. 6. Modifying organisational plans: – If future supply of human resources from all the sources is estimated to be inadequate or less than the requirement, the organisation should consider alterations or modifications in the organisational plans.

The Automobile industry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Automobile industry - Essay Example The automobile industry is a textbook example of an industry where economies of scale pay a very important role. While there may be dozens of players around the world who produce, support and work with the industry, there are only a few producers who can claim to have a significant share of the market. Similarly, even though cars are produced in almost every developing and developed nation, only a few countries contribute in a significant manner to the global car production and consumption statistics. This can be attributed to the fact that the first automobiles were produced and developed soon after the industrial revolution by countries that had the required infrastructure and engineering skills. For example, the first steam powered three wheeler was built in France in 1769 and the first internal combustion engine was built in Belgium while the Germans made the predecessor of the modern car in 1885. Ford started his assembly line plans in 1896 and the mass production of motor vehicles was created as an established industry (Baki, 2004). In the modern world, there are just a few companies who define the overall structure of the automobile industry. They are: GM, Ford, Daimler-Chrysler, BMW, VW, Volvo, Toyota, Mazda, Mitsubishi and Nissan. These companies also formed an industry alliance which is called the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. In the last two decades, the industry has seen a spike in mergers and acquisitions which has consolidated many different brands of cars under the same company (Raisch and Zimmerman, 2006). Very recently, technology and innovation has come to the forefront of car manufacturing since the pervasive nature of technology has motivated car producers to accept it as a given focus. For the present companies in the automobile industry, there are several different challenges which must be addressed. The first and most important

Consumers' Unethical Belief and Attitude toward Counterfeiting Essay

Consumers' Unethical Belief and Attitude toward Counterfeiting - Essay Example The main issue is the consumer has the benefit of choice. A product may be counterfeit. But it may be as good as or better than the original. The customer is in no position to ascertain the true value of the product unless he buys it. However, his unethical belief may be product-specific. He may or may not be willing to test counterfeits of each and every product. For instance, clothes. The fashion business is highly fluid in the matter of originals and counterfeits (Ha, Sejin & Lennon, Sharron, 2006). Depending on the government's strength and the rule of law prevalent in the region, the consumer's reliance on counterfeits may be rewarding or counterproductive and the question of ethics does not bother the consumer because he has paid for the goods even if it is counterfeit (Tatnall, Professor Arthur, 2008). Consumer's belief and attitude rotates around the single, dominant factor that he is paying for the product and hence it does not matter if the product is counterfeit. If the counterfeit provides him with as much or better services than the original, his purchase of such goods does not bother him at all on the matter of ethics. It is true that an informed society is more tolerant of unethical belief. It also has a higher anti-business attitude because there is greater awareness of what is going on in big business houses. Big business houses have problems with ethics (Friedman, Hershey H et al, 2008, p38). They make choices between the greater evil and the lesser evil in the regular course of their business. This does not get reflected in their balance sheets or profit and loss account. They have to gloss them over. With globalization and use of the information technology, large (and even small) business houses make no bones about dubious business practices. The original manufacture too deigns to resort to counterfeiting to realize cost and other benefits. The practice is too ingrained and enmeshed between the original and the counterfeit to separate one from another. Nothing is lost in the process except consumer's cynicism and respect for the original (Decker, Melissa A, 2004, p6). In the ultimate analysis, it is difficult to hold on to ethics and do business at the same time. By our view of ethics, we even blame the Almighty for committing many blunders. Also, the different shades of ethics do not have the same order of value in the eyes of different individuals. The world highly differs in ethical standards between individuals. Business must serve its own interests, setting the best examples in the process. Sometimes, their choice may not appear morally correct. Technically, however, business may not have committed any offence. Nonetheless, if the consumer is unhappy with a company's stance, it will result in anti-big business attitude (Sender, Katherine, 2002). Consumers with more tolerant of unethical belief will have lower social cost of counterfeit attitude If the consumer takes social cost into account, he will not be able to make use of his freedom of choice. The