Issue Of Gun Control And Violence Essays - Firearms, Gun Politics

Issue of Gun Control and Violence The issue of gun control and violence, both in Canada and the United States, is one that simply will not go away. If history is to be any guide, no matter what the resolution to the gun control debate is, it is probable that the arguments pro and con will be much the same as they always have been. In 1977, legislation was passed by the Canadian Parliament regulating long guns for the first time, restructuring the availability of firearms, and increasing a variety of penalties . Canadian firearms law is primarily federal, and "therfore national in scope, while the bulk of the firearms regulation in the United States is at the state level; attempts to introduce stricter leglislation at the federal level are often defeated". The importance of this issue is that not all North Americans are necessarily supportive of strict gun control as being a feasible alternative to controlling urban violence. There are concerns with the opponents of gun control, that the professional criminal who wants a gun can obtain one, and leaves the average law-abiding citizen helpless in defending themselves against the perils of urban life. Is it our right to bear arms as North Americans? Or is it privilege? And what are the benefits of having strict gun control laws? Through the analysis of the writings and reports of academics and experts of gun control and urban violence, it will be possible to examine the issues and theories of the social impact of this issue. Part II: Review of the Literature A) Summary In a paper which looked at gun control and firearms violence in North America, Robert J. Mundt, of the University of North Carolina, points out that "Crime in America is popularly perceived [in Canada] as something to be expected in a society which has less respect for the rule of law than does Canadian society..." . In 1977, the Canadian government took the initiative to legislate stricter gun control. Among the provisions legislated by the Canadian government was a "Firearms Acquisition Certificate" for the purchase of any firearm, and strengthened the "registration requirements for handguns and other restricted weapons..." . The purpose of the 1977 leglislation was to reduce the availability of firearms, on the assumption that there is a "positive relationship between availability and use". In Robert J. Mundt's study, when compared with the United States, trends in Canada over the past ten years in various types of violent crime, suicide, and accidental death show no dramatic results, "and few suggestions of perceptible effects of the 1977 Canadian gun control legislation". The only positive effect , Mundt, found in the study was the decrease in the use of firearms in robbery with comparion to trends in the United States . Informed law enforcement officers in Canada, as in the United States, view the "impact of restricting the availability of firearms is more likely to impact on those violent incidents that would not have happened had a weapon been at hand"(152). In an article by Gary A. Mauser of the Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, he places special emphasis on the attitudes towards firearms displayed by both Canadians and Americans. According to Mauser, large majorities of the general public in both countries "support gun control legislation while simultaneously believing that they have the right to own firearms" (Mauser 1990:573). Despite the similarities, there are apparent differences between the general publics in the two countries. As Mauser states that "Canadians are more deferent to authority and do not support the use of handguns in self defence to the same extent as Americans". As Mauser points out that "it has been argued that cultural differences account for why Canada has stricter gun control legislation than the United States"(575). Surprisingly enough, nationwide surveys in both Canada and the United States "show remarkable similarity in the public attitude towards firearms and gun control"(586). Both Canada and the United States were originally English colonies, and both have historically had similar patterns of immigration. Moreover, Canadians are exposed to American television (both entertainment and news programming) and, Canadians and Americans read many of the same books and magazines. As a result of this, the Canadian public has adopted "much of

International Marketing Tervis Tumbler product

International Marketing Tervis Tumbler product Product Description Tervis Tumblers, a family owned company produces the ultra sonically sealed indestructible tumblers, which come in six different sizes together with a 2.5qt ice bucket.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on International Marketing Tervis Tumbler product specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The company makes use of double walled technology in producing the tumblers as well as the ice buckets and this greatly aids in insulation properties as well as personalized design. The fact that Tervis tumblers bear specific logos, words, or pictures as per the customer’s request has greatly promoted the products. It is also worth noting that customers get a lifetime guarantee on the Tervis tumblers that they buy; this means that if the products are damaged during normal usage, a replacement is guaranteed. In the year 2006, the company’s sales grew by 38% through September, and in the same year, Te rvis Tumblers was named the company of the year by the Sarasota County Economic Development Corporation in the United States (Anon Para 1). Tervis Tumblers currently has the headquarters in North Venice, Florida and most of its products are sold in the United States. Bearing in mind the quality of the products it is imperative to think of how well the product would sell internationally. Moreover, according to Lynn (Para. 3), most of the tervis tumblers cost between US $10 and US $14 whereas the ice buckets go for US $40 in the market. Cultural Influences Tervis tumblers have been widely marketed in many parts of the world but hardly in Africa. In Africa, one of the countries with the most stable economies and very high purchasing power is South Africa. In 2009, the country had an annual GDP purchasing power parity of US $ 488.6 and its Per capita GDP is US$ 10000; and according to UNICEF (2008) statistics, South Africa has an adult literacy rate of 88%. Due to these reasons, South A frica is an ideal candidate for international marketing of Tervis tumblers. In addition, South Africa has one of the most diverse and culturally rich societies in the world. Moreover, South Africans are very hospitable and the country is actually home a variety of cultures including the black people, whites, colored, and Indians among others (South Africa Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette Para 1). South Africans have very close family ties and they largely operate on mutual trust in their relationships. Those who live in rural regions are more culturally conservative than the urban dwellers and as such, city dwellers are often materialistic and live on the fast lane. Therefore, the immediate target market for the products should be the city dwellers.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More However, this will greatly depend on the specific ethnic group the company will be dealing with putting in mind that each of the three main ethnic communities – British, Boers, and native Africans – has unique cultural heritage and purchasing behavior (Ahlstrom and Bruton 228). South Africans highly value the creative arts, with many musicians, movie stars, and authors being highly acclaimed all over the world. Arts galleries are held all over the country, most of which cater for tourists. The South Africans’ love for arts is one aspect that would highly be exploited for Tervin tumblers’ marketing purposes considering that the tumblers are embossed with the customer’s design/artwork of choice. South Africans also love the national colors, especially because they value their cultural heritage. Indeed, a product containing or colored in the national colors would be highly marketable. Product and promotional emphasis This being a new product in South Africa, importing it from the United States to cut down on the colo ssal costs of setting up a manufacturing plant will be more appealing. In South Africa, many goods, especially industrial inputs are imported duty free and where duty is applied, the rates are always competitive (Guide to importing into South Africa Para. 5). Moreover, the country has become one of the prime market targets for many global producers of various products in the recent years, thus Tervis Tumblers will have to move fast to exploit this attractive market (Wilson, Abiola and World Bank 248). This therefore means that the product will not end up being too expensive because of transport costs, taxes, and customs duty. Through proper correspondence with the Tervis Tumblers headquarters in Florida, some of the products will be embossed with artworks that show South African heritage. This will enable South Africans to identify with the tumblers. The company will need to engage an agent to help with the distribution as the study of the market and the strategies used by the compe titors continues. The agent will also help in selling to the established wholesalers and dealers as well as departmental stores and retailers such as Abtech, Corporate Gifts, and Glow Sticks among others.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on International Marketing Tervis Tumbler product specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The most populous cities in the country that include Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, East Rand and Pretoria will be the primary target markets because they offer a higher probability of reaching the masses. in addition, the rich mass media industry will provide a ample avenue for advertising, thus making it easier to market the products. Moreover, considering that South Africa has a high adult literacy rate, the company will have to market the product by placing advertisements in the popular Newspapers as well as websites such as www.alibaba.com. As a good marketing strategy, there will be need to carefully cultivate good customer relations, learning of the changing demographic and buyer patterns as well as getting to know the emerging, neglected and poorly served markets for tumblers in the country (Parley 10). In order to counter the challenges that arise from marketing through the traditional media, the company will also do conversation marketing, which involves dialoguing with the target markets and getting feedback from potential customers (Lurie 9). The internet is a very good means of conversation marketing as it allows a marketer to respond to comments posted by customers or interested buyers in the particular website. Ahlstrom, David and Bruton, Garry D. International Management: Strategy and Culture in the Emerging World. Cengage Learning. 2009. Anon. Tervis Tumbler marks 60 years with strong sales, awards and recognitions. 2010. 11 October 2010. casualliving.com/article/468430-Tervis_Tumbler_marks_60_years_with_strong_sales_awards_and_recognitions.php. Lynn, Ja net. Tervis No Sweat Tumblers Lifetime Guarantee. 13 May 2010. 11 October 2010. http://sharedreviews.com/review/tervis-no-sweat-tumblers-lifetime-guarantee.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More â€Å"South Africa Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette.† kwintessential. 2010. 11 October 2010. kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/south-africa-country-profile.html. â€Å"Guide to Importing into South Africa.† Guide to Importing into South Africa. 2010. 11 October 2010. mbendi.com/import/sa/customs_tariffs.htm. Parley Norton. The Manager’s Guide to Competitive Marketing Strategies. London, Thorogood.2005. 11 October 2010. https://books.google.com/books?id=KpLtp4puJUsCprintsec=frontcoverdq=marketing+strategieshl=enei=1B-zTLiqCMSK4QbTgY2zBgsa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=3ved=0CDoQ6AEwAg#v=onepageqf=false. Lurie Ian. Conversation Marketing; Internet Marketing Strategies. Washington, Potent Interactive Inc. 2006. 11 October 2010. https://books.google.com/books?id=89i3qYcm-58Cprintsec=frontcoverdq=marketing+strategieshl=enei=1B-zTLiqCMSK4QbTgY2zBgsa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=10ved=0CFsQ6AEwCQ#v=onepageqf=false. UNICEF. Statistics: South Af rica. 2008. 11 October 2010. unicef.org/infobycountry/southafrica_statistics.html. Wilson, John S., Abiola, Victor O. and World Bank. Standards and global trade: a voice for Africa. World Bank Publications. 2003. 11 October 2010. https://books.google.com/books?id=UZjwAsHJvo8Cpg=PA248dq=South+African+Products+importhl=enei=rgu0TPeJNtm5jAf9lrDhDAsa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=2ved=0CDgQ6AEwAQ#v=onepageq=South%20African%20Products%20importf=false.

The things they carried Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The things they carried - Assignment Example The province was marked with guerilla wars leading to death of several soldiers (OBrien 123). The view about death is vital because it is the focus of the story. The understanding of death is influenced and affected by the situation surrounding the person. As soldiers, walking across the murky sewage plain, the loss of Kiowa brings a new change. The death of Kiowa has been taken and viewed differently according to Obrien. Jimmy cross is the group leader tasked with leading the group. However, after the death of Kiowa, Cross thinks that he led the team wrongly. Even though, the order is from above, he argues that the failure to address the safety of the group and issues of movement affected the reasoning and the initial belief of the job. Cross argues that he did not choose to lead the group. The wrong choice of camping on the dangerous riverside is regretted by the leader (OBrien 78). The valley represents an area of opinion presentation and analysis. Bowker speaks of courage as he reviews the death of Kiowa. The situation is revisited by the characters, which is the main focus of the story. The experience of the Cross was improved with the death of Kiowa. The title of the story is based on the obsession of the things he soldiers carried. Cross focused on the wife photo instead of the current situation which includes the death of Kiowa. The task at hand in such case was forgotten until the dawn of reality through death. Inexperience is the major contributor of fear and poor decision making. Cross handles the guilt is an absurd and funny way by accepting the blame in the case of poor judgment. However, the questioning of the role of superiors in offering guidance is evident. The experience and events in the swamp after the location of the body of Kiowa depicts change in perception. The letter to Kiowa’s father is drafted in the mind of Cross because of the fear and guilt (OBrien 89). Cross takes responsibility on the

Jeremy Lin Biography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Jeremy Lin Biography - Essay Example At the end of the day, experts in the world of professional basketball say one thing – Lin is good but not that good to be a basketball sensation like Bryant or Jordan. I do not agree that he should be a symbol for Asian Americans. Putting up Jeremy Lin as the epitome of Asian Americans is telling the world athletes who are Asian Americans only succeed out of luck which as proven by history is not true. The sensationalizing of Lin has also made China put a claim on his ancestry when he is actually a mixture of Chinese and Taiwanese. Thankfully Lin has not shown any kind of stressing out over his new status symbol which is fortunate because it is too soon to ruin his career like other people who had let their sudden fame get to their heads. Jeremy Lin was born in Palo Alto, Los Angeles to Taiwanese parents who had permanently moved to the United States from Taiwan in 1970. (Taylor) By American law, his nationality is American. His schooling came from American schools. With the guidance of their father, Gie-Ming who was self-taught in the sport, Lin and his brothers learned basketball at the local YMCA. (O’Neil) What started as a way for Gie-Min to release the stress brought about by long hours of work became a way to teach his boys basketball at an early age and a three-nights-a-week routine for him and his boys. (O’Neil) Their mother was on hand to support the hobby but also to make sure that the kids did not lose sight of their academic requirements. Although Lin played the sport really well while in school, he was continuously taunted because of his ethnicity. Basketball was after all America’s beloved sport. Naturally, Americans typical image of a basketball player would be someone like Larry Bird or Michael Jordan - tall and American. Asian Americans were not very common in the scene. When 7-foot tall Chinese national Yao Ming first appeared in the NBA in 2002, a similar hype surrounded him because people were still skeptical abo ut Asian Americans excelling in the sport. Of course, Yao Ming and Jeremy Lin are proving them wrong. It is therefore no surprise that Jeremy Lin’s countrymen, as with Yao Ming, would be so proud of him that they would make him a representation of the Asian American community. Without all the media announcing it, Jeremy Lin is already an inspiration to many Asian Americans. Like how Lin idolized the basketball greats introduced to him by his father, today’s younger generation is also looking up to the promising basketball player. Especially in China where the practice of religion is limited, Lin, who has openly referred to his faith in God many times, has given hope to the Chinese community. For someone as young as Lin, being the image for Asian Americans would be a daunting task that could be detrimental to his career. As with all popular public figures, the young athlete would be in the spotlight at all times. (Zimmerbucher) He would need to ensure that whatever he d oes or says would always please his audience so as not to lose their support. For athletes, performance and mass media are very important aspects of the job. These can play a role in the negotiation of their contracts with their teams and endorsements. Even though this would prove to be beneficial to Lin monetary-speaking, the young man only wants to enjoy the game at this stage in his career. (O’Neil) He also needs to continue improving his skills and he cannot do this with everyone in

Caterpillar Case Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Caterpillar Case Study - Essay Example The major problems that it faces are from the low-cost indigenous products which are aggressively marketing their products especially in places like China and Russia. Low priced locally manufactured products are the main competition that the company faces. The brand equity of its product makes it difficult to lower the prices of its core product line. The company is thus faced with several perspectives which may or may not jeopardize the market position of its popular and core products. To remain in the competition, it can either lower the cost of its main product line permanently or it can bring down the prices temporarily or it can introduce a new LEA (less expensive alternative) with a product that is different or locally manufactured or refurbished and sold under its brand umbrella with caterpillar standard service. The company faces the dilemma of whether the market status of its core product would be cannibalized in the price war or an alternate product line would help meet the competition in a more healthy manner while retaining its market position vis-Ã  -vis its core products. If the company permanently lowers the prices of its main product line, it faces a loss of credibility globally and eventually a huge profit margin which may prove disastrous for the company image and challenge its position as a global leader. Temporarily lowering the prices would have the same consequences as the previous ones. The company is thus left with the option of introducing a new low priced product line to meet the challenge of the local products. The third alternative needs to be investigated deeply because of several hidden problems like cost differentiation between its premium brand and LEA and between LEA and local product and how far down it can be lowered with relation to the local goods.

The Notion Of Film And Ideology Film Studies Essay

The Notion Of Film And Ideology Film Studies Essay What do you understand by the notion of film and ideology. With reference  All That Heaven Allows and or other films from this unit, write an essay that explores the ideological messages or politics of class or race or gender or ethnicity in the selected film or films. Ever since their creation in the late 1800s, films have been considered an interesting and exciting form of visual entertainment that shows stories unfolding. However, the pre and post world war one era have given films a new purpose, that of demonstrating different ideologies. Ideologies can be defined as the ideas and manners of thinking of a particular group, social class or even individuals. This essay will demonstrate how films explore different ideological messages with reference to All That Heaven Allows by Douglas Sirk. Films have been considered by the bourgeoisie, or ruling class as a timeless expression of the human condition. However, they are seen as commodities that are specific to a historical period in time which privileges capitalism as well as the ruling class, but is made to appear as a common interest of all members of society (Marx 135) through the usage of ideology. In fact, movies tend to present audiences with certain types of behavior, which are either deemed as positive or negative depending on how the characters portray them. These behaviors usually reflect the filmmakers own values which will ultimately highlight the importance of certain institutions. Some argue that a filmmakers responsibility is to show a depiction of reality (Klinger 31). However, the term reality is relative. The merging of ideology and film has permitted the endorsement of the dominant values that society approves of, thus the marginalization of other alternatives (Barthes 44) which means that the public gets what it approves of. This reinforces the values put in place by society and uses films to create utopic versions of their beliefs instead of reality. Moreover, this endorsement induces false consciousness through diversion and misinformation (Marx 72), which ultimately blocks the working class from overthrowing capitalism. This theory assumes that audiences are cultural dopes, meaning that they take in the standardized directives given by society, and carry on these roles without question (Garfinkel 54). For instance, they might express either implicitly or explicitly that a womans place is only at home or that interclass relationships are not possible. However, many movies questioned the values put on a pedestal by society (Grant 33) through different film aspects such as the colors used, the costumes as well as the mise en scene. The movie All That Heaven Allows by Douglas Sirk in 1955 is categorized under melodrama, a genre known to exaggerate both plot and characters in order to appeal to emotions. Melodramas usually portray clichà © romantic or domestic situations that mostly only appeal to female audiences. This particular genre reinforces stereotypes of genders, race, class and ethnicity. Sirk, however, uses melodrama in the movie to show the failure of the ideologies that took place in the 1950s, an era characterized by conformity, conservatism, conformity, materialism as well as anticommunism (Barry 45). The movie portrays the internal and external conflicts that an affluent widow named Carey Scott with two college aged children, Kay and Ned, goes through as she attempts to break out of her bourgeois type lifestyle through a love affair she has with Ron Kirby, her Gardner. It is clear from a number of different scenes in this film that the usage of colors, reflections and characters are important to depict a theme of stereotypical gender roles in a visual manner. The mise en -scene pushes the idea of women being trapped in the confines of their own homes. Several shots of Cary through the reflection of the triangular shaped objects of her house such as windows; picture frames and even TV sets refer to a prisoner held in a cell. Moreover, her house is a cluttered mess filled with furniture and memorabilia that refer back to her previous marriage with the father of her children, the successful businessman. A set of white flowers is placed all over the house representing Careys frail beauty as well as mental state while also setting a tone of melodrama. This approach to reflection and echoing are set to imply a feeling of despair and sadness. Moreover, the dà ©cor of Careys house falls in line with that same idea of sadness. The colors present in her house are very minimalistic and use the gray scale that uses mostly blacks, whites and greys. Interestingly enough, these are the colors that Careys character is seen wearing throughout the movie, with the exception of the riskà © red dress. According to Haralovich (Lehmann 7) different colors put into scenes can help express thoroughly the dominant ideologies behind a movie. One can therefore think of Carey as part of the house, as trapped in as the walls. Further more, the use of mid and close up shots, combined with the reflective shots create a mise-en-scene that not only illustrates Carys physical and emotional disposition but also how that affects the representation of women in relation to their stereotypical gender roles. Although gender equality was a concept that was almost attained during the Second World War (1939-1945), the majority of the films in the 1950s reused pre war ideas about a womans place in American society (Benshoff 490), a womans place was back at home. Even though Carey tries to break out of the conformity in which she lives in and the social predicament shes in due to the fact that Kirby is considered as beneath her, the traditional notions of gender politics are reinforced. Carey is asked to give up a life she started with one man, her now deceased husband, to start a new one with a different man, Kirby. To be able to further pursue her relationship with Kirby, it seems that she must abide by his lifestyle, and submit to his wishes, as he is the man. This clearly reflects the bourgeoisie gender ideology that women are to sit and wait around for a man to come build up their lives for them. This was Kays case, even though she was studying to earn a degree in Freudian psychology, which meant that she could venture out into the working world on her, own, she was waiting to be wooed by a possible suitor to eventually get married. This upper class ideology had an influence on Ron Kirby that grew over time through his exposure to Careys world. Kirby feared that by giving in to everyone of Careys requests, he would be forced to live by her ways, in her world, losing all his masculinity. Rons masculinity was already put into question. Although he does appear to be the breadwinner like how a man should stereotypically be, his masculinity appears somewhat artificial. Throughout the movie, the costumes he is wearing are very working class but seem proper at the same time. His shirt and pants always matched, and his red flannel shirt always seemed to be tucked in, in a neat way. He was very well groomed, with his hair slicked back, unlike any man who actually dabbles in groundwork. In a later scene, he instructs Carey to defy the normal conventions and become her own master, just like a man is. This completely contradicts his behavior towards moving into Careys house. In this scene, he tries to treat her as an equal but fails to respect that idea when he feels that this will threaten his manhood. Ron here demonstrates a more flexible view of appropriate behaviors for men and for women.  Ã‚  Decision-making was considered to be a task left for men, and it is clear that during and even after her first marriage, Carey made no decisions of her own at all. The economic expansion of the 1950s allowed certain individuals to upgrade their social statuses, forcing certain women to quit their jobs and become submissive, but many still belonging to the working class had to work in the same equal manner as men, all while maintaining a strong figure. This was seen through the depiction of one of the parties hosted by Rons friends. The women lifted the tables and arranged them without using or expecting any help from the men, who also didnt feel the need to aid. Kirby somehow puts Carey in a sort of transitional phase where he does not want her to be as submissive as the women in her social class, but also does not want her to be as independent as the women in his. He does allow her certain privileges when he takes her to the store late at night, a moment when a woman should be at home and not out. Although the idea of gender roles in this movie is important, it cannot stand-alone, as it is irrelevant without that of conformism The opening scene of the movie, a high angle view of a peaceful New England town with rows of an infinite amount of uniform houses, sets the color palette as well as the perfect encapsulation of the conformity, obsessed American in the 1950s. The citizens of this town are portrayed as typical upper class suburban, uptight families, who live by their conformity. The film constantly stresses Ron and Careys opposing lifestyles through their friends. Carey is constantly surrounded by her upper class professional and pretentious cliques, who follow each other like sheep. They live by strict rules and etiquette. An excellent personification of this conformity is Sara Warren, one of Careys friends who serves both as an excellent model example of what a perfect bourgeois woman should be, as well as a reminder to both the audience and her friends the importance of staying within their social confines, by stressing the importance of appearances. Although her friends are well educated, they lack a finesse that would allow them to understand Careys outcries. During one of the earliest scenes, at the Stooneybroke country club, her friends anxiously await for her arrival with Ron. She decides to wear a low cut red dress as opposed to her usual black and grey attire. In fact, the other womens proper blue, grey, white and black gowns, in contrast to Careys fire truck dress accentuated the bourgeoisies cold, stiff and uninviting nature. The harsh white lighting reflects their neediness to want to know everything, which ultimately showed in their behavior towards Carey and her dress. Her attempt to stand out from the rest of her peers backfires when she is not only heavily critiqued but also mistaken for someone who is selling their sexuality. Careys friends, especially Mona, remind Carey where her place in this society is and that she is taking a big risk by attempting to stand out. The long shots taken during this scene, distances the audience from the partygoers. It scales the room, following Carey to further extend into a panoramic view th at shows off the excessive and lavish mise en scene.    This external attempt of breaking out of the norm, by asserting her autonomy and individuality, is not clearly understood by her neighbors who do not have access to the reality beyond their confines. In fact, Ron Kirby is seen as a threat to their conformist ways, his penetration into Careys life shows her another attainable, easier lifestyle, different from their own. However, the way her clique ganged up on her forced her to conceal the misunderstood dress with a large black coat, leaving her head down in shame. This emotion is highlighted through the usage of the casted shadows of dark blue that seemed to follow Carey in a uniform way. This particular scene shed some light on Sirks critique of this conformist society through the red color, as it begins to appear in a heightened way. McCarthyism paved the way to a growing dear of the people who are different and did not abide by the social norms put by 1950s America, like the communists in Soviet Russia (Doherty 215). However, this is not to say that red, here, represents communism, it only implies that like communism, it presents an alternative lifestyle and ideology different from that of the bourgeoisie. Furthermore, Rons autonomic world is celebrated through that same vibrant color. It becomes more noticeable as the shadows that follow Ron while he is working have more of a red hue as if they not only reflect his red shirt but his charismatic lifestyle. The emphasis is also actually put on the color, through the medium frame shots taken by Sirk in which the red shirt takes up half of the screen. Moreover, the clambake party hosted by Rons friends not only had the same conformity free vibe that Ron emits but also represented a huge contrast with the bourgeoisie ideology of conformity. At the Andersons everything is improvised, the makeshift table is made out of wooden planks and is covered by an old looking checkered tablecloth. The drinks are spontaneous and improvised, like the furniture and the partygoers are of different age, job groups and even do not partake in the same hobbies. It seems a little chaotic because nothing seems to be set in stone, or can be dependent on. The question that comes at play is whether these ideologies shown are actually understood. Bourdieu explains that the socio-cultural background of the audience plays a large part in the way elements in media texts such as films are comprehended (Blewit 367). The cultural capital transmitted from a parent to their child defines the type of cultural competences that would therefore either allow or limit the comprehension of such element. In conclusion, it seems that All That Heaven Allows by Douglas Sirk explores the ideology of not only gender roles but also conformity set in the 1950s in America. It uses the melodramatic genre as a way of concealing the critique buried deep within the mise en scene of the movie. In this way, Sirk was allowed to pick apart the different functions of gender roles and conformity and show their failures.

MUDs, MOOs, and Society :: Technology Society Technological Papers

MUDs, MOOs, and Society INTRODUCTION Imagine a place where one can encounter strange creatures that are part human and part animal. Imagine a place where human beings have the ability to destroy and create things with just a flick of a finger. Imagine a place where people from all over the world come together at all times of the day and night to talk about attacking the evil overlord to free their kingdom. Imagine a place where people can meet and talk without ever seeing the other but still create a world or an academic project. This place is found in the endless void that is called the internet. This place has two names: MOO and MUD. These virtual places create many different worlds, have different purposes, and allow different actions by the user. Essentially, these MUDs and MOOs allow many people to be whatever they want and do whatever they want. This concept alone open up many issues that may and will affect a society that increasingly connects RL (real life) to the VL (virtual life). In analyzing this technology, MUDs, MOOs, etc. are essentially online societies. Therefore, it is subjected to nearly all the issues that RL (real life) society is subjected to. People are people regardless if they interact face to face, over the telephone, or in the virtual realm. The only difference is the physicality of the parties involved. By no means is this difference to be taken lightly because physicality of parties does and will affect the interaction of everyone involved. However, humanity still reacts, emotes, feels, and communicates regardless of time, space, or dimension. All of these issues will be addressed through analyzing what the technology is, the types of literacy necessary to be involved with this technology, and the ethical issues bred out of this technology. TARGET TECHNOLOGY Description Cowan defines a MUD as a "†¦multi-user domain, multi-user dungeon, or multi-user dimension, all of which are referring to the same thing, an environment where multiple people may be logged on and interacting with one another." This environment creates a society much like any other RL society. The only "real" prerequisite is to be a part of these online societies is to have a computer with an internet connection. Once entered in the MUD/MOO domain, prompts will appear asking for your real name, email address, the sex of the character to be playing, and a password for logging in.

The Death Penalty Shall Stay

The United States is known for its big capital punishment or death penalty mentality. However, passions in the U.S. are sharply divided, and equally strong among both supporters and protesters of the death penalty. The death penalty in this country should not be eliminated though. First, death is the only just punishment for murderers. Second, life without parole is far more expensive than a death sentence. Lastly, capital punishment serves as a deterrent for future potential criminals. All in all, it is important that the death penalty remains in the United States. When a murderer is executed, the message to the criminal and society is that the crime he committed is so heinous; he forfeits his own right to live. Justice for All states that juries do not impose the death penalty loosely. They continue to explain that the death penalty is imposed with a sense of protection and justice, not revenge (Social Issues: Justice for All). The death penalty punishment is earned as a result of the pain and suffering the criminal has caused on the victim and the victim’s loved ones. â€Å"For some crimes, it represents the only just punishment available on earth† (Sharp). Also, our society has nonetheless steadily moved to more humane methods of carrying out capital punishment. Many opponents of the death penalty argue that the cost of capital punishment is about twice as expensive as life without parole punishments. Although the upfront costs for the death penalty are in fact higher than the costs for life without parole cases, this concept flips as the years pass. Justice for All states that life without parole cases will cost $1.2 million-$3.6 million more over time than equivalent death penalty cases (Sharp). Another factor that opponents of the death penalty fail to recognize is the cost that branches out of life imprisonment. Keeping these criminals alive in prison costs money whether it’s for the food, space, water for the showers, etc. So, why spend the money for murderers who don’t deserve it? Lastly, common sense later followed by piles and piles of statistics has proven that criminals often plead for a life in prison rather than death. In the past it was believed that the death of murderers 1) prevents future crime or misbehavior from the murderer and 2) discourages other future and/or potential murderers from committing crimes. In the present, Paul Rubin, a professor of economics and law at Emory University uses detailed statistical analysis of the available data on the deterrent effects of capital punishment. He and his colleagues concluded that each execution led to an average of eighteen fewer murders (Rubin). Not only has the death penalty rid us of criminals but it has the future effect of reducing the crime rate.

Comparing the Ideologies of Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, and Max Weber Essays

Comparing the Ideologies of Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, and Max Weber Essays Comparing the Ideologies of Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, and Max Weber Paper Comparing the Ideologies of Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, and Max Weber Paper Comparing the Ideologies of Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, and Max Weber Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, and Max Weber were three historical sociologists. Their views have become world renown and have shaped many ways of interpreting the social structure of many modern societies. This essay will take a glimpse into the three sociologists’ ideals and expose the similarities and differences they may have. Karl Marx’s view of society was based around the economy. All other social structures according to Marx, such as religion, family values, and politics stem from the base, the economy. Religion played no part at all in Marx’s sociological views. He is known as an atheist. He believed that religion was nothing more than a burden on society. â€Å"The economy that forms from the means of production results in the division of labor and forms property† (Simon 1). Division of labor can be described as the way in which tasks are divided in a society. Certain people are assigned certain tasks which help to make sure that the social structure progresses smoothly. As society becomes more advanced, the division of labor becomes more advanced, because more tasks become necessary for society to stably exist. Therefore, in Marx’s opinion, the economy grows and advances society which fuels the division of labor that is necessary for harmonious living. Marx believed that social struggle was the main cause of social evolution. In a society there is always a group that is in some way oppressed. If we look back just a few hundred years we see this in slavery, and before that serfdom. So how does oppression promote social change? â€Å"It is the ruling economic class that determines the dominant ideology in a society†¦ And it is class interest that the proletariat must oppose with revolution. †(Simon 2). The upper class in society rules over all the lower classes. When the oppression becomes an unbearable horror for the lower class, they must revolt, according to Marx. We saw this with both given examples. Serfs often fled from their lords, and slaves sought refuge in non-slave states and sometimes even killed their owners. In the case of slavery, there was a complete societal split between the north and the south in America. The main dispute between the two sides was the subject of slavery. But if not for the slaves revolting and feeing, maybe no action would have been taken. This is Marx’s view of social evolution at its finest. The lower class fought for social freedom, and American society was forever changed. So basically, Marx’s cycle of social change is simply Oppression, revolution, uprising, and then the cycle repeats itself as another lower class becomes oppressed. Durkheim believed that social order is obtained through social integration, which is the extent to which the members of a society are held together. â€Å"Durkheim advances his theory of social transition where he argues that social order is maintained through social integration and regulations in a social equilibrium. All nations develop normative behavior patterns and belief systems in the evolutionary change process. During the transitional period the diffusion of new norms and values disrupts the equilibrium of traditional societies. †(Zhao 2). Durkheim believed that society is held together by social integration, but when society is evolving, chaos takes over until new social norms are set. After these social norms are integrated into the new society, social equilibrium is once again achieved; that is until the next social evolution. This in between stage of chaotic change is fueled by what Durkheim called anomie. Anomie is described as a breakdown of social norms regulating individual behavior and social interaction. †(Zhao 4). Durkheim claimed that is human nature to act in a chaotic manner and to seek evolution. The only way he believed that order was possible was through social integration. Religion was a factor in the sociological views of Durkheim. â€Å"Religion, in this ma nner, contributes to the constitution and protection of social order by supplying a moral order. That is to say that ‘since society will always require periodic reaffirmation, religion is an indispensable, permanent social fixture. †(Mazman 10). Durkheim does not hint whether he himself is religious or not, he simply states that religion is necessary to have social integration. He claims that a moral order is necessary in society. It is a set list of rights and wrongs for people to live by. This order is never changed or even questioned by the members of society in times of peace. This moral order cannot simply be insisted by a ruler of some sort, it is much more complex than that. The moral order must come from an unquestionable source. This is why religion is necessary. With religion ruling people, they are threatened not with a punishment in this life, but with eternal damnation. People fear what they do not understand; therefore religion is the only thing that can provide absolute social order. A higher being that no person can see or hear cannot be questioned. The fear of eternal punishment will force a large majority of members of society to submit to the moral and social order. Durkheim insists that religion is one of the greatest ways to prevent anomie which leads to the inevitable society revolutionizing chaos. Max Weber greatly opposed Karl Marx’s views on religion and economy. Weber believed that the economy was certainly not even close to the center of society. â€Å"Economies result from communities, which are arranged in such a way that goods, tangible and intangible, symbolic and material, are distributed. Such a distribution is always unequal and necessarily involves power. †(Simon 8). So in Weber’s opinion material possessions are the root of inequality. Nothing is distributed equally and therefore, leads to social injustice and in some cases oppression. Weber believed that religion was responsible for change in society. â€Å"For Weber, religion, because it calls forth a type of personality through beliefs in ethical values, affects social life and interactions. These ethical values and religious ideas, in turn, are affected by social, economic and political conditions in a given society. †(Mazman 13). Weber’s view on religion is similar to that of Durkheim. Weber believed that religion gave society a set moral order. Weber also claimed that as society advanced the religious views advanced to somewhat modernize the social order. Weber’s work is therefore an invitation to see the history of political institutions, the history of religions or the history of morals as guided by a diffuse program aiming at defining institutions, rules, etc. which will most efficiently respect the dignity and vital interests of all. †(Boudon 6) Weber also dug even deeper. He claimed that certain religions prospered more than ot hers. He actually did prove this. Weber showed that Protestants had the best religion, not in the sense of religious views, but socially and economically. Protestantism provided modern individuals with coherent, meaningful, ethical conduct in terms of seeking salvation and God’s blessing in their worldly activities. †(Mazman 13). The Protestants believed in vocation. They believed that whatever occupation they had in life was not simply by chance, but they were called to it. They were what most would call ‘workaholics’ who dedicated every free second of their time to work. This made the Protestants statistically the most financially well-off group in most societies. This goes back to Weber’s view of the social structure. The Protestants were the wealthiest so they would be the leaders of society. So as I have shown, these three sociologists, Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, and Max Weber, had world renowned views of society. They all had points that were unquestionable yet others that were flaky at best. We often saw views of each man overlapping. One cannot help but to ponder what if another sociologist came along and took the best parts of their works and put the pieces together. Would the perfect sociological view be formed? Only time can tell. ?

Essay Sample on Greed and Corruption

Essay Sample on Greed and Corruption In Macbeth, the theme of greed and corruption is largely concerned with an individual’s internal conflicts. This theme is explored in an expanded way in Hamlet –here the greed and corruption also affect other people. The only untainted characters are those who actively resist the influence of corruption. To this end, Horatio stands as the antithesis of Claudius, and it is to his model that Hamlet attempts to equal. Hamlet’s procrastination in killing Claudius can be viewed favourably as his unwillingness to be corrupted just to achieve an end, something many other characters feels perfectly willing to do, but it is a weakness nevertheless, because without him actively fighting corruption, it gains control over the whole of Denmark, as indeed is what happened. In Hamlet, the power of corruption is very  strong - people good and bad can all become involved. Even Claudius, the most corrupted character in the play, is not entirely black. In fact, he has many traits of an intelligent, effective leader - decisive, sympathetic, and possesses some moral values, in that he repents what he did, while Old Hamlet seems to be just a brute soldier. Perhaps it is exactly because he knows himself to be capable that he should feel the more ambitious. However, no matter how Claudius may have been a good king, he is not armed with legitimacy, and thus he has no right to the throne. When Claudius decides to usurp the crown, he has sinned by upsetting the natural order of the world, a sin aggravated further by the ‘foul and most unnatural murder’ he committed. In this, Claudius has, by the time of the meeting between the ghost and Hamlet, not yet been punished. The ghost’s concerns are realistic and relevant- the good of the whole of D enmark is threatened by the appeal of corruption as an apparently easy way of satisfying one’s desires. In this way, Claudius has ‘the whole of Denmark†¦Rankly abused’. Thus Hamlet’s revenge takes on an importance far out-powering that which is to avenge his father’s  murder - it is to prevent Denmark from rotting from top to bottom. Hamlet not only witnesses ‘ the rottenness of Denmark’ through the low reputation of Danes in foreign countries, where they are called ‘ drunkards’ by a ‘swinish phrase’, but he feels the corruption to be part of himself, and wished that his ‘sullied flesh would melt.’ Hamlet is then very concerned about upholding honesty and morality. A major part of his delay comes from his wish to be sure that the killing of Claudius is morally correct, since the ghost may in fact be a ‘damned ghost’ tempting him to corruption. In this, Hamlet spends a good half of the play passively allowing Claudius’ influence to grow unhindered. But even after Claudius’ guilt is proven, Hamlet still seems hesitant to kill him, which suggests that Hamlet is in fact unconsciously unwilling to commit a murder, certainly not in the same callous way as Laertes would, who is willing to kill ‘i’the church’. Hamlet is als o conscious to show his moral purity to others, and this is why he wants Horatio to live, in order to ‘tell my[his] story’. He mentions the need for the people to know that he does not want to kill Claudius because he wants to be king, and he tells his mother he chides her because he has to ‘be cruel to be kind’. The audience’s sympathy for Hamlet arises solely, then, from the fact that Hamlet could resist getting tainted by all the mud around him. After all, Hamlet has many  flaws - being ‘passion’s slave’, indecisive, jealous to some extent. Hamlet himself acknowledges Horatio’s superiority, praising him for his common sense, justice, consistency, coolness. Indeed, when compared with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Horatio’s ‘antique Roman’ like loyalty is extraordinarily laudable. Yet the Hamlet figure is pivotal in the play, for although Horatio is possibly a better example of human perfection, Horatio has no power whatsoever to fight corruption. Unbefitting his important role, Hamlet does not do enough to prevent corruption and greed spreading to other people, only making sure himself is clean, and this slowness in action has some serious consequences for Denmark. Like dominoes, one character after another fall into the trap of corruption. Polonius, always a shrewd, scheming man, collaborates with the king in shamelessly sacrificing Ophelia as their bait to dig out the secret of Hamlet. His corrupt cynicism regarding Hamlet’s love for Ophelia leads to their estrangement, and ultimately Ophelia’s death. While he does meet a deserved end when he is carrying out yet another corrupt  deed - secretly listening to the conversation between Gertrude and Hamlet, his spirit lives  on - particularly in Laertes, who seems to share a good part of his father’s view, also disapproving of Ophelia and Hamlet’s relationship. Later on, Laertes, encouraged by the king, does not hesitate to use underhand methods to kill Hamlet. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern start out as intimate school friends of Hamlet, and are greeted by Hamlet cordially with ‘My excellent good friends†¦ Good lads how do ye both?’ Nevertheless, they happily become faithful agents of Claudius, and ‘make love’ to their mission to kill Hamlet. This idea of the rapid infection of Denmark by corruption is also reinforced by the extended metaphor of the weed. Not only does Hamlet say to his mother not to ‘spread compost on the weeds To make them ranker’, but it is also very significant that Ophelia dies with ‘her weedy trophies’, a portrayal of her as a victim of the corruption in the world. In the end, while Hamlet succeeds in killing Claudius, Denmark is not any better than it started out to be. Although Fortinbras has Hamlet’s ‘dying voice’, it is questionable why Denmark would like to have a foreign prince as its ruler, who was formerly it s mortal enemy, and seems insatiable in his search for land and power, even greedy enough to waste many lives to gain ‘a patch of ground that hath in it nothing but the name’. Although corruption is very deceptively attractive and is embraced by many characters, it brings true happiness neither to those who submit to it nor those who do not. In a corrupted world, everybody lives a state of uncertainty and fear, for nobody can trust anybody else, nor oneself. Gertrude admits that ‘So full of artless jealousy[mistrust] is guilt, it spills itself in fearing to be spilt’, and Claudius can only rely on his ‘Switzers’ for his personal safety and realise in horror that his offence ‘smells to heaven’ and he will ‘never to heaven go’. The unsoiled people are affected equally, for either they are powerless to defend themselves against evil, such that Hamlet could easily have been killed by Claudius, or they will have to take up evil to counter evil. When Hamlet fails to distinguish deception from truth, he makes faulty judgment about the constancy of Ophelia, which must have contributed to her madness. The tragedy of Hamlet is not about Hamlet, or indeed the tragic flaw of any character, it is a tragedy of the entire human race, which is generally unable to resist greed and corruption when it provides immediate gains. When the growth of corruption is not stemmed, it has disastrous consequences on individuals and the society as a whole, as the state of Denmark at the end of Hamlet shows. Often it is only the minority of the people who has the faith to uphold virtue, yet often they are either politically powerless or do not have the determination to fight with corruption continually, and Hamlet is certainly too scholarly to take the heavy burden of preserving virtue in a dark world. In writing Hamlet, Shakespeare is warning us of the dangers to be a Claudius or to be a Hamlet, for we bear the responsibility to leave an uncorrupted world to future generations. You can also order a custom term paper, research paper, thesis, dissertation or essay on greed from our professional custom essay writing service which provides students with high-quality non-plagiarized papers at an affordable cost.

Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle - Essay Example Healthy lifestyle is directly related to longevity. However maintaining a healthy lifestyle means that besides evading the excessive use of certain drinks, one must keep an active and regular activity. Exercising contributes to the maintenance of normal weight. Physical activity benefits to your health by reducing the risk of hearth disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and osteoporosis (World Health Organization report, 1998). In addition regular exercising improves the posture, strengthens the muscles and bones and provides you with better mental health. The statistics from the American Cancer Society report (2009) show that in 2006 23% of the U.S. population suffered from cancer and eventually died. Smoking is the single greatest preventable factor of premature death. 20% of the deaths in the U.S. were related to smoking. The data indicates also that there are 430 thousand premature deaths caused by smoking (American Cancer Society report, 2009). People who quit smoking might enjoy a considerable more healthy life after that.

Analysis strokes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Analysis strokes - Essay Example In the breaststroke style, a swimmer swims on his chestandtorso. The swimmers headremains out of waterwhileheswims. Before 1950, there wererules in theswimmingcompetitionwere one race under thewater in the breaststroke (Hannula,2003). Theunderwaterracingproved to be dangerous as swimmers suffocatedwhile under thewater. To date, thesetechniqueshavebeenimproved as peoplechangetherules, swimmers nowrace on thewatersurface. Swimmers are allowed to stay under thewater during one strokecyclewhenstartingand after eachturn. Breaststrokers createlargeforces during the propulsive phases of eachstrokecycle. In the breaststroke, there are three phases during themotion of thebody. The out-sweep, the in sweepandtherecoveryphases. Out- sweepandthe in sweep are both propulsive movement with in-sweep beingthemorepowerful of the two. The out-sweep begins after a swimmer extend their legsfully. Armssweep outwards as shoulders medially rotateand adduct. Theyhave to remainstraight until thepressure of thewatercausesthearm to flex. Thebodylies horizontally as itforms a Y shape. One pitches their palms outandbackandhandstossed outwards at near 90 degrees as well as backwardangle of up to40 degreesfortheforwardmovement. Upperarms should be parallel to thewatersurface, andshoulders medially rotated to allowpulldirectlystraightback (Maglischo, 2003). In the in sweepphase, handscontinue to circle to facedownwardandinward, becominginwardandupward. One has to reachapproximately 100degrees of theelbow flexion, with maximummedialturning of theshoulder to permitgreatestsurfacearea to pushback on thewater.Elbows should remainparallel to thewatersurface. Handspass under theelbows, as theelbows flex maximally. Asthehandsbegin to moveupward, thehipsdrop, initiatinghipandknee flexion (Ferrauti, A., Pluim, B. M., & Weber, K. 2001). In therecoveryphase, handscometogether with palms