Monday, September 30, 2019

Shahzia Sikander

When finding a definition for ‘art’ the only phrase that comes to my mind is the expression of one’s creative skill and imagination. The word imagination brings out this thought of largeness and expressiveness to me and therefore when viewing a large painting, one immediately gets drawn towards it and tries to create a connection with the painting. Shahzia Sikander was an artist who was known for her embrace of miniaturist paintings in the Indo-Persian style.To many, miniature paintings seemed somewhat restrictive because of the space present for the artists to express themselves and are also looked at as a â€Å"faded genre that had more to do with craft and technique than genuine expression†(Bhaha, Homi). But according to me, Sikander’s artwork successfully portrayed her thoughts and helped us gain knowledge about her culture.What attributes to making her paintings so acknowledged is the way her artwork embodies not only her culture but also  "works across diverse cultural references – Hindu, Christian, Classical, mythological and folkloric† (Rachel Kent). When talking about ‘elements of narrative’ in artwork, I feel that one is referring to the way in which the particular artwork is portrayed and the techniques that the artist has used to portray his/her skill and imagination. Viewing all of Sikander’s artwork, the one element that is seen as having and influence on all her works of art is her cultural background.Her adoption of the miniaturist tradition took place while she was studying at the National College of Arts in Lahore, Pakistan where this form of art was seen as an â€Å"unconventional choice that conjured associations with imperialism on one hand and, on the other, deeply rooted local traditions of story-telling and popular mythology† (Rachel Kent). One of the reasons that it felt like story telling and popular mythology to me was because when viewing each painting, it felt like one was viewing a page from a book.The paintings looked flat like a page but at the same time contained layers within which gave them depth. One particular artwork of hers that gives me this impression is â€Å"Writing the Written† (2000). In all her works and this one in particular one can see how â€Å"she explored compositional constructs such as repetition, the placement of color across the surface of the work, the use of a flattened, stacked perspective and the relationship between image and border† (Rachel Kent). Repetition is seen a lot in â€Å"Writing the Written†, whether it is the repetition of certain symbols of just design.The most important factor to keep in mind when analyzing Sikander’s artwork is the size of each piece. Each miniature painting is not more than 8 x 51/2 inches, which is just like analyzing a painting that has been printed on an A4 sized paper. Viewing a painting so small can make us see the artist in a completel y different light because as the audience, we are usually not used to being able to glance at a whole painting at one time, and by this I mean that our eyes are usually used to moving around, moving to different corners of the painting since we relate the size of majority of paintings to being large.When viewing â€Å"Writing the Written† for the first time, the first thing that caught my eyes was the repetition of horses in the boarder. Since I am of Hindu religion, the whole painting felt like Sikander was trying to tell her audience a story about the Hindu culture. The horse is linked to the Hindu god Varuna that shows how Sikander is incorporating mythology in her artwork. Also, the focus of this painting seems to be the two figures that are placed somewhat in the center of the painting, which to me represents the Hindu gods Krishna and Radha.Considering that this is a miniature painting, it doesn’t seem ‘small or simple’ in any way because there is so much going on in it. The blurred circle in the center is what got me thinking because in the article â€Å"Intimate Immensity†, Rachel Kent mentioned, â€Å"historically, the circle invited a range of associations. It is at once a complete unit, unbroken at any point so without a beginning or end; a spiritually changed symbol across cultures, associated with the continuity of the life cycle†.But I felt like by using the circle to blur out the faces she was in some way referring to the problems that Muslim women have to face everyday. In an interview by Homi k Bhabha, Sikander mentions that even for her such things as the veil that she uses a lot in her work, remains exotic. She states that the first time that she put one in her work everyone reacted strongly. So when looking at the blurred faces in her painting I felt like she was trying to portray how Muslim women are forced to hide their faces from the rest of the world. Images within images, borders within borders; all form active constituents in Sikander’s art of transformation†(Rachel Kent). This technique of Sikander’s is seen in a lot of her artworks especially in â€Å"Writing the Written† where at ones first glance of the painting it seems like there are three different frames to it and this to me makes the painting look layered and gives it some form of depth. The outer most layer is that of the border with the horses imprinted on it, the second layer consists of the two blurred figures and the third layer is that of the backdrop.The tiny blue circles that start of big on the outer most layer and then gradually become smaller as they move towards the inner most frame better represent this depth that Sikander is trying to portray. According to me it is quite difficult to analyze every aspect of Sikander’s paintings because there always seems to be so much going on. One of the reasons that I feel this way is also because of the way she represents movemen t in her paintings. In â€Å"Writing the Written†, the movement is solely portrayed by the various horses.First, the way she draws them in different directions on the outer most border and then by the single house that is shown jumping on the top left edge of the painting. At first, when I read the title â€Å"Writing the Written† I didn’t necessarily understand why she would give the painting that name but then I started notice the writing on the outer most border which seemed like Arabic to me. In an interview Sikander says, â€Å"The text becomes more like horses or there’s the suggestion of movement, and that aspect is my experience of reading the Koran where I would read it with no particular understanding because I was a child.I could read Arabic, but I couldn’t understand it and the memory of it is this amazing visual memory where the beauty of written words supersedes everything else† (Bhabha, Homi). One can see that Sikander used th e Arabic words for the beauty of the language rather than the meaning behind the words. Through these minor details we can see how Sikander incorporates different cultures her painting rather than being this ‘traditional’ artist that many consider her to be.Seeing that Sikander’s artwork consisted of so many traditional figures and symbols, many considered her artwork as that of a traditional Muslim artist who I trying to portray the different between the East and West to her audience. But seeing how she incorporated cultures such as Islamic, Arabic and Hindu in her painting â€Å"Writing the Written†, it seems like she is trying to â€Å"bring together the difference between the East and the East, the nearest difference, the intimacy of difference that can exist within any culture† (Rachel Kent).It took me a while to understand the complexity of her miniature paintings, but in the end I feel that they are as expressive and creative as any other â⠂¬Ëœlarge’ painting because of the addition of intricate details and the incorporation of various cultures. Bibliography Bhabha, Homi. â€Å"ESSAY: THE RENAISSANCE SOCIETY. † SHAHZIA SIKANDER. Web. 20 Nov. 2011. . Rachel Kent, â€Å"Intimate Immensity: Shahzia Sikander’s Multi-Dimensional Art,† Shahzia Sikander, pp. 11-25.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Ballet Original

Ballet is a dance-drama performed by one or more dancers accompanied by music. Dancing, music, scenery, and costumes are combined with colorful artistry to express a mood, theme, or story. The dancers perform steps and pantomime carefully worked out by a dance arranger called a choreographer. Professional ballet dancing is a highly disciplined art that can be learned only through years of training. Dancers practice daily and masters the basic movements and steps so thoroughly that they are applied automatically when performing.Lessons for amateurs, including children, teach good posture and bodily grace and increase appreciation for professional performances. The purpose of this study is to know the in-depth history and of development of ballet. II. Discussion A. Development of ballet Ballet grew out of Renaissance court entertainments that were a mixture of dancing, singing, and acting. It became a serious art form in France during the reign of Louis XIV when it moved out of the cou rt ballroom and onto the theatrical stage.Jean Baptiste Lully, a French-Italian composer and dancer, included ballet interludes in his operas and in 1681 introduced women dancers to the public stage. About 1700 Pierre Beauchamp, A French dancing master who often collaborated with Lully, established the five positions of the feet on which all ballet steps are now based (Anderson, 2001). Ballet spread throughout Europe in the 18th century and the dancers became more skilled. Ballet costume, especially the women’s long, heavy dresses and high-heeled shoes, greatly restricted movement and made jumping steps difficult to perform.Marie Camargo and Marie Salle were among the ballerinas who advocated freer movement. Camargo wore ankle-length skirts and heelless shoes, and is credited with introducing the entrechat-quatre. Salle often danced in a simple draped gown, stressing expressive, natural movement. About the middle of the 18th century Jean Georges Noverre, a French dancer and c horeographer, led the movement that established the ballet d’action (dramatic ballet). The spoken interludes that furthered the plot were replaced by pantomime and the corps de ballet became more important (Pasevska, 2000).Gaetan Vestris and his son Auguste were the unrivaled male dancers of the period. In the Nineteenth Century there were many changes in ballet. The ballerina added the technique of dancing sur les pointes (on her toes) and reduced the male dancer to the role of an unimportant partner. The Romantic Movement in literature, music, and painting also affected ballet. Mythological subjects were discarded in favor of themes based on the supernatural and on folk legends. Maria Taglioni, Fanny Elssler, and Carlotta Grissi were among the great ballerinas of the Romantic era.Taglioni introduced the tutu while dancing in La Sylphide (1832); Elssler introduced the character dance, a stylized folk dance. Grissi created the title role of Giselle (1841), the classic ballet of the Romantic age (Clarke & Crisp, 2000). Carlo Blasis, an Italian dancer and teacher, established a system of dance training in The Code of Terpsichore (1830) and is credited with originating the attitude pose. Blasis’s theories were carried to Russia, which became the ballet center in the second half of the century. Marius Petipa, a French dancer and ballet master working in St.Petersburg, created the full-length (three- or four-act) classic ballet. Classic ballets, such as The Sleeping Beauty (1890) and Swan Lake (1895), emphasized dancing for the sake of dancing. Costume, scenery, story, and music played a minor role so as not to distract from the dancing. Twentieth-century Reforms. Many Russian dancers rejected the spectacular entertainment style of the classic ballet. As early as 1904 Michel Fokine, a dancer and choreographer, submitted his plan for ballet reform to the Imperial Theater.He believed the dancing should express the feelings of the characters portrayed an d that the music, decor, and theme should be in harmony, complementing each other. After seeing the American dancer Isadora Duncan performed in 1905, Fokine incorporated her ideas of freedom of movement and rhythmic expression into the discipline of ballet (Koegler, 2002). When the Russian impresario Serge Diaghilev presented the Ballets Russes in Paris in 1909, Fokine was the choreographer. His Les Sylphides marked the beginning of the modern era of ballet.Leading composers, artists, and writers created music, stories, and decor (scenery and costumes) for ballets Russes performances. Fokine created The Firebird (1910) and Petrouchka (1911), both with music by Igor Stravinsky. Ballets Russes dancers included Anna Pavlova, Ida Rubinstein, Adolphe Bolm, and Vaslav Nijinsky and his sister Bronislava. Nijinsky choreographed three famous ballets—Afternoon of a Faun (1812) and Jeaux (1913), both with music by Debussy, and The Rite of Spring (1913), with music by Stravinsky.After 19 14, Leonide Massine became the leading choreographer of the Ballets Russes. He created Parade (1917), music by Eric Satie, story by Jean Cocteau, decor by Picasso; and The Three-Cornered Hat (1919), music by Manuel de falla and decor by Picasso (Dufort, 2004). Throughout the 1920’s the Ballets Russes was the outstanding company, performing throughout Europe and the Americas. Ballet after Diaghilev. In the 1920’s and after Diaghilev’s death in 1929, many dancers and choreographers formed their own schools and companies. Massine became choreographer of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo.In England, Ninette de Valois founded a dance school and company that became the Sadler’s Wells Ballet (now Royal Ballet) and featured such dancers as Alicia Markova, Frederick Ashton, and Margot Fonteyn. Serge Lifar revitalized the Paris Opera Ballet. George Balanchine came to the United States in 1933 and with Lincoln Kirstein formed the School of American Ballet and the Amer ican Ballet (later New York City Ballet). Ballet Theatre (now American Ballet Theatre), formed in 1939 by Lucia Chase, presented ballets by American choreographers and composers as well as classic and contemporary European ballets.The repertoire included Eugene Loring’s Billy the Kid (1938) and Agnes de Mille’s Rodeo (1942), both with music by Aaron Copland; Pillar of Fire (1942) by the Emglish choreographer Anthony Tudor; and Jerome Robbins’ and Leonard Bernstein’s Fancy Free (1944). Nora Kaye, Alicia Alonso, and David Lichine were among the leading dancers (Kuklin, 2000). Ballet Theatre played a major role in the development of American theatrical dance in the 1940’s. International Growth. After World War II ballet became increasingly popular, and numerous, diverse ballet companies flourished.The Royal Danish Ballet became noted for the agility of its male dancers and for its performances of August Bournonville’s 19th-century Danish ballet s, such as Konservatoriet. Of the more than 30 ballet companies in the Soviet Union, Moscow’s Bolshoi Ballet and Leningrad’s Kirov Ballet gained international fame. Among the outstanding companies are Netherlands Dance Theater and Maurice Bejart’s Brussels-based ballet of the 20th Century. Both companies present many experimental ballets (Koegler, 2002).The National Ballet of Canada and Germany’s Stuttgart Ballet became known for their performances of both narrative and abstract ballets. In the United States there has been a spectacular growth of interest in ballet. More than 100 amateur regional ballet companies have been formed along with numerous professional groups. American Ballet Theatre and the New York City Ballet became the major companies, winning international acclaim. The Joffrey Ballet became nationally known for presenting 20th-century standard works, such as Parade, as well as new avant-garde ballets, such as The Relativity of Icarus (1974) .By the 1980 ballet’s dancing and choreographer styles varied widely. The distinction between ballet and modern dance grew narrower as many companies fused the technical discipline of ballet with the freedom of modern dance (Clarke & Crisp, 2000). III. Conclusion In conclusion, ballet has contributed a lot in the dance industry. Ballet groups appear in full-length ballets (divided into acts and scenes) and in programs made up of two or more shorter ballets. Ballets are sometimes included in operas, musical comedies, and other stage, television, and screen productions.The music may be written originally for ballet or adapted from other music. Reference: 1. Anderson, Jack (2001). Choreography Observed (University of Iowa). 2. Clarke, Mary & Clement Crisp (2000). The Ballet Goer’s Guide (Knopf). 3. Dufort, Anthony (2004). Ballet Steps: Practice to performance (Crown). 4. Koegler, Horst (2002). The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Ballet, 5th edition (Oxford University). 5. Ku klin, Susan (2000). Reaching for Dreams: a Ballet from Rehearsal to Opening Night (Lothrop, Lee & Shephard). 6. Pasevska, Anna (2000). Ballet from the First Plie to Mastery (Princeton Book).

Saturday, September 28, 2019

The Role and Functions of the European Medicines Agency Research Paper

The Role and Functions of the European Medicines Agency - Research Paper Example It is evidently clear from the discussion that the agency is made up of a Secretariat (ca. 600 staff), a board of management, a total of 6 scientific committees (human, herbal and veterinary products, orphan drugs, pediatrics and advanced therapies) and a number of scientific working parties (European Medicines Agency. 13 September 2011). The organization is well structured into five units which are mutually related to each other in terms of operation and services. The EMA derives its resources from over forty National Competent Authorities and over 4500 experts from all over European Union countries(European Medicines Agency. 13 September 2011). Although the Community pharmaceutical legislation is based essentially on the Single Market provisions of the EU Treaty, the primary stakeholders obviously include patients and healthcare professionals who operate in quite different healthcare delivery systems (HMA Strategy Paper, 2007). While maintaining regular checks on the manufacturing of biotechnological products, the EMA agency provides for relevant advice to the pharmaceutical companies and caters for the public interest. The field of medicine is a very sensitive area since it embodies the life of an individual and animals as well. Therefore, there has been a need to provide a quality assessment in the medicinal field in order to ascertain safety, efficiency, and quality in the process of manufacturing pharmaceuticals(HMA Strategy Paper, 2007). These require detailed assessment by an external body (EMA) which acts as autonomous body capable of carrying out its activities without the influence or engagement of political entities. Medicines are meant to improve quality of life; any deviation to the expected standards of requirement has devastating effect on the human and animal health.

Friday, September 27, 2019

Sexually transmitted disease in Miami 2011-2012 Essay

Sexually transmitted disease in Miami 2011-2012 - Essay Example In addition, married-couple family type also comprised as much as 64.4% of the total population in 2012; while there were a total 48.8% households with one or more people under the age of 18 (Dept. of Regulatory and Economic Resources; Economic Analysis and Policy, 2013). The map of Miami Dade County is presented as Appendix 1; while the Dade Population Characteristics as of 2011 is presented as Appendix 2. Sexually Transmitted Disease Statistics Statistics on sexually transmitted disease in Miami Dade have revealed that the health dilemma is a growing concern for health officials in Florida and in the country. As published in the Huffington Post, â€Å"statistics from the Florida Department of Health show which of the state's 67 counties have had the most and least number of new cases of sexually transmitted diseases gonorrhea, chlamydia, and infectious syphilis over the three-year-period between 2009 and 2011† (Florida STD Rates: Best And Worst Counties For Gonorrhea, Chlamy dia And Syphilis , 2013). It was also revealed that Miami Dade actually ranks among the highest in terms of exhibiting the new AIDS cases in the country. The HIV/Aids Surveillance Report published by the Miami-Dade County Health Department shows the number of cases by gender and year from 2000 to 2012, and shown as Appendix 3. The statistics show that there is an average number of AIDS cases does not go below the 600 cases per annum level; and exhibits an erratic pattern where there are evident increases and decreases over the last few years. Likewise, Appendix 4 shows Total Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Infectious Syphilis over the Period 2009 to 2011, for Miami Dade with comparative data for the whole of Florida. This figure shows that the rates had been increasing for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and infectious syphilis since 2004 and the Miami Dade rates parallel the rates shown for the whole of Florida. Concurrently, the report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention r egarding the survey conducted among the youth of Miami Dade to monitor Youth Risk Behavior has revealed the following important results: â€Å"47% ever had sexual intercourse. 8% had sexual intercourse for the first time before age 13 years. 16% had sexual intercourse with four or more persons during their life 33% had sexual intercourse with at least one person during the 3 months before the survey. 32% did not use a condom during last sexual intercourse. 93% did not use birth control pills or Depo-Provera (or any injectable birth control), Nuva Ring (or any birth control ring), implanon (or any implant), or any IUD before last sexual intercourse. 22% were never taught in school about AIDS or HIV infection† (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d., p. 1). Nursing Diagnosis, Planning, and Interventions From the information and statistics that were provided, obviously, the rate of sexually transmitted diseases in Miami Dade have been on an increasing trend. Using the r esults from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, it could likewise be deduced that unprotected sex accounts for contracting these diseases; as well as the lack of formal knowledge taught in school about AIDS or HIV. The report from the CDC indicated that â€Å"

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Organizational Structure Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 5

Organizational Structure Paper - Essay Example Despite the fact that they vary from one structure to another depending on the organizational objectives, organizational structures determine the particular modes involving the operation and performance of an organization. Considering the significant role played by organizational structures in determining the achievement of organizational objectives, this paper discusses IBM’s organizational structure and the various aspects attributed to it. Organizational structure has two major roles in an organization, in which it provides the foundational structure for establishing the standard operating procedures and routines and how particular individuals get to participate in the decision-making process in an extent of their view to shape the organization in a particular manner (Cordes, 2003). In such, organizational structure allows for the expressed allocation of duties and responsibilities for further actions based on functions and processes to different entities within the organization such as departments, groups, or even to individuals. A particular organizational structure used by an organization determines the organization’s success or failure. Different organizational structures exist for an organization to adopt and implement, depending on the objectives of a particular organization. IBM Inc. on its part works with a matrix organizational structure, which has both a functional and divisional aspects all incorporated into the organization’s operations. As such the functional aspects involves the grouping of individuals depending on their expertise, resources, and experiences to perform specialized tasks, whereas the divisional aspect involves divisions of operation such as product lines and markets, all channeled towards meeting IBM’s goals and objectives (Massa, 1993). Previously, IBM had a flat organizational structure, with little distinction between the executives and the lower-level employees. The matrix organizational

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Road King Trucks Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Road King Trucks - Assignment Example Road King Trucks should accept the project as it has a positive NPV and a low payback period. In addition, the company’s IRR  is higher  than the  Road King Trucks  cost of capital. Further, the company has a Profitability Index, PI, of greater than one implying that it has a higher per dollar return. Road King Trucks is going to gain $532 million in wealth when the expansion decision implemented, which is a huge amount money on a scale like this. Road King Trucks has a bond rating of AA. This makes its risk relatively low (Groppelli & Nikbakht, (2006). For these reasons, the company should definitely say yes to the expansion decision. Road King Trucks, Inc. that is a company that manufactures trucks is contemplating on introducing a public transport bus. A recently hired, CEO Michael Livingston organized a meeting with the company’s top engineers and managers to examine introducing into its existing product line a large, public transit bus (Bidgoli, 2004). The new CEO Michael Livingston recognized the opportunity of building these public transit buses due to the escalating  prices of fuel, the  roads  congestion  together with  the ever increasing parking fees. It is likely that more people are going to use public transportation because the prices of oil keep on rising with no sign of decreasing in the near future. As a result, the public transportations demand is expected to increase and continue into the spring as many people will search for alternative transportation. Road King Trucks should, therefore, adapts itself to the market changes in order to be at the forefront of their field of business (Groppelli & Nikbakht, (2006). The company should go Green by adopting engines that demonstrate immense environmental consciousness to the world (Baker & Powell, 2005). This will attract people that require public transportation thus fulfilling their needs or demands.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Guide to Referencing and Avoiding Plagiarism Assignment - 7

Guide to Referencing and Avoiding Plagiarism - Assignment Example On the other hand, over-research is disadvantageous since it to wastage of time that can be used to fulfill other crucial duties. In the case of under-research, the advantage is that little time is used to collect research information, yet the results may be adequate to address the research question. However, under-research may give inadequate information, which may not necessarily be enough to complete the research question (Fryxell, 2004). Â  Plagiarism is a serious academic offense that cannot be taken lightly; it is unacceptable to engage in plagiarism since the act goes against academic standards that have been set by many education boards and institutions of learning. In my opinion, plagiarism matters because it is not right to use another person’s ideas without acknowledging the source of information. In my opinion, I think that plagiarism in most cases can be regarded as deliberate. This is because most people who plagiarize are aware of the consequences of their actions (Neville, 2010). In addition, most of the people who engage in plagiarism know that it is wrong to plagiarize, and they are aware of how they can avoid this action. A plagiarist should be treated as an offender who has done something wrong in the face of the law. The appropriate penalty for plagiarism should be cancellation of an academic degree that was given to a plagiarist who published plagiarized.

Monday, September 23, 2019

The sponsorship strategy for the BFI's London Film Festival Essay

The sponsorship strategy for the BFI's London Film Festival - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that the London Film Festival is an annual event organised by the British Film Institute (BFI). It is the largest public film event in the UK and it attracts over 300 features, documentaries and short films from numerous countries around the world. The London Film Festival has a rich history that goes back to 1953 and it has a reputation that is connected to the Crown and other credible institutions in the UK. The London Film Festival provides the red-carpet treatment for stars and brings together important personalities and leaders in the film industry in the UK and beyond. The event comes with a large array of programmes and activities that bring together stakeholders in the film industry. This includes public forum, education events, lectures, question-and-answer sessions with actors and authorities in the film industry. The highlights of each year’s events are the awards for the best films in various categories. This year's editi on of the BFI London Film Festival is scheduled to be done between the 17th and 31st of October, 2014. The main objectives of this year's project include the following: Growing the film industry in London; Maximise investments into London and the UK through the film industry; Sustain and improve the London film culture; Promote London as a global city through the film industry; Present London's strategic priorities to the world by filming and broadcasting it.

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Visual Arts - Charlie Chaplin Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Visual Arts - Charlie Chaplin - Research Paper Example One of such icon was Charlie Chaplin. He was one of icon that revolutionized this industry in the 20th century until his death. This paper seeks to discuss Charlie Chaplin and his life. The original homeland of Charlie Spencer Chaplin was London. He was born on 16 April 1889. His father was a vocalist and an actor. Additionally, his mother was a beautiful actor and singer; she was famous during this period. Initially his father used to support his family but later he started engaging in drinking spree, and this affected the family for a long time. This was further compounded by his mother ailing health. His father died later due to the effects of over drinking. As a result, Charlie Chaplin and his brother took care of each other during their childhood period. Sydney was the one who took care to his little brother in his lifetime. Their family was ravaged by poverty, and this forced them to spend life in workhouses at their tender age. Whatever they got, they used to support their mot her. Sydney was later sent to training ship known as Exmouth and acted as a steward in shipping expeditions (Milton 8-17). On his return home in 1903, he became ill. Later he found his mother in a mental hospital while his brother had been reduced to a destitute. However, they had inherited talents from their parents and this facilitated heir entry into the stage performance. This made them turn to the theater to change their lives. Charlie entry to stage performance was through the young kids group known as â€Å"The Eight Lancashire Lads† (Burt 71). This stage performance made him popular and a famous tap dancer. Chaplin career extended for a long period. At the age of twelve, he got a chance to act in a legitimate stage show. In the show, he took the role of â€Å"Billy† the pageboy. At the end of this show, he took started acting as a comedian. Eventually, he went to United States in 1910 with the assistance of Fred Karno Reportoire Company. â€Å"A Night in an En glish Music Hall† gave him fame in American audiences (Edna Purviance Web). On return of Fred Karno Troupe to America, he was offered a motion picture contract. In 1913, he agreed to appear before camera upon expiry of his Vaudeville commitments. His success attracted attention of other producers. Upon expiry of his contract, he joined Essanay Company in 1915 (Parish 210-215). Finally, he joined Mutual Film Corporation before he became an independent producer. After gaining independence, he got his own studio located at La Brea Avenue in Hollywood. In 1918, he entered into union with First National Exhibitors due to his pictures. This was a cornerstone for his success in the future. Chaplin had several lovers. Chaplin was married at a young age. His first wife was Midred Harris an actor whom he married in 1918 (Parish 215). Their first child only lasted for three days. However, they later divorced in 1920. He married Lita Grey later. She was involved in various films such as, The Kid, The Gold Rush. She later fell in love with Charlie and became pregnant. They had two children, but later separated in a court case. Lita went on with her life coupled with alcoholism abuse. His third marriage was with Paulette Goddard, which lasted for six years. She acted in Modern Times and The Great Dictator. However, they divorced on common terms. The last marriage was with Oona O’Neill in 1943 (Edna Purviance Web). Though she was much younger than Charlie was, their marriage was for

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Cruelty in animal testing Essay Example for Free

Cruelty in animal testing Essay Hobbes, the cat, has been under experimentation for most of his life. This is probably the last time that he will ever have to be experimented on again. Why? Because he is probably not going to make it through this time. The makers of Herbal Essences are about to force shampoo down his throat to see what happens to its organs. Even if the cat lives through the process, they will have to kill it to see which organs were affected by the toxic chemicals. If this was an actual human going through this deadly experiment, people would be in shock. Animal testing started numerous years ago to help provide humans with information. The process of animal testing is of great importance to scientists that work in testing for toxicity, in most cosmetics and personal care products that are made every year and are put into the market after being tested on animals. Animals in Product Testing stated, these products have gone through a long and complex testing process that leaves millions of animals mutilated, burned, poisoned and gassed in outmoded and unnecessary tests. From these different experiments, animals are often left with different diseases like Syphilis, Herpes, or AIDS (Animal Rights: Animal Testing). Manufacturers of these different products say that they are performing these tests to assure our safety for these products. They want to make sure that humans are not in any amount of danger (Animals in Product Testing). Animal testing is an unethical process, most of the testing is invasive and unnecessarily cruel torture to an innocent animal does that make us inherently evil even though many say we do the experiments for the greater good? Inflicting pain purposely is considered wrong in society and people are punished if caught. How can we justify the killing of an animal no matter how small and insignificant, in the larger scheme is there an alternative that we can use that will not cause pain and suffering and even save costs. Yes there are several different ways we can eliminate the use of animals in testing. There are certain types of animals that scientists use for certain types of experimentation. Some well-known animals that they use for testing are: cats, dogs, mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, sheep, llamas, cattle, owls, deer, monkeys and other primates. These are not, by any means, all of the animals that they use. These are just the most common (Animal Rights: Animal Testing). For example, the Draize Test is used on white albino rabbits (S. , Jeremy). They use white albino rabbits because of their sensitive eyes and also because the formation of their tear ducts stops tears from draining away all of the foreign substance (Animal Rights: Test ). In this process, scientists rub shampoo, soap, toothpaste, oven cleaner, lipstick, or lawn products into their gorgeous, red eyes. From this point, scientists record the damage that they observed. This test can last up to eighteen days with their eyelids held open with a clip. Many of the rabbits end up breaking their necks trying to escape from the horrifying pain. First of all, it is pointless to keep the product in their eyes for that long of a period. There is no way that even a child would have something like that in his/her eye for very long. The second reason this is unnecessary to do to a rabbit is that the eye tissue of a rabbit is completely different from humans. (S. , Jeremy). Instead of using the Draize test we can use these alternative that provide better results and less cost from the government and private companies. Nearly 50 different alternative methods and testing strategies have been developed, validated and/or accepted by international regulatory authorities. Using blood from human volunteers to test for the presence of fever-causing contaminants in intravenous medicines can save hundreds of thousands of rabbits each year from traditional pyrogen tests. EpiSkinâ„ ¢, EpiDermâ„ ¢ and SkinEthic—each composed of artificial human skin—can save thousands of rabbits each year from painful skin corrosion and irritation tests. The Bovine Corneal Opacity and Permeability Test and Isolated Chicken Eye Test use eyes from animals slaughtered for the meat industry instead of live rabbits to detect chemicals and products that are severely irritating to the eyes. The 3T3 Neutral Red Uptake Phototoxicity Test can replace the use of mice and other animals in the testing of medicines and other products for their potential to cause sunlight induced photo-toxicity. The Reduced Local Lymph Node Assay for skin allergy testing makes it possible to reduce animal use by up to 75 percent compared with traditional guinea pig and mouse tests. When testing to determine chemical concentrations that are deadly to fish and other aquatic life, use of the Fish Threshold Method can reduce the numbers of fish used by at least 70 percent compared with standard test methods. Why do companies even agree with animal experimentation? Some companies, like Clairol, demand that they do not use animal testing on their shampoo product, Herbal Essences. Even though they have cut down on animal testing, they have not eliminated the complete line of cosmetics and other products of animal experimentation (Consumer Companies Animals). There are also some companies, like Mothers Bath products, that do test on animals. The only difference is they shampoo their own dogs to see how it smells after being cleaned off with water. This type of procedure is not actual animal testing. The reason being is because it is not deathly and does not harm the animals in any way. Mothers Products inventor did mention, Beyond these happy volunteers WE DO NOT TEST ON ANIMALS. All other product testing is on ourselves, friends, family. This is the best type of testing to do, on real human beings (Mothers Cupboard Bath). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has different laws about the safety of human’s health. In other words, the FDA and the different laws agree with animal testing. The FDA supports two different acts, the Animal Welfare Act and the Public Health Service Policy and Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Animal Testing). The Animal Welfare Act is to assure the health of humane care and the management of dogs, cats and other certain animals that are used for research and experimentation. As well as to make sure that humane treatment of animals during the transport to help protect the owners of the animals from theft (U. S. Fish ). The Public Health Service Policy and Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals is a law that assures animal care for farm animals, mice and rats (Public Health ). The FDA feels that if animals are used instead of actual human beings, then there is no risk of taking a humans life. If animals are put under experimentation, then the loss of an animal wouldnt be as devastating as an actual person. Other companies like: Arm Hammer, Gillette, Procter Gamble, Colgate-Palmolive, SmithKline, Beecham, and Unilever still test their products on animals (S. , Jeremy). Another element why animal experimentation is wrong is because in multiple ways, it is pointless. The reason that companies even test their products on animals is because they are supposedly watching out for our safety. Most toxic products are tested on different animals. Some toxic products that are used are: soaps and detergents, oven cleaners, and toilet cleaner, etc. What is wrong with this picture? The internet site titled, Animals in Product Testing stated, no amount of animal testing can change the fact that many of these products are harmful if ingested or used in a way not intended by the manufacturer. In other words, there is no reason to force animals to swallow any toxic products, when no matter what, they would harm someone if they digested it (Animal in Product Testing). Also, many different types of drugs are very useful to human beings, but are very dangerous and deadly to animals. For example, Penicillin can help peoples lives, but actually kills guinea pigs. Another drug is Aspirin, which, in fact, causes birth defects in mice, monkeys, rats, cats, guinea pigs and dogs. Obviously, this is not a problem toward humans (Animal Rights: Animal Testing). There are many reasons why animal experimentation is meaningless, but, in many ways, it can be good according to Jack Botting and Adrian Morrison. Both of these scientist claim that animal experimentation is essential because that is the only way that cures can be invented for many diseases. Also, many other medicines have been developed through animal testing. Morrison and Botting feel that there is no difference between humans and animals. Experimenting on animals helps store precise information for humans (Botting, 78). Animal testing is also unnecessary because there is not a law saying that you have to test any product on animals (Stevens). The only product that is forced by the law, to test on animals, are certain types of chemicals and pharmaceutical products (S. , Jeremy). To think that people are so cruel against animals, and there is no reason for it. Karen Lee Stevens stated, Sophisticated alternatives to the use of animals in consumer product testing are readily available. So, from the Stevens statement, there are obviously many other ways, besides animal testing, which can be used to test different products. These different alternatives could possibly be more effective, be a better indicator for humans, have much quicker results, and it would not be involved in any kind of animal unkindness. So, why dont all companies realize that they dont have to do testing on innocent animals? There are two main reasons why it is so hard for manufacturers to use alternatives: the fright for human safety and the fright of product  assurance. The first company that changed their ways of animal testing was Revlon Cosmetics. In 1979, Revlon gave $750,000 to the Rockefeller University to research different alternatives to test their products. Different organizations such as the John Hopkins Center for the Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Toiletry and Fragrance Association, the Cosmetic, the International Foundation for Ethical Research, and the Soap and Detergent Association started their own research to develop different alternatives. While this research is going on, the amount of animal testing increases so that they can guarantee consistent results with the new alternatives (Stevens). The final reason why animal testing is so cruel is because innocent animals are being abused without reason. For example, many animals that are used in all of these experiments are animals that have either been stolen or are from different animals shelters. From there, they are taken to animal testing sites. All of these animal experimentation sites have been inspected, but just because the research centers are legalized, does not mean that animals arent being abused. According to Jeremy S. , A research scientist at Huntingdon Life Sciences was recently caught on videotape punching four puppies repeatedly in the face. This so-called scientist is trying to prevent humans from danger by punching puppies. The scientist tried to back up his crime by stating that he was only trying to do the puppies a favor because the product that he just made them sniff was giving them terrible effects on the body (S. , Jeremy). There is no reason to do this to such young animals, or any animals for that manner. Today, many companies have turned from animal testing. They now feel that animal experimentation is a cruel process that leaves innocent animals dead for no apparent reason. Although many companies have agreed that it is an absurd process, animal testing still is a huge part of product testing (Animals in Product Testing). After all of the reasons of why animal testing is ridiculous, hopefully a law will stop the cruel process. Although, like stated in the previous paragraph, many companies have stopped these practices and tests, there are many that still practice this process. Hobbes, the cat, could still be alive today if it wasnt for the companies that still believe that it is okay to test animals with products. A question that is brought up in many peoples mind is, why would animal testing still be going on if there a Overall, animal testing is expensive, time-consuming, unpredictable, and not easily reproducible from one lab to another (i. e. , results lack reliability). Because of their expense, cumbersomeness, and scientific limitations, animal tests have not adequately addressed the vast number of chemicals already in commercial use, nor the estimated 700 new ones introduced every year. According to Dr. Thomas Hartung, director of the Johns Hopkins University Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, out of â€Å"some 100,000 chemicals in consumer products,†¦only about 5,000 have had significant testing so far because no one has the capacity for experiments using standard methods involving animals. †[7] While all new products must be tested for safety, using animals to assess human health risks is inefficient, unreliable, and has limited—if any—predictive value for what will happen in humans. Thankfully, private industry and a growing number of federal agencies are now acknowledging the superiority of alternative methods for safety testing. While alternative methods have not received the full scientific, industry, and government support that they deserve, progress is being made, as the development of alternative techniques becomes more widely recognized as a legitimate and important area of basic and applied scientific investigation. For example, one traditional criticism of in vitro replacement alternatives was their inability to mimic or reproduce the consequences of long-term, chronic human exposure to toxic substances. This is no longer the case. As cell culture technology has evolved, it is now possible to maintain in vitro systems for sufficiently longer periods of time—weeks or months. It is not necessary to maintain such cultures for years, as is done with some typical chronic animal tests. Long-term cell and tissue culture techniques can now allow in vitro studies of the effects of chronic, repeated exposure to toxic substances, as well as the recovery from such exposure in a shorter period of time.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Is Bottled Water Better Than Tap Water Environmental Sciences Essay

Is Bottled Water Better Than Tap Water Environmental Sciences Essay Dark clouds of bottled water industry are spreading over the minds of innocent US consumers day by day. These clouds pour drops of rain that is washing brains and pockets of consumers together. Bottled water industry, as the name suggest, is an industry that is selling a free gift of nature very efficiently. According to Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), more than half of the US population drinks bottled water. The consumers are not just rich white Americans, but also low income Hispanics, Blacks and Asians (NRDC). The sales of bottled water are increasing regularly making it the second most ever consumable drink after soda after soda, says Elizabeth Royte, an American author, in her book Bottlemania (67). This enormous sale of bottled water tries to prove that it is a consumer choice product. People, who are drinking bottled water, view bottled water as a regular consumption product. However, the reality is otherwise. This really simple product has remarkably concurred the m inds of consumers by making them believe that it is the purest form of drinkable water with no negative effects. Thirst stricken consumers have easily fallen into the pit created by bottled water industry. This industry is not only affecting the minds of people, but is also hurting our environment. Royte analyzed the bottling plants in different regions of the US and concluded that these industries are sucking water from small towns by forcefully owning someones private property making the water level to decrease other water reservoirs of those areas (256). One more problem that comes in clinging with these small bottles is the recycling issue. Only a small percentage of these bottles get recycled and the rest is dumped into landfills (Royte 34). Overall, bottled water industry is a culprit of effecting environmental and human health. How people feel about the safety between using bottled water instead of tap water depends on the degree to which they have internalized the ideology of the society. The well-known American Attorney, Gerry Spence discusses ideological control in his article, Easy in the Harness: The Tranny of Freedom. He says that people have been so controlled by the ideology of society, that it has become very difficult for them to make truly free decision. Spences contention is clearly demonstrated in those who believe that usage of bottled water is far healthier and safe than tap water. According to Naideinko, a medical surveyor and a writer, bottled water is also a very much leading cause of spreading number of harmful diseases, in some cases fatal including cancerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. In other words, bottled water can be totally revese of being healthier. Tap was a major channel that provided people with drinking water throughout the world until in 1977, when bottled water was introduced says Elizabeth Royte , an American author, in her interview with Ira Flatow, a National public radio host that it was the first branded packaged water in the US. It started as a fashion symbol, and led its way to a health savior (Royte). This journey of bottled water from a fancy commodity to a necessity seems to be a very difficult one because buying something that is available almost for free does not make sense. Think about paying for oxygen. If a company claims to sell pure and pollution free oxygen in plastic cans, would anyone like to buy it? This question is of course ridiculous. So, after looking at the sale of bottled water one question strikes the wires of mind is that how bottled water became a business when tap water is available almost for free. Anne Leonard, an environmental activist, says in her online video, The Story of Bottled Water that it (sale of bottled water) all started when soda companies felt that their business is falling. They, in order to keep up their business, made a unique decision that is selling water. They labeled in Perrier and started selling it. It was not an easy goal. So they used marketing demand (Leonard). Further, She adds that bottled water companies used three strategies including scaring the consumers, seducing them and misleading them. They scared the consumers by making them believe that tap water is for sure hazardous to health. Elizabeth Royte in her book, Bottlemania, states a quote by Robert S. Morrison, vice chairman of PepsiCo, The biggest enemy is tap water(Royte 170). So, if tap water is an enemy, which means it can harm the consumers, then what is to drink? The answer was obvious; the only water from pristine springs of Fiji or other pure water sources comes the misleading part. Al most 40% of bottled water is just filtered tap water and this applies to major brands like Aquafina and Dasani (Royte). So, the pictures of pritisine waterfalls and ever green forests is nothing but just a scam. The technique of scaring, seducing and misleading is working really successfully. Bottled water is seen everywhere including schools, offices, stations, airports and hospitals says Jane0t Majeski Jemmot, a Readers Digest writer, in her article, Rethink What You Drink; Growing Thurst. It is indeed a joyous event for bottled water companies because they made impossible, possible just by making environment to pay a heavy price for a natural resource that is technically already free. After bottled water succeeded to gain confidence of consumers, its growth started to mount. Actually Bottled water industry is working on the mechanism of viruses that enter human body unchecked and then they start replicating every minute. People in America consume nine billion gallons of bottled water that sums up to hundreds of millions of dollars says Martin Lewis, an internationally recognized water expert and a critical writer, in his article, Costly Water: Bottled and Sold: The History Behind Our Obsession with Bottled Water. Such a huge consumption of bottled water is not a good news because when bottled water is compared with tap water, barely any difference can be seen. Moreover, tap water has to follow more strict regulations than bottled water when it comes to purity. FDA (The US Food and Drug Administration), that regulates bottled water and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency),that regulates tap water have different rules regarding the contents and quality of bottled water. NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), an environmental group, provides a data showing the difference between the rules of FDA and EPA in its article, Bottled Water; Pure or Hype? The data shows that testing frequency for bacteria in bottled water and big city tap water is once a week and hundred times a week respectively. It further states that bottled water companies are not required by to have certified operators ,whereas; big city tap water requires certified technician to do the job. Most surprisingly, FDA doesnt give consumer any right of knowing what is in the bottle. On the other hand, big city tap water department is required to let people know what is in the tap water. Catherine Golub, an environmentalist, in her article, Liquid assest; Is Bottled Water Really Better Than Whats on Tap? She states that FDA regulates bottled water as a food product and it receives less federal inspection that tap water, which is controlled by EPA with strict standards. She further discussed the survey of NRDC,a nonprofit consumer group, conducted on 103 brands of bottled water. The results showed that one third exceeded the state limits of contamination with bacteria and chemicals. Also, only 5% of these bottles met the standards of fluoridated/regular water. It turns out that bottled water is no healthier than tap water. Next concern is about the plastic bottle itself. These bottles are made out of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate). According an article, Bottled water may contain hormones: Plastic, by Janet Raloff, this water may also pack a substantial quantity of estrogen-mimicking pollution, according to researchers at Johann Wolfgang Goethe University in Frankfurt(3). He discusses an experiment done on snails by Johann Wolfgang Goethe University experts. Two species of snails that were very sensitive to estrogen were placed in plastic and glass water (one in each). The snail in bottled water showed an enormous production of embryos concluding that plastic can leach estrogen into water. Obviously, estrogen can cause genetic changes when males are subjected to it. Even though, bottled water is a small package but it has huge circumstances. Apart from the health issues, bottled water also helps human beings in degrading the environment in the form of global warming, water waste and increase in garbage. Making of these bottles requires a lot of oil (to run the plants). When this oil is burned, it adds to global warming as mentioned in, Water Wars; Bottled or Tap, by Mother Earth News. One can wonder that how much oil is it?. The answer shows a mounting 1.5 million gallons of oilenough to run 100,000 cars for a whole year, while transporting these bottles burns thousands more gallons of oil (Mother Earth News). Moreover, the water used for reverse osmosis of bottled water is a lot more than one showed on the store shelves. It takes 3-9 gallons of water to get 1 gallon of water using purification plants. Apart from purification, a large amount of water is used to cool down and wash the water plants (Royte 140). While many lakes in the US are drying up and people suffer from water shortage, bottled water companies keep on w asting them. Elizabeth Royte, an American author, in her book, Bottlemania says that Lake Superior, Huron, and Michighan which contain 20% of worlds water surface are becoming steep since late 1990s. Nestle pumps 114 billion gallons a year from groundwater that goes to Lake Michigan (201). Last, comes the garbage problem. After a bottle is produced using a lot of water and oil, we drink it in about just 1-2 minutes. In this era of going green, almost everyone is concerned about the recycling of waste and maintaining a clean healthy environment. So, now a question arises that do these bottles fill the criteria of environmental friendly? According to The Story of the Bottled Water, by Anne Lenard, an environmentalist, 80% of the used bottles end up in incinerators, where they burn to produce toxic gases or they are dumped underground, where it takes about 1000 years for them to degrade thus making a healthy land unavailable for a long period of time. The remaining is recycled. Here the term recycle doesnt mean they are recycled immediately after being used. These bottles are shipped all the way to India to get recycled, again using a lot of fuel. The story doesnt end here. In India, ideally these bottles are supposed to be recycled, but unfortunately that is not what happens. These bottles remain there as big heaps of plastic, or they are thrown into someones back yard creating a problem for them. In this course of bottled water production to its disposal, the need is of about 1-2 minutes but the time required for the rest of the course is 1000 times more. Bottled water not only affects health of humans and earth, but also deprives us from money. The ecological foot print is not negligible. The price of bottled water is a lot more than tap water. People in the US are paying up to $2.50 to $ 3.00 per gallon that is even more than that of petrol says Amanda Woods, a journalist and a producer, in her article, The Cost of Bottled Water. On the other hand, the price of tap water in the United States is $1.50 for 1,000 gallons or less than a penny a gallon. So, people are paying 1000 folds for something that is virtually free. This money can be used for other needs. Even though bottled water has its cons, its pros are forcing its booming sale. First of all, it is easy to carry. Its light weight and soft plastic (so it can squeeze into pockets of back packs) makes it convenient to carry when going out. Secondly, it is already filtered water i.e. you dont have to filter water every time you want to drink it. Also, it is light in weight unlike the metallic bottles that can be used to carry water. IBWA (International Bottled Water Association) provides information about the regulations of bottled water. Many bottled water companies have decreased the weight of bottled water to 36.2% according to bottled water reporter section of IBWA. Also, tap water in many areas of the US is contaminated. Tap water has been reported to contain life threatening chemicals such as lead. Mireya Navarro, a New York Times reporter, in her article, Higher Levels of Lead Seen in Tap Water, mentions that elevated levels of lead are reported in New Yorks water. According to Environmental Protection Agency 15 parts per billion of lead in water is considered to be elevated. The amount of lead found in New York city water is reported to be 16 parts per billion. However, the portability is not enough to cover up for all the trouble that bottle water causes to health, wealth and environment. Also, bottled water is not a solution to water problems. The first step to save health, wealth and environment is to try the tap water again. It does take a lot of courage because people are mentally scared from it-thanks to the bottled water companies. Tap water is environment friendly with no economic or environmental problems. Tap water in the US is best for drinking because EPA regulates water to make sure no contaminants get through the tap (Royte 220). Cynthia Dougherty, director of the EPAs Office of Groundwater and Drinking Water says, I wouldnt hesitate to drink tap anywhere in the country (Royte 220). This solves the problem for most of the tap water concerns. Local tap water utilities can be contacted any time to get tap water checked. Also, bottled water costs up to 10,000 times more per gallon than tap water as stated in an article by Mother Earth News, Water Wars: Bottled or Tap?. About the quality of tap water Eric Glodstein, a water specialist from NRDC says, The citys water is nearly pristine(Royte 101). It is easy to find out the quality of tap water. Customers can call the EPAs toll-free safe drinking water Hotline at 800-426-4791, or visit the website for the Campaign for Safe and Affordable Drinking Water can as stated by Jannet Majeksi. Second step is to cut back on bottled water. With the availability of stainless steel bottles, it has become easy to avoid bottled water. These bottles can be used to carry water. Majeski points out that water that comes out of tap is safe. Generally, contaminants in drinking water dont go over the limitations of EPA, but if there are still concerns like chlorine smell or taste then filters can serve the purpose. Elizabeth Royte talks about Brita filters that she uses, in her book, Bottlemania(224). Going back to tap and cutting back on bottled water, are two necessary steps in saving the health of environment. Furthermore, many campaigns are going on in different states of the US against bottled water. Government is also taking part in these campaigns. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom has banned bottled water usage in the city says Mayor Gavin Newsom issued an executive phasing out the citys bottled water use says Shawn Query, an author, in his article, SAN FRANS BOTTLED WATER BAN. Natural Resources defense Council (NRDC) is an environmental group. Its main motive is to invoke awareness among people about the safe use of natural resources. It provides reports about the quality of tap water in almost every city across the US. Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) is another group working for the security of water. It organizes events to help the consumers seek awareness about the quality of bottled water and its effects on environment. This year it is organized a water week 5-11 September. The theme was, The water quality challenge. Other than organizations many public institutes a re also taking steps. For example, college students along with volunteers from Corporate Accountability International, a vigorous group, every summer hold events at public places. In these events, they fill water from different sources and challenge people to drink it. Mostly people cant differentiate between bottled and tap water (Royte 140-141). The problems like health issues and environmental pollution, needs a serious attention by both public and government, and this issue as whole needs to be brought up on a higher level of society, so that everyone will get well-aware of this deception. In order to have that completed, every individual has to stand up by him/her self. Otherwise, in the essence of Spences argument our Blind-minded society will have to suffer one day. Work Cited 1).Bullers , Anne Christiansen. Bottled Water: Better Than the Tap? FDA consumer magazine. July-August. 2010. 6. Nov. 2010. Web 2) Golub, Catherine. Liquid Assets: Is Bottled Water Really Better Than Whats On Tap? (Cover story).Environmental Nutrition 24.9 (2001): 1. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 16 Nov. 2010. 3) International Bottled Water association. 4 Nov. 2010. 4) Jemot, Janet Majeski. Bottled Water Vs. Tap Wtaer. Readers Digest.com. 8 Nov. 2010. 5) Leonard, Anne. The Story of Bottled Water. 17 March. 2010. YouTube. 6 Nov. 2010. Web 6) Lewis, Martin W. Costly water: Bottled and Sold: The History Behind Our Obsession with Bottled Water. Issues in Science Technology 27.1 (2010): 85-88. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 16 Nov. 2010. 7) McGrath, Tom, and Kate Dailey. LIQUID ASSETS. Mens Health (10544836) 19.2 (2004): 142-149.Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 24 Nov. 2010. 8) Natural Resources Defense Council. Navarro, Mireya. Higher Levels Of Lead Seen In Tap Water. New York Times 5 Nov. 2010:A28(L). Global Issues In Context. Web. 7 Nov. 2010. 9) Olga, Naidienko. Bottled Water May Be Harmful. Opposing viewpoints: Resources center. Detroit, Greenhaven Press, 2010. Print. 10) Query, Shawn. SAN FRANS BOTTLED WATER BAN. E The Environmental Magazine 18.5 (2007): 24.Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 24 Nov. 2010 11) Raloff, Janet. Bottled water may contain hormones: Plastics. Science News. Magazine of the Society for Science and Public, 12 March 2009. Web. 4 Nov. 2010. Royte Elizabeth. Interview with Ira Flatow. Why Americans Are Obsessed With Bottled Water. npr 23 Nov 2010. Web 12) Royte, Elizabeth. Bottlemania. First. New York: Bloomsbury, 2008. Print. 13) Spence, Gerry. Easy in the Harness: The Tyranny of Freedom. From freedom to slavery: the Rebirth of Tyranny in America. New York: St. Martins Griffin, 1989. 51-63. Print. Water Wars: Bottled or Tap?. Mother Earth News 226 (2008): 19. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 16 Nov. 2010. 14) Woods, Amanda. The Cost of Bottled Water. Suit101.com 17 Jun. 2009. Web. 3 Nov.2010.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Soldiers Home by Ernest Hemingway Essay -- Soldier’s Home Ernest Hemi

Soldier’s Home by Ernest Hemingway In Soldier’s Home, Ernest Hemingway depicts Harold Krebs return home from World War I and the problems he faces when dealing with his homecoming and transition back towards a normal life. After the fighting overseas commenced, it took Krebs a year to finally leave Europe and return to his family in Oklahoma. Once home, he found it hard to talk about all he had seen in his tour of duty overseas, which should be attributed to the fact that he saw action in some of the bloodiest, most crucial battles towards the culmination of the war. Therefore, Krebs difficulty in acknowledging his past is because he was indeed a â€Å"good soldier† (139), whose efforts in order to survive â€Å"The Great War,† were not recognized by his country, town and even worse, his own family. After his late return from the war, Krebs moved back to the home of his family in Oklahoma. Although this seems common to what most soldiers would do after war, Krebs stay away from his family had been an elongated one. This is not just because of his leisure time at the Rhine with German prostitutes after the war had ended, but also because he went to the war direct from a â€Å"Methodist College in Kansas† (136). With that information, we can deduce that Krebs had not lived with his family for more than two years, but most likely between four and six. This must have put a serious strain on his relationship with his family members, who in his own mind, obviously lived in a different world than he did. Before the war, his father did not even trust him with responsibility of taking out the family car. Now, on his return, his â€Å"father was noncommittal† and basically absent from his life, not to mention he is never actually present at any time in the story. The only ti me Krebs father is brought up in conversation, is by Krebs mother when she tells him that they both had discussed Krebs being able to take out the family car. Even when his mother reveals that it had been his father’s idea, Krebs replied â€Å"I’ll bet you made him† (139). This statement is a clear hint into the way Krebs truly feels about his father, whom he seems to have no faith in. Krebs relationship with his mother is not much better, when she asked if he loved her, he quickly responded â€Å"No†(140), which sent her to tears. This was probably not always the truth, Krebs having been raised in the South, was once ... ...hich they had already heard from other returned soldiers. However, the clearest view into Krebs true feelings of how it had been to be a soldier, is â€Å"when he occasionally met another man who had really been a soldier and they talked a few minutes in the dressing room at a dance he fell into the easy pose of the old soldier among other soldiers: that he had been badly, sickeningly frightened all the time† (137). This shows that even when he could be comfortable, in the presence of another real soldier, the only thing that came back to either of them was the raw fear for their survival. Although Krebs had served in some of the turning point and final battles of the war, which had made him think of himself as a â€Å"good soldier,† the true image and feelings of a soldier at war were not always brave and confident, but merely frightened all the time; â€Å"In this way he lost everything†(137). He lost any feeling of personal accomplishment that had surfaced with his return from service; all he could feel was fear and that disgusted him. Works Cited Hemingway, Ernest. "Soldier's Home", from Ernest Hemingway: The Short Stories. (New York, NY : Scribner Paperback Fiction Edition) 2005.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

The Role of Government and Culture on Innovation in Greek City-States :: Essays Papers

The Role of Government and Culture on Innovation in Greek City-States A simple analysis of the culture, structure and technologies of Greek city-states reveals the fact that culture plays a vital role in the development of technologies. More specifically, an analysis of the government of Greek city-states demonstrates the very influential role of culture upon technological development. The democratic form of government first seen in Greece is reflected in the structure of the city-states. The basis for this form of government, which is more sensitive to the needs of the people, can also be seen in some of the more traditional types of technological development. Water supply fits the more traditional definition of technology, shows a concern for public well being, and is apparent in the Greek city-state. Analysis of the Greek city-state is further strengthened by comparison to Sparta. This opposing city was built into a much different culture, and as a result, was structured quite differently and produced different technologies. While it is certain that more than simply culture and form of government influence technological innovation, the evidence highlighting these factors' contributions is ample. Culture influences and is influenced by the form of government in a given region. This government and culture then influence the manner in which the environment in treated, and the innovations that occur. In his chapter on Greece, Colin Chant writes: "The system of cities was also shaped by fundamental political changes" (p. 57). This statement leads into a discussion of the rise of democracy in Greek city-states. An elected assembly wielded the authority in these city-states. Chant states, "Although the development of participatory modes of government might well be seen as a product of enlightened Greek culture, the influence of the Aegean environment must also be considered" (p.57). This assertion deserves some attention, as it insinuates that macro-level forces could be more responsible for governmental evolution than micro-level changes. The statement also walks the fine line concerning the innate political nature of individuals. In his article "The Pentagon's New Map," Thomas Barnett explains that one must be very careful with this type of thinking, as it is a definite generalization to say that something is inherent in a people making them govern themselves in a certain manner. It is a small step from this type of thinking to the statement "those people will never be like us" (Barnett, p.174). Barnett goes on to explain that it was once thought that there was something innate in Russians and Slavs that prohibited them from accepting capitalism and democracy (Barnett, p.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

The Colliding Dynamics of Class Structure Essay -- Social Studies

The rigidity of class structure is the culprit for the vast number of inequities in society. Power is concentrated in the hands of a small sector; leaving a few individuals to have more authority and influence, in comparison to others. The construction of class structure identifies the way groups are divided into social positions. Differences stemming from social position are further exemplified by the accessibility to valuable resources–such as wealth, education, occupation, and status. Those with distinguished command in society have access to these increasingly wide ranges of resources, which may be present in limited forms to the less powerful. Used as a device of supremacy, power is a style of control when the basis is acquiring these societal possessions. Even though class structure is considered to be fluid in nature, for some it is a complex web of entanglements hard to deal with it. Groups who suffer from social and material deprivations are not doing so by choice, b ut hugely in part to economical and occupational factors. These prominent distinctions have led several to fall victim to the systems of hierarchy. Built within these schemes are the inequalities that arise due to one’s position; and captured inside are the outcomes that influence levels of individual, educational, and occupational independence. People who do observe the inequities between classes may feel the impact of social stratification in various ways. Similarly the dynamics of class structure are very significant elements found throughout the works of Virginia Woolf, George Orwell, and Karl Marx. They are all in agreement that society host the series of conflicts underlying that of class structure. Class structure as a whole denotes differing realit... ...ist Feminism." Critical Sociology (Brill Academic Publishers) 25.2/3 (1999): 196-217. Academic Search Complete. Web. 19 Mar. 2012. Marx, Karl, and Frederick Engels. Marx/Engels Selected Works, Vol. One. Moscow. Progress Publishers, 1969, N. pag. http://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1848/communist- manifesto/index.htm. Web. 23 Apr. 2012. Orwell, George. "Shooting an Elephant". The Seagull Reader Essays. 2nd Edition. Ed. Joseph Kelly. New York. W. W. Norton & Company, Inc, 2008. 243-250. Print. Peet, Richard. "Inequality and Poverty: A Marxist-Geographic Theory." Annals of the Association of American Geographers 65.4 (1975): 564-571. Academic Search Complete. Web. 19 Mar. 2012. Woolf, Virginia. A Room of One's Own. New York. Quality Paperback Book Club, 1992. Print. Woolf, Virginia. Three Guineas. New York. Quality Paperback Book Club, 1992. Print.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Management of Human, Physical and Technological Resources Essay

Explain how the management of human, physical and technological resources can improve the performance of a selected organisation In this assignment, I am going to show and explain how Jaguar Land Rover manages the three main types of resources. Ensuring that the human, physical and technological resources are carried out correctly can increase the performance of Jaguar Land Rover. Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is a business built around two great British car brands that design, engineer and manufacture in the UK. Jaguar Land Rover is part of Tata Motors, India’s largest automobile company. Jaguar Cars Limited is one of the world’s premier manufacturers of luxury sports saloons and sports cars, whilst Land Rover is a world renowned manufacturer of premium 4Ãâ€"4’s based in the United Kingdom. The Land Rover, in particular, over its 60 year long history has been renowned for its relationship with the planet. The group’s strategic approach has greatly minimised the impact of their cars on the environment, either through their e-Terrain technologies, more sustainable manufacturing, CO2 offsetting, or conservation and humanitarian projects. Jaguar Land Rover’s sustainability governance structure is part of the reason why sustainability is so embedded strategically in the way they do business. Human Resources This covers all aspects of HR, including operational support, recruitment and development. The Human resources can improve the JLR’s performance in many ways. There are two main processes which are looked at when managing human resources. The most important is to employ they correct people for the job, people that will carry out the job role correctly. Jaguar Land Rover takes on a limited number of design graduates into one of three different design areas: * Colour and materials * Digital and clay modelling * Surfacing Design graduates will be closely involved with creating the look and feel of vehicles, both internally and externally. Throughout Jaguar Land Rover, people experience moments of inspiration and progress like these every day. Individually, they define careers. Together, they’re the driving force behind the astonishing growth in over 170 countries around the world. People matter in JLR. There organisation’s capability and vision have been he power behind their recent success, and are key to their future. We need to create a positive, supportive environment capable of attracting, developing and retaining the best people possible. This is what they’ll be fundamental in doing. Working across the business, they’ll help them find innovative new ways to source, engage and nurture employees. Theyâ €™ll develop themselves too, by thinking commercially and gaining technical skills that will prove invaluable long into their future. As there remarkable growth continues the challenges them face will just keep on getting bigger and more exciting. And when it all comes together – when a project you’ve worked on makes a visible and positive impact on our business – it’ll be a moment you’ll never forget. Staff journey begin thorough introduction to both brands, followed by carefully planned development throughout their time on the programme. This will include support to achieve any professional accreditation they’ll need. At every stage, JRL will be given the support and freedom to achieve their full potential. And, as people expect from an internationally successful business, the rewards and benefits are outstanding. They include a competitive salary and pension scheme, joining bonus and an employee car purchase scheme. The longer that people work in a job, or different jobs they will start to gain accumulated experience, they will start to learn how to deal with certain issues that may come up in their job. This is a major benefit to the company, as more and more people stay at the company so wills the experience. The people with experience will be placed as mangers so that they can have an influence on their own sector or department. It is very important for the organization to build up the skills of peoples so that they can deal with certain issues that arisen the business. It would be wise to train more than a few people at certain things, for instance in their absence, there should be somebody to handle that specific area. If an experienced person was to leave the organization it would beard to find another person that would be able to fulfil that job role with the same amount of skill as the previous person. Cascading training is the process in which training is passed on throughout the workforce, so that a backup is available when one is needed. To grow their business and bring their vehicles to life, it takes exceptional people. In Jaguar and Land Rover HR look at following things also:- Working right across an exceptionally broad HR career path, they’ll take on challenges such as: * Negotiating change with JLR Trade Unions * Advising Board Directors on business unit organization * Producing training and development programmers * Building positive senior relationships throughout the business * Managing the performance, and developing the skills, of employees throughout the business. Physical Resources When looking at the physical resources of the JLR, we look at the procedures that it undertakes to carry out its activities. Improvements can be made to make sure that these resources are maintained, refurbished and secured. All businesses need premises where they can operate from. These buildings can have a strong affect on the people that either work there, or the customers of the company. Having building located in strong economic areas is also very important for the business, so that many people will be attracted to it, as well as see it as an important building in the area. Importance of how JLR layout their stores all over the country no doubts shows in its success. The building has proper heating system and other accessories to attract the attention of the customers. Once they have chosen the car that they wish to purchase. In businesses like JLR, they would need to be aesthetically pleasing to the customers, being attracted to the building will naturally result in them proceeding into the building. Improvements should be made in the materials and waste in JLR. Undoubtedly this would both save the economy as well as money for the business. JLR has many stores, warehouses and factories. These building will all need to cope with different activities that will need to be completed. The plant will be the place where the machinery for these places will be placed. Although some companies take their machinery on lease, JLR sees best to buy the machinery. The correct equipment is essential for a business such as JLR to operate smoothly. If the necessary equipment is not given then this can result in the incompletion of the task which was required, this can have more impact on The Company then some may think. IT is one of the most important, many business fail without it. JLR has a ery good IT system, which consist of both hardware and software, which carry out their main jobs of looking after the amount of stock in the stores, the days cash intake, and many other important functions that the company needs. Hardware is the physical items, computers, monitors, things that are visible to people. Software would be the systems that the computer runs on, Microsoft and other appl ications. Making sure that all of the buildings in the JLR Empire are maintained and updated if necessary is one thing that the company could not survive without. All of the 24 hour factories will always have their premises checked. If the correct maintenance does not take place then the machinery or the buildings can break down, leading to much more hefty cost with replacing them. Cleaning of the buildings is important in keeping it safe to work in and healthy for the people who work there. Refurbishment of the company consists When the company seems they want to change the appearance of their stores whether it be to the customers in the stores, or for the workers in the other associated buildings. Keeping the buildings fresh will encourage people to enjoy their workplace and result in people working harder. Refurbishment can also have an impact on the environment as well as people, as old resources can be replaces with eco-friendly or energy saving ones. To ensure that the workers and the customers of JLR are safe at all times Emergency Provisions will be there in case of an emergency. Evacuation training must be given to all of the employees, so that they know exactly what to do in case of a fire or any other incidence. Other equipment to prevent harm will be placed in the store, such as, fire alarms, smoke detectors, fire escapes and fire extinguishers. To ensure that these are working at all times, regular checks will need to be made. Insurance is a must with all building, whether there leased or owned by the company. This is to cover any damages. Protecting the assets of the company is very important because if any of these were vandalized, they can claim the damage costs back. The building must be made secured at all times, when the employees finish their shift at night; they must lock the premises up so that no intruder can enter. Although this is not always the case, people still somehow find a way in, this is why security guards are hired. The company can also get advice from big security companies about how they can keep their business locked and secure. Technological Resources When looking at resources which are technological, there are many improvements that can be made in JLR. Technological resources would not be hardware; they would fall under the category of software. They are managed in similar ways to other resources to ensure that they are not damaged, and if there is a newer version an update can be made. Intellectual property is the right in which people can own idea’s and decide what happens to them. Software is used in JLR a lot, and the company spends a lot of money on software for its business. Bespoke software is sometimes very important to businesses; the reason for this is because it is a piece of software that is specifically designed for a business. Software that isn’t bespoke, but owned by people is also used, and to use this JLR must pay a fee for the software license so that they can distribute it to all of their stores. When companies buy these licenses, they usually get a discount due to the bulk amount of computers that they wish to install the software onto. Some company’s run the software on more computers they claim to be, and in these cases they are breaking the law, although this can work both ways, as the companies can charge too much. Software audits can save a vast amount of money for the company, to see which computers need new software and which don’t. Using legislation to protect the technological resources of the company is very important although it is always hard to tell whether people have taken your idea, it is always hard to find the perpetrators. Patents and Copyrights are different area’s which fall under intellectual property law. Patents are protection for inventions, new or improved. And copyright protects the use of graphical images, or literary, songs software and films. Conclusion This activity is carried out through a process of cross-function or cross departmental working. Staff from different sections of a business come together to identify and address issues related to the company’s logistics, employee relations, stakeholder engagement and organisational development. Staff are recruited to meet demands of the organisation and often a team leader is selected to co-ordinate objectives, e. g. to set and meet achievable goals. Team performance is monitored in bite sizes to keep abreast of developments. Team members will liaise with other departments to avoid the silo effect form of productivity, i. e. to keep in the loop of events in the business environment. JLR make a series of strategic senior hires to affect particular objectives, e. g. a company may employ a senior manager to handle IT strategy formulation and implementation. This action is intended to encourage competition and increase productivity. All the data created or generated will be stored up as intellectual property and perhaps legal steps will be taken to protect material, e. . designs and text. The information will have come from a range of individuals who have come together as a group to provide accumulated experience and skills. For instance members of a Board may have worked within the organisation over a series of years in different roles. Other areas of physical resource include maintenance of a JLR’s building and facilities, e. g. an organisation may need to employ a policy and compliance officer to write and maintain a register of clear concise and easy to use documents as required by service operations of the business and government standards.

Pentecostal History Essay

The largest and the most important religious movement to originate from the United States is the Pentecostal Movement. It is considered as the fourth force in Christendom alongside Catholicism, Protestantism, and Orthodox, and its exponential growth rate in terms of adherents is testimony to its appeal. The Charismatic Renewal Movement has some of its roots in historic Pentecostalism, and it is now deeply entrenched in most of the mainline Protestant denominations, in Catholicism, and in some Orthodox. In the 21st Century, the total adherents of Pentecostals and Charismatics probably exceed the combined numbers of Protestants and Orthodox. Pentecostal statistics show a total adherent base of 400 million in 1993,including the 200 million members designated as nominational Pentecostals and 200 million Charismatics in the main Protestant denominations and Catholicism. â€Å"When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them†(Garnett 1987) The Acts of the Apostles, 2:1-3 (Cox 1995) Background History Adherents of Pentecostalism take their name from an incident recounted in Chapter two of the Acts of the Apostles. The story describes how the confused followers of a recently crucified Rabbi whom they all believed to be the messiah of the world, had gathered to mark the fiftieth day after Passover. Suddenly there was a heavenly sound â€Å"like the rush of a mighty wind. † The Holy Spirit filled them, tongues â€Å"as of fire† crowned their heads, and surprisingly they could understand each other’s language although the gathering comprised people from many different countries and different linguistic affinities. Apparently, the ancient curse of Babel had been reversed and that God was creating a new inclusive human community in which â€Å"Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia† could all live together. Origins of the Pentecostal Faith The first Pentecost appeared on the scene in 1901 in Topeka, Kansas in a Bible school conducted by Charles Fox Parham, a holiness teacher and former Methodist pastor. There exists considerable controversy about the origins and timings of Parham’s emphasis on glossolalia; there is general agreement amongst historians that the movement was initiated in the first days of 1901, in the beginning of the Twentieth Century. One of Parham’s Bible School students Agnes Ozman , was the first person to be baptized in the Holy Spirit and she thereafter began speaking in different tongues on the very first day of the new century on January 1, 1901. According to J. Roswell Flower, the founding Secretary of the Assemblies of God, Ozman’s experience was the â€Å"touch felt round the world,† an event which â€Å"made the Pentecostal Movement of the Twentieth Century. Due to the Topeka Pentecost, Parham postulated the doctrine that tongues (glossolalia) was the biblical evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit and that it a was a supernatural ability endowed for the purpose of world evangelization. Glossolalia is an experiential phenomenon of an ecstatic, altered state of consciousness, in which â€Å"orgiastic techniques are cultivated to achieve ecstasy in the belief that unusual psychological and physical states are synonymous† with Spirit-possession. He added that since missionaries had the ability to speak in any language, they need not learn any new language for the purpose of evangelical preaching. Armed with this new theology, Parham founded a church movement which he called the â€Å"Apostolic Faith† and began a whirlwind revival tour of the American Middle West to promote his exciting new experience. â€Å"saw an angel coming down from heaven With the key to the abyss and a great Chain in his hand. He seized the dragon and chained him up for a thousand years So that he might not seduce the nations until the thousand years were over†. Revelation 20:1-3 â€Å"Fed by broken packing cases and discarded wrapping paper the fire quickly spread from the boarded-up Casino to the empty Music Hall. From there sparks flew through the arctic night to the roofs of the exposition†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ (Cox 1995). Prophecy of the Pentecost Traditionally, Americans have always had a strong dose of millenium drilled in to them, covering the time the puritans landed in New England to the revival preachers who traveled the Midwest on horseback, they were continually being told that the last stages of history was unfolding and that America would play a major role in the grand finale. Going in to the 20th century, prophecies and speculations regarding a new Pentecost and a New Jerusalem were rife. And in the last days it shall be, God declares, That I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh† Acts of the Apostles 2:17-19 â€Å"The fire from heaven descended on April 9, 1906, on a small band of black domestic servants and custodial employees gathered for prayer in a wooden bungalow at 214 North Bonnie Brae Avenue in Los Angeles, California†¦. †(Cox 1995) Pastor at Azusa Street Seymour who had learned the tongues-attested baptism in a Bible school that Parham conducted in Houston, Texas in 1905 was invited to pastor a black holiness church in Los Angeles in 1906. Seymour opened the historic meeting in April, 1906 in a former African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church building at 312 Azusa Street in downtown Los Angeles. The happenings at Azusa have fascinated church historians for decades and have never been fully understood or explained (Wackman 1994). For three years thereafter, the Azusa Street â€Å"Apostolic Faith Mission† conducted three services a day, seven days a week, where thousands of seekers received the tongues baptism. Word of the revival was spread abroad through The Apostolic Faith, a paper that Seymour sent free of charge to some 50,000 subscribers. From Azusa Street Pentecostalism spread rapidly around the world and began its advance toward becoming a major force in Christendom. The Azusa Street movement seems to have been a merger of white American holiness religion with worship styles derived from the African-American Christian tradition which had developed since the days of chattel slavery in the South. The expressive worship and praise at Azusa Street, which included shouting and dancing, had been common among Appalachian whites as well as Southern blacks. The admixture of tongues and other charisms with black music and worship styles created a new and indigenous form of Pentecostalism that was to prove extremely attractive to disinherited and deprived people, both in America and other nations of the world(MacRoberts 1988). â€Å"Pentecost has come to Los Angeles, the American Jerusalem. Every sect, creed and doctrine under heaven†¦ as well as every nation is represented. †(Frank Bartleman,1906). The Inter racial Aspect The interracial mingling at the congregations was a stark contrast to the existing racial tensions and segregations of the times. The interracial aspects of the movement in Los Angeles were a striking exception to the racism and segregation of the times. The phenomenon of blacks and whites worshipping together under a black pastor seemed incredible to many observers. The event also cemented William Seymour’s place as not only the most influential black leader in American History, but also as a co-founder of world Pentecostalism(Deyoung et al 2003). â€Å"This is the work of God, and cannot be stopped. While our enemies scold, we pray and the fire burns† Household of God, Nov. 1907 Spread of Pentecostal The Azusa Street movement in 1906, led by the African-American preacher William Joseph Seymour provided the much needed impetus for the spread of the Pentecostal faith, which until then had not really captured popular imagination. The first wave of â€Å"Azusa pilgrims† journeyed throughout the United States spreading the Pentecostal fire, primarily in holiness churches, missions, and camp meetings. In America Gaston Barnabas Cashwell of North Carolina, who spoke in tongues in 1906 was one of the Azusa Pilgrims, whose six-month preaching tour of the South in 1907 resulted in major inroads among southern holiness folk. Under his ministry, Cashwell saw several holiness denominations swept into the new movement, including the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee), the Pentecostal Holiness Church, the Fire-Baptized Holiness Church, and the Pentecostal Free-Will Baptist Church. Also in 1906, Charles Harrison Mason ,upon his return to Memphis from Azusa Street, spread the Pentecostal fire in the Church of God in Christ. The Church he founded comprised African-Americans only one generation removed from slavery. (The parents of both Seymour and Mason had been born as southern slaves). Although tongues caused a split in the church in 1907, the Church of God in Christ experienced such explosive growth that by 1993, it was by far the largest Pentecostal denomination in North America, claiming some 5,500,000 members in 15,300 local churches. Another Azusa pilgrim was William H. Durham of Chicago. After receiving his tongues experience at Azusa Street in 1907, he returned to Chicago, where he led thousands of mid-western Americans and Canadians into the Pentecostal movement. In 1914, he established the Assemblies of God, which by 1993 had over 2,000,000 members in the U.  S. and some 25,000,000 adherents in 150 nations of the world. Conclusion The Pentecostal Movement has proved to be a major force in Christendom throughout the world with unprecedented exponential growth of adherents. By the Nineties, The Pentecostals and their charismatic brothers and sisters in the mainline Protestant and Catholic churches had turned their energy and resources to world evangelization. The future will reveal the ultimate results of this movement which has greatly impacted the world during the Twentieth Century.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Discourse Analysis on Winston Churchill and Tony Blair

Section 1 1. 1 In this essay, I will be conducting a discourse analysis on a speech made by Winston Churchill in the 1940s, when he informed the British public that they will be entering war. I will use sociological research which examines the discourse of politics to supply context for this speech. My research topic is to discover in this essay is how Prime Ministers use persuasive techniques to win the support of the people.To achieve this, I will be comparing Churchill’s speech to Tony Blair’s speech in 2003 when he declared war on Iraq, to see what changes and similarities of discourses there are, regarding persuading and gaining the support of the people. 1. 2 The consideration of the audience and their specific thoughts and feelings is certainly an essential theme when making a speech. Politicians use the spoken word to rule, inform, strengthen and communicate with the public in order to implement their own, or their party’s politics.As van Dijk puts it, â €Å"social power abuse, dominance, and inequality are enacted, reproduced, and resisted by text and talk in the social and political context (2001: 352). † If we are the people who vote to put these politicians in power, we ought to become more aware of the strategies and tactics behind their speeches. This will give us more opportunity of making a fair judgement of the real meaning of the message, rather than the persuasive and deceiving language that often clouds our judgement.I will be using critical discourse analysis and rhetorical political analysis as it is an approach that is suitable for written texts and helpful for discovering institutional meanings that lay hidden within rhetorical strategies. This method will facilitate me in finding the ideological dimension of discourse within the speeches I am analyzing (Cameron 2001:123). 1. 3Using critical discourse analysis I will analyse how the language used in political speeches functions as a type of social practice tha t â€Å"constructs the objects of which it purports to speak (Cameron 2001:123)†.We can apply critical discourse analysis to expose the ways discourse is interwoven with society and culture, Wodak notes â€Å"society and culture are shaped by discourse, and at the same time constitute discourse (Wodak 2000:146)†. The use of language can reproduce or transform society and culture and it can also be ideological. A way to discover its ideological qualities is by exploring their â€Å"interpretation, reception and social effects (Wodak 2000:146)†. By xamining speeches made by Winston Churchill and Tony Blair, I will seek to find the ideological messages that lie beneath their rhetoric language and uncover in what way their statements have persuaded the British public and if their discourses have gained the public’s support. 1. 4We now turn to the second indentified approach outlined in the introduction, rhetorical political analysis. It particularly focuses o n the character and nature of rhetoric and its position in political analysis. Rhetorical style is concerned with the arrangement of the narrative.Johannesson (2000:65) refers to numerous ways of forming a classical rhetoric speech; both Churchill and Blair use ‘disposito’, giving their argument structure; and ‘narratio’, giving the listener essential background information. Historically, rhetorical has been used since the ancient Greek and Roman times and the Great philosopher Aristotle wrote a rhetoric textbook where he established the goals of this discipline. The old laws of the rhetoric lived on in the modern world mostly in politics, and the battles of the Second World War were not just fought on land, but also on the air by great orators such as Hitler and Churchill.Both Churchill and Blair use many of the classic rhetorical structures when delivering their speeches which I will examine further in the next section. Section 2 2. 1 On the 13th May 1940 was Churchill’s first radio broadcast as Prime Minister with the direct audience being the British public. This was a live broadcast, with the objective to inform the nation of the upcoming attack on Britain by the Germans. It becomes apparent that Churchill’s key intention here is to persuade the nation in becoming actively involved in the war.His reasons of calling upon the nation as a whole were because all men were needed to fight, not just those who were in the army. Churchill was possibly attempting to involve every individual in the war, as his speech shows, â€Å"There will be many men and women on this island who when the ordeal comes upon them, as come it will, will feel comfort and even pride that they are sharing the perils of the lads at the front. † (13. 05. 40. ) He convinces the country to remain optimistic by saying â€Å"We may look with confidence to the stabilization of the front in France. † (13. 05. 40).On the 4th June 1940, Churchi ll spoke to the House of Commons; who were his target audience, however there was also the wider audience of the nation. Conscious that the speech would be made public, Churchill did not exclusively turn to the audience – members of the House of Commons but rather he was addressing the outside audience with a clear goal to diminish the will of resistance among the British and conveying out a message to the USA to join the war with Britain. The speech made by Tony Blair to the House of Commons on 18th March 2003, was most likely one of the most important speeches of his years as the Prime Minister.This was a speech with the sole intention to persuade his audience – Parliament – to vote for Britain to participate in the war in Iraq. Blair would not have been able to declare war without having the support of the Parliament, therefore it was crucial to gain their vote. The main audience of Blair’s speech in 2003 were the British public. During this live broad cast, Blair told the nation that military action had already begun in Iraq. He attempted to convince the British public that he had made the right decision in sending troops to fight, thus trying to justify his actions.Although the people of Britain were the direct audience, it is possible that Blair was reaching to a wider world wide audience. In his speech Blair addresses the people of Iraq directly saying â€Å"I hope the Iraqi people hear this message, our enemy is not you, but your barbarous rulers. † (20. 03. 03) Even though Churchill and Blair’s speeches are slightly different concerning their goals, both use similar methods in order to persuade the British public. In the following sections I will analyse and consider the persuasive techniques I feel are of most significance.They include the use of personal pronouns, rhetorical style, repetition and parallelism with a brief discussion of the delivery of speech. 2. 2 Personal pronouns are very much linked with po wer and solidarity, therefore the choice of pronoun that each Prime Minister uses replicates this. When talking to the nation and the House of Commons both Churchill and Blair use the first person pronoun ‘I’ on numerous times. ‘I’ tends to be used by both leaders much more often when addressing the House of Commons. The other first person pronouns which were used were ‘Me’ and ‘My. ‘My’ was used when each leader was putting across their personal beliefs and opinions, such as Blair’s hatred for Saddam, â€Å"My detestation of Saddam. † (Blair 18th March 2003) ‘Me’ has similar functions to ‘I’ as it symbolises the speaker and demonstrates that he is committing himself to his pledge. Wales (1996:66) said it is usually used to refer to the speaker and third parties who may not be present in the current situation. The use of ‘we’ can be exploited to contribute the responsibilit y. The general use of ‘we’ refers to the speaker and the listener.Through the use of inclusive ‘we’ we can see how the leader’s assume to speak on the audience’s behalf, for example â€Å"We must not allow ourselves to be intimidated by the presence of these armoured vehicles†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Churchill 13th May 1940) Churchill uses ‘we’ inclusively numerous times to refer to himself and the people of Britain as one which in turn encourage solidarity. It is used most often by both leaders with the aim to persuade the audience to work as a team, by saying collective statements, for example â€Å"we will† â€Å"we shall† and so forth.Both Churchill and Blair tend to use ‘we’ with the double implication that they are not only speaking on behalf of their party but also on behalf of their audience. 2. 3 Churchill uses methods of persuasion through reasoning; here he aims to calm the British, arguing their brief safety using rational reasoning: â€Å"We must never forget the solid assurances of sea power and those which belong to air power if it can be locally exercised. † (Churchill, paragraph 22) Its noted by Atkinson (1984:37) from his analysis of speeches that one of the most frequent means of extracting agreement is what he calls a â€Å"list of three. In political speeches lists of three are usually easy to remember â€Å"Of our country, of our Empire, of our Allies. † (Churchill’s address to the nation 13th May 1940) Throughout his speeches Churchill has a tendency to use three part lists, as it makes the speech more memorable and therefore more likely to persuade the audience. In Blair’s speech to the House of Commons, he uses a two-part list, â€Å"No to any ultimatum; no to any resolution. † (18th March 2003) In a way we can see how these lists function in the similar way to parallelism, as they serve to emphasise the point being made.Three par t lists are memorable for both the speaker and the listener as they are rooted in some cultures as encouraging a sense of solidarity and totality. The final category of persuasion is persuasion through the art of reasoning. Blair uses this method much more than Churchill. During his speech, Blair discusses a series of events to the House of Commons notifying them of Saddam Hussain’s actions. We can see how Blair felt it imperative to include factual information, as this was the only way to justify his actions for urging Britain to go to war. 2. Churchill and Blair both perform the characteristics of a strong, virtuous leader. Churchill – who led the last free European nation against Hitler, dares to confront the apparently relentless Nazi attack on Europe – in so doing so, Churchill offered hope of freedom to the British people. Churchill’s choice of words and tone were very dramatic, and he used emotionally charged words to get to the heart of the people . Churchill’s soundbite holds identical features as the Blair equivalents to his manifesto, â€Å"Tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime. † (4. 07. 1993).Both leader’s use the Aristotelian three main ‘means of persuasion’ through the arousal of emotion, the persuasion through reasoning and persuasion through personality and stance. Rhythm is one of the key features when analysing at the speeches, as this is what makes them flowing and thus effective. The use of lists of three memorable words and repetition of the main issues adds to the rhythm of the speech. Churchill generally uses the list of three and repetition more than Blair, therefore his speeches are more rhythmic. A very important and smart method used by both Churchill and Blair is the use of repetition and parallelism.Both Churchill and Blair used this device in order to gain their audiences support. One of the main reasons why Churchill’s speech to the House of Commons is convincing is because of his use of structural parallelism at the end of his speech, â€Å"We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, We shall fight on the seas and oceans, We shall fight with growing confidence in the air, We shall fight on the beaches, We shall fight on the landing grounds†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Churchill 4th June 1940) In contrast, Blair’s does not use the structural parallelism in his speech to the House of Commons to the extent Churchill does.However Blair does use repetition to implement his point is, for example: â€Å"It is dangerous if such regimes disbelieve us, Dangerous if they think they can use our weakness, our hesitation even the natural urges of our democracy towards peace against us, Dangerous because one day†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (18th March 2003) Blair also repeats the word ‘dangerous’ in order to reiterate his aim and convince his audience that if they do not agree to war, they will be facing a dangerous state of affairs.Section 3 3. 1 Comparing Churchill’s and Blair’s speeches I have shown that there are many resemblances in the way they deliver speeches such as, explaining in honesty, the seriousness of the threat and how they both describe the enemy as evil, but also in putting their causes in a global context and in terms of using rhetorical devices, they both use repetition, soundbites, contrastive pairs and the â€Å"list of three†. The â€Å"list of three† is a perfect device when declaring war.The inclusiveness and stress of national solidarity and unity is what a leader needs to communicate and restore faith with the people. The major difference between the two leaders is that Blair uses the inclusive approach towards the world and possible allies, whereas Churchill speaks more exclusively for Britain solely. This also shows the difference in the times the speeches were made, as when Churchill made his speech it would have only reached the British public.In comparison, Blair’s speech was televised globally, therefore he must address the audience more inclusively to make it relevant for the listeners. Although Blair’s speech could be said to build on the works of Churchill such as using the same rhetorical devices, being a well composed oratory and being expertly performed, ultimately, it is always the circumstances under which a speech is delivered that will give the speaker and the speech their rightfully earned respect. 3. To conclude, critical discourse analysis is a suitable method to analyse political speeches as it sees language as social practices, and as productive of knowledge which maintains power. It is particularly concerned with language used in political speeches and the media so it is not just context specific, but audience-specific. However, a disadvantage is although it had implications for individual language use, there are words and phrases they use which may not be applicable in 30 years time, as language is forev er evolving.The limits of discourse analysis is that it does not give us a representation of the persons proposed psychological state, it instead focuses on power in a social context and how this is made through language, how it is challenged and recycled. I believe the use of language analysis related to social concepts could be more expanded by having studies made into how social situations themselves cause the discourse we use, also investigating how new meanings are given to words and what social implications they have in society. Bibliography: Books:Atkinson, J (1985) Structures of Social Action: Cambridge University Press Cameron, Deborah Working with spoken discourse: Fairclough, N. (2003). Analysing Discourse: Textual Analysis for Social Research. London: Routledge. Gee, J. P. (2005). An Introduction to Discourse Analysis: Theory and Method. London: Routledge Seale, Clive (2004) Researching society and culture: Sage Publications Ltd; Second Edition Wodak, Ruth (2000) Methods of Text and Discourse Analysis: London, Sage Publications Wood, Linda A. (2000) Doing Discourse Analysis: Sage Publications Articles and Websites:Egbert. J Baker: ‘Grammar As Interpretation: Greek Literature in Its Linguistic Contexts’ (1997) http://books. google. co. uk/books? id=L8VmSJeZCw0C&pg=PA175&lpg=PA175&dq=we+shall+fight+on+the+beaches+discourse+analysis&source=bl&ots=Kpm7QW94Mk&sig=1i_rPybz_RMBd1l_WB0nkeXWsso&hl=en&sa=X&ei=IOzqUKKeLoqU0QXYkoGQAw&ved=0CGwQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=we%20shall%20fight%20on%20the%20beaches%20discourse%20analysis&f=false (online book) Fairclough & Wodak: Critical discourse analysis  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Linguistics and English Language (1997) www. ing. lancs. ac. uk/staff/norman/critdiscanalysis. doc (online word document) Guardian: Full text: Tony Blair's speech (2003) http://www. guardian. co. uk/politics/2003/mar/18/foreignpolicy. iraq1 (website article) Language in use: Sir Winston Churchill â€Å"We shall fight them on the beaches†