Essential Questions of Hinduism

Hinduism Hinduism sees to put an origin for all things in the natural world. Everything must be treated with respect and seen as a part of ones self. It is observed that everything in the universe was created by Brahmas, including himself. At the time of creation, Brahmas emanated outward Into the world and became the world. He became every rock, animal, river, and anything else we see. Stories of the creation and all the gods and events that follow, are passed down In the Purina's and the Veda, through the scripture or crust and smart.Crust is the scripture while smart is the tradition. These are passed down with great precision as the Veda. Furthermore, Purina is all the myths and legends of Hinduism that are widespread unlike the crust and smart. In the Hindu religion, there are three main gods, Brahmas, Vishnu, and Shiva. Brahmas Is the creator, Vishnu Is the sustainer, and Shiva is the destroyer and regenerator. Abraham's doings are done and world has already been created so he Is not as worshipped, while Vishnu and Shiva are often seen with their consorts as there many avatars in the Purina's.These 3 main gods spread out to millions of efferent avatars while at the same time being all one. Since Brahmas created the universe and is the universe at the same time, he is all of the gods together. Whom one chooses to worship whether Is be Brahmas or an avatar of any of the other gods, is completely up to the follower. Brahmas, Shiva, and Vishnu are seen as their avatars that further represent a different more specific aspect of their greater being. These avatars are then worshipped in ceremonies called pups where blessing are received. This includes prayer, offerings, and meditation to become in harmony with the gods.What does It mean to be human? In the Hindu religion every living being has a soul and a position on the circle of life. After death the soul is reincarnated in another life in accordance to how well dharma was followed in the past life. The perso n may be reborn in the caste system or even lower amongst the insects or untouchables. Where one is reborn is determined by how well dharma was followed and if they lived their life positively with good karma. The caste system is broken Into 4 sections; the Brahmins, the starkly, the valleys, and the sutras.There Is as well a 5th group, the untouchables which are outside of the caste system unworthy of it. The Brahmins are the highest in society and are the priests and teachers of the others. Brahmins study the Veda and perform the sacred rituals. Next are asterisk, which tend to be the royals of the society and the Visa whom are the back bone of society as business people, farmers and merchants. Then there are sutras who are the laborers and servants. Lastly, there are the untouchables that are left to the worst conditions of life often Each caste is expected to follow dharma closely to achieve atman.Atman is the true self, when one realizes that everything is one in the same. When atman is achieved, the soul becomes at peace with Brahmins and is removed from the cycle of rebirth. Actions are Judged by the extrasensory karma. Karma cannot be perceived but is a universal tally on the good and bad someone performs. Karma then dictates reincarnation and how close one is with atman. The higher up one goes through the caste system the closer they get to peace within themselves. How do humans interact with the sacred? The human interacts with the sacred amongst all levels in the Hindu religion.This can be achieved in many different ways; firstly, through sacrifice, purity, and ritual. As previously mentioned, many Hindus practice pups but as well there are festivals and celebrations. The pups allows the individual to connect to the gods and goddesses but then there are holidays that are celebrated among the community on a daily basis to show that everyone is on the same path. As well, the high priests perform sacrifices to the gods, procuring blessings and happines s. Each individual attempts to keep a ritual purity. A cleanness, which will help them, become closer to the gods.This is sometimes similar to hygienic cleanliness but goes beyond that as to avoid anything that may stain their karma, such as change since Brahmas means permanence. Secondly, there is the path of devotion where the devotee focuses his energies towards a specific god or deity. This can be observed when temples are built in the names of an avatar of one of the gods and many of the rituals performed. A devotee may draw strength from Just being with the statue of his deity. In addition, mantras may be performed to the gods bringing the performer closer to the gods.Finally, there is yoga. This is the path of knowledge where through meditation and understanding, one can strive to achieve atman and connection with the gods. Yoga is the development of the physical and spiritual connection towards the goal of chivalry. Chivalry is the experience of ultimate timelessness and pea ce. How does the sacred become a community? Sacred becomes the community through the many rituals and festivals performed by the people. As Hindus go through life there are many rituals that are performed at different points in life.In these rituals, the sacred becomes part of the life and community of the people. After birth at around the age of 8-12, a second birth is performed where a boys head is shaved only leaving a topknot at the top of the head. At this point, the child has entered the time of learning. From here on the child will learn of the Hindu life and ways. This is when he gains many responsibilities and is now looked at differently by the community then he was before the ritual. Marriage is another important ritual faced in the life of a Hindu.Typically, the parents arrange the marriage. Marriages occur within caste systems and mixing of castes is seen as a at both the husband's and wife's house. Upon death, loved ones clean the body and it is then wrapped. Very few Hindus are buried as most are cremated. A â€Å"death priest† leads a ceremony at the foot of a ever where the body is released adrift while burning. Any ashes that are left are collected and then released at a later time amongst the waters. Anyone who has encountered the dead must later purify oneself and cleanse of the dead.The death priests who were once Brahmas can be moved to untouchables because they are always around death. Part 2: Religion and geography: Briefly describe how Hinduism interacts with geography. Hinduism believes that all things originated from the same source; Brahmas. Brahmas then became the rocks, the rivers, and the mountains. These places are all part of Brahmas and all holy. The rivers are often used for rituals. Upon death the dead is burned and set adrift in the river. Further, their ashes are also dispersed into a river at a later time.Some rivers hold even higher recognition such as the Ganges, which is thought to bring life, rejuvenation, and blessing. Many people come down to the river to bathe and wash themselves of their sins, to be cleansed. It is also deemed the best place to be cremated at death. Part 3: Religion and Internal Conflict: Briefly discuss how Hinduism interacts with outside forces such as science, technology or religion. Hinduism does not interact well with outside forces. This is so, because the meaning of life in the Hindu religion is becoming at peace with the world, and realizing that everything is one.This is very difficult to do in an ever-changing world where technology pushes boundaries where nothing stays the same; this is a direct contradiction to Brahmas that is eternal permanence. On the other hand, Hinduism will openly accept other religions as other paths of devotions. Since the three main gods have so many different avatars the many other gods of the other religions are seen as different avatars of the same gods. Buddha is just another avatar or Vishnu and has his own devotee in Buddhism .

Neo-Marxist Contribution to Theories O Social Class Inequality Essay

How far would you say that Neo-Marxist have contributed to the continuing relevance of theories of social class inequality today? Social class inequality can be defined as the existence of socially created inequalities among and within classes. They can be attributed to various factors such as race, colour, ethnicity, gender, income, etc. It is arguable that inequalities that exist in post-independence societies as well as the inequalities which exist between nations can be directly traced back to the exploitative capitalism which accompanied European colonialism. Neo-Marxism has indeed contributed to the continuing relevance of theories of social class inequality in contemporary times. Therefore, the aim of this essay is to identify the nature of Neo-Marxism, its emergence as a school of thought, the main views of Neo-Marxism and its application to today as it regards to Social Class Inequality. Neo-Marxism for the purpose of this research paper can be defined as : a term loosely applied to any social theory or sociological analysis which draws on the ideas of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, but amends or extends these, usually by incorporating elements from other intellectual traditions—such as, for example, psychoanalysis (as in the case of critical theory), Weberian sociology (as in Erik Olin Wright’s theory of contradictory class locations), or anarchism (as in the example of critical criminology). Site ref) This social theory emerged during the late 1960’s and early 1970’s through the Frankfurt School, in Germany. This institution was referred to as the Institute of Social Research at the University of Frankfurt, Germany. The early Neo-Marxists from that school were Max Horkheimer, Herbert Marcuse, Theodor Adorno and Leo Lowenthal among others. Max Horkheimer referred to this new strain of Marxism as Critical Theory in 1937; it is a social theory oriented towards critiquing and changing society as a whole, in contrast to the traditional Marxist theory that just sought to explain it . The fundamental principles of critical social theory is that it should be directed at the totality of the society; that is how it has been organised at differentiating historical times. And in addition it should improve on the understanding of our society through integrating the major social sciences. Neo-Marxism therefore held views that were synonymous with Marxism however they were amended and extended on his principles to keep up with modern times. Neo-Marxism, according to neo-marxist Nicos Poulantzas sought to answer three basic questions that traditional Marxist was unable to deliver a rationale for. These questions were firstly, why did the socialist and social democratic political parties not band together against WWI? (Instead of support for their own countries). Secondly, why although the timing seemed right for a workers revolution in the west it did not take place? And lastly how did fascism take place in Europe at this time? Neo-Marxism is based on the total political-economic-cultural systems that exist in contemporary societies. Neo-Marxists were concerned with the growth of the middle class, which changed the traditional Marxist class view of there being only two classes; to the introduction of a new class -the middle class. They studied the composition of the labour force; that is the fragmentation of the working class and the decomposition of capital; that is the growth in the middle class. They needed to discover whether or not social mobility was beneficial to the lower class or whether or not it leads to the maintenance of the status quo. It is believed that ‘Mobility acts as a political safety valves’. (Parkin) It maintains the ideals of ruling class by providing hope to the working class so they would not want to form a revolution against the capitalist system. Neo-Marxists also found that there was a heterogeneous nature among classes; this was evident there were classes within classes. The main Marxist views that were retained by neo-Marxist are that the theory of dialectical materialism remains. This theory of change implies that the world including human beings is â€Å"Matter in motion† and progress occurs through struggle. They also shared the belief that capitalism is an alienating, exploitative system, subordinating human to the interest of hegemonic elites. The society then becomes one that upholds the values as the ruling class and these values inherently become the values of the people within the society. This was posited by Antonio Gramsci, an Italian journalist and politician who suffered at the hand of the fascist dictator that ruled Italy in 1937. He also writes that inequality exists as people are led to believe that it is inevitable. He also credits religion as the most important forms of metal control; as it teaches people to seek reward in heaven and not equality on earth. They were inclined to bear the inequality on earth as they believed that one day they would be rewarded in heaven. Another principle of Marxism that remained is the idea that only socialism had to be treated as the only form of human organisation worth thriving for. This is imperative as it returns to the workers all the profits of their labour, as opposed to the capitalist system. In which the Bourgeoisie retains their profits for themselves; instead of allowing the proletariat to enjoy the fruits of their labour.

Beowulf An Epic Hero English Literature Essay

Beowulf An Epic Hero English Literature Essay While reading the epic poem of â€Å"Beowulf† the most important character is Beowulf which has the personality of an epic conqueror by performance of skills and bravery, durable reputation, and royal duty. In Beowulf it shows strange and nearly external ability and bravery at the assassination of Grendel, the Troll Wife, and the Dragon. Due to the brave killing of the useless creature Beowulf also becomes familiar to the idea of being fames. Beowulf as a model he must defend his people as a imperial responsibility. The poem starts with the slaughter of Grendel. In the slaughter of the unusually huge being Beowulf shows significant skills and bravery. Beowulf shows odd skill and bravery which this shows the beginning of an epic hero. Beowulf show bravery and ability by slaughter Grendel hand without a sword or a shield. The cause why Beowulf chooses to kill Grendel with no body armor to him it felt that he must not have any advantages over the monster of Grendel. By defeating Grendel without any armor Beowulf prove to the people that he really is brave and clever. Beowulf shows great skills and bravery when he supposedly defeats the Troll Wife which is the mother of Grendel. After killing all the Thanes in the Mead Hall to make a point to Beowulf say he was able to kill her with the Hrunting. After stabbing the Troll Wife and winning the battle. Once again Grendel demonstrates the personality of an epic hero. Beowulf also shows his bravery and skill while he was slaughtering the Dragon. In the killing of the Dragon, Beowulf was ready to give up his own live in order to slay the Dragon. In additional Beowulf traits shows him as an epic conqueror by taking care of his royal duty. Before the king kills himself he gave Beowulf his kingdom so he became the king when he died. Beowulf realizes his responsibility to rule and defend his kingdom, with his royal duties. Although he aged over time when he slaughter the dragon he must defend his people from it, itâ €™s is responsibility now that he is the king. In the next paragraph from Beowulf, Beowulf clarify why he have to carry out his royal duties. Hygelac offer Beowulf his family sword, as a way to repay him from the battle. The king decided to give Beowulf his land, because his sword as served him well. By means of his hands and tough sword blade, while Beowulf is delicate and aged once the Dragon came. Beowulf understands that he will repay his people by slaughter the Dragon. Beowulf believes that he was giving so much throughout his people and being able to kill the dragon was his royal duties to protect his kingdom. The slaughter of Grendel, the Troll wife, and the Dragon was including in his royal duty. Beowulf as well turns into adapting to the idea of endure reputation by taking royal obligation. Beowulf shows another trait of an epic hero during the idea of lasting reputation. The traits of enduring fame come about when Beowulf slaughters Grendel, The Troll Wife, and the Dra gon. Following the killing of Grendel and The Troll Wife Beowulf is looking upon as a hero by numerous of Thanes. When Beowulf murder Grendel, Beowulf stumble upon Heorot where he reward Beowulf with gold. While having a banquet in tribute of Beowulf, they told him to put on riches with true superior determination this will increase and do well and establish your strength. Beowulf has received the respect as a hero. Fate showed hold on life when it comes to an end. Beowulf also becomes familiar to the thought of endure reputation with the land that is given to Beowulf to rule. Beowulf receives tribute when he dies. At the ending of the heroic poem, Beowulf’s people are sad, and keep on being sad while promising that his kingdom will always remember him as an epic hero Beowulf. The entire trait mentioned early proves Beowulf as an epic hero. Beowulf shows ability and bravery, lasting fame, and caring out his royal duties; all these personality show that Beowulf is an epic hero . By slaughter Grendel, and the Dragon, Beowulf demonstrate ability and bravery to his people by demonstrate his force and survival. As a result of slaughter the Dragon even while Beowulf knows that the ending will possibly show the way to the death he shows the traits of his royal duty. The king offer Beowulf his kingdom to rule it as a result of his great reputation. All these are personality of an epic hero, which Beowulf was a great epic hero.

HRM strategy and implementation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

HRM strategy and implementation - Essay Example zation to lay more focus on its core activities hence increasing the output and ensuring that the business has a greater competitive advantage (Campbell 606). In some cases, focus is put on the possible impact of future sets of promotional tactics. Marketing oriented models are often used to optimise promotional strategies of an organization with respect to sales revenue or profit margins. Techniques used for this purpose were developed by econometricians and were first applied to consumer goods that were specifically being packaged. A good market model would entail a detailed mathematical representation of the actual interactions among the different market forces. These various participants include economic forces and the different choices that are made at various levels of doing business within an organization. Different market models attempt to explain or predict the behaviour of various aspects of a market. For instance, for security markets, one model would attempt to express how the return on a certain product portfolio can be maximized. A marketing model is a central component of the general marketing discipline. Information technology has indeed ensured a rapid change in the way businesses carry out their marketing (Chesbrough, et al. 2000). More customers can now be reached within a short time by use of reliable technologies that are very cost effective. Human resource refers to people-power within an organization. People within an organization are normally charged with the responsibility of ensuring that machines and other resources are put into good use. Resources such as computer systems only help to facilitate the work done by the human resource (Kelly 2003). People with various skills and academic credentials ensure that various duties are carried out in an organizational setup. The term human resource therefore refers to the way in which people are managed by organizations. Human resource is the most complex and difficult category of resources to

Human trafficking Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Human trafficking - Research Paper Example Human trafficking is affecting every country and every economy. Almost 161 countries are involved in this and people are trafficked from 127 countries to 137 countries. Human trafficking is most comprehensively defined by United Nation Office on Drug and Crime on unodc.com as: it is an act of forcefully or by power, recruiting, transporting, transferring and harbouring a person with an aim to exploit them .It is a Umbrella term used for a process in which many people are enslaved . Annually a lot of population globally that includes males, females and children become victim of this crime within their country and abroad .Every country is affected by trafficking- either people are transported from there or it is in transit or destination where they are exploited. Human trafficking is also known as Trafficking in persons or TIP.Expolitation could include prostitution, sexual exploitation, forced labour or services, slavery, removal of organs, servitude etc. United Nations Convention aga inst Transnational Organized Crime and its Protocols states on website unodc.com that definition given by UNODC has three elements: Any of these parts can create human trafficking case. First part is â€Å"Acts what is done† it means Recruitment, transportation, transferring, harbouring and receipt of person. Second part is â€Å"the means used to commit those Acts(How it is done )† these are refer to warning given to use power, fraud, abuse, punishment, cruelty, dishonesty or giving payments or awarding a person in control of the victim. Third element is â€Å"the goals for which the act was committed (Why it is done)† it means the reason of misuse, which includes exploiting the prostitution of others, sexual exploitation, forced labour, slavery, removal of organs. UNODC states in its report Trafficking in Person: Global Patterns that victims of human trafficking who are sexually exploited are of 79% and forced labour 18%.Women exploitation is more seen especia lly in city centres and along high ways. Other forms are domestic servant, forced marriage, children begging, sex trade and war fare, prostitution, pornography, and nude dancing. Shelley in his book Human Trafficking:   A Global Perspective states that millions of people are being exploited each years at brick kilns ,sweatshop ,chicken forms mines ,rock quarries , fisheries , public or service work, beside females and children ,boys are also exploited in particular sex industry(281-285). Human trafficking is referred as modern day slavery by Shelley in his book Human Trafficking:   A Global Perspective: it is an evil which the modern world thinks has conquered and relegated to the history book. But today’s media, Nongovernmental organizations, human right organizations and the police cases paints a different picture. Reports form these organizations point out that trafficking is one of the most important sources to keep the deadly slavery practices alive. International Or ganization for Migration has given figures of victims’ exploitation such as physical and sexual violence 95%, forced economic exploitation 32%, forced commercial sexual exploitation 43 %( 98% of these are females). Shelley has written in his book Human Trafficking:  a Global Perspective that person’s consent becomes irrelevant when any means of trafficking is used. Child consent is not considered even if particular means are not used in trafficking. Migrant smuggling and human trafficking

Channel Design plan Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Channel Design plan - Term Paper Example A good channel distribution plan identifies the market segment that the products target, the preferences of the target customers, various market conditions and describes the appropriate structures that ought to be put in place so as to ensure efficient distribution of goods and services (John, 2002). Channel design planning enables products to grow from obscurity to become internationally recognized brands. This has made channel design planning one of the most demanded strategies in marketing in the contemporary world. The main essence of marketing channels is about making products and services available to consumers conveniently when, where and how they need them. A distribution channel entails a lot of strategies, most of which the consumer is not aware about because the consumer is only interested in getting the final product (Louis and David, 2000). The channels consist of very complex and dynamic systems which include distribution centers, technologies and strategies that are al l aimed at ensuring the customers can access the products and service more conveniently. This plan will focus on creating a channel design for my new business dealing in interior design. This is a new business that I have set up by establishing an interior design company. In this company I intend to create decor products for homes and sell the same on the website of my company. I also intend to offer a wide range of services relating to interior design. There is already an existing market for interior design with few companies already existing I the industry. The problem however is that the distribution channel is not well designed. Having my own channel design plan will make my business stand out and benefit more from because it will be much easier for me to get my services and other products to the target customers. I decided to take my company to the internet because this is turning to be one of the easiest ways to get products to consumers. More and more consumers are becoming a ware of buying goods from the internet making e-commerce one of the most popular business transactions. By selling my products on the internet I will be reaching out to consumers directly without the need of going through traditional middle men in the supply chain. This will make my products cheaper and attractive to my target consumers. A detailed analysis of the design plan is as shown below. The Market to be targeted by the new business Interior design is an emerging field that is gaining ground with a few established companies already offering their services to consumers. My new business hopes to grow quickly and become one of the leading businesses in the industry. In order to achieve this, it is important to identify my target consumers so as to be aware of the market segment that the business will be focusing on. The main consumers in the interior design industry include the real estate investors, home owners, event planners among others. There is a huge demand for decor mate rials, interior design advice among other services. Given this huge market the industry has, my business will only focus on events planners as the primary market segment. These events planner include planners of wedding receptions, birthday parties and other gatherings that need decor products. Since most of my products will be sold on the internet, a huge chunk of this segment will

European Parliament Elections Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

European Parliament Elections - Essay Example BULGARIA Parliamentary elections of 2007 resulted in the victory for a new center-right party: Citizens for the European Development of Bulgaria (GERB) under Boyko Borisov. Georgi Parvanov has been the president of the country since 2002. The center-right GERB opposition party won 26.2% of the vote and five seats in the 2009 election. They beat the ruling Socialists (18.9%/4 seats). CZECH REPUBLIC The two round parliamentary elections which were conducted in 2006 was shaded off by a dishonor, resulting in reformation of government in 2007. Mirek Topolanek who leads the Civic democrats formed a new center-right government in January 2007. This government consisted of Topolanek's Civic Union, the Greens, and the Christian Democratic Union-Czechoslovak People's Party. Jan Fisher has been the prime minister since 8 May 2009. FRANCE Legislative elections for the national assembly took place in June 2007 in France. President Nickolas Sarkozy's UMP won the elections. Sarkozy was elected as the president in 2007. This was only because of the center-right voters. They elected Francois Fillon of the UMP as their prime minister. In the 2009 elections, Sarkozy's UMP received 28%. French MEP Joseph Daul who is theEPP-ED group chairman stated his party had won because it had verbalized "about Europe" andwas away from any controversies. ITALY Italy's President Giorgio Napolitan, who is a former leader of the Italian Communist Party, was elected in April 2006. But in the 2008 elections Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's People of Freedom Party won the elections. Berlusconi constituted a center-right cabinet of ministers which included his People of Freedom coalition and the Northern League. Berlusconi's 'Party of Liberty' (PdL) secured 39%, of the votes against 27.5% which its main rival, the centre-left PD secured. IRELAND Ireland's elections to the lower house of parliament were conducted in May 2007. Prime Minister Bertie Ahern and his Fioanna Fail Party were victorious. Fianna Fail continued as the largest party but its coalition partners -the Progressive Democrats- were not as victorious. Mary McAleese has been the president of Ireland since 1997. LATVIA The Center-right party won the June 2004 elections in Latvia. The majority coalition consisted of People's Party and other center-right parties. The party led by Aigars Kalvitis became a minority coalition with the departure of one party. In 2007, Prime Minister Ivars Godmanis the head of the center-right Latvian Way party formed a center-right coalition government. LITHUANIA The center-left government was replaced by the center-right in the elections conducted in October 2008. The center-right party is headed by prime minister and leader of the Homeland Union Lithuanian Christian Democrats Party Andrius Kubilius. Dalia Grybauskaite is Lithuania's first female president who was elected in May 2009. POLAND Lech Kaczynki was the elected president in October 2005 elections. But in the Snap elections on October 21 2007 resulted in the victory of the center-right opposition party which is led by Donald Tusk. Tusk became Poland's prime minister in November 2007 and led a coalition government of his civic platform party and the Polish People's Party. SPAIN Prime Minister Zapatero's Socialists won the Parliamentary elections which

Harmful Effects of Anti-Shia Discrimination Assignment

Harmful Effects of Anti-Shia Discrimination - Assignment Example The most agreed upon cause for the prejudice can be traced to the dispute that arose after the death of the Prophet Muhammad, which led to a split among the Muslim community into two fundamental sects: the Shi’a and the Sunnis. The Sunnis also referred to as the followers of the way, decided on following the caliphate maintaining that any Muslim, who is devout in the eyes of his peers, has the potential of being a successor of the Prophet. However, the Shi’a believe that only a person who is elected by Allah can succeed the Prophet after the Prophet has declared him his successor, deciding on Imam Ali as their religious authority. Following this split, the Sunni Muslims have over the centuries perceived their rival sect as a threat to their religious authority, and politically as well. Sunni leaders, especially under the Umayyad, began a systematic marginalization of the Shi’a, who formed a minority of the Muslim community, while the Abbasids also turned on the S hi’a, killing, persecuting, and imprisoning them (Walker 18). The Shi’a community to this day remains marginalized and persecuted sect in the majority of Muslim states. This discrimination has harmed the Shi’a by ensuring that they are less educated than Sunnis, cannot practice their religion, and cannot get work in their countries. Discrimination against the Shi’a has led to their inability to practice their religion, which has caused resentment towards their Sunni counterparts, as they are denied their right to worship. For example, Chehab in Sunni vs. Shia: All You Need to Know claims that â€Å"Jordanian tribes have banned Shi’as from paying homage at the historical grave site of a prominent Shi’a imam† (13).  This led to protests in which over fifty Shi’a members either were killed or went missing. The Shi’a Muslims are also disallowed to access religious centers such as mosques, forcing them to perform their pray ers on Friday in their houses (Chehab 13). This means that Shi’a Muslims, despite being part of the broader Islam family, are second-class religious citizens in most Muslim dominated countries. They are treated no differently than Christians, who are discriminated against in the same way and might as well be without religion. This has all the hallmarks of an irreversible religious war if unchecked. In addition, all able-bodied Muslims are required to visit Mecca at least once in their lifetime, which is one of Islam’s five pillars, to perform the Hajj. Although this event is supposed to count as one of the most intense religious times in the Muslim calendar, a group of Shi’as who were on a pilgrimage was arrested in 2009 by the Saudi religious police. This was part of Sunni Muslims,’ particularly the Wahhabi sect’s, aim to â€Å"purify Islam of any innovations or practices that deviate from the seventh-century teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and his companions† (Giritlioglu 1). The incident resulted in one of the pilgrims, a fifteen-year-old boy, being shot in the head and chest, while a Shi’a sheik was knifed by an unknown person in the back for being what he termed as a rejectionist. Allowed to continue, such actions can only lead to reprisal attacks in Shi’a majority countries, resulting in a never-ending cycle of violence.

Research paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Research paper - Essay Example By definition, money is referred to as anything of value that can be used as a medium of exchange (Weatherford, 2009). This is to say that money is that what is used to pay for goods and/or services. This can also take the form of repaying debts at an individual, corporate, or government level. The history of money is highly built on the need to establish a streamlined exchange medium, thus the observed shift from barter trade to the development of contemporary currencies. The history of money makes vital reference to barter trade and barter economies. In many historical barter economies, goods and services were exchanged for other goods and services (Walthall, 2006). However, this form of trade had operational challenges due to the fact that transacting parties had to match their needs or wants in order to trade. Such economies lacked a central exchange medium, but there transactions at the time would fundamentally shape the history of money. At the height of barter trade, the emerg ence of money started being realized. The introduction of shells, stones, beads, and fur as money was observed (Walthall, 2006). The acknowledgement of these things as money revolutionized exchange transactions within and across communities. Business and commerce emerged for people would accumulate the now acknowledged type of money. This followed difficulties in barter trade to have for example a farmer exchange his/her produce with a blacksmith. The introduction of forms of money now allowed traders and people in general to obtain goods and services without necessary having to engage in barter trade. Development of money along its rich history eventually saw the introduction of coin money. Precious metals became the central focus as far as development of money was concerned. Gold, silver, and bronze among other metals were shaped into coins that were easy to carry and transact with. From around 1000 B.C onwards, the use of coin money increased and many societies quickly welcomed t his new development (Del Mar, 2004). In the 11th century, paper money came into the picture and was produced for use in China (Del Mar, 2004). This marked the extensive spread of money within and across all continents. Eventually, bank notes and coins were adopted all over the world, thus becoming the central exchange medium for domestic and international exchanges. In the United States, the use of paper bills dubbed â€Å"greenbacks† was actualized in the year 1861 (Weatherford, 2009). The emergence and development of money was aligned with the fall of civilization around the world. Asia, Europe, and America were the leading factors of civilization. When it came to the development and use of money, they as well led the course. Civilization subject to the money factor had its positive and negative effects. Money essentially made different civilizations realize that wealth could be stored in form of money. Wealth accumulation took its toll, with many civilizations seeking to d ominate this course. Before long, money would be a differential factor in many societies and countries at large. Notably, money contributed and still contributes in enhancing civilization of societies. Although money has critically divided rich and poor civilizations, it has made exchange transactions easy, efficient, and effective. Over and above this, the shift from barter economies to contemporary currency-driven economies has resulted in enormous currency issues. Different economies want to maintain independent

The Establishment of Indian Reservations in the U.S Term Paper

The Establishment of Indian Reservations in the U.S - Term Paper Example The official start of the segregation of the native Indians began with the Indian Removal of 1830 which forced the migration of many of the tribes living east of the Mississippi river to the west side of the river1. In doing so the US government gained control of the best farming lands needed for the expansion of the European population and started off a trend of isolating the tribes and impinging on their basic rights in their own homeland which would lead on to have negative percussions for those people and tribes for the centuries to come. The treaties and forceful migration of the tribes was propagated as a means to provide them with their sovereignty and right to their lifestyle within the specified reservations. Even if one ignores the fact that many of the tribes did not regard these measures as anything of benefit for themselves and that military confrontations were often involved in ensuring their compliance with the legislations, there is still the question of the quality o f the land that was allotted to them and the lifestyle options available to them in the reservations. Lands kept for Indian use were commonly considered as the least desirable by whites and were almost always located far from major population centers, trails, and transportation routes- all necessary elements for economic growth and communication with the mainland cities. The result was that the Indians were unable to find sufficient means to find sustainable livelihoods and find the resources to use towards social development for their communities. The appalling social conditions of the reservations were widely acknowledged by the end of 19th century but government initiatives of ‘forced assimilation’ (1887) and then nearly a century later the Termination legislation (1953)2 failed to bring about any major impact in the opportunities available to the Indians or the reservations as a whole. The Termination legislation put forward idea of disbanding the communities as ind ependent political entities but that proved to be unpopular and was abandoned. Even though the Termination legislation was put into practice along with a wide scale relocation and employment program to provide financial and social assistance to the Indian youth who would be losing the close knit community atmosphere of the reservations, the low participation rate provided the government with one key insight to the lives of the natives. Despite the rampant social problems including unemployment, high crime rates, poor housing, lack of adequate child support and crime- the reservations are still thought of as a common cultural base for the Indians. The tight knit families and extended families live in close proximity and the cultural heritage is passed through one generation to the other. Languages, customs and traditions are protected in the circle of community; this wouldn’t be possible if the individual members were scattered as they are in urban settings3. Reservations have now become a part of the Indian identity and one they are not willing to part with easily- in some cases there isolation from the mainstream population actually makes them unfit for a life outside of the reservations and any opportunities ava

The Vietnam War Essay Example for Free

The Vietnam War Essay The Vietnam War is a conflict with Vietnamese against itself, North Vietnam or the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam, wherein the Americans got involved mistakenly and honorably. (see Wikipedia) It is an effort to unify Vietnam into a single state. But then it is considered as false and dishonest theory. As per John Pilger, this war is an invasion of Vietnam’s homeland and lives. (see Global Issues) It is by far the longest war in the century of America against North and South of Vietnam. The Vietnam conflict with America is included in the Second Indochina dated 1954-1975 that grew out from the long conflict between France and Vietnam. (see Wikipedia) It is widely reflected in history and media that America lost this war because of the guerilla movement in Vietnam. (see Global Issues)   It is also believed that America lost this war due to the contribution of media that is against it. (see Global Issues) Actually, Vietnam approached US for assistance in building a nation from the Second Word War and mainly from French imperialism to achieved control for South Vietnam. (see Global Issues) It is believed that US supported Vietnam’s independence and determination. But then, US turned down the assistance that is why they turned to the other superpower at that time, the Soviet Union. (see Global Issues) Ho Chi Minh, communist leader, appealed to President Truman for assistance because Vietnamese wanted to pattern their constitution with the American government. (see Global Issues) But America declined to support their freedom and instead allied with the French. Vietnam was then forced to turn to China and the Soviet Union. (see Global Issues) United States is believed to give support to South Vietnam. They deployed personnel and US military advisers in 1956 to be responsible for training the army of South Vietnam. (see Global Issues) President Nixon purpose was to strengthen South Vietnam. US declined to support North Vietnam due to their communist belief to which US is not partaking. They came to aid the regime in the South who were said to be attacked by the North Vietnamese. (see Global Issues) The opposition said that America really lost the war. It is included in the criticism of the media. There are two most influential beliefs on why America lost this war. First, media undermined the military and political effort through media coverage, especially on television, in America. (see Global Issues) Second is that most of the journalists and broadcasters were against the war. It is on the whole of American media which resulted that war is a â€Å"failed crusade.† (see Global Issues) It has been reported that South Vietnamese had taken up arms to defend their villages and homeland. The North Vietnam Government was not recognized by the United States and the reason why US declined to assist because it is believe to be â€Å"improper† to acknowledge such correspondence. (see Global Issues) During the war, it is believed that it was the time where US dispatched its greatest ever land army and even offered the French two atomic bombs to use prior to its defeat in 1954. (see Global Issues) They pursued military strategies designed for people to abandon homes like usage of chemicals. Millions of people were killed and maimed, some were Americans and the rest are Vietnamese. The agreement to end the war included $3.25 billion of grant aid for 5 years to which was never paid. (see Global Issues) It is supposed to be for the postwar reconstruction but Vietnam did not reveal all the prisoners of the war who were supposedly part of the deal to aid. (see Global Issues) This is a tragic issue for Americans who have been unaware of the fate of their loved ones. (see Global Issues) The Vietnam conflict with the intervention of America is not really a war between the two countries. It is said that America lost this war. But America did not really lose it because in the first place, America was there to become an ally and just to support South Vietnamese for their fight against aggression from the North. Ineffectiveness is a more appropriate term. The way that Americans implemented their policy is ineffective in this conflict. America’s main goal is to unite Vietnam into one state. (see Global Issues) America failed to achieve that goal. The conflict highlighted more on the Cold War ideological battle. It reported and portrayed on the killings and tragedies that happened in the War. It focused more on the bad mistake. The good intentions were rarely questioned and carried out poorly. The media made coverage of America in an extremely one-sided story. (see Global Issues) It resulted to inaccurate reporting because only fragments were told. They mainly focused on the nature of the war. The atrocity of the war were mistakenly branded and blundered. Americans are on the side of South Vietnam that opposed the aggression from the communist, the North Vietnam. What really happened in this war was â€Å"internal aggression.† (see Global Issues) Wherein they invaded and attacked their own country and people. But then there were confusion on who really were â€Å"allies† on this war. The non-communist South Vietnam was said to be invaded by the communist, North Vietnam. (see Global Issues) United States therefore came to the side of the â€Å"democratic† regime in the South. But it was reported untrue. It is because Ho Chi Minh sent regular forces to assist the American attacks. (see Global Issues) He was persuaded to send regular armies to support the South in their opposition to American invasion. (see Global Issues) America lost the war in Vietnam. But millions of acres of forest were destroyed through herbicides poisoning, millions of people were slaughtered, rice fields were left with spots of bomb craters after â€Å"winning† its freedom. It is believed that in a war, no one really win or lose. Though they achieved what they are fighting for, they lose a great deal as well. Vietnam might have the independence and freedom they wanted but it caused them a lot before they achieved it. In contrast, America is still one of the most powerful countries in the world. They still aid and support other countries. But what is the measurement of victory? Is it shown in wealth or material possessions? Or is it measured by power? Or achieving what we really wanted though nothing was left afterwards? Winning does not end or achieve from a certain period of time. Victorious winning is seen on how you live after or if you were able to cope up with life after the battle. Fighting for what you desire and achieving it is a great reward for winning. On the process of achieving for these goals, you may lose some, but gain some as well. It really doesn’t matter if Vietnam conflict is a Winnable War. What matters most is the lesson learned from this war. The experiences happened, whether good or bad. Making things better and hoping that none of this will happen again in the future. To be able to have a peaceful world that can only be attained if we will not let selfishness rule over us. Most people believed that US lost the war. But Vietnam was destroyed to its core where it could be a pool of hope for the next generation and development option in Asia. If only plans were made and done effectively, things might have been different or it could be better than what happened. REFERENCES: Shah, Anup (29 December 2002). Media Propaganda and Vietnam. Retrieved October 15, 2006, from War, Propaganda and the Media Website: http://www.globalissues.org/HumanRights/Media/Propaganda/Vietnam.asp#ThemedialostthewarforAmerica Vietnam War Retrieved October 15, 2006, from Wikipedia Website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam_war#Richard_Nixon_and_Vietnam_.281969.E2.80.931974.29

Increased Competition in the Field of Robotics Essay Example for Free

Increased Competition in the Field of Robotics Essay If desired, calibrate the virtual process to reflect physical conditions and download optimized robot programs. By simulating your process you can always be sure to have the right combination of robot, gun and fixtures. After all, in virtual reality, bumping in to car parts and fixtures does not really matter. Arc Geometric simulation enables accurate arc weld robot programs with optimized gun angle against the seam. Also, it is easy to evaluate guns with different swan neck angles for best reachability. Spot When working on-line it is not an easy thing to program a spot welding robot to weld perpendicular to a surface. With the aid of geometric simulation systems, this is ensured, with improved quality and a durable weld as a result. Evaluating and designing spot weld guns is effectively done in a virtual environment. Laser Laser technology has made many processes more efficient. Robotized laser applications really deserves state of the art manufacturing simulation technology as a companion. Truly these technologies is for the future. Painting When programming a paint robot on-line, there are often difficulties associated with where and how to store robot positions in order to get the best result. Off-line programming reduces many of these difficulties. Features such as paint thickness simulation and the fact that you actually see where you are aiming truly help. Consumption of paint, products, and above all time needed for on-line touch up dramatically decreases. Handling and assembly Simulation can also be used in robotized handling and assembly operations. The product can be checked in fixtures and grippers and together with other products. Kinematics can be added to products. During simulation of handling processes reachability can be checked and collisions can be detected and provided. Simulation can also be used to optimize the layout by checking the placement of fixtures, racks and other equipment. Simulation of human operations Not only robot operations can be simulated, also human operations are possible to simulate. Simulation of human operations is important in an ergonomic point of view. Reachability and accessibility can be analyzed in an early stage of the project, before any physical verification is possible. Different sizes of the human model can be used to point out if changes in layout, process equipment or product are necessary. By using simulation, difficult and/or impossible operations can be eliminated. The purpose of these analyses is to prevent harmful operations. The result of the simulations can also be used in an educational purpose. 4. Robots in place of Human in Food Industry. Robots to solve end-of-line issues in food industry. They face a number of challenges in their end-of-line packaging operations. In a manual process, they must deal with ergonomic issues, labor availability, and the uncertainty of increasing costs associated with recent and potential future legislation. In an automated process, accommodating rapid-fire package changes driven by sustainability initiatives and shelf impact, as well understanding and improving key performance measures such as Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), are key. And in any process, food safety is an overriding concern on the minds of processors, as the consequences of foodborne illness and/or massive product recalls have affected a wide range of food categories. . Current Robotic Trends in Packaging Industrial robots have emerged as a valuable end-of-line tool to help address these challenges for food manufacturers, as the performance and user-friendliness of the technology has increased while costs have decreased. Growth in vision-assisted robotic applications is especially notable, as vision enables a robot to emulate the flexibility of human hand-eye coordination and perform a number of in-process product inspections for quality assurance. A number of statistics point to increased adoption of robotics in the industry: The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) Statistics Department, which provides information on world-wide trends in robotics, reports optimistically about robotics industry growth in the coming years. According to the Robotics and Automation Society, whose goal is to †advance innovation, education, and fundamental and applied research in Robotics and Automation, † (1) says that †Nearly every major user industry increased its purchases in the opening quarter of 2010. Especially strong gains were seen in robot sales to the semiconductor/electronics/photonics industries as well as food consumer goods. † In addition, â€Å"Material handling remains the largest application area for new robot orders, accounting for some 60% of the units sold. Many food companies and packaging machinery manufacturers have successfully applied robots in a wide variety of processes in the dairy, meat, baking, confection, frozen, snack, beverage, and even produce industries.

Shylock ways of Expressing Conflicts

Shylock ways of Expressing Conflicts The Merchant of Venice has an Italian setting and marriage plot; this is very typical of Shakespeare whose love for Italy is evident in most of his play. In Merchant of Venice Shakespeares remarkable rogue Shylock raises this play to a new level. The play was written in 1598 and reflects religious activities in the 16th century. This play defines two main settings, Venice, a city of trade where many businessmen are located, a place filled with unfortunate and unpleasant individuals; the other setting is Belmont, a city where rich, happy and stylish society of beautiful people is housed. Belmont is an enchanted world occupied with love, music and happiness. In Act 1 Scene 3, the audience expects Antonio and Shylock to immediately odium each other before they meet in the play. This is because in the Elizabethan era Jews were commonly disliked by Christian nations throughout the 16th century, as Christians believed that in biblical history Jews were the people that killed Jesus Christ (Christian messiah). Jews suffered harsh persecution over the centuries, including torture, loss of property, and forced conversion to Christianity. England expelled all Jews about 300 years earlier to William Shakespeares time, much of what remained of them were tales filled with anti-Semitic response ranging from exaggeration to complete lies, which portrayed them as vile, evil and despicable. Jews in Elizabethan times were not viewed as citizens. Instead, they were viewed as outsiders, and were often banned from many occupations because of their religion. This helped the audience understand the conflict that exists between Shylock and Antonio. Jews were l eft with few means of earning a living as only Christians could belong to professional relations as well as own land . Christians, however, could not lend money with interest, and many Jews earned a profitable living as usurers. We know Shylock is a Jew since the narration specifies that hes a Jew Enter Bassanio with Shylock the Jew. Shakespeare puts an emphasis on Shylock the Jew since he doesnt state the religion of the other characters. The audience are introduced to Shylock as a greedy man because the first thing he said was about money Three thousand ducats, well. Shylock describes Antonio as a good man, even though some people might think it means Antonio is kind and generous but to Shylock this means that Antonio has enough money to repay him. It is made clear from the way Shylock is introduced that he is hatching a cunning plan from the start because Shakespeare specifies that Shylock is a Jew but for the other characters he doesnt state their religion. The audience begin to think Shylock is devious and has something up his sleeves. and then there is the perils of the waters, winds and rocks. The man is notwithstanding sufficient. I think I might take this bond. Even though Shylock knows that Antonios ships will be destroyed (all Antonios money is invested in his ships) he still goes ahead to lend him the money. Bassanio invites Shylock to dine with them If it please you to dine with me, Shylock denies saying I will buy with you, sell with you, talk with you, walk with you, and so following but I will not eat with you, drink with you, nor pray with you. This indicates that even though Shylock will do business with Antonio and Bassanio he will not eat, drink or pray with the. It also shows the religious differences that set Shylock apart from the Christian Venetians. Shakespeare presents Shylock this way so that the audiences hatred would be focused in the direction of Shylock. Shakespeare, while describing the Jewish moneylender Shylock according to stereotypes, fills Shylock with humanity and produces sympathy for the troubles of the Jews. On the other hand, an Elizabethan audience wont show sympathy towards Shylock as they are anti-Semitic to Jews. Just before Shylock speaks to Antonio, he lets the audience know in aside that he hates Antonio I hate him for he is a Christian. This phrase said by Shylock is based on the beliefs of other Jews on other Christians; it helps the audience to know the conflict that exists between Shylock and Antonio. The phrase also shows how stereotypical Shylock is since he doesnt really know Antonio, but because Shylock has heard of Jew-hating Christians he thinks that he too should hate Christians since all of them hate Jews. Shylock distastes Antonio because he lends out money gratis free of interest, so reducing the interest rates for people who make live as moneylenders such as Shylock and for having disgraced him in public by spitting on him and calling him names such as dog and cutthroat Jew. For humiliation as well as the persecution that the Jews have long suffered at the hands of the Christians, Shylock tells the audience that he hopes to exact vengeance on Antonio. If I can catch him once upon the hip, I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him.He hates our sacred nation . . . Cursd be my tribe if I forgive him! Shylock reveals to the audience that hes prejudice against Christians and he also explains to the audience how Shylock himself has experienced anti-Semitic discrimination. Both Shylock and Antonios ideas are connected around the ideas of business. Antonio the Christian believes that usury is wrong so should not be practiced, whereas Shylock the Jew who is forbidden to try any other profession decided to use usury (lending money for interest) as a way to make a living and identify themselves in the Venetian society. If I forgive him!Shylocks quote in Act 1 Scene 3 line 36-47 tells the audience that Shylock is as concerned with money as religion, and possibly even more so. Shylock uses his money to get back at Antonio so he can feed his personal grudge against him. He views the lending as an opportunity to stick it to Christians for all the troubles and sufferings they have caused the Jews. The money lending is a battle between the two men as well as their religions. Shylock and Antonio can be considered substitute for their religious issues. But money is their way of throwing in personal accusations while fighting the religious fight. Shylock is told by Antonio that normally he wouldnt take part in a deal involving interest but because his friend is in need of the money he will break his custom. Their greeting has made an ironic suggestion to the audience, which was Shylocks hateful opinion towards Antonio I hate him for he is a Christian. Shylock decides to loan Bassanio the money he needs. Shylock recites the Biblical story of Jacob to defend his practice of charging interest. Shylock shows the personal and religious differences between his religion and Christianity by reciting the Book of Genesis. As it is unnatural to gain/make money from money Christians believe usury is dissolute. But Shylocks defends his use of usury by interpreting and stating the Bible saying that him charging interest for the money he lends is not very different from Jacobs breeding of the animals in the bible. Jacobs breeding by the Christian law is believed to be natural. The Hebrew will turn Christian; he grows kind. As Antonio thinks that Jews arent kind and cant be kind unless theyre Christians. He witnesses Shylock, the Hebrew, become kind by lending him money and so believes thats impossible. Since Shylock is being generous by lending Antonio money, Antonio takes it as Shylock being Christianised as hes being nice. This quotation tells the audience how Antonio considers his religion superior to Judaism. The previous quotation I hate him for he is Christian illustrated how Shylock was stereotypical about Christians. There are similar beliefs in the religions of both characters. The exchange in words between Shylock and Antonio prepares the audience for what is going to happen next. Antonio has publicly abused Shylock many times on different occasions and even spat on upon Shylocks clothing spit upon my Jewish gabardine Shylocks asks Antonio why he should lend him money as he would a friend when all he has done nothing but insult and humiliate him. Angry with fury Antonio insults Shylock again. Shylock doesnt want to pretend he is friends with Antonio so he says If thou wilt lend this money, lend it not as to thy friends But lend it rather to thine enemy. Shylock then unexpectedly suggests an unusual deal. He informs Antonio that this time he will lend money without charging interest. Nevertheless, Shylock will be allowed to cut off one pound of Antonios flesh from any part of his body if Antonio is unable to pay Shylock. The bond Shylock makes is a very confusing and unexpected one so it makes it complicated for the audience to understand his reason(s) for suggesting such a bond. Shylock is adopting the Christians stated business and directing them towards an a trocious end by trading flesh instead of making money breed by usury; this mocks the principles of Christianity. Antonio is told by Shylock that he wants to be companions with him and will settle the bond for a pound of flesh as a merry sport. Antonio agrees Yes Shylock, I will seal unto this bond to Shylocks bond despite Bassanios nervousness You shall not seal to such a bond for me about binding his friend to such a dangerous bond. Bassanio shows some sense of right and wrong about putting his greed before his friend, for the first time as he realises that by being greedy he has caused his friend to agree to put a price on his pound of flesh, this leads Antonio right into Shylocks trap. By signing the contract Antonio agrees to be bond. Act 1 Scene 3 is an important scene because it completes the description of the two different and main plot lines of the play: Antonio agreeing to Shylocks bond which is the three thousand ducats Antonio wants to lend for the pound of flesh that Shylock wants instead of charging Antonio interest; and second, and more dramatically, this scene introduces Shylock the Jew. In this scene, Shakespeare gives as an insight to why and how Shylock seems to be the most powerful character in the play. Even though Shylock and Antonio both have different manners and capabilities both characters are successful businessmen in Venice. When Antonio is asking Shylock for the loan he says, Within these two months, thats a month before this bond expires, I do expect, return of thrice times the value of this bond.. Shylock being a selfish businessman asks for three times the value of the loan. Antonio being a risk taker lends his good name to Bassanio to woo Portia. Antonio thinks things will be always go right for him, his business and his success will endure, this is revealed when he accepts a dangerous bond and the high interest rate if the money isnt received. Shylock is a wicked man who wants a pound of Antonios flesh if his money is not paid back, whereas, Antonio is prepared to risk his life for his friend who happens to be in love with the wealthy, intelligent and beautiful Portia- Antonios sacrifice for his friend shows how different he is from Shylock. The Jewish old testaments states an eye for an eye which means that if someone wrongs you, seek revenge, on the other hand the Christians New Testament gives us Jesus message of peace, love and forgiveness forgive and forget. The play shows how Christians and Jews used to treat each in the 16th century. We dont deal with the same issues like greed, prejudice, hatred and revenge Jews and Christians showed towards each other because in todays society everyone is equal. I feel that the scene is a very complicated scene as it explains how Christians and Jews acted towards each other in Shakespearean time as well as how Shylock tricked Antonio into accepting a dangerous bond. I feel that both views of Jews and Christians are wrong since Im sure not all Jews and Christians acted how Antonio and Shylock did in Shakespeare time. I think the play is somewhat related to the persecution of Jews in World War as well as the killings of the genocide. Even though Shylock was represented as such an extremist by Elizabethan audience/Shakespeare, he wouldnt be represented as such by a modern audience.

Objectivism in Atlas Shrugged, Anthem, The Fountainhead, and We the Living :: Atlas Shrugged

Objectivism in Atlas Shrugged, Anthem, The Fountainhead, and We the Living  Ã‚        Ã‚  Ã‚   Warning - this paper is not formatted !  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Who Is I? In Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand provides a well-written explanation of objectivism in a monumental novel about those who hold the world on their shoulders. Her characters are a myriad of individuals, ranging from the highest achievement possible: a human, to one of the most horrid creatures on this planet: a once-human imbecile. She gives the reader insight into the psyche of society and the motivations behind our actions. In this novel, Rand’s most righteous characters are those with the most internal conflict. They must shed their conditioning that has been imposed on them by the earth’s people and leave behind what they value as most precious. There is one character that is held higher than the rest. A man of morality, introspection, and enigma, he begins the book and finishes it. So, who is John Galt? John Galt is Rand’s brilliant character that blends imagination and intelligence. Joh n Galt can be described as having the same opinion on life that Henry David Thoreau does. They both believe you shouldn’t carry the world on your shoulders; they realize that in fact by giving things to the needy (Rand would use the word unworthy) you aren’t enabling them to become better people, but merely allowing them o feed off of other’s success. Their opinions differ in that Thoreau had good intentions for all and Galt is only interested in the very best for the competent and likes the idea of leaving saps in the dust. Galt brings Atlas’s people from the earth into their Olympus, Galt’s Gulch. There, these remarkable competent people are able to create their own utopia of industry and live without the weight of the earth’s incompetents. He, like Dagny Taggart, Francisco d’Anconia, and Henry Reardon, is a person of high ideals and standards. He values the dollar because he knows that the dollar is the highest commodity of respect a human can give to another’s ability. The actual sign of the dollar is the symbol of its country’s initials: for the United States, â€Å"the only country in history where wealth was not acquired by looting, but by production, not by force, but by trade†¦ The symbol of man’s right to his own mind, to his work, to his life, to his happiness, to himself† (Atlas Shrugged, 637).

The Hike Up Poly Mountain :: Descriptive Essay About A Place

The Hike Up Poly Mountain Our journey begins on a foggy and cool Monday morning in late September. The group of freshman English students wait eagerly at the gate to Poly Canyon anticipating the adventures to come. Once Professor has taken roll and explained what is in store for the impending hike, we start walking up a rocky path. Immediately I feel like I am in nature. I am reminded of all the camping and hiking trips I went on as a child and I feel at peace. But something in the sky keeps bothering me, the fog. I was expecting to be able to stand on top of Poly Mountain and see the entire city of San Luis Obispo. I brought my camera along hoping to take beautiful pictures of the city and send them home to my family. But the thick fog above my head reminds me that this probably will not happen. I try to take the ominous fog off my mind and continue examining the land. We walk past the dry creek bed of Brizzolara Creek and it becomes obvious we have not had a significant amount of rainfall in months. A fellow hiker points out several deer on the canyon side, the first sign of wildlife. I can hear birds chirping in the distance but cannot see any because of the dense fog. I am hit on the nose with a drop of dew falling from a Coast Live Oak and another drop falling from a Eucalyptus tree. The air is still and the sun remains hidden behind the fog. We walk farther into the canyon and come across several manmade structures. A small footbridge over a gentle stream and a rock arch inviting hikers into the hills are reminders of what man can do to enhance nature’s beauty. The path gets steeper and narrower and as we climb higher, the fog gets thicker. I am still hoping the fog will fade away enough so that I can experience the beautiful views I was expecting. Our hike up Poly Mountain becomes much more strenuous and we stop every few minutes to catch our breath. We are no longer hidden underneath The Hike Up Poly Mountain :: Descriptive Essay About A Place The Hike Up Poly Mountain Our journey begins on a foggy and cool Monday morning in late September. The group of freshman English students wait eagerly at the gate to Poly Canyon anticipating the adventures to come. Once Professor has taken roll and explained what is in store for the impending hike, we start walking up a rocky path. Immediately I feel like I am in nature. I am reminded of all the camping and hiking trips I went on as a child and I feel at peace. But something in the sky keeps bothering me, the fog. I was expecting to be able to stand on top of Poly Mountain and see the entire city of San Luis Obispo. I brought my camera along hoping to take beautiful pictures of the city and send them home to my family. But the thick fog above my head reminds me that this probably will not happen. I try to take the ominous fog off my mind and continue examining the land. We walk past the dry creek bed of Brizzolara Creek and it becomes obvious we have not had a significant amount of rainfall in months. A fellow hiker points out several deer on the canyon side, the first sign of wildlife. I can hear birds chirping in the distance but cannot see any because of the dense fog. I am hit on the nose with a drop of dew falling from a Coast Live Oak and another drop falling from a Eucalyptus tree. The air is still and the sun remains hidden behind the fog. We walk farther into the canyon and come across several manmade structures. A small footbridge over a gentle stream and a rock arch inviting hikers into the hills are reminders of what man can do to enhance nature’s beauty. The path gets steeper and narrower and as we climb higher, the fog gets thicker. I am still hoping the fog will fade away enough so that I can experience the beautiful views I was expecting. Our hike up Poly Mountain becomes much more strenuous and we stop every few minutes to catch our breath. We are no longer hidden underneath

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee - Answers :: To Kill a Mockingbird Essays

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee Question : On giving Jem and Scout air rifles, Atticus tells them that to kill a mockingbird is a sin. Miss Maudie explains that mockingbirds only do one thing, and that is to sing their hearts out for us. Who are the mockingbirds in the story, and how have they been ‘killed’ by the society around them? Ideas : The two main mockingbirds are Boo Radley and Tom Robinson, but there are others within the storyline. Boo Radley has been shut away from the world by his father and then later his brother through an incident which occurred fifteen years earlier when he stabbed his father with a pair of scissors. The suggestion is that he had gone mad and should have been committed to an asylum. His influence in our story is all-good in that he gives gifts to the children, repairs Jem’s pants when they are caught on the fence and, of course, saves the children’s lives when Bob Ewell attacks them. Sheriff Tate recognizes the vulnerability of Boo and that any publicity would destroy him, so he says that the death was an accident. Tom Robinson is actually killed and his death is a sin committed by the whole white community of Maycomb. All he tried to do was to abide by the rules of the society in which he lived and when a black person is asked to do a chore he obeys. The main enemies of birds are cats and Lee describes Mayella as being like ‘a steady-eyed cat with a twitchy tale’ and the bird she is focusing on is of course, Tom Robinson. Lee’s description is that of a cat stalking its prey. Jem to some degree was also a mockingbird. He went with Scout to the black church in order to please Calpurnia, and the Rev. Sykes. Jem suffers in that his youthful idealism is shattered by the verdict given by the all-white jury at the trial. The pet-dog of Maycomb is called Tim Johnson, a bird-dog, who one day acts strangely because he has caught rabies. He gave pleasure to the townsfolk, but suddenly he now causes fear. So much so that even the mockingbirds are silent. Atticus shoots the dog for the good of the whole town. Question : Discrimination rears its ugly head in many forms within this story. Give examples of this. Ideas : The obvious discrimination is that of the dominant white community over the subservient black community. They are not given the same opportunities regarding education, illustrated by the visit to the Negro church where only a few can read.

Tactical Transparency In The Public Relations Commerce Essay

In the post-Enron, blog-ridden universe we live in, transparence is a construct push on public dealingss practicians. Our stakeholders accept genuineness as the edifice block of organization-public relationships. As the first line of defence for any organisation, it is the occupation of these professionals to construct an appropriate transparence scheme. If communications professionals are portion of council chamber discourse, the tools of transparence will match to the company ‘s doctrine. Some choose to encompass transparence as the most ethical scheme while others remain opaque to retain competitory advantage. The purpose of this survey is to specify what transparence means in the new media millenary, address the execution of transparence at all degrees and types of organisations, and contribute to the on-going scholarly argument. The information provided will show the power and efficaciousness of tactical transparence when embedded into a company ‘s civilization. Transparency can non better corporate repute when practiced by merely a few representatives. It will non bolster public sentiment if adopted merely during crises.Specifying â€Å" Tactical Transparency †Tactical transparence is non every bit ethic-centric as it is based in practicality. The changing grade to which a company portions its leaders, employees, values, civilization, concern patterns, and concern schemes determines its degree of transparence.[ 1 ]Specifying transparence is frequently a contested point for practicians during the strategic planning procedure and among public dealingss bookmans, because none of the elements listed supra is sensible in every concern state of affairs. Accessibility is of import to consumers but some sensitive topics are non appropriate to portion with stakeholders. Sharing merchandise safety information is indispensable to making ethical concern, but let go ofing merchandise development information could turn out dearly-won. Scholars tend to place two types of transparence: fiscal and administration. Fiscal transparence is frequently associated with public companies and includes net incomes and net incomes describing. Governance transparence involves sharing regulations, procedures, and executive construction with populaces. Although these categorizations are so applicable to the concern environment, public dealingss professional are more concerned with openness as it applies to corporate repute. Scholars tend to hold on what transparence is non ; it is non full revelation. Holtz and Havens defined the four features of transparence as objectiveness, intent, esteem, and pilotage.[ 2 ]To stay unfastened, employers should ideally utilize changing grades of each in times of crisis or an attempt to avoid such crises by showing a willingness to portion and unwrap information. Honesty and unity are cardinal to objectiveness. Using multiple channels, informal and formal tactics, and advanced schemes will gain good will from populaces, but genuineness and objectiveness will ever win out. Transparency must ever hold a intent ; it should be accompanied by an action or follow-through. Recovering consumer trust is of class vital to the bottom line, but reconstructing a trade name requires consistence and length of service. Former JetBlue Airways laminitis and CEO, David Neeleman offered a YouTube apology for his air hose ‘s cancellation of multiple flights on Valentine ‘s Day 2007.[ 3 ]But in add-on to the apology, Neeleman helped his direction squad development and implement a Customer Bill of Rights, authorising stakeholders to go more involved. Proposing that intent is the key to transparency attempts, Neeleman subsequently wrote, â€Å" Talk is cheap-action is the lone thing that truly builds your repute, non merely as a individual, but as a com pany. †[ 4 ]Regardless of the communications attempts a company employs before and after crises, its past path record will most likely find the regard in which the company is held. Esteem is based on corporate duty ( charitable activites, employee intervention ) and corporate values. Finally, the manner a company navigates crises will assist find future state of affairss necessitating transparence. Methods that have worked in the yesteryear can be applied rapidly and honestly and better duologue with populaces.Transparency in the Internet AgeThe challenges confronting public dealingss professionals in today ‘s market place involve what Holtz and Havens ( 2009 ) define as a â€Å" convergence of two separate and distinguishable tendencies: worsening trust in concern and increased public examination † both are a consequence in portion of societal media tendencies and the handiness of real-time duologue.[ 5 ]Worsening consumer trust is both a Post-industrialist world and a current legitimate public fright ensuing from closed-door concern patterns that were exposed in recent headlines. New statute law now forces unfastened trades and consumer outlooks have risen to run into new ethical criterions. What is good and ethical nevertheless will ever be a contested point ; the fuel behind much of this argument. Organizations can do usage of public coaction to research stakeholder outlooks and ethical demands while reacting to unfavorable judgment with hastiness. If we view transparence from purely the consumer position, it is evident that corporate duty, which encompasses transparence, has become far more of import in a tough economic system. Harmonizing to a study completed by Landor Associates, Penn Schoen Berland and Burson-Marsteller, 75 % of consumers felt societal duty was of import and 55 % reported taking cause-related merchandises over those that do n't.[ 6 ]A 2008 Harris survey of authorities repute and transparence found â€Å" deep dissatisfaction among the American populace with both the handiness of authorities fiscal information and the manner it is delivered to the people. †[ 7 ]CBS ‘s hit telecasting show, Undercover Boss thrives on transparence, giving viewing audiences the unadulterated interior scoop through CEO lens as he/she discovers the existent inner-workings.[ 8 ]Consumers have reacted to the slightly hazardous exposure ; some companies featured have reported stock additions and record gross revenues.[ 9 ]This suggests that transparence is an effectual public dealingss scheme. The easiness and handiness of online webcasts has created an ambiance of â€Å" de facto real-time openness, † in which companies ‘ crises attempts are expected to be acknowledged outright.[ 10 ]BP ‘s 2010 oil spill proved that with greater visibleness, comes greater answerability. Following the calamity, it is likely that market forces will enforce transparence ordinance for other energy companies working in sensitive ecological environments. Assorted stakeholders will demand supervising abilities similar to that BP posted on its web site. The mile-deep unrecorded video-feed satisfied stakeholder wonders but it besides set a new criterion for â€Å" strategic transparence. † If we can watch oil spiting from a busted wellspring ( the crisis itself ) and the submerged vehicles trying to seal the leak ( the crisis response ) , so what else is possible? Could we watch the car mechanic naming a broken vehicle, the preschool instructor administrating medical specialty to a kid, or the kitchen staff fixing nutrient? Michael Schrage of the Harvard Business Review identifies revelation as the â€Å" twentieth Century mistiming of a paper-based age. †[ 11 ]From this incident, Schrage speculates that tactical transparence will go on to â€Å" have an tremendous proficient and conceptual encouragement. †[ 12 ] Supporters of transparence in the workplace place many elements that could profit from greater public transparence. Analyzing organisational procedures, meeting schemes, office locations, and concern maps may uncover net streaming handinesss or more accessible avenues. In some instances, making so may even back up the organisation ‘s selling schemes. In this sense greater visibleness and transparence is another chance to earn media attending and develop a trade name. If positive public dealingss are a consequence of tactical transparence, so its perceived absence could bring forth negative promotion. A referee mistake in a recent World Cup game between the US and Slovenia caused a firestorm of public reaction. FIFA ordinances prevented the referee from explicating the questionable call, but FIFA ‘s president offered a tweet following the game directing witnesss to a old statement he ‘d made sing video rematch. A Time.com observer wrote, â€Å" [ C ] ould n't he hold offered more transparence about this specific incident than a tweet? Particularly a tweet that links a boiler home base web page from March? †[ 13 ]Literature ReviewCrisiss such as the FIFA opinion and the BP oil spill, by definition threaten to damage the repute of an organisation.[ 14 ]Benoit explored organisational efforts to reconstruct reputes after crisis-damaging events and developed the image Restoration theory. Benoit ‘s image Restoration schemes incl uded denial, equivocation of duty, cut downing offensive of the act, disciplinary action, and chagrin ( an artless apology ) .[ 15 ]Denial is the most defensive of the Acts of the Apostless and involves a complete refusal to accept duty while equivocation of duty badly limits engagement but does acknowledge some sum. Reducing odiousness is a specific signifier of strategic equivocation that focuses on minimising the consequence of the act on public sentiment. Corrective action has deductions in the immediate and future responses of the organisation ; chagrin is an immediate and sincere apology for incorrect making, the most crystalline attack. Image Restoration schemes and the appropriate discourse are chosen, altered, and arranged for the specific crisis or stakeholders.[ 16 ]Benoit ‘s research finds that a corporation best serves itself when it takes full duty, apologizes, and Acts of the Apostless with hastiness consequently.[ 17 ] Transparency can happen in many state of affairss and contexts. Hood refers to four separate applications of openness including event transparence ( unfastened information in response to crises ) , process transparence ( unfastened information about concern maps and operations that affect crises ) , and real-time transparence ( information released instantly ) , and retrospective transparence ( information released a considerable sum of clip after an issue arises ) .[ 18 ]Drew and Nyerges found that the most effectual transparence determinations were integrated, accessible to stakeholders, clear and concise, logical and rational, true, and accountable.[ 19 ] Arguments for Transparency in Public Relations. Transparency serves to protect single rights and organisational engagement.[ 20 ]Transparency ensures better behaviour on the portion of concerns while assisting to measure public presentation, both critical to organisational answerability.[ 21 ]The public values transparence and as mentioned earlier, expects it in the digital age. In relation to political transparence, Koppell writes that the â€Å" openness of authorities to regular review is so steadfastly ingrained in our corporate consciousness that transparence has unconditioned value. †[ 22 ]One survey found that organisations committed to transparence, besides experiences heightened occupation satisfaction and continuances, innovativeness and accomplishment.[ 23 ]Transparent determinations lead to more informed determinations, because transparence â€Å" promotes improved entree to information as a manner to construct public assurance in the determination procedure and s trengthen credibleness. †[ 24 ] Internal transparence has been studied every bit extensively as transparence for corporate repute intents. Harmonizing to a survey sponsored by the public dealingss house Fleishman Hillard, 27 per centum of the study pool assessed corporate duty based on the organisation ‘s intervention and wellbeing of its employees. In fact, merely three per centum of respondents associated corporate duty with public service and outreach.[ 25 ] Transparency is linked to other corporate issues including efficiency and long-run cost nest eggs. For case, transparence can cut down the demand for doubling attempts, the likeliness that determinations will hold to be revised ( at potentially immense cost ) , and the hazard of possible fiscal punishments. Constructing a sense of battle and engagement among employees goes requires more than compensation. Companies will effectual communications sections strategically inform employees of just wage constructions to keep enthusiasm and committedness internally and make positive perceptual experiences with external stakeholders.[ 26 ]In a universe of examination and instantaneous communicating it is in the best involvement of an organisation to handle its workers good. Arguments Against Transparency in Public Relations. The chief challenge confronting public dealingss professionals in the new media millenary is the legitimacy of information provided through transparence schemes. For case, corporate web site must non be the lone medium for unwraping of import information. Handiness to the Internet is still a job confronting developing states and destitute populaces. Those that have entree may be overwhelmed with excessively much information if the web site is non well-designed. Increased promotion and transparence may besides hold an unsought effect-increased negative imperativeness. All of these possible effects could sabotage legitimacy and make public misgiving.[ 27 ] Another job arises when tactical transparence schemes are combined with bureaucratic or political petitions. In these fortunes, sensitive information may go more creatively controlled, ensuing in an equivocation of duty to the organisation ‘s populaces.[ 28 ]On the other manus, transparence may take to full revelation when â€Å" herd inherent aptitudes take over market determinations. †[ 29 ]Meetings and corporate assemblages, including those webcast may take participants to dissent based on group treatment. This may do group members to take the most popular determinations or concerns, ignoring via media or dialogue. The concluding apprehensiveness noted in transparence literature related to answerability. While transparence does open up the organisations to public reappraisal and unfavorable judgment, it does n't ever do these organisations more accountable.[ 30 ]Critics argue that the ascertained organisations will reorient the information to fit the demands of transp arence without really unwraping organisational worlds.[ 31 ] Traditionally opaque organisations and their leading pose the most concerns about following tactical transparence schemes. For these companies, get the better ofing expostulations is hard because they have benefitted from keep backing information from the populace. Typically these expostulations fall into one of four classs: legal and regulative ( transparence might do it easy to go against internal and external ordinance ) , competitory ( the organisation may lose its competitory advantage by sharing valuable information ) , proficient ( deficiency of resources and to pull off transparence enterprises ) , and investing ( deficiency of clip, money, or substructure ) .[ 32 ] Legal concerns are paramount in our litigious society. It is the function of corporate council to minimise possible legal hazards. Public dealingss practicians working for pharmaceutical companies may be most untalkative in implementing tactical transparence due to the figure of modulating establishments including the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) .[ 33 ]A web log, for case could open drug companies to publicity of off-label indexs ; a ordinance against doing drug recommendations for anything other than FDA-approved conditions would punish the companies and sully corporate reputes.[ 34 ]Competitive concerns, frequently voiced by members of the leading squad, are frequently related to the possible utilizations of information by rivals. In other words, if practicians expose the inner-workings of the organisation, how might the competition usage this information against them?[ 35 ]Technical concerns are frequently voiced by information engineering ( IT ) representatives, because their duties include seting the substructure in topographic point and supervising the web and web sites after building. In order to present societal networking sites, web logs, and video-casts to the intranet, clip and disbursals are spent to prove the applications against the bing substructure.[ 36 ]There is besides a hazard of virus infection whenever employees have entree to networking sites on the Internet.[ 37 ]Cost is a dwindling concern because most societal networking sites require really small capital, but some major corporations still have prohibitions on open-source package applications.[ 38 ]These organisations argue that the benefits do non outweigh the costs of enterprise-level societal media tools.[ 39 ]Case StudiesTransparency as the Right Choice. Every iPod proprietor recognizes Steve Jobs as the face of Apple, Inc. After his rejoinder to Apple, Jobs donned a black polo-neck and bluish denims and reestablished Apple as the industry leader in design and invention. Ap ple ‘s thaumaturgy is portion design and portion strategic secretiveness. Tonss of online fans discuss what new engineerings Apple will let go of and when they will hit the market, so much that sites such as iLounge.net, MacRumors.com, everythingiCafe.com are forums dedicated to these treatments.[ 40 ]However, in September of 2007 when Apple lowered its monetary value of the iPhone from $ 599 to $ 399 to spur holiday gross revenues, on-line recoil from early iPhone purchasers caused a manic tumult.[ 41 ]The â€Å" stupid revenue enhancement, † as the online community nicknamed it, became the act of purchasing early at a higher monetary value, something loyal Apple clients had been making to be the first with the newest engineerings.[ 42 ] Steve Jobs ‘ response was non overtly excusatory, but did turn to the discontent on the portion of loyal clients and even offered a $ 100 recognition at Apple retail and on-line mercantile establishments to iPhone proprietors.[ 43 ]The apology offered in an unfastened missive to Apple clients read: Even though we are doing the right determination to take down the monetary value of iPhone, and even though the engineering route is rough, we need to make a better occupation taking attention of our early iPhone clients as we sharply go after new 1s with a lower monetary value. Our early clients trusted us, and we must populate up to that trust with our actions in minutes like these.[ 44 ] Jobs evidently realized that in this instance, tactical transparence would keep Apple accountable but non unwrap every minutia of concern grounds for dropping the monetary value. For a company who employs transparence as a selling maneuver and for competitory grounds, this really crystalline action was successful because it was good though out. He apologized for the badness of the monetary value bead, provided minimal inside informations about the decision-making procedure, and offered shop credits, showing that follow-through was an of import portion of the apology. The company ‘s repute beforehand ( held in high regard ) provides for an appropriate application of transparence tactics. Finally, Jobs as the CEO was able to implement the recognition procedure before the vacation season and hence retained his extremely valued consumer base.[ 45 ] In the blogosphere, crystalline organisations are being heralded on a day-to-day footing for implementing unfastened tactics. GiveWell.org follows charitable organisations and NGOs with ethical models, including those strategic coverage methods.[ 46 ]One web log entry called Against Malaria Foundation the â€Å" most crystalline developing-world assistance organisation † they ‘d of all time seen.[ 47 ]The organisation, which distributes mosquito cyberspaces in the quest to contend malaria in developing states, is alone in its publication of undertaking inside informations. Many organisations supposedly distribute donated cyberspaces without followup in the parts they service, taking citizens to utilize the mosquito cyberspaces for intents such as catching fish in local Waterss.[ 48 ]There is besides concern about the cost-effectiveness of bringing methods, purchase monetary value, and fund allotment. But the AMF lists all of its plans, by part, day of the month, givers, and position. Website visitants can see to the full elaborate proposals, post-project studies, and transportation records. Donors ‘ gifts correspond to funded, large-scale undertakings.[ 49 ] Many organisations are utilizing micro-blogging services such as Twitter to allow people cognize what they are making. The ability to supervise public conversations and respond about instantly has given organisations an ability to infix themselves into duologue as it occurs, before populaces have the opportunity to go angered or alarm the media. Although these tactics have been perceived as Large Brother actions on juncture, largely populaces are excited that organisations are unfastened to dialoging, listening and responding to concerns in an reliable mode.[ 50 ] When popular film manager Kevin Smith was kicked off of a Southwest Flight because the captain made the call that he was excessively heavy to busy a individual place, Smith told his side of the narrative to his 1.5 million Twitter followings in real-time.[ 51 ]Southwest had already implemented both a company web log and Twitter history and was able to utilize both beginnings to react to the â€Å" Twitter-induced media storm, † what some considered a public dealingss incubus for Southwest.[ 52 ]Southwest acknowledged the event and issued an apology to Smith himself followed by an apology on its web log, Nuts About Southwest. In a web log station titled â€Å" Not So Silent Bob, † a public dealingss representative noted that it was non a customary Southwest method of Customer Relations to work publicly through the ailment procedure, but that the Tweeting call had called for a more crystalline attack.[ 53 ]The station defended the company ‘s initial response, adverting the personal apology it had issued to Smith via Twitter and a phone call instantly after the issue occurred. It besides noted that the flight Smith boarded from Oakland to Burbank was technically standby and that typically Smith purchased two seats on Southwest flights. The most crystalline characteristic of the station was the specificity of the information provided about Southwest ‘s Customer Size policy: Southwest instituted our Customer of Size policy more than 25 old ages ago. The policy requires riders that can non suit safely and comfortably in one place to buy an extra place while going. This policy is non alone to Southwest Airlines and it is non a gross generator. Most, if non all, bearers have similar policies, but alone to Southwest is the refunding of the 2nd place purchased ( if the flight does non oversell ) which is greater than any gross made ( full policy can be found here ) .[ 54 ] JetBlue Airways corporate communications director Morgan Johnston uses Twitter and societal media tools to interact with clients every bit good. When asked why JetBlue follows flyers on Twitter, Johnston responded: With any of the microblogging tools available, people are able to air what they ‘re traveling through at the minute. If you can tap into and observe those types of activities while they ‘re go oning, you can assist them much more instantly. Before they have a opportunity to travel place and fret about it, you can assist them while they ‘re in the thick of the state of affairs. Is n't that better than seeking to retrieve a state of affairs afterwards?[ 55 ] Transparency as the Wrong Choice. In some instances, the truth wo n't put organisations free. Alternatively, it may do greater public misgiving and unfavorable judgment. Amy Jussel, laminitis of ShapingYouth.org, a web log devoted to the impact of marketing on kids, late voiced concerns to Target about an advertisement run picturing a adult female splayed across the celebrated mark form, the dark lantern at her fork. In response, a Target public dealingss representative wrote, â€Å" Unfortunately we are unable to react to your enquiry because Target does non take part with untraditional media mercantile establishments. This pattern is in topographic point to let us to concentrate on publications that reach our nucleus invitee. †[ 56 ] The message that societal media does n't number as a Target policy surely was n't received good by its devoted client base. Target, whose image as a hip and modern-day, low-cost retail mercantile establishment was admiting indifference of web logs, the hip and modern-day, free media channel.[ 57 ]When interviewed for a New York Times article titled â€Å" Target Tells a Blogger to Travel Away, † Amy von Walter, a Target spokeswoman maintained, â€Å" We do non work with bloggers presently. But we have made exclusions and we are reexamining the policy and may set it. †[ 58 ]Target ‘s current policy is to concentrate limited resources and the little public dealingss squad attempts on the large media mercantile establishments, corroborating its prioritization of selling over relationship and repute direction. Target did non draw the ad in response to Jussel ‘s concerns or the blogosphere tumult that followed.[ 59 ]It may hold been smarter to hold to a short int erview with Jussel, a representative of it largest consumer, female parents, alternatively of estranging loyal clients and ignoring societal media mercantile establishments. Lack of Transparency as a Pitfall. Social media crisis response tactics have non been studied to full, but will probably go a major sub-specialization in public dealingss scholarship. Spuring this country of survey are force per unit areas from on-line militant communities and populaces. In the spring of 2010, Nestle was under fire from Greenpeace for purchasing palm oil and utilizing it in merchandises. Greenpeace ‘s Facebook page and YouTube videos depicted Nestle as a protagonist of deforestation and the cause of Orangutan extinction.[ 60 ]Nestle tried to hold one picture associating the Kit Kat saloon to Orangutan extinction removed, claiming the picture violated their hallmark.[ 61 ]This prompted Greenpeace members to post angry comments on Nestle ‘s Facebook page. To protect its page and the company ‘s legal security, Nestle removed the remarks. Although the issue was likely a major corporate concern, Nestle kept its internal deliberation lull which translated into a deficiency of transparence and unconcern.[ 62 ]In this instance its silence spoke volumes about its contempt for the Greenpeace motion. If Nestle had kept its stakeholder populace ( which included militants ) informed of its attempts toward replacing the non-environmentally-conscious merchandises, there might hold been a positive societal media response. Publishing imperativeness released one time a hebdomad may hold worked in the past, but with today ‘s instantaneous information flow, there is no alibi for silence. Although Nestle ‘s stock monetary value did non look to be effected in anyhow, the corporation must still go on to run into Greenpeace criterions and if it falls back on these promises, will probably confront a public dealingss firestorm hard to get the better of.[ 63 ]This is one of the first documented instances of successful environmental activism which took topographic point about wholly in the societal media kingdom.[ 64 ]A Astroturfing is a term used in the public dealingss industry to mention to strategic runs designed to look as self-generated grassroots attempts.[ 65 ]Edelman, the universe ‘s largest independent public dealingss house late practiced astroturfing in a popular web log for Wal-Mart titled, â€Å" walmartingacrossamerica.com † The stations chronicled the cross-country escapade of a couple sing Wal-Mart shops and talking to clients about their shopping experiences. Jim and Laura ‘s first web log station meekly stated: â€Å" We are non bloggers, but since our lives have ever been more journey than finish we are adventurers at heartaˆÂ ¦ . We figured we ‘d give it a spell. †[ 66 ]Laura and Jim ‘s brushs included run intoing Wal-Mart employees, from shop clerks to photogenic executives, who all reported loving their employer and work environment. Critics questioned the genuineness of the run early on. â€Å" Anyone familiar with Wal-Mart and its repute for being quite stingy with rewards and benefits will turn over their eyes at such a rose-colored image, † wrote one Business Week editorialist about the astroturfing world.[ 67 ] The fact that the venture was funded by Working Families for Wal-Mart ( WFWM ) was non publicly disclosed. In this instance, merely saying the fact that the twosome was paid would hold likely saved the traditionally crystalline Edelman from contention.[ 68 ]