A Musical Evening Essay

No, I haven’t been to a musical (lately). But Friday â€Å"my† choir and I had an appointment with, well, the rest of the population here, really. The local choirs (5) and whoever else who wanted to come along, were gathered to sing. The choirs had 2-3 songs each in between, but the rest was pure singalong (not karaoke..). Before going I felt as if I was a hundred years old, because that’s what I expected the average age of the people attending to be – but no such thing. Admittedly, average age was possibly 50, but there was such a genial atmosphere, and fun songs to sing! It was great listening to the other choirs and there was even food and drink. Very un-Norwegianly, people smiled and talked to complete strangers, and I doubt not that the compere was right when he said you couldn’t sing and be a sourpuss. I didn’t feel like a hundred years old, and I even answered when called upon by strangers†¦ I’ll just give you a couple examples of the singalong (as usual, it’s sound only – for atmosphere, the localities where wrapped in semi-darkness). It’s not particularly beautiful, but it’s kind of silly-funny, it’s two songs phonetically translated to Norwegian – Ferje over Mjà ¸sa (= ferry cross Mjà ¸sa, from â€Å"ferry cross the Mersey†, of course – at least it’s about a ferry ride too) and Du kan godt fà ¥ sitte innte meg Leif (= feel free to move in closer, Leif, from â€Å"got to get you into my life† – it’s got absolutely nothing to do with the original, but it sounds like it†¦) Our performance? It wasn’t too bad, actually. We’d had two practice sessions before this evening†¦ The second song (a medley) I won’t go into, but the first one had several people coming over to us afterwards saying things like â€Å"most enchanting of the evening†, â€Å"most special† and â€Å"most true (= in tune) singing they’d ever heard†. I can live with that.

Human Trafficking in Nepal

There are many purposes for human trafficking; forced labor, slavery, removal of organs and sex slavery. Sexual exploitation, or sex trafficking, which Is the focus of this paper Is the mall type of trafficking in the country of Nepal. Many of these women who become involved in the sex world are compelled by economic circumstances and social inequality. While some enter sex work voluntarily, others become involved in sex work by force or deception, such as through sex trafficking. Human trafficking violates these very rights that are supposed to be granted.Nepal Is considered a country of origin, meaning It Is the country where women and children are mainly abducted and taken to other countries where they are sold as sex slaves. Nepal is a country with one of the lowest human development indicators, which increases the vulnerability of the young girls to trafficking and sexual abuse. Women and children, the primary victims of sex slavery, continue to be forced into a variety of sexua l activities including prostitution, pornography, striping, mall-order brides, and sex tourism, all of which can occur In public or private locations.The majority of the Naples women and children that are sold as sex slaves are sold by a family member or close friend. They are mostly smuggled into Indian's and Shanghais red light district, and to brothels in other urban cities. In the Middle East, they are exploited to work at parlor and dance bars. In many cases, older women are known to recruit young girls, promising them a better future where they can break free from the poverty In which they live In (Bales 142). Tuskers is what young Naples girls from the age of 14-16 are called when they are sold to the brothels. Ill many girls are forced or deceived Into prostitution, many willingly go into the sex industry due to their addiction to drugs, while others are in search of a better future, not only for themselves but also for their families that live with impecuniousness condition s. Also, those that do not volunteer to become trafficked are physically forced into labor, most likely sold by parents for the purpose of working off family debts to the government or organized crime groups, which exalts no exercise of choice.A huge portion of the population lives below the poverty line; 2% of the country lives with less than US$2 per day. Economic circumstance and social inequality are the strongest factors that compel women to become involved in the industry. Another factor that contributes to this industry is the balance supply of victims from sending countries and the demand from receiving countries; these countries are the one creating such unethical demands.The United Nations defines human trafficking as: means of threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of giving or achieving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person for the purposes of exploitation. Exploitation shall include, at a minimum, the exploitation or the prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labor or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude or the removal of organs. United Nations 2). Forcing or using someone to profit from sexual exploitation for one's own personal benefits is not condoned by the United Nations; this sort of behavior is considered morally wrong ND offensive to many people in the affected countries . Traffickers generally use the same process when kidnapping or abducting their victims. Many of the people that are kidnapped are drugged and have a very violent removal, that way trafficker has total control of them. After the abduction, the victim is taken out of their native country and taken into a brothel in a faraway country.The reason for this is for the person to not know their surroundings, the language or laws of the country. In the process of bei ng taken to another country the victim's identity document are confiscated. When young girls are being transported from one country to another, they are given a complete new identity by which they must go by. Most victims are threatened in order to comply with the instruction the traffickers have given them. If under any circumstance they contravene the conditions they are physically abused.In the process of obtaining control of the trafficked person, they are drugged and their minds become distorted which does not allow them to think in a proper manner. Many are brainwashed into believing that there is no other better future and that they are of no worth. Human trafficking has a tremendous psychological impact on its victims as a result of the manipulation, abuse, and cultural shock experienced when forced to work a less than desirable Job in a foreign country. Once the trafficker is under control, the victim's enslavement and exploitation begins.Regardless of the violence, working and living conditions, people that are in servitude find their own mechanisms to survive. In addition to being forced to have sexual intercourse with unknown men, they are also forced to drink alcoholic beverages and do drugs when asked to. These women and young girls are not allowed to ask their customers to use protection. As a result of this, a Nepal has had at least eight to ten abortions by the age of 30. Many have said that the owners of the brothels have forced back to work two hours after having the abortion.In some cases if the girl was too young and had sexual intercourse after an abortion, she would pass away do to the intense pain and lack of nutrients. Because they are not able to use protection there are a at least 18 HOW AIDS cases reported in a hour, which means that more than 61% of the Naples women are infected with this disease in the process of having sexual intercourse with a customer (Humans Right Watch). If they refuse to do what is asked from them the custom er has the right to torture them as they please.Many men are now requesting to have sexual intercourse with young girls because there is less of chance of getting a sexually transmitted disease. In addition to this, Nepal and Indian men also believe that if they have sex with a virgin;any SST that they may have, may be removed and she told her story about when she was taken to a brothel. Gina was being forced to have sex with customer, and if she refused she was beat and raped by a group of men. â€Å"When I refused they beat me and raped me. I was only seven years old† (The Day My God Died). Many young girls are physically abused, some get burned with cigars, others burned with acid, and most of them are deprived of food and water for days until they stop refusing the requests of the customers. â€Å"They used to catch me by the hair, bang my head against the wall and throw me on the ground. They would try anything to make me have sex†¦ They beat me with a stick and so metimes hit me with aluminum rods† (The Day My God Died). During the enslavement period, the victim is physically, emotionally, and mentally abused, and if they happened to be let free, most of them attempt suicide.After their enslavement period many feel that there is no point in living with such memoirs. Many do not seek for help or go back to their hometowns because they are ashamed of what they have been through. Not only are they illegal, but isolated as well and with no other way of making a living, nearly all return to sex work, a human trafficking survivor said: â€Å"The people of my village hold me in contempt. They treat me badly. People don't understand that I was tricked and that I suffered a lot† (International Justice Mission). There are only very few ways to escape sex trafficking: being accused, released or escaping.Though there is a very low success rate for victims that try to escape, 11% of females successfully escape sex trafficking. It is very stre nuous for a person to escape; they must be physically and mentally prepared to do it, because not only are there guards that keep watch of the brothels 2417, but if they were to get caught in the process of escaping, they must be prepared to receive any punishment that will be given to them. A young girl named Kyoto Pray said she tried escaping at least three times and when she got caught, she got her hair pulled; he was beaten and even broke an arm.About 7% of females get released by their owners, for one of two reasons either they are no longer attractive or are too old to bring sufficient clients or they have been infected with HIVE . Most end their period of servitude at 18 to 22 years old when they have â€Å"repaid their debt. † During that time, the brothel owner has made a profit four to 20 times the price paid for the trafficked girl. This leaves 80% of girls in those brothels with lost dreams and hope of ever leaving that horrible place, and starting a new life. L w ould not wish that life on an enemy. It was pure hell. It would be better to hang yourself and die†(The Day My God Died). One of the main reasons why many people contribute to human trafficking is due to lack of money. As mentioned before most of the inhabitants in Nepal live with less than $2 per day. Most of the people that are involved in this business are in it in hopes off better future for their families. Due to lack of education and healthcare the slavery business seems the easiest solution to many.About 80% of Napalm's population live in rural areas and depend on subsistence farming for their livelihoods. Nepal has a limited progress in favor of their anti-trafficking laws. In 2007, trafficking in Persons and Transportation (Control) Act (TAP), Nepal law prohibits all forms of trafficking and prescribes penalties ranging from 10 to 20 years' imprisonment, which are sufficiently rigorous and commensurate with those Organization (MONGO) made plans to fund trafficking she lters in Katmandu, Assassination, and Chapman. These cities are major ports for sex trafficking.The young girls who are rescued from the brothels are taken to foster institution where they are treated for any psychological problems that they encounter. Many of the people that are rescued from their owners file a report against them, but many of the people that are involved in Napalm's government are also associated with owners of the brothels. For example, the officials and government often support and encourage trafficking by accepting bribes by brothel owners for turning a blind eye to illegal activity, or by visiting brothels for sexual services.Corrupt government and law enforcement officials are one factor that contribute to the growth of human trafficking, therefore most of the sex trafficking victims do not confide in their overspent system, which also makes it harder for sex trafficking to end in Nepal. Brothel owner make a huge profit annually it is currently estimate to $1 0 billion of revenue per year. â€Å"The trafficking industry is one with large profits, due to the low costs of forced human labor.Because the victims of trafficking are â€Å"expendable, reusable, and re-sellable† cheap commodities, particularly because they are withheld adequate food, wages, shelter, and health care, amounting to large profits for traffickers† (Neck 374). Trafficking is the worst human rights violation that one can go through it is abduction, physical and mental abuse. The pain of being ripped away from ones family and loved one, can be such a deep psychological scar, in which even though a person has been without a family for years they will never forget about the family they once had.This type of pain is something that one cannot comprehend if one has not experienced it. The inequality between women and men in Nepal is reinforced by cultural ideas that the dominance and strength off male, and compliance of the female. The discrimination that the w omen in Nepal are suffering is not only happening in this country is it also affecting many other countries around the world. The expectation of women around the world are very similar; women are to be passive, obedient , oppressed and forced into relationships with people that are forced to be with.It is very important for the men to be dominant in the relationship, as it maintains their social and economical dominance; in order to maintain control of their women they feel forced to use violence. Napalm's government is working on developing a plan do promote women's human rights. Implementing these rights will take time and cooperation of the whole country in order to for the plan to work. Anural Gorilla, is the founder of Mattie Nepal.The foundation has rescued 12,000 Nepal girls and young women from sex trafficking, many who were sold across the border to brothels in India, they are also working on reconciling abducted girls with their families. Therefore, women and children are taught sewing, basket weaving, and cooking to help them build the skills necessary to find a Job, and are also given individual counseling by psychologists in order to deal with emotional problems they are experiencing from past trafficking-related trauma.Many non government organizations like these are staring to take matters into their won hands since the overspent had not yet been successful in stopping this sex trade. â€Å"The well-being and the hopes of the peoples of the world can never be served until peace – as well â€Å"Due to the force, exploitation, and manipulation involved, this trend fundamentally violates the rights to life, liberty, and security of a person, the prohibition of slavery and slave trade in all forms, as well as that no one shall be treated in an inhumane or degrading manner† (United Nations, â€Å"Universal Declaration of Human Rights†).Can one person make a difference in the lives of the two million people that are trafficked an nually? Maybe not but if more people Joined organizations that will help the cause there would be a higher success rate of victims that are rescued from human trafficking. More people are becoming aware of human trafficking and are taking a stand to help end this; there are organization like The Project To End Human Trafficking is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2004 as part of the anti-slavery movement. The initial goal of the founders was not to begin an organization, but simply to offer educational lectures about human trafficking.

Child Abuse Prevention and Control Essay

Child abuse is a serious and widespread problem throughout the world. It can take the form of sexual abuse, physical or psychological mistreatment , or child neglect. Can child abuse be prevented? Can the child abuser be rehabilitated? What can be done within your own home or community to prevent or control child abuse? Once discovered, child abuse can be addressed, but how does one report child abuse, and what are the legal requirements for reporting the abuse? Are you aware of the effect that the abuse has on other family members, or what the long term effects of child abuse can be? Learn how you can be part of the solution to the tragic problem of child abuse. Child abuse, regardless of what form it takes, is extremely damaging to the child, the family, and society. Approximately eighty percent of twenty-one year olds that have survived childhood abuse have at least one psychological disorder, and about thirty percent of abused or exploited children become abusers themselves as adults. Statistics tell us that five or more abused children die every day in America alone, not including the many abuse-related deaths that go unrecorded. Child abuse is a worldwide occurrence which crosses all boundaries. No financial, racial, religious, cultural or other situation has been found to preclude child abuse. Reporting child abuse United States, Guam, and Puerto Rico are among several areas of the world that have mandatory reporting laws. In these areas, any person who suspects or observes child abuse of any type must report the situation to the legal authorities. There are several professions in which the mandate to report is even more thoroughly enforced. Traditional authority positions such as school teacher, law enforcement, and physician are a few examples. The importance of reporting the abuse cannot be stressed enough. The younger the child is when the abuse is stopped, the better the chances of healing the psychological and/or physical damage inflicted. The longer the abuse is allowed to continue, the more damage is done, and healing becomes progressively more difficult. Studies show that children who simply witness abuse within the family are just as negatively affected as the subject of the abuse, further demonstrating the scope and gravity of this type of situation, and the importance of early intervention. Preventing child abuse The following are some ways that we can attempt to prevent the abuse before it even starts. If you are a parent, be sure you are able to de-stress in a healthy way instead of directing your frustrations toward your child. Physical activity, meditation, or involvement in a support group outside the home and away from the children are all excellent ways of positively redirecting anger or frustration. If you believe that you, or someone in your family is at risk of losing control or becoming abusive, do not ignore the issue or delay taking action. The person on the verge of losing control must get help before the abuse ever occurs. If you notice a parent clearly struggling under a lot of stress, try sympathizing, and perhaps offer to babysit, or even trade babysitting services to give the adults some ‘down time’. Donate, volunteer, or become otherwise actively involved in raising awareness about, or assisting, families and children in crisis. Controlling child abuse already occuring in the home It is no simple task to rehabilitate a child abuser. Generally, it is a long term process, involving not just the abuser, but the entire family unit. Each family member must be willing to cooperate in the rehabilitation program. Mental or psychological instability or illness, and/or substance abuse often contribute to the abusive behavior, complicating matters even more, and and making rehabilitation much more difficult. If the abuse violation is considered ‘low level’, the abuser may possibly be permitted to remain within the home while treatment takes place, as long as steady improvement is observed and no further abuse occurs. This is normally decided on a case by case basis. The definition of ‘low level’ varies according to local laws, but one example would be mild incidences of neglect, as opposed to actual physical or sexual abuse or exploitation, or more severe cases of neglect. Instances in which the abuse has become more serious usually require removal and temporary relocation of the child, or removal of the abuser, until such time as the offender is determined to be rehabilitated. Requirements vary depending on locale, but in all instances, there are specific conditions that must be satisfied before the family is reunited.

Topic of the week cultural diversity Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Topic of the week cultural diversity - Coursework Example Today, the same scenario exists, only the immigrants of today come somewhat illegally and bring their drug trade, crime, and uneducated ways of life with them. There is current legislation to help reform this situation. Social Forces Influencing Immigration Policies Prior to World War I, there was a huge wave of immigrants arriving from predominantly European countries. This was good, in a way, because it provided the necessary laborers for the factories and various infrastructure projects America had under construction. They were primarily young people; able bodied, with a burning desire to have a bite of the American dream. They weren’t particularly educated, just eager to take their places and create a new life for themselves and their future families. With the development of steamship travel there was a possibility for greater numbers of immigrants to arrive at one time. This brought immigrants primarily to the eastern seacoasts. Urban areas quickly filled up with immigran ts and put undue pressure on currently existing systems; health care, education, and infrastructure.

MANAGEMENT AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

MANAGEMENT AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT - Essay Example Throughout my working experience, and also as a student, I found it easy and fun to work as a team. I efficiently manage to convince people and persuade them to do a certain task or job. While working at Mutira Malaysian Restaurant as a manager, I used to train and coach new staff. I taught them the required skills and their effective application which also included proper group coordination and aiding each other in the tasks. One has to be open to criticism to develop oneself personally and also professionally. Though, the word  criticism invokes a negative image in our minds but if taken positively it can be supportive and one of the sources of taking a person towards his/her success. Most people tend to take it as offensive, discouraging or insult and are unable to handle it without difficulty. And yes, criticism can make a person defensive, mad and nervous. (Naren, 2008) I used to have the same reaction to criticism but as the time passed, I learnt that a person cannot be perfe ct and somebody has to point out the flaws in him. Different people have different knowledge and perspectives about the way the world works. Each person can help to bring a unique and distinctive perspective to the table. Listening to this perspective and acting upon it may help to make the work better. Interacting with people and developing sociable contacts has always been a dominant character of mine. I always feel very comfortable while learning about people and in carrying out conversations. It gives me a sense of affiliation. While working at Sheraton Hotels as a service waiter, I managed to serve people while providing them with an effectual and interactive experience. For teams to work effectively, the right people have to be selected to ensure effective performance of the team. The members are usually chosen on the basis of individuals’ willingness and group expectations. But at times, it may happen that the members are not working with enough enthusiasm and they nee d some motivation or inspiration to make them work to their full potential. I can facilitate people to bring out the best in them as I am capable of relating to them and making them comfortable. Only when each and every member of the team is working effectively and efficiently can an organization expect to reap the benefits of faster production, increased revenue, lower costs and improved qualities. There are six basic requirements of team members in order to be effectively working together. 1. Each member of the must be keen to support the team mission and work towards achieving team goals. 2. All members of the team should understand their role within the team, and should also be well aware of what skills, abilities, and knowledge they have to contribute to ensure team's success. 3. The members must be willing to decide unanimously about team principles, ground rules and their code of conduct. 4. All members must commit to working within the team's priorities and plans, including training deemed essential for the team and presence at meetings. 5. Members must be willing to work collaboratively and enthusiastically on problem-solving and should not be resistant change as part of process improvement. 6. Team members should be respectful of each other, establish both accountability and trust within the team and welcome diversity. (Lee, 2011) When working in a team, the members have different roles, some are self oriented, while others take the role team maintenance or task facilitators. Self

Fascism discussion of this form of government Essay - 1

Fascism discussion of this form of government - Essay Example In the United States, all the political power rest on the people of the country. The people happen to be the only source for the power. The principle of the popular sovereignty is declared in the introduction of the declaration of independence where the people establish the constitution for the United States of America. Government draws the power from the people as the people are sovereign. As a matter of fact, the government can only govern under the consent of the people.Limited GovernmentThe principle of the limited government is to explain that the government is not powerful at all. However the limited government means a lot more to mention that the government can govern what the people would allow to govern. Limited government makes absolutely perfect sense because if the people are sovereign then the government cannot be powerful. The concept of the limited government can be expressed in terms of law also. The government should obey the law. Sometimes it is also referred to as constitutionalism. This refers to the fact that the law is above the government and not around it. Sometimes this is also referred to as the rule of the law (Spulber 305). Separation of powersIn a government that is presidential in nature like the US government, all the power is distributed among the branches which include the executive, judicial and the legislative.   This is also referred to as the separation of the power. The US government is divided into three branches.... Nazi Political theorist Cal Schmitt said that a strong state would always guarantee the totality of the political unity (Griffin 225). However there have been a lot of criticisms of Fascism. One of the most common criticisms happens to be fact that Fascism is actually form of tyranny. Fascism has been always regarded as non democratic. The original version of fascism i.e. the Italian Fascism has often been regarded as the unprincipled opportunism. Fascism has also been criticized for the ideological dishonesty. The American government – Its Principles The constitution is built upon six basic ideologies. Popular Sovereignty In the United States, all the political power rest on the people of the country. The people happen to be the only source for the power. The principle of the popular sovereignty is declared in the introduction of the declaration of independence where the people establish the constitution for the United States of America. Government draws the power from the pe ople as the people are sovereign. As a matter of fact, the government can only govern under the consent of the people. Limited Government The principle of the limited government is to explain that the government is not powerful at all. However the limited government means a lot more to mention that the government can govern what the people would allow to govern. Limited government makes absolutely perfect sense because if the people are sovereign then the government cannot be powerful. The concept of the limited government can be expressed in terms of law also. The government should obey the law. Sometimes it is also referred to as constitutionalism. This refers to the fact that the law is above the government and not around it.

Maritime law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Maritime law - Essay Example The law of maritime claims has been promoted along different routes in civil law administration. Vessels are recognised as objects of security rights in all nations. Despite this and the fact that maritime claims are of profound commercial significance, there is a high degree of international uncertainty in the subject of maritime claims and mortgages. There is a great difference among nations in the way they create and enforce maritime claims. It is for this reason that a standard list of maritime claims and an agreeable way of enforcing them was drafted by Comire Maritime International and adopted by the Brussels Diplomatic Conference. In 1926 in Brussels, the initial efforts were made to unify particular rules regarding maritime claims and mortgages. However, there were problems in the enforcement of the rules and this led to a review in 1952 in Brussels, undertaken by IMO and UNCTAD. The international convention on the arrest of ships was the combined efforts of the numerous conventions held earlier, especially the 1952 international convention, which aimed at unifying certain rules adopted by various countries in relation to arrest of sea going ships. At Geneva in March 1999, the new international convention on the arrest of ships as expressed in A/CONF.188/6 was adopted by the conference, after reviewing the 1952 arrest convention to address the identified deficiencies. As a result, the categories of maritime claim that could lead to arrest were altered, changing from 17 in 1952 convention to 22 in the 1999 convention. Not many countries have been able to approve the new convection, so it may apply in their countries., because some nations still feel dissatisfied by the new rule and its consequences it could cause in the nations. After Albania, which was the 10th country to ratify the new convention in March 2011, the new international convention came into forc e on 14th September 2011, and was to apply to any ship within the signatory state’s jurisdiction.3 The number of ratifying countries is still low and one would question the reason for the reluctance; it is worth noting that most of the powerful nations, such as the US, UK, and Japan have not attempted to approve it. However, by properly analyzing the 1999 arrest convention and its implications, there are both benefits and negative effects in the society. Effects of the New Convention 1. Liability for unjustified arrests or excessive security Following the inclusion of damages costs in the 1999 convention, which was not part of 1952 convention, the owners of the arrested ships are further protected by the legal terms in case of incurred loss, found to have been attributed to the claimant arrest directive. According to Article 6 of A/CONF.188/6, the court could impose upon the claimant the obligation to provide certain security, upon such terms as could be determined in court f or any loss the defendant acquires from the unjustified/wrongful arrest, or demanded excessive security in which the claimant may be found liable.4 With this part of the law, there are chances that the shipping industry may view the article differently. ‘The states with flags of convenience and states with large fleets could try to limit the cases where arrest may be made and thus ratify the 1999 convention, whereas states having a dominant trading economy might request security for what could happen to their cargo and their contracts of carriage vital for import and export.’5 While some countries could limit the cases of arrest within their jurisdiction for fear of defendants claim for damage, others could increase chances of security claim for their benefit. This move extends to cause more costs in solving for the cases that will occur in future, due to broadened scope of arrests considering that no party so desires to spend their

Children's television Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Children's television - Term Paper Example To recognize prime television's possible impact on growth, one should think about ‘how much children watch television, how they direct their attention, and what they understand’. A study recommends that time spent watching prime television causes a decline in more important activities, such as, reading and creative play. Though facts supporting this suggestion are mixed, children who watch television mostly appear to spend a lesser amount of time busy in activities that promote cognitive growth and consecutively show the lowest success rate. For light to reasonable television spectators, content of the program, family interaction, and prospects for other actions moderate television's effects on children's success, as well as imagination (Pecora et al, p. 98). Apprehension about prime time television's effects on children's social growth extends to areas such as development of typecasts, recognizing as well as conveying sentiments, and difficulties such as substance explo itation as well as eating disorders. However, it is essential to know that not all effects of television are harmful. A number of studies (Pecora et al, p. 70-99) revealed that high school students who had viewed more educational programs on television as preschoolers had taken considerably higher marks in ‘English, Mathematics, and Science in junior high or high school’ (Pecora et al, p. 95-100). They also utilized books more frequently, proved higher educational confidence and placed a higher value on educational performance. These distinctions stayed true even after the effects of students’ early verbal communication skills, as well as family background variables were eradicated statistically. All of these outcomes offer strong proof for the learning success of children TV. Moreover, many other studies prove that Children’s’ TV is not alone in facilitating children to study. Comprehensive studies on other enlightening TV programs for kindergarten and school age children have proved that learning television can boost children’s understanding, talents, as well as mind-set in a broad range of subject areas. Similar to the educational effects of children television, many studies (Fisch, p. 102) have revealed that watching pro-social television programs creates major positive alterations in children’s social behavior. Without a doubt, evaluations as well as meta-analyses of the literature have proven that the helpful effects of pro-social television and the harmful effects of violent television are likely to be equally strong: Both forms of television cause little to moderate effects on spectators (Fisch, p. 102). Effects of children television have been documented as raises within quite a lot of fields: outgoingness in addition to positive connections in most cases, unselfishness as well as collaboration, strength of mind as well as delay of fulfillment, and lessening of typecasts. The majority of this study has b een carried out with kindergarten children, so the bulk of the facts to date recounts to this age bracket. Even though study has indicated at a constant pattern of effects of children television, frequently these effects have been less strong in comparison to the educational effects of children television. Quite a lot of possible reasons might be provided for this variation: First, it is likely that social outcomes are more complicated for researchers to assess, so the measures applied in a

In your opinion, would having different times for different ages to Essay

In your opinion, would having different times for different ages to Trick-or-Treat be a good idea, why or why not - Essay Example However, the fear, anxiety and to the extreme trauma caused by these images to the young children has raised recent discussions on the means of reducing their impact on these children. Arguments raised in objection of the treat-or-treat these images may be very disturbing to the children, as they exposes the children to all types of horrific characters. As a suggestion therefore, some people propose age and time restr4ictions to these events. The argument hold that the young should go on the door to door trick-or-treat visit early in the day, while the juveniles wait until later in the night to seek their treat. Personally, I do not think this will solve any problem due to a number of reasons, as expressed in this essay. The argument appears to disobey the very meaning of the event, â€Å"Halloween†. Additionally, the children, whether indoors or outdoors, cannot avoid the images of Halloween as they can see them anyway. Finally, It is not the treat associated with Halloween t hat is the biggest fun, and largely, some children do not need the treat anyway. In fact, most the teenagers who take part hope to miss the candy and the goodies, for them to do their trick. As such, it is the fun, the eerie feeling presented by the horrific images, and the fear that teenagers instil on other people with their dressing that is the greatest fun. What is the main reason for dressing in such attire if not to create fear and anxiety? Some of the costumes that children put on cost a fortune, one that the candy and the goodies cannot repay. Choosing to dress in the scariest and horrifying costumes, the children hope to have as much fun as they can. After all, this is an annual festival. Therefore, a policy that seeks to separate children and teenagers into different groups would spoil the much fun that Halloween offers. The children choose their most convenient time to go for the treat-or-trick event. When they feel ready to go, they alert their parents, who tag along and take care of them, especially by providing security. Therefore, Halloween is an optional event only the interested people take part in. They stay indoors, protecting their children from the trauma and the anxiety created by the images. By being not a mandatory festival, most of the parents who wish not to take part in the Halloween leave their goodies and candy at their gate or doorstep, where the Halloween children would find them and leave without any tricks or showing their Halloween costumes. Those who feel that the event causes too much fear, anxiety, and trauma to their children should adopt this method of protecting their children, instead of spoiling the entire event. Further, such parents can, if their children want to take part in the event, decide to let them take part early in the day, and by evening let them in to avoid the images caused by Halloween. Children, whether indoors or outdoors cannot avoid the Halloween images completely. Being indoors, other children seeki ng for a treat have to visit their homes. Children, with their curiosity can peep through the windows to see the Halloween costumes that other children have put on. This way, they can see them, therefore creating the fear and anxiety in them. Outdoors, there are countless billboards and posters, as well as live advertisements of Halloween parties in

The HR Manager Essay Example for Free

The HR Manager Essay Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In this country, and even in the rest of the world, the practice of Human Resources Management is rapidly evolving to assume a more pervasive role in the society.   We are in the era of organizational revolution. Out time is marked with rapid shifts in the demography of our workforce, changing corporate culture, and changing organizations. Organizational forms have become more complex and new forms have been developed (Block, 1981). The management of people has never been as important and crucial than ever before. Today, it is considered a central figure and the key to productivity and quality especially in a very competitive society. The Need   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the light of the rapid shift in today’s organization, the skills required of human resource managers, beginners in the profession and even aspiring students in the discipline, rest on the foundation of knowledge on the whole gamut of human resources management, specifically management theories applied in our setting (Kline Saunders, 1993).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The need for a more efficient, economical and equitable management of the human resources in business industry has never been as pronounced as it is today. This need has never been brought about by factors which inevitably affect not only the established structures and ways of doing things within the personnel area but also by the more meaningful and substantial task of managing the organization’s most important asset – the human resource. Among these factors are: stiffer competition in business; rapid changes in technological, competitive and economic environments; the explosion of technical and managerial knowledge; spiraling wage and benefits cost and so many others. These factors have no doubt been responsible for the emergence of the personnel function as a vital area in the implementation of corporate strategy (Bruffee, 1993).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The influence of behavioral science has resulted in a humanistic orientation for personnel management that is geared toward attainment of organizational objectives. Traditional functions in personnel such as hiring, wage and benefits administration and record keeping are still being performed. However, the scope of personnel management has been expanded to include strategic concerns such as, among others, career planning, organizational development and community relations. This linking of personnel management with the process of achieving the organization’s strategic goal defines the qualitative leap into human resource management (Demick, 1993). III. Defining our terminology   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   What are learning theories and what are the implications of these to the matter at hand? How do we know that these are in operation? What activities should be secured in an organization that will encourage the knowledge of these theories? As we were just pondering on the grave need for the upliftment and maximum utilization of our workforce by addressing several factors inherent in the profession, we want to first look into these learning theories and analyze about their contribution to a difficult year.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Atkinson (1993) best summarizes what learning theories assume:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"Learning pervades our lives. It is involved not only in mastering a new skill   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   or academic subject but also in emotional development, social interaction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   and even personality development. We learn what we fear, what to love,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   how to be polite and so on. Given the pervasiveness of learning in our lives,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   it is not surprising that we have already discussed many instances of it – how   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   for example, children love to perceive the world around them, to identify with   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   their own sex, and to control their behavior according to adult standards.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Learning as proponents claim them to be, maybe defined as a relatively permanent change in behavior that results from practice: behavior changes that are due to maturation (rather than practice), or temporary conditions of the organism (e.g. fatigue, or drug-induced) are not included. All cases of learning are not the same, though. Learning is defined by Craig et al as a process through which one’s capacity or disposition is changed as a result of experience. Apparently, while learning can be defined as a process and a product, most definitions stress learning more as a process. Changes resulting from development and experience are emphasized. III. The Concepts of Learning   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are three kinds of learning. These three different kinds may be distinguished as classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and cognitive learning. In the study of behavior, concepts in learning are differentiated and defined.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In classical conditioning, the conditioned response often resembles the normal response to the unconditioned stimulus. Concepts such as, acquisition, extinction, discrimination, extinction, generalization, spontaneous recovery, and higher order of learning are all associated with classical conditioning. is portrayed by our independent yet harmful.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Much of real-life behavior is like this though: response is learned because individuals operate on, or effect the environment. Concepts like instrumental conditioning, reinforcement, shaping, extinction, punishment, biofeedback, token economies, and programmed learning are essential notions in the theory (Atkinson et al, 2000).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   While classical and operant conditioning are both relatively simple forms of learning, Cognitive learning, on the other hand, involves mental processes, such as attention and memory, that may be learned through observation or imitation; it may not involve any external rewards or require the person to perform any observable behaviors. Concepts in cognitive learning include Insight learning and observation learning. Insight learning is a mental process marked by the sudden occurrence of a solution whereas observational learning, say theorists, may account for most human learning. It occurs, when we observe people around us, as early as a year old and even below, doing things and we learn those tasks they do (Atkinson et al, 2000).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Modern management theories employ these concepts in specific and specialized forms. It’s psychology applied in the industry and organization. They call these self-learning and continuous learning. Self-directed training includes the learner initiating the learning, making the decisions about what training and development experiences will occur, and how. The learner selects and carries out their own learning goals, objectives, methods and means to verify that the goals were met.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Probably the most important skill for todays rapidly changing workforce is skills in self-reflection. The highly motivated, self-directed learner with skills in self-reflection can approach the workplace as a continual classroom from which to learn.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Supervisors and employees who work together to accomplish formal, self-directed learning in the workplace also accomplishes continuous learning for continued productivity and learning. The Nature of the Work.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Attracting the most qualified employees and matching them to the jobs for which they are best suited is significant for the success of any organization. However, many enterprises are too large to permit close contact between top management and employees. Human resources, training, and labor relations managers and specialists provide this connection. In the past, these workers have been associated with performing the administrative function of an organization, such as handling employee benefits questions or recruiting, interviewing, and hiring new staff in accordance with policies and requirements that have been established in conjunction with top management. Today’s human resources workers manage these tasks and, increasingly, consult top executives regarding strategic planning. They have moved from behind-the-scenes staff work to leading the company in suggesting and changing policies. Senior management is recognizing the significance of the human resources department to their financial success.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In an effort to enhance morale and productivity, limit job turnover, and help organizations increase performance and improve business results, they also help their firms effectively use employee skills, provide training and development opportunities to improve those skills, and increase employees’ satisfaction with their jobs and working conditions. Although some jobs in the human resources field require only limited contact with people outside the office, dealing with people is an important part of the job.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The educational backgrounds of human resources, training, and labor relations managers and specialists vary considerably because of the diversity of duties and levels of responsibility. In filling entry-level jobs, many employers seek college graduates who have majored in human resources, human resources administration, or industrial and labor relations. Other employers look for college graduates with a technical or business background or a well-rounded liberal arts education (Maccoby, 1998).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Many colleges and universities have programs leading to a degree in personnel, human resources, or labor relations. Some offer degree programs in human resources administration or human resources management, training and development, or compensation and benefits. Depending on the school, courses leading to a career in human resources management may be found in departments of business administration, education, instructional technology, organizational development, human services, communication, or public administration, or within a separate human resources institution or department.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Because an interdisciplinary background is appropriate in this field, a combination of courses in the social sciences, business, and behavioral sciences is useful. Some jobs may require a more technical or specialized background in engineering, science, finance, or law, for example. Most prospective human resources specialists should take courses in compensation, recruitment, training and development, and performance appraisal, as well as courses in principles of management, organizational structure, and industrial psychology. Other relevant courses include business administration, public administration, psychology, sociology, political science, economics, and statistics. Courses in labor law, collective bargaining, labor economics, labor history, and industrial psychology also provide a valuable background for the prospective labor relations specialist. As in many other fields, knowledge of computers and information systems also is useful.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The management of human resources or to put it simply means the management of people who come from different backgrounds, differing worldviews, age and cultural distinctiveness. Any person who will be handling such diversity is in for trouble. Hence, a solid knowledge of human behavior is prerequisite (Bohm, 1998). Why the need for learning theories? And how to promote it in the context of HR management?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Understandably, the HR manager’s role is one of leadership not just of management. When he/she leads people he/she takes into account the individuality and the complexity, the seemingly unpredictability of behavior. Why seemingly, because at one end we think of the difficulty in truly expecting people to follow the way we want them to follow. However, we also see the other end, that for reasons that we too are human, we know to a certain extent what makes people tick, or what makes people squirm and so on. If we have sufficient background on the learning theories (i.e. insight learning or observational learning), we bring with us an arsenal to help us create change, and move people within our leadership (or influence) to create the change we believe (or our employers believe) should happen in the workplace (Morecroft Sterman , 1994).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   When we are equipped with the knowledge of learning theories we come with a knowledge of people. For example, we can employ the information by crafting our goals and mission statements by involving our people in the process. Learning theories teach us that by involving people in goal-setting gives them ownership; by itself (the involvement) is a form of reward (intrinsic).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In general, the spirit of learning is the spirit of desiring knowledge above and beyond the current abilities a particular individual possesses. It means creating the appetite for change, positive and better change for the person and for the organization where he/she belongs.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Promoting learning in the workplace is both easy and difficult. Easy because if we are experts on human behavior we use influence to help us towards that direction and difficult, usually when we don’t take time to study the kind of people our organization has. What are our strategies?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the workplace, we can employ several strategies. An HR manager may choose from a variety of methods or line of attack so to speak.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One is self-learning, which is a combination of insight, observational and classical /operant learning. Self-learning occurs when the individual reflects on his/her encounter or experience on a particular day and learns something from it. It is informal and most often the typical kind of learning that occurs. Self-directed learning programs possess abundant advantages over traditional variety of classroom instruction for employees in the workplace, whether they are leaders, managers, or individual contributors. Bouchard (Self-directed Learning in Organizational Settings (a working paper), Concordia University, Montreal, Canada) clarifies, â€Å"Over the years, it has become increasingly clear that traditional approaches to program design and delivery in the workplace and in associative organizations present some important weaknesses. Problem areas include: coping with the short life span of useful knowledge; passing down acquired competencies to succeeding cohorts; accommodating the demands of productivity while providing for a continuity of learning; [and] enabling learners to pursue activities that correspond to their learning styles and needs† (p. 1). Carl Rogers, pioneer of self-directed therapy, claimed that â€Å"anything that can be taught to another is relatively inconsequential, and has little or no significant influence on behavior† (1961, p. 276). He contends, â€Å"The only learning which significantly influences behavior is self-discovered, self-appropriated learning† (p. 276).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Continuous Learning is the ability to learn to learn. It goes beyond linear learning. Learning need not be a linear event where a learner goes to a formal learning program, acquires areas of knowledge and skills about a system or process, and then the learning terminates. If the learner can view life (including work) as a learning program, then the learner can continue to learn from almost everything in life. As a result, the learner continues to expand his or her capacity for living, including working (Bridges, 1991).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Peter Senge, well-known systems theorist, elucidates that continual learning and individual mastery are very alike. In continuous learning, the learner carries on to: 1. Distinguish priorities or overall values about themselves and how they want to live and work   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   they have a personal vision. Undergo a dynamic function in the world and work. Keep on reflecting on their encounters in the world and work. Inquire about current feedback about the world (including work) and their activities in it Continue to be as receptive as possible to the feedback (which entails a considerable level of personal maturity). Create continuing regulations and modifications, based on constant feedback, to the manner they live their lives and perform their work in order to meet their goals and priorities. Consequently, the primary features of continuous learning include:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Having some basic values in a person’ life or priorities in his/her work.; owning responsibility in the world; relating with the new information and skills; pausing to make inquiries and contemplate about one’s life and experiences; expecting and receiving continuing feedback;   eliminating personal impediments on receiving feedbacks and possessing the audacity and humility to adjust. Conclusions   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Much of the learning in the workplace has been adaptive (i.e. individuals are trained to adapt to the needs of the organization in a manner that ensures consistency and compliance with norms). In contrast, the new paradigm focuses on liberating individuals and bringing forth their ability to create. This develops within the person, a work ethic that he/she is expected to adhere to, considering that it reflects his/her personhood, his wants and wishes, as well as his future plans. This has generated a much greater contribution from the workforce than expected and continues to develop a learning community where the exchange of ideas is encouraged and work output increased. Enthusiasm towards work in general will be maximized and relationship within the workplace improved. Reference: Atkinson, RL, RC Atkinson, EE Smith, DJ Bem, and S. Nolen-Hoeksema, Hilgard’s   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Introduction to psychology. 13th ed., New York: Harcourt brace and Company,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   2000. Block, Peter, Flawless Consulting: A Guide to Getting Your Expertise Used, University   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Associates, San Diego, CA 1981. Bohm, David. (1985) Unfolding Meaning. Loveland, CO: Foundation House. Bridges, William, Managing Transitions, Making the Most of Change, Addison-Wesley,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Menlo Park, CA 1991. Bruffee, Kenneth A. Collaborative Learning: Higher Education, Interdependence, and the Authority of Knowledge. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins Univ. Press, 1993. Demick, J. and Miller, P., Development in the Workplace, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Publishers, New Jersey, 1993. Gozdz, Kazimierz, ed., Community Building: Renewing Spirit and Learning in Business,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Sterling Stone (NewLeadersPress), San Francisco, 1995. Kline, Peter and Bernard Saunders. Ten Steps to a Learning Organization. Great Ocean Publishers, Inc. Arlington, VA. 1993. Maccoby, Michael, Why Work: Motivating and Leading the New Generation, Simon   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Schuster, New York, 1988. Morecroft, John D.W. and John Sterman eds.(1994) Modeling for Learning   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Organizations. Productivity Press.  McNamara, Carter., http//:www.authenticity   Ã‚   consulting.com. Copyright 1999 Rogers, C., On Becoming a Person: A Therapist’s View of Psychotherapy, Houghton   Ã‚  Ã‚   Mifflin, 1961, p. 276.   Senge, Peter, 1990. The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning    Organization 1st edition, 1994 paperback edition, xxiii, 413 p., ISBN 0-385-  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   26095-4. West, G. W. Group Learning in the Workplace. In S. Imel (Ed.), Learning in groups: exploring fundamental principles, new uses, and emerging opportunities. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. (1996).

Environment Responsibility And Performance Of Unilever Corporation Environmental Sciences Essay

Environment Responsibility And Performance Of Unilever Corporation Environmental Sciences Essay Consumers today are progressively watchful and very particular with the social performance undertaken by all the large corporation on the behavior of the corporation conduct their operations. As we all know, social performance of a corporation is heavily stressed upon and the public have a high expectations on the companys corporate social performance (CSR). (Golob, Lah and Janccaroniccaron 2008) For an Anglo-Dutch multinational corporation like UNILEVER that owns many of the worlds consumer products brands in foods, beverages, cleaning agents and personal care products also faces some consequences and some potential for the environment harm as their business operation. This assignment will be talking about the Corporate Social Responsibilities of Unilever and impacts in relation to the environment. On February 10, 2010 Unilever had been penalize and fined for $1.3 million by the California Air Resources Board for illegal consumer products sales between year 2006 and 2008. The Air Resources Board imposed a penalty on Unilever because of the fumes from the AXE Deodorant Bodyspray for men failed to meet the states clean air standard for volatile organic compounds (VOCs).(Unilever Axes Air Pollution) The deodorant spray had contaminated the air in California with the VOC used as a propellant. These emissions can cause ground-level- ozone or known as smog. When these emissions get in contact with the ozone, it can cause lungs irritation, lungs cancer, coughing and some other asthma symptoms. (Dimitri Stanich 2010) Till now almost 90% of the California citizens still breathe in unhealthy air. Other than that, on March 2001 Hindustan Unilever (HUL), a subsidiary of Unilever had been caught red-handed when the Greenpeace and Palni Hills Conservation Councils uncovered a dumpsite which contain 7.4 tonnes of mercury waste from Unilever thermometer factory. (Nityanand Jayaraman n.d.) These highly toxic mercury wastes had polluted several populated tourist resort of Kodaikanal. Besides that, HUL also dumped behind the factory wall onto the slopes which leads to the protected nature reserve of Pambar Shola. According to the data provided by Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) approximately 1.3 tonnes of toxic mercury had already leaked into the Pambar Shola sanctuary over 17 years. (Indo-Asian News 2003) The soil on the factory premises had also been contaminated by another extra 366kg of toxic mercury. As we all know with a little amount of mercury, such as 1gram, which set down annually in a lake can contaminate the lake which is as big as 25 acres in long term. After t he mercury had been deposited for a extensive years, it will probably convert into a deadlier form from a toxic metal into methyl mercury and released into the environment. Any human being or animal which get in touch with the mercury will cause some severe disorder of the nervous system and also defects. (Nityanand Jayaraman n.d.) Unilever had always been the largest soap and detergent producers and also held huge number serious cases about water pollution offences. For example, Crosfield Chemicals -Unilever Chemical Factory in Warrington had been fined  £35000 because of leaking 50 tonnes of sulphuric acid into the sewage system during year 1990. (The Ethical Consumer Guide to Everyday Shopping n.d.) Also, in 1991, the Unilever Company was convicted for the water pollution offences by the River Purification Board. (Shashank Saxena 2009) Unilever factory was closed down for a period of three months because the contents of the sulphuric acids emission are above the World Health Organization(WHO ) limits. The case for Unilever Unilever is the first Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Company who takes up and implements paper sourcing policy in order to achieve the sustainability goals. This means that the company is trying to source all its products by using the materials which recycled and sources from a sustainably managed forest within a specific time frame. (Anne Marie Mohan 2010) Sustainable paper and board packaging sourcing policy are one of the Unilevers main aim to increase and maximize the company business in the mean time trying to help the environment by reduce the impacts. Unilever is trying to approach with its suppliers to source 75% of its paper and board packaging from materials which are recycled or from forest which are well managed by year 2015; Unilever also try to push it to 100% by year 2020. (Raz Godelnik 2010) The company also delivered a preference to the Forest Stewardship Council certified which requirement for paper from virgin sources. Unilever will also accepts international sc hemes as long as it is under the framework of International Management Citification standards and they must follow the strictly the policy. Unilever it trying to gain awareness of the consumers and public that they are promoting a development of certified forest in the world. All the suppliers which pass through the scheme will appear on the packaging of Unilevers brands. So as we all can see that Unilever is trying to promote a forestry practice which is more sustainable and in the mean time help to fight deforestation and climate change by the responsible of sourcing of these materials. (Anne Marie Mohan 2010) Another important part which is Unilever practice to protect the environment is the Unilevers water approach Sustainable Water Integrated Catchment Management (SWIM). (Catherine Dowdney n.d) The SWIN principle is developed with the help of UK sustainability organization. Water is vital to all sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and also human consumption. The SWIN principles include a useful approach to help Unilever and its partners to make sure that the community water partnership they engage in are effective and successful. Unilever had already adopted four villages along the Brantas River when the Clean Brantas Project was launched in July 2001.Unilever had also work corporately with the NGOs and other government agencies in order to further improve the process of sanitation system, tree replanting and environmental awareness. As a result of these hard works and initiatives, the river now can generate income for the villages through a small scale of fishing, farming and cu ltivation of Java Noni fruit crops for export. (Catherine Dowdney n.d) A Unilever plant in Ontario, Canada, has an ongoing campaign to improve the energy efficiency in order to cut down on the rising and unpredictable energy consumption. This plant in Ontario produces margarine and vegetable oils products which require a high energy expenditure costs. In order to achieve a 6% reduction of energy consumption per year, the plants energy teams has implemented and invest in a new technology called reverse osmosis (RO) system that would enable an improvement in the efficiency of the steam plant operations. (Cost savings and reduced environmental impact through lower energy and water consumption 2009) By changing the previous system to the RO system, the plant had consumed 13million gallons less municipal water and also 8% less natural gas. The plant also cut down the 240,000 pound volume of chemical into the sanitary sewer. The city of Toronto grants $50,000 incentive to the plant because RO system qualified for decreased water consumption and a $14,000 ince ntive grant from the local gas utility. According to Unilever, the project has lead to the company reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 1.6 million tonnes as well as cutting other greenhouse gases. (Cost savings and reduced environmental impact through lower energy and water consumption 2009) Unilever factories in South Africa had been converting the food waste into compose to be used in the communities and also reducing the amount of waste to be sent to the landfill. In the past all the food waste was send to the landfill and dumped there but now is helping to fertilize the agricultural products and generate income for the poor in South Africa. When the project triple R( reduce, reuse and recycle) launched in 2005, all the Unilever Foods factories in Pietermaritzburg and Durban deliver all their waste materials to the municipal compositing facilities to be further process and used. During year 2004 and 2006, the amount of food waste sent to landfill in Pietermaritzburg and Durban was halved and the cost of disposal was also decreased by a third. (Composting waste material for community gardens 2010) On the contrary, Unilever Brazil has devoted to recycle laminated packaging materials such as toothpaste tubes. It has start corporately working with other 5 small companies to collect and find a use for the materials. When food and drinking box, envelope and toothpaste tubes are manufactured, a small amount of plastic are cut off and removed. (Recycling consumer waste 2010) The waste material are collected and combined with a laminated consumer waste and compressed in a special oven. The materials can be shaped into different shapes and sizes. These substances can be used to produce or manufacture furniture and building materials. The first and ever product produce was food tiles, since then the materials has been used to manufacture products such as floor tiles, tables, chairs. Unilever Brazil had been using these materials to equip on the community projects. Unilever had been encouraging consumers to recycle their laminated waste packaging at the community recycling centers. (Recy cling consumer waste 2010) Concluding Remarks In conclusion, the social performance of Unilever in relation to the environment has been mixed. Although Unilever does good things to the environment, they also did some bad horrible things to the environment in India. As we all know the main objectives for all the business is to maximize the profit for their shareholders and stakeholders. So, what is the point that you take a good care of the environment but the company is making losses? If the company need to pollute it in order to make profit then just do it, but after that the company must remember to solve the pollution problems because it is the companys main income. The society will forget all the companys bad things when the company provides benefits for the public. I believe that Unilever corporate social responsibilities are balance. They may be the one who pollute but in the mean time they are also the person who clean up all the mess and put it into original state. ( 1683 words)

Effects of Globalization on Zimbabwe

Effects of Globalization on Zimbabwe Introduction Globalization is as much a part of the modern world as the air we breathe. Especially in the United States, it seems that everywhere you look you can find products made from China, India, Japan, or Taiwan. From our electronics to our silverware, and even the very food we consume, Americans participate in the global market on an everyday basis. What is not so obvious to the average American might be the way in which this global market operates. One important function of the global market is to give countries access to resources that cant be found domestically. However, at a national level America, has a set of rules for fair trade between companies, states, and individuals. There is a high amount of interest in promoting the welfare of each domestic party. Historically, international affairs have been handled much differently. Colonization and the exploitation of other countrys resources have been a common trait of the past few centuries. In addition to accessing resources in other countries, globalization has also been used to circumvent the established fair trade and labor laws in developed countries. If a manufacturer were to pay ten dollars an hour to a factory worker here in the United States, they might be able to find labor in a less-developed country, where there are more relaxed or no labor laws, for a tenth of that amount. This cheap labor might take the form of a poor farmer, a single mother, or even a young child (Elsbeth 2004). This also means that globalization isnt only affecting those who work for low wages in less-developed countries, but it is also affecting domestic labor in the United States by outsourcing available jobs. This paper will focus on Zimbabwe and how globalization has contributed to its poor current situation. Ultimately, globalization in Zimbabwe has been a means to funnel more wealth to already developed nations while sacrificing local economies and living conditions. It has put Zimbabwe into large amounts of debt, threatening its existence as a truly independent nation, and thrown the countrys infrastructure into a tailspin that it has yet to recover from. Development of Capitalism in Zimbabwe The modern history of the territory that would come to be called Zimbabwe begins with one of the earliest forms of globalization; colonization. In the late 19th century, Zimbabwe was colonized by the British because of their interest in mining the territory for precious metals (Alexander 2006). This was the beginning of globalization in Zimbabwe, and as with most instances of globalization, its motives were not pure. The British had no interest in spreading wealth to the area, but instead this was an instance of a developed country looking at the un-utilized resources of a lesser-developed country and wanting to utilize them for their own gain. The colony would remain as such for over seventy years. Policy and housing settlements over this period of time would favor Europeans over the indigenous African population, further proving British motives as not being about whats best for the Zimbabweans (Alexander 2006). In the mid 1960s, the situation in Zimbabwe would deteriorate between the British, who were becoming less prevalent in the area, and rival African factions seeking to gain their independence. The end result would be a civil war between a white-minority government (which declared its own independence from the United Kingdoms) and African-majority factions that lasted for over a decade, along with political turmoil in the region that still exists even today (Alexander, 2006). All of this happened while the British were able to get up and leave, leaving the country to deal with its newfound internal problems by itself. Without deviating too far from the purpose of this paper by delving into specific historical events, a summary of the modern history of Zimbabwe paints an accurate picture of what capitalism, and by extension globalization, has done to the country. A developed country entered a less-developed country in order to make a profit, upset the existing power structure, exploited the lands and its indigenous people, and then left the mess for others to try to pick up when it became no longer worth it to be there. This is a recurring theme in globalization and the world market. Poverty in Zimbabwe Zimbabwe is a country that lives ridden with poverty and disease. Despite having natural resources like gold, copper, iron and lithium, 68% of the population lives under the poverty line. 80% of the people in Zimbabwe are unemployed, and even those that are employed are seeing the money they earn diminished because of hyperinflation caused by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe printing excessive amounts of money to fund their budget deficit (CIA World Factbook). The International Money Fund (IMF) has also cut off their support of Zimbabwe due to Zimbabwes inability to pay back past loans and refusal to enact IMF reforms (CIA World Factbook). However, there have also been claims that IMF and World Bank reforms in the past have hurt Zimbabwe and only made the poverty there worse. Programs that were aimed at globalizing Zimbabwe by funding urban businesses have only succeeded in raising the private incomes of a select few, pushing further class distinction between the rich and poor and doing little to settle Zimbabwes national debt. Some experts claim that the focus must be on promoting the interests of the majorities, like putting price-controls on staples like maize, in order to promote the type of growth that raises the standard of living and can endure as something more than a get rich quick scheme for the already wealthy (Kawewe Dibie 2000). A possible motive for providing these developed companies in less-developed countries with incentives and funds is that they are able to get involved with the global market and provide products at cheap prices to the developed world. There have been many accusations that the IMF and the World Bank favor developed countries when they restructure less-developed countries economies. The World Bank itself claims that their proposals to Zimbabwe have been aimed at supporting social welfare, assisting the fight against AIDS and assisting Zimbabwe in assessing their land use and agricultural exports. However, as of September 13, 2007, Zimbabwe still owed the World Bank 521 million U.S. dollars and the IMF 134 million U.S. dollars (World Bank 2008). A debt like this gives the World Bank and the IMF, a part of the developed world, a large amount of power over Zimbabwe. Whether that power is or has been abused or not, it is important that Zimbabwe recover so that it can begin asserting its own economic structures to support its own people. Only then will Zimbabwe enjoy the benefits of the developed world. Effects on the Population Zimbabwe, like most nations dealing with globalization, has seen an increase in city life in recent history. When globalization affects a nation, subsistence farming that feeds that nations people often becomes more modernized. This means that land owners attempt to have less people working their lands, because if they can replace paid labor with cheaper technology then they pay less to produce equal, or sometimes greater, yields. Then these can be sold into the international market where they make a select few in the developing nation money and drain the food supply for many others. This model of globalization has particularly affected women and children in Zimbabwe. With the increase in city life has come a need for those in poverty to send their children to work in order to support their families. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that HIV/AIDS runs rampant through Zimbabwe, often breaking up family structures when a mother or father become too ill and can no longer work. For many, there just isnt any choice. Robson Elsbeth, the author of several articles focusing on the sociology of Zimbabwe, argues that child labor is a necessary evil for developing countries right now. Elsbeth calls the western idea that children should grow up happy and playing, with little to no responsibility, a myth for much of the developing world. There is simply no way to support these families otherwise. Perhaps the best thing we can do for these children at this point is to simply recognize the work that they do. If western nations stop fooling themselves, they can put pressure on Zimbabwean leaders to help improve the lives and working conditions for those children that have to work by recognizing them as a legitimate work force, rather than standing around in denial and doing nothing to help the situation (Elsbeth 2004). To the west, it may be somewhat tragic, but this is part of the reality of life faced by less-developed nations struggling to make money for their countries in the international market. A good model for the type of progress that Elsbeth argues for can be found by looking at Zimbabwean women since the end of colonial rule in Zimbabwe. They were recognized as a legitimate work force, and as such they have been receiving higher average incomes, better healthcare and greater amounts of education. From this involvement in education and the work force, they have been able to secure public official jobs and have more and more political influence (McFadden 2005). If children can follow the model of progress that Zimbabwean women have already created, they would be able to have a larger voice. However, even for women, the recent political strife in Zimbabwe has threatened to diminish their status once again, with several woman (among other men, though) have been ejected from their spots as public officials (McFadden 2005). Disease and Healthcare As has been mentioned, HIV/AIDS is a national epidemic in Zimbabwe. In 2001, there was an estimated 1.8 million people living with HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe, which represented 24.6% of the total adult population (CIA World Factbook 2008). That essentially means that one out of every 4 adults had HIV/AIDS, and since then Zimbabwe has shown little signs of progressing. If you combine this problem with the financial problems and national debt that Zimbabwe is in discussed earlier in this paper, it is not hard to predict that there would be many people living with HIV/AIDS and without sufficient healthcare. Distributing methods of safe sex is something that gets very little, if any, funding, and once an average person does become affected it is very hard for them to find the sorts of treatment that can prolong their lives and help them deal with it (Zimbabwe Benefit Foundation 2008). As tragic as this is in its own right, it also has a cyclical effect on some of the things previously mentioned in this paper. As has been discussed, often HIV/AIDS has renders people too sick to work, or left families with a dead mother or father. This means more people living in poverty, and more families having to send their kids to work rather than to get an education. This, generally speaking, will relegate them to poverty in their adult lives as well. HIV/AIDS, and their health care systems inability to deal with it, is a huge contributor to the cycle of poverty in Zimbabwe (AVERT 2008). Indigenous Religions With globalization comes the spread of ideals. Western religion has gained a huge foothold in Zimbabwe. Throughout the colonial period and even up until now, Christian missions have flooded Zimbabwe converting indigenous populations into westernized Christians. Current estimates show that only 24% of the Zimbabwean population remains strictly adhered to indigenous beliefs. The rest of the population is made up of 25% Christians, 1% Muslim and 50% syncretic (a mix of Christian and indigenous beliefs) (CIA World Factbook 2008). Environmental Problems in Zimbabwe Many of the environmental problems being experienced in Zimbabwe are things we have seen before; air pollution from industrial compounds, deforestation to make room for building or agriculture and a decline in certain wildlife populations. However, Zimbabwe is faced with a major crisis regarding one important natural resource, and that is water. Polluted water is a huge problem in many rural parts of Zimbabwe. The water is flowing down from developing areas, polluted by many different sorts of industrial and agricultural wastes or compounds, and infecting the rural water supply. The problem is that there is no great infrastructure to help bring these people safe water. For the most part, the only existing infrastructure for water exists in the cities (Derman Ferguson 2003). At the risk of sounding like a parrot, it must be mentioned again that Zimbabwes current financial crisis affects yet another part of life in Zimbabwe. How does a country find the money to bring safe water to its own citizens if it has none to do so with? Unfortunately, with the amount of money Zimbabwe owes, the welfare of their citizens gets pushed off the table as the main priority of the Zimbabwean government. Theres only so much they can do. Relief Measures Relief measures are being taken by some international organizations in order to try to better the lives of citizens in Zimbabwe. Organizations like the Zimbabwe Benefit Foundation attempt to raise money to support programs that help those with HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe, as well as providing funds to help educate children and the less fortunate in Zimbabwe. Their efforts are there for help empower citizens, which will hopefully produce a bottom-up effect and make them active leaders in their country (ZBF 2008). Yet developed nations themselves are seeing the unstable situation in Zimbabwe are placing things like sanctions on them. Citing human rights violations in which Zimbabwe has conducted a concerted campaign of violence, repression, and intimidation on their citizens, the United States put a sanction on Zimbabwe in 2004. These sorts of responses arent uncommon, but it remains to be seen if they actually help the citizens in trouble. Can keeping the government of a poor society poor help the financial crisis and thereby help Zimbabwean citizens? Conclusion Poverty in Zimbabwe has been a cyclical effect, often perpetuated by the financial crisis in which the Zimbabwean government is in severe debt. The funds borrowed have been used to fight wars for control of the government ever since British colonial forces moved out of Zimbabwe, leaving behind an upset power structure with no system of rebuilding in place. This has all lead to the suffering of Zimbabwean citizens through poverty, disease and death. Globalization in Zimbabwe has only been successful in funneling more wealth to already developed nations through the use of colonies and exploitation of natural resources, while sacrificing Zimbabwe itself. It has put Zimbabwe into large amounts of debt, leaving its citizens to suffer and to try to pick up the pieces. Reference Page McFadden, Patricia (2005). Becoming Postcolonial: African Women Changing the Meaning of Citizenship. Meridians: feminism, race, transnationalism. 6(1), 1-22. Elsbeth, Robson (2004). Hidden Child Workers: Young Carers in Zimbabwe.Antipode, 36(2), 227-248. Derman, Bill Ferguson, Anne (2003). Value of Water: Political Ecology and Water Reform in Southern Africa. Human Organization, 62(3), 277-288. Kawewe, Saliwe M. Dibie, Robert (2000). The Impact of Economic Structural Adjustment Programs on Women and Children: Implications for Social Welfare in Zimbabwe. Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare, 27(4), 79-107. Central Intelligence Agency (2008). CIA World Factbook. Retrieved July 26, 2008 from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/zi.html Zimbabwe Benefit Foundation (2008). Empowering Zimbabweans. Retrieved July 26, 2008 from http://www.zbf.org.uk/ Boucher, R. (2004). Zimbabwe: Sanctions Enhancement. U.S. Dept. of State. Retrieved July 27, 2008 from http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2004/30091.htm AVERT (2008). HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe. Retrieved July 26, 2008 from http://www.avert.org/aids-zimbabwe.htm The World Bank (2008). Zimbabwe. Retrieved July 27, 2008 from http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/AFRICAEXT/ZIMBABWEEXTN/0,,menuPK:375744~pagePK:141132~piPK:141121~theSitePK:375736,00.html Alexander, Jocelyn (2006). The Unsettled Land: State-making the Politics of land in Zimbabwe. Ohio: Ohio University Press.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle :: Biographies Bio Biography

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was more than just an author. He was a knight, a soldier, a spiritualist, a whaler, a doctor, a journalist, and most of all, he was an adventurer. He was not the quiet type of person, and he thoroughly enjoyed expressing himself. Arthur Conan Doyle was born on the 22nd of May 1859 in Picardy Place, Edinburgh. The second child of Charles Altamont and Mary Foley, he was thought to have been named after the legendary medieval king, Arthur of the Round Table. Doyle was also named after his granduncle, Michael Edward Conan. He was of Irish descent, and was of the Roman Catholic religion. Doyle had a grandfather, John Doyle. He was political cartoonist who financially supported the family. Doyle had a pretty rough home life because his father was an alcoholic. As he grew up, Doyle had to take more of the responsibilities around the house into his own hands, because his father was either too sick or drunk to fulfill his daily work at home. Doyle's mother, Mary Foley, was a homemaker who took care of her son Arthur and his brothers and sisters, and also worked and cleaned the house everyday. Doyle's early education started when he was about seven years old. His mother spent lots of time reading with him and tutoring him, because this is what she thought he needed to become a cultured gentleman. When Doyle was ten years old he left home and went to the Jesuit Preparatory school named Hodder House. This was a boarding school for young boys. Arthur hated this school. Doyle once stated that Hodder House "was a little more pleasant than being confined in a prison." While attending Hodder House, he studied chemistry, poetry, geometry, arithmetic, and grammar. After his experiences at Jesuit Preparatory school, he left and applied for Stonyhurst Academy. Doyle was accepted for enrollment into Stonyhurst and remained there for about five more years. While at Stonyhurst, Doyle, who excelled in cricket, demonstrated some very early signs of literary talent. At the academy, he became quite good at telling stories and reading aloud. His favorite childhood writer was Mayne Reid, who wrote The Scalp Hunters. This was his favorite book while he was progressing through life. During his last year before attending medical school, Doyle went to Feldkirch, a school in Austria. While attending Feldkirch, he began to question his faith in the Roman Catholic religion.

Vonnegut versus Strindberg :: essays research papers

Kurt Vonnegut is one of the preeminent writers of the later half of the twentieth century. His works are all windows to his mind, a literary psychoanalysis. The play â€Å"Miss Julie†, by August Strindberg, has two subordinates, a daughter and a servant, who are subject to eachother’s authority. Julie is Jeans superior in terms of class, jean is julies superior in terms of morality, because Jean is a man and Julie is a â€Å"degenerate† woman. These class differences structure most of both the plays actions. The plays are conservative in sentiment. They keep these superior and inferior positions in place and ultimately submits both characters to the total authority of the count. An uncountable number of power reversals occurring along class and gender lines throughout the plays. The difference between Jean and Julie is central to their attraction. Whereas Julie expresses a desire to fall from her social position, Jean expresses an idle desire to climb up from his social position. Jean hopes to better his social status by sleeping with Julie, when he discovers that she is penniless, he abandons his plans. By sleeping with Jean, Julie degrades herself and places herself beneath Jeans level. The power shifts again, however, when Julie reasserts her superior class, mocking Jean’s name and family line. In Kurt Vonnegut’s â€Å"Who am I This Time,† Harry Nash is a shy hardware store employee. But whenever he takes a part in a local amateur theatre production, he becomes the part completely. Helene is new in town, a lonely internant telephone company employee. On a whim, she auditions for and gets the part of Miss Julie. Before anyone realizes the problem, she falls madly in love with Jean not knowing what the real man is like. In both plays the people fall for each other, not knowing who they are really falling in love with.

Case Brief Essay

Facts: Billie J. Rodman, Appellant was employed by Presbyterian Hospital as a unit secretary for eight years when, on Feb 17, 1987, she was terminated under hospital personnel policies following a â€Å"third corrective action† notice. Prior restrictions had been placed on Rodman’s conduct due to personal problems adversely impacting upon her place of work. Rodman was reprimanded in June 1986 for receiving an inordinate number of personal telephone calls and visitors at her work station, which was disruptive to her own work and to her co-workers. Rodman was to have no personal telephone calls during work hours outside of a designated break or dinner time, in which event they were to occur in an area not visible to patients, physicians, or other department staff. When leaving the department for dinner, Rodman was to report to her immediate supervisor and was not to leave the hospital. Rodman was to make every effort to resolve the matters in her personal life that were causing problems at work. Nevertheless, according to the testimony of her supervisor, extremely disruptive telephone calls continued. The doctors were beginning to comment on it. The staff was getting more distressed. According to her supervisor, â€Å"[A]gain we talked about the visits, the behavior at the desk. When it got pretty bad with the phone calls, Billie would slam charts, push chairs and be a little abrupt with the people she worked with.† Another written reprimand in November of 1986 warned Rodman that her job was in jeopardy if the disruptive behavior continued. The supervisor established restrictions prohibiting the claimant from having visitors at the department and instructed her to notify security if there was a potential problem. On February 15, 1987, Rodman began work at 1:00 o’clock in the afternoon. She had spoken to her boyfriend’s mother earlier  in the day to tell her that she did not want him to use her car as she had broken off their relationship. The boyfriend’s mother called her at work and told her the boyfriend had her car keys. Rodman told the mother to h ave the boyfriend call her at work. When he did, she informed him that she could not talk to him at her duty station, and he hung up on her. He called her back and left a number where he could be reached. She left the work area and went to the break room to call him. After returning to her duty station, Rodman got another telephone call from her boyfriend who told her to go downstairs to the lobby to meet him and pick up the keys. When she refused, he told her that if she did not come down he would come up to her department. Claimant left the department to confront her boyfriend, and, because her supervisor was at lunch in the hospital cafeteria, Rodman notified a co-worker, a registered nurse, that she was leaving. Rodman testified, â€Å"I didn’t want any kind of confrontation at the desk, so I went downstairs.† Before she left her desk, Rodman called the employer’s security guard and asked him to meet her in the lobby because she anticipated that a problem could develop. When Rodman got to the lobby, her boyfriend started yelling and forced her outside. In doing so, he tore her shirt. At this point the security guard arrived and observed them arguing. Rodman was in the passenger seat of her car. The security guard instructed the boyfriend to return the keys, but the boyfriend jumped into the driver’s seat, locked the doors and drove off. About thirty-five minutes later, Rodman returned to her work station, after having changed her torn shirt. She resumed working, but, as the shift progressed, more telephone calls were received for her in the department. The supervisor became frustrated with the volume of calls and the behavior of Rodman. It was determined that Rodman should be sent home. Thereafter she was terminated. Issue: At Issue is whether the misconduct which warranted termination from unemployment rose to the level of misconduct which would warrant denial of unemployment compensation under NMSA 1978, section 51-1-7 of the Unemployment Compensation Law. Whether the events of a third party constituted the â€Å"last straw doctrine.† Rule: â€Å"[M]isconduct† * * * is limited to conduct evincing such wilful or wanton disregard of an employer’s interests as is found in deliberate violations or disregard of standards of behavior which the employer has the right to expect of his employee, or in carelessness or negligence of such degree or recurrence as to manifest equal culpability * * *. [M]ere inefficiency, unsatisfactory conduct, failure in good performance as the result of inability or incapacity, inadvertencies or ordinary negligence in isolated instances, or good faith errors in judgment or discretion are not to be deemed â€Å"misconduct† within the meaning of the statute. Application: Rodman had a history of wanton or wilful disregard for the employer’s interest and was discharged for the accumulation of those events, including the precipitating event. Rodman’s conduct on February 15, considered in light of totality of circumstances including her previous history or personal phone calls and unauthorized visitors, showed a—willful or wanton disregard for her employer’s interests–. Rodman did not comply with her previous restriction put on her by her employer which was ground’s enough for termination and denial of unemployment benefits. The last straw was applied in this case due to Ms. Rodman’s totality of circumstances. Conclusion: Decision was affirmed by the courts in light that Ms. Rodman’s actions on February 15, which when it was considered in light of restrictions that where upon her previous failure to comply with those restrictions, demonstrated a willful disregard for her employer’s interests.

Joy Luck Club Essay

Based on a book of the same name published by Amy Tan, The Joy Luck Club tells the stories of four Chinese women and their daughters who were raised in America. While the film focuses a great deal on the relationships between the mothers and daughters and how their stories intertwine, as well as the history of each person and the trials they went through both in China and America, it also showcases some Chinese cultural and religious beliefs. Religion, folktales, culture, and superstition were all prevalent in much of the daily lives of the women, shaping how they interacted with and raised their individual children as well as how they viewed themselves. In this paper, I will be focusing on how the different beliefs and customs were displayed in the film and how their lives were formed around and changes by them. Some of the major stylistic elements of the movie were the presence of jade jewelry on most of the women and the bright red color that was frequently worn on clothes or decorating rooms. Red stands as a symbol of fortune and joy in China, and is fitting for The Joy Luck Club, and reflects the ingrained superstition in the society. Jade in Chinese culture has a long history dating back to 5000 B. C. Confucius claimed that there are eleven virtues in jade, and that â€Å"The wise have likened jade to virtue. For them, its polish and brilliancy represent the whole of purity; its perfect compactness and extreme hardness represent the sureness of intelligence; its angles, which do not cut, although they seem sharp, represent justice; the pure and prolonged sound, which it gives forth when one strikes it, represents music. Its color represents loyalty; its interior flaws, always showing themselves through the transparency, call to mind sincerity; its iridescent brightness represents heaven; its admirable substance, born of mountain and of water, represents the earth. Used alone without ornamentation it represents chastity. The price that the entire world attaches to it represents the truth. To support these comparisons, the Book of Verse says: â€Å"When I think of a wise man, his merits appear to be like jade. † In addition, there is a Chinese saying that states â€Å"Gold has a value; jade is invaluable. † Jade also symbolizes purity, grace, and beauty, and sometimes denoted power in historical times as well as being the title for the Jade Emperor, who was the Supreme Deity of Taoism. In a pivotal moment of the movie, daughter June is given a jade necklace that has been passed down generations by her mother Suyuan. This symbolizes both her mother’s love and belief in her and shows how highly valued familial ties are in Chinese culture. The ties that bind family together in Chinese society can be seen very strongly throughout The Joy Luck Club. There were some conflicting values seen between the women raised in China and their daughters raised in America. This dichotomy helped to show how even though they were in America, the mothers expected the girls to understand and obey them following the rules of Chinese requirements. For example, as a child Waverly gets into an argument with her mother in which her mother states, â€Å"There are only two kinds of children: those who are obedient, and those with own mind. And only one kind of child live in this house. Obedient kind. † Waverly sees this as an unfair imposition upon who she is as an individual, while her mother simply accepts this as a fact of how life and family is. Even through the disagreements and understandings, the girls exhibit strong traits of their mothers’, which are not just hinged on how they are raised. Rather than just focusing on the nurture aspect, the mothers believed powerfully in spirits and curses, and their daughters followed them to some extent. Waverly believes that words her mother said to her cursed her as a child because she allowed them to undermine her own individual beliefs in herself. This is something that I found very interesting, as the majority of the Western world would explain that away with psychology while the East appeared to believe that she might actually be cursed, but the curse wasn’t permanent. In another case, Ying-Ying believes that her daughter is emotionally weak because she had no spirit of her own to give Lena when she was born, and this leads her to make many of the mistakes that Ying-Ying did. This belief also seen in An-Mei’s mother, who committed suicide to protect her daughter and believed that the remnants of her own weak soul would pass to her daughter and make her stronger. The superstitions of the family she was wed into were detailed, as the husband believed that An-Mei’s mother may return to haunt him, and thus An-Mei was protected by her ancestors. I found the parallels between Western and Chinese culture here to be very interesting, as the younger girls tried to separate themselves and integrate their upbringing with their mothers’ expectations. Tradition and ancestor veneration was clearly represented in several cases, the most obvious of which being the case of Lindo’s marriage. Trapped and unable to properly conceive a child, she tricks her husband’s family into believing that the matchmaker had made a mistake by assaying that the ancestor appeared to her and threatened her because another girl in the household was pregnant with his â€Å"spiritual† child, and was fated by the ancestors to marry Lindo’s own husband. Through the arousal of duty to the ancestors, Lindo is able to escape her marriage. An-Mei’s mother fell subject to the belief of tradition – she tried to save her own mother in turn by feeding her soup with her own flesh in it, because in the cultural context sacrificing the â€Å"pain of her flesh† was the honorable thing to do, even though she had been disowned by her family. This scene made me wonder why the sense of duty only seemed to run from the current generation to their own ancestors, rather than from the older family towards the younger generations. The importance of tradition led the mothers to try and teach their children to â€Å"desire nothing†¦swallow pain and eat [their] bowl of bitterness†, even as they attempted to provide their daughters with the means to break out of the cycle while still honoring beliefs. There was so much amazing symbolism and cultural representation, both Chinese and American, in The Joy Luck Club. The hopes that each of the women had resting on their children, the religious and cultural beliefs that they carried with them, and the strength exhibited by each of the women astounded me, and I hope to learn more about Chinese faith in the future.