Friday, November 29, 2019

Jane Austen Essays (1176 words) - British Films, Jane Austen

Jane Austen Jane Austen's novel Emma is basically a biography. As Jane Austen matured through her childhood years, she acquired many talents which are reflected through the character Emma. Jane Austen lived in the popular image of Victorian society. Many critics agree that Jane Austen bases her novels on her own life. In the novel Emma Jane Austen portrays her life in a time of maturing through the main character Emma. In the early years of Jane Austen, her accomplishments and talents are then reflected in the character Emma. Austen as a child had an excellent talent for drawing, painting, playing the piano, and dancing. As in her novel Emma, the character Emma is very talented in these areas. Emma's expertise was in dancing; she absolutely loved it and was very good just as Austen (Parrish 340). Emma being the perfectionist that she was, always wanted everything ideal, and that goes back to Austen in her talents and everything she did. In the novel Emma, when Emma is asked to paint a portrait of her best friend Harriet for Mr. Elton, she wanted to perfect the artwork all the way down to the finest detail . Even when she thought she had a long way to go to finish it, Mr. Elton stopped her and said that it was perfect the way it was (43). Inevitably, Emma's life was based on the childhood and early years of Jane Austen's adulthood. Although part of the upper class society at an early age, Austen was not influenced by many of the contemporary novelists of that time (Parrish 343). As a child Austen was never around many people. She did not trust herself enough to speak unkind words to anyone, and she controlled her temper well (Parrish 340). She was essentially confined to her home and nearby areas. So everything Austen wrote or any idea she had was genuinely original and a homemade article (Parrish 343). Austen always delivered herself in a manner with great fluency and precision (Parrish 340). Once Jane Austen stated: ?My greatest anxiety at present is that this fourth work should not disgrace what was good in the others? (Lauber 79). Austen was known for taking not of the behavior of mankind and a class of society, having a universality that makes them valid to modern times as well as the days of George III (Hardwick 11). In studying this behavior, Austen tries to identify her characters with those in her life, including herself mainly. Austen's ability to have consistency with perception and depiction of the people around her, and her occasional special touch of irony, makes her novels timelessly successful (Hardwick 11). Also, by her perceptive powers, as Virginia Woaf said: ?Jane Austen was a mistress of much deeper emotion than appears upon the surface. She stimulates us to supply what is not there? (Hardwick 11). The image of the Victorian society in the minds of people is not the reality. It just happens to be that Jane Austen lives in what people believe the upper class Victorian society is. The popular image of this period was elegant, handsome men and women dressed in big fluffy dresses who went to balls and social events most of the time (Mitchell 1). Mainly these people inherited their wealth. Their daily lives consisted of having brunch everyday, long chats, playing cricket, and in the evenings had social balls. The upper class women painted, played the piano, had social graces, and most of the time had general knowledge of political events (Mitchell 7). The middle class women were usually a governess (Mitchell 7). As in Emma, Miss Taylor who later becomes Mrs. Weston was a middle class women, and she was the governess of Emma from the time she was a child till Miss Taylor was married to Mr. Weston (16). Basically, Jane Austen lived in this world. She shows this through the novels she writes. In her novel Emma, Emma meets with her best friend Harriet for brunch one morning to discuss the matter about Mr. Elton (69). Another time Emma throws a ball for Mrs. Elton and invites everyone to show that she does not despise Mrs. Elton (291). The reality of the Victorian society is that it was hard to make a living. Practically everyone except for the upper class had it bad (Mitchell 2). Men struggled to make enough money to support their families and provide food for their wives and children. They would work nonstop, and just barely have enough for the day or week or month (Mitchell 2). So the popular image of

Monday, November 25, 2019

Global Commerce Asian Market Venture

Global Commerce Asian Market Venture Introduction Scientific invention and innovation in transport and communication has facilitated growth of international trade. International trade is an element of globalisation that has necessitated the movement of factors of production across borders. Asian countries are experiencing rapid economic growth; they are offering an increased market to businesses with a capacity to trade internationally.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Global Commerce: Asian Market Venture specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Recognising the benefits of the market, Eastvaco has decided to diversify its services to the Asian market particularly in China and Indonesia where the plant will be established. The only hindrance that the company is likely to face is financing the foreign plant. For a successful business, adequate finances are required, thus before the venture, the company will undertake a comprehensive research about the market and tape appropriate measures (Wu, 2006). This report discusses external and internal forces that are likely to affect the company. External factors in Asian For an international venture, the expanding company need to undertake a P.E.S.T.L.E. analysis of the country and probably concentrate most on the areas that are likely to affect the company directly: Political environment The Asian countries are embarking on measures to become politically neutral; this is necessitated by its role in international trade. The political environment is likely to benefit the company in that it will have access to national and international countries trading with the Asian countries. Economical environment The Asian countries are undergoing rapid economic development facilitated with international trade; the economic situation will offer good market to the company’s products. When a country is expanding, a number of companies producing goods and services who will require the products of the compa ny; this will result to an increase in demand of the countries products. The growth rate of the economy of Asian countries particularly China and Indonesia have for the last three decades, remained on a positive note. There have even been some rates recorded as high as 12% this is an element to show the strength of the economy as well as it gives us the hope of continuity in the market. The rate of growth is another indicator of a stable political environment that encourages local and international investors to invest.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Asian countries have well developed financial sector with the privatized and government participation in the sector. The banks are stable enough to sustain the growing economy. On the other hand, although this may not have a direct impact on our business there is the emergence of micro finance institutions in the coun try, the institutions are giving a lot of support to the small-scale trader evident in the country; the growth of small traders will benefit the company, as they are source of market. Thinking of the economy from that angle, it means that the manufacturing businesses will eventually benefit. Insurance companies are also a backbone of investment sector of an economy the insurance companies are stable enough and can handle big losses without going. At the same time, there are reinvestment insurance companies that help in maintaining stability even further. The banking sector has enabled firms to get loans at favourable rates. China and Indonesia have highly modern developed infrastructures; these are both of transport and those of communication. The systems are advanced so well that access to the country from any corner of the world is highly enhanced; the airports, the seaport, and internal transport are well managed and accessible. The efficient transport will help in transportation of both raw material and finished carpets to and from various markets (Mitlez, 2004). Ecological Asian countries have recognized the need for an environmental friendly production; the demands by the countries are likely to affect the company negative since it aims to produce non-green products. Technological The Asian countries are among the countries that have the most advanced technology. Mitlez, 2004 in his book Technology and Culture notes that the countries that is doing well in the technological innovation. It is developing its own technology as well embracing imported technologies. High technology assist in reduction of cost of production; this means that a business in China is more likely to produce quality and quantity at a very low price compared to other places in the world. Legal The country has well framed business laws that Eastvaco has no option other than abide; this offers no threat since the country has measures to encourage foreign investments (Peter, 2006). Stre ngth and weaknesses of Eastvaco Strengths Eastvaco strengths are ventured in the company’s strong brand name that is internationally recognized. There is a wide recognition of these products in all parts of the world. The strength of the company is undoubtedly be engineered by its internal managerial mechanisms.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Global Commerce: Asian Market Venture specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In order to have a competitive edge in selling its product and services, it will be advisable for the company to take advantage of its ability to compete favourably with equal players in the market. A strategic marketing plan is the only way out. The company has the financial strength to expand internationally; it will also benefit from a pool of knowledge that it has from experienced human resource team. Weaknesses Eastvaco has two major weaknesses when venturing the market: the choice of products and managerial understanding of Asian market dynamics. The company has chosen non-green products; this is discouraged by Asian countries environmental policies, it thus will have to incur extra costs in the form of environmental damage taxes. The management have limited knowledge about Asian market dynamics thus; they are likely to make inferior decisions compared to its competitors, this will lead to loss of competitiveness (Paley, 1999). Conclusion and recommendations Eastvaco has the potential to diversify its activities and tap the fast growing Asian market. It has the financial capabilities. Asian countries strong financial institutions will offer the company adequate finances for its expansions. Eastvaco management should develop appropriate foreign market entry strategies and have an international marketing strategy so that it can compete effectively with other players in the market. References Mitlez, S. (2004). Technology and culture. Michigan: Dearborn. Paley, N.(1999). Th e managers guide to competitive marketing strategies. London: CRC Press. Peter, D. (2006). Marketing Management and Strategy. London: Post Telecom Press Wu, Y., (2006). Economic growth, transition, and globalization in China. New York: Edward Elgar publishing.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More

Friday, November 22, 2019

Anheuser-Busch Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Anheuser-Busch - Essay Example While most of the processes are undertaken under the same production plant, the first stage of the production process is undertaken in a different facility, where the raw materials to be used in the production process, such as barley and rice are germinated under controlled environmental conditions, to develop the grains’ natural enzymes (malt), in readiness for the next process. This activity occurs in the maltster, as the initial component of the production facility design (Knoedelseder, 2012). From here, the production process proceeds to the kiln, which is the second component of the production facility design, where the germinated raw materials are then dried under controlled temperature. It is at the kiln that the color of the grains is determined, by controlling the temperatures based on the desired color of the beer to be produced (Hernon, 1972). Additionally, the kiln also aids in the control of the flavor of the beer to be produced, by drying the grains to different degrees, based on the desired flavors. ... The three components of the production facility design are housed in the malt plant, after which the product produced from the malt plant is now taken to the brew house, where the rest of the production process is to continue. In the brew house, the products from the mash plant, which are now found in the form of already milled and grounded powder, are mixed together with water at the mash tank, which is the fourth component of the production facility design. Mixing the mash plant products is done at the right controlled temperatures, where the enzymes in the malt are now converted from starches into sugars, forming a product referred to as wort sugars, which is a fermentable sugar product (Hernon, 1972). This process is referred to as the wort formation, which determines the flavors of the beer to be produced, depending on the ingredients of the malt mash and the controlled temperatures that are applied. To obtain the wort, the mixture of water and the powdered mash plant products a re strained in the lauter tun; the fifth component of the production facility design, to give out the amber liquid, which is called wort. This is an important process in the beer production process, since the components, color and flavor of the wort determines the aroma, the taste and the overall taste of the beer finally produced (Hernon, 1972). From here the process proceeds to the six component of the production facility, which is the brew kettles (Knoedelseder, 2012). This is the container that holds the wort produced in the previous stage, which is then boiled and then mixed with hops. Hops are the major spices of the beer, which are added to produce the brand that is desired, differentiated on the basis of special flavor, aroma and beer character (Lang & Rubovits, 1992).

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Solar Water Heaters Project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Solar Water Heaters Project - Essay Example All that the people have to do is install a solar water heating system and they are good to go. The other objective is provision of clean, environmentally friendly and renewable energy that is sustainable for the development of all in society as well as a major contribution to environmental conservation. The aim of the project is to formulate an action plan for the successful installation of about 150 solar water heating systems in Acton area. 3.0 Current Situation and problem/Opportunity Statement It is evident that our actions now have a huge impact on the environment in the future. The continuous use of fossil fuels has produced tones of toxic gases like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide all of which have adverse effects on the ozone layer and the environment in general. ... atter how simple play a significant role to the conservation or degradation of the environment and normal life as we know it and hence there are massive campaigns to go green by adopting to alternative sources of energy that are environmentally friendly and cost efficient at the same time. Solar energy is one of the known and widely utilized alternative energy that is renewable and free from nature. The other is natural gas. This is truly a win-win situation for all the stakeholders and an effort to reverse the current harsh conditions by conserving our environment for a better future. 4.0 Critical Assumptions and Constraints As much as there is growing awareness of the need to find and use alternative sources of energy, in this case solar energy through the solar water heaters, many people are still reluctant to adapting to this mode of energy. This project requires strong participation and cooperation from a wide variety of people so that people can be educated on the benefits of u sing solar water heaters. This project is capital intensive because of procurement and installation of the solar water heater system and customers view it to be expensive at first but the truth is that this cost is recovered over time as the electricity and gas costs go down considerably to make up for the installation and maintenance cost. 5.0 Analysis of Options and Recommendation To properly address this opportunity a massive awareness program should be carried out in Acton area to intensify the usefulness and benefits of using solar water heaters in residential places as well as in industries. Secondly a market research to identify potential and willing customers has to be done so as to ensure that all the 150 units will be sold out. 6.0 Budget Estimate and Financial Analysis A good

Monday, November 18, 2019

STRategic Marketing Management ( Analysis and decisions ) Term Paper

STRategic Marketing Management ( Analysis and decisions ) - Term Paper Example Asides from modifying PCs, the company also developed the audio feature on these PCs that allowed melodies and speech to be played (Baldauf and Stair, 2010:74). Since its inception, the entity has achieved various milestones with the most remarkable one being the Sound Blaster audio cards. The entity has been through difficulties and has always emerged at the top. This paper gives a detailed analysis of Creative Technology and its strategic marketing management. The major factor that has contributed to the entity’s success over the years is Sim’s effective leadership. Sim is a born entrepreneur who comes up with creative ideas that have enabled the entity to remain afloat over time. He had a vision for his company and laid down quantifiable goals that saw the company increased profitability over the years (Koh, 2008:147). Sim was not only visionary but was a strategic decision-maker and highly effective in solving problems that came up in the company’s operations. The second aspect that has contributed to the company’s success is diversity in their products. It can be observed that technology is dynamic and in order to maintain its customers, the entity has always been conducting modifications on their products in the trendiest and latest designs. This can be observed on various occasions. For example, the company was in the lead in the sound card trade in the past twenty years and was struggling owing to the lack of new and inventive products. This explains why Creative Technology ventured into producing a wide array of products including high-end speakers, DVD players and graphic cards. This was followed by the launch of the Sound Blaster and the Cubic CT (Schaar and Chou, 2009:38). Later in 1998 the company entered into the digital segment of the entertainment industry by launching the Sound Blaster Live! That was enjoyed immense success and placed the company at a competitive advantage over its rivals including Philips and Sony.

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Routine Activities Theory (RAT) Analysis

Routine Activities Theory (RAT) Analysis Activity space consists of places people associate with in their daily lives. For instance, your home, work, school, places for entertainment and shopping areas are considered activity space. My activity space is a tri-county area which means that it is a large area that consists of smaller towns instead of a huge metro area. Since I commute to work my activity space consists of major travel nodes and pathways as described by Brantingham and Brantingham. These travel nodes and pathways would be interstate 80 (I-80) that runs West through my town and state route 422 which runs South of I-80 and directly into the city of Youngstown. During my routine I tend to use both I-80 and 422 because they are quicker routes which allow me to avoid passing through a bunch of smaller towns and is a straight shot to the city. Within my activity space the highest potential for the development of a crime hot spot would be toward the eastern portion of route 422 going into the city of Youngstown becaus e it is an area between the city and the suburbs that does not have a strong police presence. This particular area is residential and in close proximity to the high-risk areas (i.e. project/public housing development) and has a wide-range of crime generators and attractors such as businesses, homes, bars, gas stations, convenience stores, and heavy pedestrian traffic due to a nearby bus station. The location of travel routes in conjunction with environmental factors such as impoverished surrounding neighborhoods and the close proximity to major travel routes can be seen as an opportunity for offenders to commit crimes within this area. Brantingham and Brantingham (1999) state that crime generators are particular areas that attract people because of the large number of people that pass through them. this activity space, as described by Brantingham and Brantingham is between the major nodes of transportation and is close to districts in the city that could be seen as an opportunity, to a potential offender who has observed routine activities conducted by pedestrians, members of the neighborhood, and business owners in the area. The routine activities theory draws from Amos Hawleys theory of human ecology. Hawleys theory establishes three key aspects of collective human activities rhythm, tempo and timing which are factors in a life-course as well as the criminal lifestyle. Lawrence Cohen and Marcus Felson (1979) expanded on the principles of human ecology and introduced routine activities theory as an ecological perspective on criminal behavior. The routine activity theory states that there are three components in order for a crime to occur. The first component is a motivated offender or individual that is not only willing but seeking to commit offenses. The second component would be the presence of suitable targets. Suitable targets could be property or individuals that are seen as available or vulnerable. Lastly, the absence of a capable guardian which would be anything that could deter a potential offender (i.e. police patrolling, neighbor outside, alarm system). Cohen and Felson (1979) emphasize that these three components are conducive to a crime event and especially prevalent in the absence of capable guardians. An example of this would be a potential offender(s) attempting to burglarize a home but changes their mind after seeing a police squad car drive by. This type of guardianship applies to certain areas within the city especially those that are heavily patrolled by police or security (i.e. parking decks and high-risk areas). Furthermore, the capable guardian, whether it be an individual (police officer/witnesses/neighbors) or a device (home/store alarm) will reduce the suitability of a target, which in turn will decrease the likelihood of criminal events. Moreover, Cohen and Felson (1979) imply that a successful crime event doesnt require an offender who is motivated to engage in crimes, or act on their motivation for the criminal event, instead a motivated offender should be capable of carrying out their desires. According to the routine activities theory, crime opportunity emerges in the absence of a capable guardian as well as certain environmental factors. For instance, the offender also goes through a routine of sequential activites just like the law abiding citizen does. The combination of what is considered a crime template (the offenders routine intertwined with their prospective targets) and the decisions made by the offender can determine crime patterns. A crime is committed when a triggering event occurs. This triggering event is usually in place when a potential target or victim fits within the offenders crime template (or routine). Possible targets and victims will usually encounter the offender in some manner within their active location, resulting in sharing the activity space or the awareness space of the offender. The possible targets and victims end up being actual targets or victims once the offenders willingness to break the law is set off. This occurs when the nodes and pathways between these nodes are aligned with the offenders potential targets (at that place and time). When these activities are repeated on a daily basis they provide a rubric or template for the criminal to follow. During a criminals daily activity they make decisions that rarely vary from their routine and as a result, breaking the law would be no different from their normal activity and awareness space. Lifestyles or ones routine activities create criminal opportunity by increasing the frequency and intensity of contacts between potential offenders and suitable targets. When a motivated offender is ready and willing, they will seize the opportunity to engage in criminal activity if it is beneficial to them. A potential offenders suitable target is an individual or object that is attractive or vulnerable, such as, a piece of valuable property or someone who is wealthy might serve as a lucrative suitable target (i.e. ransom or extortion). In other words, factors that make a target vulnerable or attractive are crime specific and situational and may dictate a motivated offender(s) likelihood of criminal activity (i.e. an unattended running car a convenience store). I believe that the most likely hot spot in my activity space and based off of the course material, would be state route 422 east going into the city. I state this because this area is known for drug activity and has access to the highway and is within close proximity to a wide-range of businesses, churches, schools, and residential areas. References Brantingham, P. L., Brantingham, P. J. (1995). Criminality of place: Crime generators and crime attractors. European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research, 3(3), 1-26. Brantingham, P., L., Brantingham, P. J. (1993). Nodes, paths and edges: Considerations on the complexity of crime and the physical environment. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 13, 3-28. Cohen, L. E., Felson, M. (1979). Social change and crime rate trends: A routine activity approach. American Sociological Review, 44, 588-608. Cullen, F. T., Wilcox, P. (2010). Encyclopedia of criminological theory. Thousand Oaks, Calif: SAGE Publications.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Ecotourism, Tourism, and Development in Mexico Essays -- Essays Papers

Ecotourism, Tourism, and Development in Mexico â€Å"The issue of growth in the travel industry - how much, how fast, what kind - is crucial to the future of communities, local lifestyles and cultures, and the natural environment. There are a variety of instabilities and inequities associated with the expansion of tourism. If the social costs of infinite growth (human consequences of ecological pollution, centralized concentration of power, inequitable income distribution) are as high as they appear to be, our current social systems cannot support such growth indefinitely. Tourism remains a passive luxury for thousands of travelers. This must change† (Rethinking Tourism and Ecotravel by Deborah McLaren, 1998, p. 6). In the Quintana Roo state of Mexico, there are many thousands of tourists from the USA and Europe every year, which has spawned a tourism business economy and intense development of the coast. The area’s people and natural resources are going through a period of rapid change, which has the potential to benefit or damage the area. While money and development can give jobs and opportunities for education and health care, they can also deplete and damage the very resources that made the Carribean coast pleasing. Development and tourism, particularly ecotourism, must be safe and sustainable, environmentally, economically, politically, culturally. Our study has given us insight into some of these difficult development areas, and we will use our observations and conversations to demonstrate and disseminate ideas for better development. Tourism has become much more prevalent in recent times, due in large part to the increasing human population of the earth and the increasing leisure time and dis... ...tribution to the development of the Carribean coast, which has created jobs and other positive economic factors, while also threatening ecosystems and cultures that have become commodified. Tourists should be encouraged to learn about the environment and culture before, during, and after their vacation to areas, and they should make efforts to make meaningful connections to people and places so that they have reasons for treating the place well and coming back to check on things (insuring the vacation spot isn’t single-use or disposable). These kinds of efforts will insure better treatment of places and peoples by increasing the connected worth in travelers’ minds. Through practical legislation and enforcement along with caring and connected approaches to travel, tourism can become a positive element in the continued development of marketable tourist attractions.

Monday, November 11, 2019

Is totemism a religion? Essay

Defining what constitutes a religion is a difficult, if not an impossible quest. However, before determining whether or not certain belief-systems and/or ritualized practices can be considered a religion, a definition is imperative. For our purposes, I am going to use the extremely elementary definition from Webster’s New Dictionary , â€Å"A system of faith and worship.† In The Elementary Forms of Religion, Emile Durkheim, a French Sociologist from the 19th Century, examines totemism in an effort to draw universals between all religions. Durkheim sets his focus on Australian totemism, because it is the most â€Å"primitive culture† with the most resources available. From Durkheim’s perspective, the basis of totemism is to create lasting societal bonds. Totemic tribes are assorted into clans whose unity results not from kinship, but from the religious relationship between the members. From Durkheim’s perspective, the totemism in this culture is based on the sacred relationships developed by the clan’s members in addition to some totemic unit, which is usually a plant or animals species common to the area. If an entire society is based around its sacred ritualized practices, it is only fair to consider those ritualized beliefs and practices as constituting a religion. Thus, the real question is, can a society whose spirituality is based on kinship, and whose idea of sacred lies only in the ties within the clan and not on a god or gods of some sort be considered a religion? The answer to this question is yes. Although totemic practices may not be familiar to many Westerners, when real speculation is given to various totemic religions, it is easy to see the complexity that underlies many forms of totemism. In addition, when looking at the religions that are common to us Westerners, can we really argue that our common religions are more logical than theirs? Through the totemic principles of the universe, and the worshiping of idols, even if these idols do not represent G-ds, it proves that totemism is most certainly a religion. Durkeim uses totemism as a basis from which answers to our lingering questions about modern religions can be drawn. â€Å"In our eyes, the question whether totemism has been more or less universal or not, is quite secondary. If it interests us, it does so before all because in studying it we hope to discover relations of a nature to make us understand better what religion is( Durkheim, 176).† Durkheim is using totemism as the platform from which  all other religions shall be compared to derive new and provoking ideas about religion. Durkheim believes totemism contains obvious religious qualities, even with the lack of a god or gods. † Finally, that which we propose to study in this work is the most primitive and simple religion which it is possible to find ( Durkheim 176).† Durkheim clearly considers totemism a valid although â€Å"simple† religion. Of course, this is only the opinion of one, we must delve into totemic rituals and beliefs before it can be proven that totemism is just as much of a religion as any other. Before arguing the attributes of totemism that allow it to be classified as a religion, a more thorough understanding of various totemic practices and the principle’s and beliefs behind those practices is necessary. The first and most prominent example that will be used to describe totemism, will be from the various Australian tribes described by Durkheim. The critical belief in Australian totemism, is the notion that the totemic entity, whatever it may be, is sacred. The entity is thought to bestow sacredness on whatever carries its mark. The totemic entity is used to mark various objects such as stones, sticks, wood, etc. in various rituals. â€Å"The totem is in fact a design which corresponds to the heraldic emblems of civilized nations, and each person is authorized to bear it as proof of the identity of the family to which it belongs ( Durkheim 180).† It is true that we have symbols and emblems that represent our society, which we deem sacred. Is that notion really so outlandish? Many patriotic Americans would be offended by the burning of the American flag, which is only an inanimate object to which we grant sacredness. This, however, is a nation and not a religion, but it is additionally quite common in many religions to revere objects. In Judeo-Christian religions, sacredness is assigned to a book, the Bible, among many other symbols from the Jewish Star to the Christian Cross. If the Bible is dropped or thrown down in many religions, it is seen as a direct offense to G-d, and one must kiss the book to compensate. Notice, also the dropping of the â€Å"o† in G-d. To many religious Jews even writing the name God is considered highly offensive. Assigning value to an object is a common trait across many religions, the difference is that the symbols used in totemism are not a representation for an actual god. Although the totemic emblem is not representative of a god that bears human-like qualities, it is deemed sacred and thus must be some sort of a representation of higher forces as opposed to higher beings. Totemic emblems are not only found on trees, in houses, on wood, etc, but also on the bodies of humans ( Durkheim 181). Whether they are marked on a body through mutilation, scarring, and tattooing, or whether the totems is represented on jewelry and on clothing, the adornment of totems on humans is yet another indication of its sacred value. â€Å"These totemic decorations enable us to see that the totem is not merely a name and an emblem. It is in the course of the religious ceremonies that they are employed; they are part of the liturgy; so while the totem is a collective label, it also has a religious character. In fact, it is in connection with it, that things are classified as sacred or profane. It is the very type of sacred thing (Durkheim 183).† â€Å"Sacred† is used to mean the things that are unworldly which cause humans to revere while â€Å"profane† is simply worldly matter. Once again, the assignment of so much value that one deems it sacred is evidence of religious qualities. Aside from the actual totemic emblem, there are other objects used in worship which are also considered sacred. The Arunta in particular, a tribe in Central Australia, uses an object called a churinga which is literally pieces of wood or polished stone, with the totemic entity marked upon it. Each group has a number of various churinga’s which sometimes bare a whole at one end where a thread made of human or opossum hair goes through. The thread allows the churinga to, when suspended, whirl into the air producing a humming noise which Durkheim compares to the toys of children ( Durkheim, 183, 119). These objects accompany rituals of any importance but also have a direct effect on the â€Å"sacred† and â€Å"profane.† The actual word churinga translates to mean sacred, and women, children, and young men who have not yet been initiated are not granted access to these instruments of piety. Having access to these instruments could be considered positive and negative. Certain churinga’s could not to be handled or viewed at by profane persons when not in use. Sometimes they were placed in secret hiding locations where the † sacred character of the churinga [was] so great that it communicates itself to the locality where they are stored ( Durkheim 184, 120).† Additionally they had powers such as they could create courage and  vigor in combat, heal sickness, and ensure fertility of the totemic animal or plant etc ( Durkheim 184, 120). In all, the sacredness the clan placed on these object is more than apparent and indicates the religious qualities of totemism. It is crucial to remember that the objects chosen to represent totemic symbols are in no way related to the actual symbol itself. The totem itself is not creating the religious feeling, but is solely a means to make tangible the spirituality that bonds a clan. In other words, totemism really has nothing to do with the totem. Instead it is the accumulated experiences of the various social units that creates those intense feelings of awe and reverence that has caused religion to last throughout the ages. Durkheim rationalizes this by saying that most individuals are vulnerable to authoritative figures in societies. In other words, people are inclined to follow individuals who have earned some sort of respect. Durkheim believes that in group environments, the authoritative individual has the capacity to make other individuals feel as though they are experiencing something that can not be experienced alone. People usually are incapable of distinguishing the cause of the intense feelings they are undergoing. Thus, the individuals in such a setting assume that it is some otherworldly force that is the cause of their newfound spiritual experience. The source of whatever is causing those feelings of intensity is what is deemed sacred. The sacred comes in different forms in all religions. In most religions sacredness is assigned to a god or gods. In totemism, it happens to be a totem which symbolizes the sacredness of the kinship in a clan. An interesting perspective that Durkheim holds is that in practice totemic religion in particular arose out of tribal life style. Individuals in tribal societies lived in groups too small to create the type of religious forces recognized by Durkheim. They usually lived spread across vast landscapes. On various occasions social meetings would be held that may be considered large enough to be called a mass of people. In Durkheim’s opinion, gatherings of this sort would effervesce, meaning that the spirituality that lies in the bonds of the group would build creating an even larger sense of religious awe. The group environment would cause the essential production of excited  behaviors and heightened emotions that propel belief in the sacred. A continuation off the previous belief, is Durkheim’s notion that sacredness is contagious. Through these group gatherings, Durkheim argues that the sacred is passed on by means of physical contact. This is proven through rituals that deem new things sacred when touched by previous instruments considered sacred. This is also common in Judaism where the Torah, the first five books in the Bible considered very sacred to the Jews, is touched by all those worshipping in the temple as a way of passing on the sacredness of the Torah to the members of the congregation. Catholics feel drinking wine that is blessed is equivalent to drinking the blood of Christ and thus feel they have attained a degree of sacredness through this ritual. Totemism is most certainly a religion, and bears all the qualities that many consider necessary before labeling something a religion. Durkheim used totemism to analyze the origins of religion in addition to the role religion plays in aiding people in understanding present society. It has been made evident that Durkheim considered religion essentially social viewing it from the eyes of a sociologist. In Durkheim’s mind, primal societies are where religion originated. He believed that although religion is only felt by individuals, it is an episode caused by a few factors. Due to the fact that religion is passed from generation to generation, the perspective that it is larger than any one person is created. The notion that it is larger than an individual allows individuals to become awe stricken by its seemingly evident power. In addition, in closed societies such as the ones which employ totemism, religion is universal, meaning that everyone has the same belief system. The collectiveness ensued through the belief system creates a unity and spiritual bonds among the members of the clans. Lastly, Durkheim believed that individuals in closed societies really have no other options but to believe in the religion taught to or experienced by them from an early age. Durkheim also touched on the fact that the forbidden and the unknown play considerable roles in understanding the essence of religion. Because totemism possesses and even exemplifies Durkheim’s opinions of religion, in addition to standard definitions of religion, it is only fair to label it as being one.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Lack of Mother’s Love Leads to Self Destruction Essay

In D. H. Lawrence’s short story â€Å"The Rocking-Horse Winner,† Paul’s determination, hunger for love and self-destructiveness result from a lack of love from his mother. Living in a family that equates money with luck, and love, Paul misunderstands what he needs to do to be considered successful. The result of his mother’s self absorption and general coldness causes Paul to eventually ride his luck to the end of his life in a failed search for love. Paul’s determination He wishes to make the house stop murmuring, â€Å"There must be more money!† Paul wants to prove his mother wrong that he is unlucky Severe anxiety over his inability to predict the winners in the big races of the year furthers Paul’s determination Paul’s hunger for love His mother’s behavior toward her children is cold and egotistical Paul equates money with love as learned from his mother His desire to give his mother money as a â€Å"birthday present† to take away her cares Paul’s self-destructive behavior His never-ending quest for â€Å"luck† He assents to give his mother all five thousand pounds when she asks for a lump sum Paul feels he must work harder to come up with the Derby race winner since his mother has squandered the previous money, which leads to his death

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Definition and Examples of Conceptual Blending

Definition and Examples of Conceptual Blending Conceptual blending refers to a set of cognitive operations for combining (or blending) words, images, and ideas in a network of mental spaces to create meaning. The theory of conceptual blending was brought to prominence by Gilles Fauconnier and Mark Turner in The Way We Think: Conceptual Blending and the Minds Hidden Complexities (Basic Books, 2002). Fauconnier and Turner define conceptual blending as a deep cognitive activity that makes new meanings out of old. Examples and Observations Conceptual Blending Theory assumes that meaning construction involves the selective integration or blending of conceptual elements and employs the theoretical construct of conceptual integration networks to account for this process. For example, the process of understanding the sentence In the end, VHS delivered a knock-out punch to Betamax would involve a basic network consisting of four mental spaces . . .. This includes two input spaces (one relating to boxing and another to the competition between rival video formats in the 1970s and 1980s). A generic space represents what is common to the two input spaces. Elements from the input spaces are mapped to each other and projected selectively into the blended space, to derive an integrated conceptualization where the video formats are seen as being engaged in a boxing match, which VHS eventually wins.Blending Theory can be seen as a development of Mental Space Theory, and it is also influenced by Conceptual Metaphor Theory. However, u nlike the latter, Blending Theory focuses specifically on the dynamic construction of meaning.(M. Lynne Murphy and Anu Koskela, Key Terms in Semantics. Continuum, 2010) To monitor public opinion, and to sway it, Time Warner had, in November, launched a campaign called Roll Over or Get Tough, which asked customers to visit a Web site of the same name and vote on whether Time Warner should give in to their demand for massive price increases or keep holding the line. Eight hundred thousand people had done so. (Ninety-five percent of them thought that Time Warner should Get Tough.)Mark Turner, a professor of cognitive science at Case Western Reserve, explained that Time Warner’s use of the forced-choice device was wise from the standpoint of behavioral economics. In order to make choices, people need their options narrowed in advance.Turner saw other cognitive precepts at work in the Roll Over campaign. He explained, The purpose of the ad is to try to get you off your duff and realize, Hey, the situation around me is changing, and I better take action. And the campaign’s militaristic echoes, You’re either with us or against us, inco rporated, Turner said, a technique called blending, in which a rhetorician exploits what is already in people’s minds. Everybody’s got terrorism on the brain, so if you can have a little hint of that issue in your advertising about cable service: great!, he said.(Lauren Collins, King Kong vs. Godzilla. The New Yorker, January 11, 2010) [B]lending theory can address the meaning of construction in metaphorical expressions that do not employ conventionalized mapping schemes. For example, the italicized portion of this excerpt from an interview with philosopher Daniel Dennet involves a metaphorical blend, Theres not a thing thats magical about the computer. One of the most brilliant things about a computer is that theres nothing up its sleeve, (Edge 94, November 19, 2001). The input domains here are Computers and Magicians, and the blend involves a hybrid model in which the computer is a magician. However, the connection between these two domains arises purely from the context of this example, as there is no conventional COMPUTERS ARE MAGICIANS mapping in English.(Seana Coulson, Conceptual Blending in Thought, Rhetoric, and Ideology. Cognitive Linguistics: Current Applications And Future Perspectives, ed. by Gitte Kristiansen, Michel Achard, Renà © Dirven, and Francisco J. Ruiz de Mendoza Ibà ±ez. Mouton de Gruyter, 2006) Blending Theory and Conceptual Metaphor Theory Similarly to conceptual metaphor theory, blending theory elucidates structural and regular principles of human cognition as well as pragmatic phenomena. However, there are also some noteworthy differences between the two theories. While blending theory has always been more oriented toward real-life examples, conceptual metaphor theory had to come of age before it was put to the test with data-driven approaches. A further difference between the two theories is that blending theory focuses more on the decoding of creative examples, whereas conceptual metaphor theory is well known for its interest in conventional examples and mappings, i.e. in what is stored in peoples minds. But again, the difference is one of degree and not an absolute one. Blending processes can be routinized and stored if their outcome proves to be useful on more than one occasion. And conceptual metaphor theory is able to explain and accommodate novel figurative linguistic expressions as long as they are compatible with the more general metaphorical makeup of the human mind. Another, perhaps somewhat less important difference lies in the fact that while from the start conceptual blending has pointed to the importance of metonymic construals and thinking for cognitive processes, the conceptual metaphor paradigm has long underestimated the role of metonymy.(Sandra Handl and Hans-Jà ¶rg Schmid, Introduction. Windows to the Mind: Metaphor, Metonymy, and Conceptual Blending. Mouton de Gruyter, 2011)

Monday, November 4, 2019

Can terror ever be legitimately employed in conflict Discuss with Essay

Can terror ever be legitimately employed in conflict Discuss with reference to examples - Essay Example During World War II, both the Allies and the Axis used terror as a weapon of winning the war. Different debates have questioned the legitimacy of using terror as a weapon for ending conflicts. Terrorism is viewed to bring negative effects to a nation; this is because in attaining its main objective, the central target is the civilians (Herman 2008, p. 13). Although it brings negative impacts to a nation, sometimes use of terror benefits the nation. For instance, it can assist in the acquisition of freedom. This was the case in South Africa during the time of Apartheid. Apartheid was abolished through the use of terror. Although war is thought to be associated with vast negative effects, sometimes violence can bring positive results to a group or a nation. In this paper, I will discuss whether terror can be legitimately employed in conflicts. According to different researchers, legitimating of terror is justifiable in some cases. In extreme cases, where democratic and peaceful methods have been exhausted, it is justified and legitimate to resort to terror. In situations of suffering and repression, with a ruthless, oppressive state and no possibility of having international relief, it is necessary to resort to violence in order to defend the citizens. A state engaging and using terror in order to fight and rescue its citizens uses terror in a legitimate and justified manner (Coady 2010, p. 21). It is the function of a state to protect its people without fear; hence, if the use of terror remains the only option for the state to use in order to fight for its people, it would be interpreted as necessary and justifiable. Each person or minority group has a right in expressing discontentment in a certain issue of concern. The state has the role of representing its people and should make facilitation of this possibility. In addition, it is

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Cultural Nursing Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Cultural Nursing - Research Paper Example Since 1960s, leaders in nursing have continuously recognized the need for nursing schools to educate students on how to provide cultural care to the people. Educating graduates on transcultural care has enabled them sharpen their nursing skill which are needed in the society. The provision of care is not only limited to hospitals and health centers but requires nurses to be equipped with the knowhow to go to the villages to provide cultural care. The recruitment of graduates well trained with transcultural nursing skills significantly improved the services offered by the nurses to people with diverse cultural backgrounds. Many nurses worldwide have been trained to provide effective culturally harmonious care. The need for cultural care in the twenty-first century has increased the offering of courses in transcultural nursing both at the undergraduate and graduate level. Transcultural nursing has also been recognized and incorporated as a fundamental program element and accrediting ag encies are expected to be competent. A faculty has also been prepared under transcultural nursing with an aim of addressing cultural care issues. The application of the transcultural nursing research based knowledge is available today. ... Research in the entire world has demonstrated the appeal and applicability of the theory across various cultural backgrounds. Transcultural nursing has grown internationally and this is a clear indicator that the nurses are committed to including cultural care in their profession. They had embraced diversity unlike in the past when the concept of transcultural care was being introduced. (Luckmann, 1999, p. 57). Principles of transcultural nursing have been recognized in the entire world nowadays. The volatility and dynamism experienced in the past while addressing nursing care as citizens, educators, clinicians and researchers has changed. Transcultural nursing has opened an opportunity for people to engage, speak, debate, develop, grow, deliberate and contemplate on cultural issues and their diversities. The awareness on cultural care as a reasonable area of study has opened avenues for nurses to conduct research on cultural issues. Cultural aspects such as nursing, health, sickness and health care are being researched in different cultures. Transcultural nursing is made up of four main sections currently: Culture and health, mental health, globalization and cardiovascular health. When dealing with transcultural nursing, the impacts of migration, globalization, social inequity, colonization and health technology and management play a crucial role. Cultures keep on changing and thus there is a need for the nurses to invent knew ideas and methodologies on how to cope up with the cultural changes. Cultural care has forced the education sector to change its curriculum to cater for the new cultural beliefs and practices. It is only through this that