Modern society Essay

The modern family is obviously in many ways different from the traditional family types that existed in the past. A number of trends are at work nowadays shaping the modern, or, as some scholars put it, post-modern family (United Nations University). These factors affect the basic foundations of the family and reconfigure the roles of all members of this institution, receiving different evaluations of psychologists, economists, and sociologists. Professor Yount from Emory University notes that modern American families have undergone a dramatic sociological change in the past decades. Thus, the size of household declined among Caucasians and African Americans and rose among Hispanics, the â€Å"percentage of households headed by married couples declined from 78 percent to 53 percent in the period from 1950 to 1998† (Yount, 2005). In addition, the proportion of dual-earning couples has increased significantly, creating a new economic reality (Yount, 2005). Today, the woman is increasingly contributing as much as or even more than the man to the family budget, a fact that has implications for her economic role in the family. A woman is more likely to remain financially independent after divorce or even lose money in divorce proceedings to her husband. This has positive implications for children that are less likely to remain without support after the parents’ separation and benefits the society, creating a new workforce pool. Against this background a noticeable trend is certainly an alarming divorce rate. In a certain sense, this trend works against growing importance of women as bread winners, contributing to insecurity of children’s well-being and putting heavy financial pressure on spouses that take custody of children. On the other hand, divorce rates are connected to â€Å"the new level of women’s involvement in the workplace, as well as modernization of women’s roles in general† (Swanson 2004:1). In a sense, divorce is the result of growing egalitarianism in family relations, a trend clear from the psychological perspective. Families become more and more egalitarian in the sense that younger and older members, women and men are achieving a more equal status in many ways. However, Swanson (2004) also points out that perfect egalitarianism remains elusive. Most men and women aspiring to build egalitarian families in the times of their courtship face a reality in which they cannot attain this desired ideal and instead lapse into traditional rigid gender roles. This becomes even more of a problem with childbirth. Although men tend to have a greater role in parenting than before, women are still responsible for most of it, and it tends to re-shape the roles in the family toward greater participation of the woman in household duties and increases her workload relative to that of the man. Thus, a study conducted in Switzerland â€Å"reveals some moderate tendencies towards less sex typing of task allocation in such items as administrative contacts, gifts, holidays, cleaning, but there seems to be a hard core of tasks showing very little change (cooking meals, washing)† (Levy, Widmer, Kellerhals 2002). There are many other changes obvious in the psychological realm. Values and priorities in family life are undergoing a constant change. United Nations University in its article on the post-modern family notes that today’s families see â€Å"optional participation in most aspects of communal life, high levels of privacy and choice† as opposed to â€Å"compulsory participation in all aspects of communal life, lack of privacy and personal choice†. Because of lower level of required participation in communal activities, people experience a shift in the nature of identity, often associating themselves with a greater number of fluid social groups. Values become less constant, and social roles are changing. One interesting trend pointed out by Professor Gillis of Rutgers University is the growing virtual character of people’s connections with home. Many spend little time at the place associated with their home, something underscored by the fact that â€Å"homemade† and â€Å"homecooked† is likely to be made anywhere but at home† (Gillis 2000:7). On the other hand, modern communication possibilities in the form of Internet, cheaper long-distance calling and other ways allow for greater connection with relatively remote places. This creates prerequisites for a deep psychological change in the mentality of people who feel at the same time estranged and closer to their relatives who they see less frequently, but can communicate with from a distance. A word should also be said about the emergence of non-traditional households, starting from cohabitation prior to marriage that can now last decades to homosexual households and those including several couples. Welcomed or abhorred, these families also have a presence in the modern society. As to homosexual couples, we see these days a clear trend toward legitimizing these relationships. This can have far-reaching consequences for modern families. There is a greater scope of opportunities for adoption of children, greater security for members of such families that previously lacked social security, and other economic and social advantages. However, there is also an opinion that the prevalence of these arrangements destroys the foundations of the regular family. Thus, families nowadays undergo a profound change that occurs on sociological, psychological, and economic plane. Most often, these planes prove to be deeply interconnected in many ways. Thus, divorce has roots in growing egalitarianism and shift of values that affect the psychology of young people who get married. On the other hand, it has profound economic ramifications, creating instability and jeopardizing the financial well-being of women and children in most cases. Overall, the modern family demonstrates many trends, increasingly exhibiting diversity and fluidity in definition of patterns and values. Bibliography Gillis, John R. â€Å"Our Virtual Families: Toward a Cultural Understanding of Modern Family Life†. Emory University’s Center on Myth and Ritual in American Life Newletter Working Paper No. 2 (2000). 19 November 2006 . Levy, Rene, Widmer, Eric, and Jean Kellerhals. â€Å"Modern family or modernized family traditionalism? : Master status and the gender order in Switzerland†. Electronic Journal of Sociology (2002): Universite de Lausanne. 19 November 2006 .

The Return: Nightfall Chapter 22

Bonnie was disturbed and confused. It was dark. â€Å"All right,† a voice that was brusque and calming at once was saying. â€Å"That's two possible concussions, one puncture wound in need of a tetanus shot – and – well, I'm afraid I've got to sedate your girl, Jim. And I'm going to need help, but you're not allowed to move at all. You just lie back and keep your eyes shut.† Bonnie opened her own eyes. She had a vague memory of falling forward onto her bed. But she wasn't at home; she was still at the Saitou house, lying on a couch. As always, when in confusion or fear, she looked for Meredith. Meredith was just returning from the kitchen with a makeshift ice pack. She put it on Bonnie's already wet forehead. â€Å"I just fainted,† Bonnie explained, as she herself figured it out. â€Å"That's all.† â€Å"I know you fainted. You cracked your head pretty hard on the floor,† Meredith replied, and for once her face was perfectly readable: worry and sympathy and relief were all visible. She actually had tears pooling in her eyes. â€Å"Oh, Bonnie, I couldn't get to you in time. Isobel was in the way, and those tatami mats don't cushion the floor much – and you've been out for almost half an hour! Youscared me.† â€Å"I'm sorry.† Bonnie fumbled a hand out a blanket she seemed to be wrapped in and gave Meredith's hand a squeeze. It meantvelociraptor sisterhood is still in action . It also meantthank you for caring . Jim was sprawled on another couch holding an ice pack to the back of his head. His face was greenish-white. He tried to stand up but Dr. Alpert – it was her voice that was both crusty and kind – pushed him back onto the couch. â€Å"You don't need any more exertion,† she said. â€Å"But I do need an assistant. Meredith, can you help me with Isobel? It sounds as if she's going to be quite a handful.† â€Å"She hit me in the back of the head with a lamp,† Jim warned them. â€Å"Don't ever turn your back on her.† â€Å"We'll be careful,† Dr. Alpert said. â€Å"You two stayhere ,† Meredith added firmly. Bonnie was watching Meredith's eyes. She wanted to get up to help them with Isobel. But Meredith had that special look of determination that meant it was better not to argue. As soon as they left, Bonnie tried to stand up. But immediately she began to see the pulsating gray nothingness that meant she was going to pass out again. She lay back down, teeth gritted. For a long time there were crashes and shouts from Isobel's room. Bonnie would hear Dr. Alpert's voice raised, and then Isobel's, and then a third voice – not Meredith, who never shouted if she could help it, but what sounded like Isobel's voice, only slowed down and distorted. Then, finally, there was silence, and Meredith and Dr. Alpert came back carrying a limp Isobel between them. Meredith had a bloody nose and Dr. Alpert's short pepper-and-salt hair was standing on end, but they had somehow gotten a T-shirt onto Isobel's abused body and Dr. Alpert had managed to hang on to her black bag as well. â€Å"Walking wounded, stay where you are. We'll be back to lend you a hand,† the doctor said in her terse way. Next Dr. Albert and Meredith made another trip to take Isobel's grandmother with them. â€Å"I don't like her color,† Dr. Albert said briefly. â€Å"Or the tick of her tocker. We might as well all go get checked up.† A minute later they returned to help Jim and Bonnie to Dr. Albert's SUV. The sky had clouded over, and the sun was a red ball not far from the horizon. â€Å"Do you want me to give you something for the pain?† the doctor asked, seeing Bonnie eyeing the black bag. Isobel was in the very back of the SUV, where the seats had been folded down. Meredith and Jim were in the two seats in front of her, with Grandma Saitou between them, and Bonnie – at Meredith's insistence – was in the front with the doctor. â€Å"Um, no, it's okay,† Bonnie said. Actually, she had been wondering whether the hospital actually could cure Isobel of infection any better than Mrs. Flowers' herbal compresses could. But although her head throbbed and ached and she was developing a lump the size of a hard-boiled egg on her forehead, she didn't want to cloud her thinking. There was something nagging at her, some dream or something she'd had while Meredith said she'd been unconscious. Whatwas it? â€Å"All right then. Seat belts on? Here we go.† The SUV pulled away from the Saitou house. â€Å"Jim, you said Isobel has a three-year-old sister asleep upstairs, so I called my granddaughter Jayneela to come over here. At least it will be somebody in the house.† Bonnie twisted around to look at Meredith. They both spoke at once. â€Å"Oh, no! She can't go in!Especially not into Isobel's room! Look, please, you have to – † Bonnie babbled. â€Å"I'm really not sure if that's a good idea, Dr. Alpert,† Meredith said, no less urgently but much more coherently. â€Å"Unless she does stay away from that room and maybe has someone with her – a boy would be good.† â€Å"A boy?† Dr. Alpert seemed bewildered, but the combination of Bonnie's distress and Meredith's sincerity seemed to convince her. â€Å"Well, Tyrone, my grandson, was watching TV when I left. I'll try to get him.† â€Å"Wow!† Bonnie said involuntarily. â€Å"That's the Tyrone who's offensive tackle on the football team next year, huh? I heard that they call him the Tyre-minator.† â€Å"Well, let's say I think he'll be able to protect Jayneela,† Dr. Alpert said after making the call. â€Å"But we're the ones with the, ah,overexcited girl in the vehicle with us. From the way she fought the sedative, I'd say she's quite a ;;terminator' herself.† Meredith's mobile phone beeped out the tune it used for numbers not in its memory, and then announced, â€Å"Mrs. T. Flowers is calling you. Will you take the – † In a moment Meredith had hit thetalk button. â€Å"Mrs. Flowers?† she said. The hum of the SUV kept anything Mrs. Flowers might be saying from Bonnie and the others, so Bonnie went back to concentrating on two things: what she knew about the â€Å"victims† of the Salem â€Å"witches,† and what that elusive thought while she was unconscious had been. All of which promptly flew away when Meredith put down her mobile phone. â€Å"What was it? What?What? † Bonnie couldn't get a clear view of Meredith's face in the dusk, but it looked pale, and when she spoke shesounded pale, too. â€Å"Mrs. Flowers was doing some gardening and she was about to go inside when she noticed that there was something in her begonia bushes. She said it looked as if someone had tried to stuff something down between the bush and a wall, but a bit of fabric stuck up.† Bonnie felt as if the wind had been knocked out of her.†What was it?† â€Å"It was a duffel bag, full of shoes and clothes. Boots. Shirts. Pants. All Stefan's.† Bonnie gave a shriek that caused Dr. Alpert to swerve and then recover, the SUV fishtailing. â€Å"Oh, my God; oh, my God – he didn't go!† â€Å"Oh, I think he went all right. Just not of his own free will,† Meredith said grimly. â€Å"Damon,† Bonnie gasped, and slumped back into her own seat, tears welling up in her eyes and overflowing. â€Å"I couldn't help wanting to believe†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Head getting worse?† Dr. Alpert asked, tactfully ignoring the conversation that had not included her. â€Å"No – well, yes, it is,† Bonnie admitted. â€Å"Here, open the bag and give me a look inside. I've got samples of this and that†¦all right, here you go. Anybody see a water bottle back there?† Jim listlessly handed one over. â€Å"Thanks,† Bonnie said, taking the small pill and a deep gulp. She had to get her head right. If Damon had kidnapped Stefan, then she should be Calling for him, shouldn't she? God only knew where he would end up this time. Why hadn't any of them even thought of it as a possibility? Well, first, because the new Stefan was supposed to be so strong, and second, because of the note in Elena's diary. â€Å"That's it!† she said, startling even herself. It had all come flooding back, everything that she and Matt had shared†¦. â€Å"Meredith!† she said, oblivious to the side look which Dr. Alpert gave her, â€Å"while I was unconscious I talked withMatt . He was unconscious, too – â€Å" â€Å"Was he hurt?† â€Å"God, yes. Damon must have been doing something awful. But he said to ignore it, that something had been bothering him about the note Stefan left for Elena ever since he saw it. Something about Stefan talking to the English teacher about how to spelljudgment last year. And he just kept saying,Look for the backup file. Look for the backup†¦before Damon does .† She stared at Meredith's dim face, aware as they cruised slowly to stop at an intersection that Dr. Alpert and Jim were both staring at her. Tact had its limits. Meredith's voice broke the silence. â€Å"Doctor,† she said, â€Å"I'm going to have to ask you something. If you take a left here and another one at Laurel Street and then just drive for about five minutes to Old Wood, it won't be too far out of your way. But it'll let me get to the boardinghouse where the computer Bonnie's talking about is. You may think I'm crazy, but Ineed to get to that computer.† â€Å"I know you're not crazy; I'd have noticed it by now.† The doctor laughed mirthlessly. â€Å"And I have heard some things about young Bonnie here†¦nothing bad, I promise, but a little difficult to believe. After seeing what I saw today, I think I'm beginning to change my opinion about them.† The doctor abruptly took a left turn, muttering, â€Å"Somebody's taken the stop sign from this road, too.† Then she continued, to Meredith, â€Å"I can do what you ask. I'd drive you all the way to the old boardinghouse – â€Å" â€Å"No! That would be much too dangerous!† † – but I've got to get Isobel to a hospital as soon as possible. Not to mention Jim. I think he really does have a concussion. And Bonnie – † â€Å"Bonnie,† Bonnie said, enunciating distinctly, â€Å"is going to the boardinghouse, too.† â€Å"No, Bonnie! I'm going torun , Bonnie, do you understand that? I'm going torun as fast as I can – and I can't let you hold me up.† Meredith's voice was grim. â€Å"I won't hold you up, I swear it. You go ahead and run. I'll run, too. My head feels fine, now. If you have to leave me behind, youkeep on running. I'll be coming after you.† Meredith opened her mouth and then closed it again. There must have been something in Bonnie's face that told her any kind of argument would be useless, Bonnie thought. Because that was the truth of the matter. â€Å"Here we are,† Dr. Alpert said a few minutes later. â€Å"Corner of Laurel and Old Wood.† She pulled a small flashlight out of her black bag and shone it in each of Bonnie's eyes, one after another. â€Å"Well, it still doesn't look as if you have concussion. But you know, Bonnie, that my medical opinion is that you shouldn't be running anywhere. I just can't force you to accept to take treatment if you don't want it. But I can make you take this.† She handed Bonnie the small flashlight. â€Å"Good luck.† â€Å"Thank you for everything,† Bonnie said, for an instant laying her pale hand on Dr. Alpert's long-fingered, dark brown one. â€Å"You be careful, too – of fallen trees and of Isobel, and of something red in the road.† â€Å"Bonnie, I'm leaving.† Meredith was already outside the SUV. â€Å"And lock your doors! And don't get out until you're away from the woods!† Bonnie said, as she tumbled down from the vehicle beside Meredith. And then they ran. Of course, all that Bonnie had said about Meredith running in front of her, leaving her behind, was nonsense, and they both knew it. Meredith seized Bonnie's hand as soon as Bonnie's feet had touched the road and began running like a greyhound, dragging Bonnie along with her, at times seeming to whirl her over dips in the road. Bonnie didn't need to be told how important speed was. She wished desperately that they had a car. She wished a lot of things, primarily that Mrs. Flowers lived in the middle of town and not way out here on the wild side. At last, as Meredith had foreseen, she was winded, and her hand so slick with sweat that it slipped out of Meredith's hand. She bent almost double, hands on her knees, trying to get her breath. â€Å"Bonnie! Wipe your hand! We have to run!† â€Å"Just – give me – a minute – â€Å" â€Å"We don't have a minute! Can't youhear it?Come on! â€Å" â€Å"I justneed – to get – my breath.† â€Å"Bonnie, look behind you. And don't scream!† Bonnie looked behind her, screamed, and then discovered that she wasn't winded after all. She took off, grabbing Meredith's hand. She could hear it, now, even above her own wheezing breath and the pounding in her ears. It was an insect sound, not a buzzing but still a sound that her brain filed underbug . It sounded like the whipwhipwhip of a helicopter, only much higher in pitch, as if a helicopter could have insect-like tentacles instead of blades. With that one glance, she had made out an entire gray mass of those tentacles, with heads in front – and all the heads were open to show mouths full of white sharp teeth. She struggled to turn on the flashlight. Night was falling, and she had no idea how long it would be until moonrise. All she knew was that the trees seemed to make everything darker, and thatthey were after her and Meredith. The malach. The whipping sound of tentacles beating the air was much louder now. Much closer. Bonnie didn't want to turn around and see the source of it. The sound was pushing her body beyond all sane limits. She couldn't help hearing over and over Matt's words:like putting my hand in a garbage disposal and turning it on. Like putting my hand in a garbage disposal†¦ Her hand and Meredith's were covered with sweat again. And the gray mass was definitely overtaking them. It was only half as far away as it had been at first, and the whipping noise was getting higher-pitched. At the same time her legs felt like rubber. Literally. She couldn't feel her knees. And now they felt like rubber dissolving into gelatin. Vipvipvipvipveeee†¦ It was the sound of one of them, closer than the rest. Closer, closer, and then it was in front of them, its mouth open in an oval shape with teeth all around the perimeter. Just like Matt had said. Bonnie had no breath to scream with. But she needed to scream. The headless thing with no eyes or features – just that horrible mouth – had turned ahead of them and was coming right for her. And her automatic response – to beat at it with her hands – could cost her an arm. Oh God, it was coming for her face†¦. â€Å"There's the boardinghouse,† gasped Meredith, giving her a jerk that lifted her off her feet.†Run!† Bonnie ducked, just as the malach tried to collide with her. Instantly, she felt tentacleswhipwhipwhip into her curly hair. She was abruptly yanked backward to a painful stumble and Meredith's hand was torn out of hers. Her legs wanted to collapse. Her guts wanted her to scream. â€Å"Oh, God, Meredith, it's got me! Run!Don't let one get you!† In front of her, the boardinghouse was lit up like a hotel. Usually it was dark except for maybe Stefan's window and one other. But now it shone like a jewel, just beyond her reach. â€Å"Bonnie, shut your eyes!† Meredith hadn't left her. She was still here. Bonnie could feel vine-like tentacles gently brushing her ear, lightly tasting her sweaty forehead, working toward her face, her throat†¦She sobbed. And then there was a sharp, loud crack mixed with a sound like a ripe melon bursting, and something damp scattered all over her back. She opened her eyes. Meredith was dropping a thick branch she had been holding like a baseball bat. The tentacles were already sliding out of Bonnie's hair. Bonnie didn't want to look at the mess behind her. â€Å"Meredith, you – â€Å" â€Å"Come on – run!† And she was running again. All the way up the gravel boardinghouse driveway, all the way up the path to the door. And there, in the doorway, Mrs. Flowers was standing with an old-fashioned kerosene lamp. â€Å"Get in, get in,† she said, and as Meredith and Bonnie skittered to a stop, sobbing for air, she slammed the door shut behind them. They all heard the sound that came next. It was like the sound the branch had made – a sharp crack plus a bursting, only much louder, and repeated many times over, like popcorn popping. Bonnie was shaking as she took her hands away from her ears and slid down to sit on the entry-hall rug. â€Å"What in heaven's name have you girls been doing to yourselves?† Mrs. Flowers said, eyeing Bonnie's forehead, Meredith's swollen nose, and their general state of sweaty exhaustion. â€Å"It takes too – long to explain,† Meredith got out. â€Å"Bonnie! You can sit down – upstairs.† Somehow or other Bonnie made it upstairs. Meredith went at once to the computer and turned it on, collapsing on the desk chair in front of it. Bonnie used the last of her energy to pull off her top. The back was stained with nameless insect juices. She crumpled it into a ball and threw it into a corner. Then she fell down on Stefan's bed. â€Å"What exactly did Matt say?† Meredith was getting her breath back. â€Å"He saidLook in the backup – orLook for the backup file or something. Meredith, my head†¦it isn't good.† â€Å"Okay. Just relax. You did great out there.† â€Å"I made it because you saved me. Thanks†¦again†¦.† â€Å"Don't worry about it. But I don't understand,† Meredith added in her talking-to-herself murmur. â€Å"There's a backup file of this note in the same directory, but it's no different. I don't see what Matt meant.† â€Å"Maybe he was confused,† Bonnie said reluctantly. â€Å"Maybe he was just in a lot of pain and sort of off his head.† â€Å"Backup file, backup file†¦wait a minute! Doesn't Word automatically save a backup in some weird place, like under the administrator directory or somewhere?† Meredith was clicking rapidly through directories. Then she said, in a disappointed voice, â€Å"No, nothing there.† She sat back, letting her breath out sharply. Bonnie knew what she must be thinking. Their long and desperate run through danger couldn't all be for nothing. Itcouldn't . Then, slowly, Meredith said, â€Å"There are a lot of temp files in here for one little note.† â€Å"What's a temp file?† â€Å"It's just a temporary storage of your file while you're working on it. Usually it just looks like gibberish, though.† The clicking started again. â€Å"But I must as well be thorough – oh!† She interrupted herself. The clicking stopped. And then there was dead silence. â€Å"What is it?† Bonnie said anxiously. More silence. â€Å"Meredith! Talk to me!Did you find a backup file? â€Å" Meredith said nothing. She seemed not even to hear. She was reading with what looked like horrified fascination.

Starbucks Strategy and Internal Initiatives to Return to Profitable Essay

Starbucks Strategy and Internal Initiatives to Return to Profitable Growth - Essay Example Starbucks also seeks to make the company a comfortable and a great place to work. This maintains employee satisfaction at Starbucks, which is done via offering its staff competitive wages, as well as benefits packages that include an option on stocks. Starbucks has been faced with many challenges that have seen its strategy evolve. Starbucks has been faced with many challenges that have seen its strategy evolve. Q. 1) What was Howard Schultz’s original strategic vision for Starbucks? Is his 2010 strategic vision for Starbucks different from the one he had in the 1980s? How many times has his strategic vision changed? Is his present strategic vision likely to undergo further evolution? Howard Schultz’s original plan for Starbucks involved the creation of an Italian style â€Å"espresso bar† retail chain, which would also sell coffee related equipment and the coffee beans, as well as expand the corporation out of Pacific Northwest, inclusive of Chicago (Shah & Thompson, 2010). Schultz envisioned the use of top quality dark roasted coffee beans. Customers could come to the bar to pursue a perfect cup of coffee, getting a worthwhile experience out of it. He also aimed to create a company that would make employees proud of it. Schultz revised the strategy in the 1990’s to add food items to the menu at Starbucks. This led to the growth of new channels of distribution for Starbucks’ products. Additionally, the vision also included the expansions of Starbucks Corporation into foreign markets and institute global branding (Shah & Thompson, 2010). The Starbucks logo was also changed to green from brown in order to symbolize Il Giornale merger with Starbucks, which created the espresso bar and the retail coffee bean store. These stores have become the signature of Starbucks Corporation.  

Nitrogen Recovery in WasteWater Treatment Term Paper

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Wildlife exploitation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Wildlife exploitation - Essay Example Some of the incentives that can be provided to conserve marine biodiversity include encouraging local people in their limited and managed development. Thus the best and most successful policies that encourage conservation of wildlife and marine biodiversity have been those that encourage the locals’ limited and managed development. This implies that allowing the local communities to make restricted use of wildlife encourages them to view the surrounding wildlife as an asset for development rather than a threat. Allowing utilization of restricted reserve lands along riverside and coastal regions allows the local people to make use of the available land while at the same affording other uses by wildlife. Afterall, at any given time, it is always important for the benefits accruing from wildlife conservation to trickle down and be distributed amongst the whole community. This takes the form of sharing tourism incomes from the reserve with the local community and maintaining a spe cific share of the available jobs in the reserve for the local community. Such policies, therefore, act as an encouragement for the locals who view the designation of the reserve for wildlife purposes as a particular kind of local development policy for their benefit.The other important incentive that can really assist in marine biodiversity conservation is the use of taxes/charges and tradable quota or rights and subsidies. This means that harvesters are subsidized to lower their harvest rate.

Leisure of the basis of culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Leisure of the basis of culture - Essay Example I would therefore, recommend this book to all people who live to work and do not work to live. This will challenge them to take a break, and ponder on the beauty of life, which is not found in their work, but in meaningful leisure. I agree with all the claims made by Pieper in this book, as these are instances I experience every day, happening to me and to the people around me. Today, there is hardly time for leisure, as most people use every bit of their time in moneymaking activities, in order to live a comfortable life, which they have prioritized. Pieper does not condone this kind of lifestyle, but instead argues that people should find value in life by setting aside time for leisure, as it is also an important component of living. When talking about leisure and emphasizing its importance, Pieper was not portraying himself as a hedonist, as he talked about a different kind of leisure, and not what most people, especially the youth know about leisure. I agree with Pieper’s view of a different kind of leisure. Today, when someone mentions the word â€Å"leisure,† what rings in the minds of most young people is drinking, partying, dancing, watching television, and going for holidays, among other such entertainment. Pieper considers leisure to be that peaceful time a person has rest and finds time to pray, time to appreciate nature and all existence, time to make scientific discoveries, time to write music and literature, time to study a favourite topic, and time to produce art work. According to Pieper’s definition of leisure, one might understand that leisure is doing what a person loves doing most. However, these activities must add value to a person’s being. As opposed to entertainm ent, such as dancing, the real leisure does not lead to exhaustion or monotony. Pieper was right on this. From my personal experience, I can attest to this. I love reading educational and

You choose the topic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

You choose the topic - Essay Example Specifically, the author employs horrific imagery of death and revenge in order to set the mood for the eventual murder of Fortunato. Poe uses dark words and images of death like â€Å"a mask of black silk† worn by Montresor and â€Å"the damp ground of the catacombs† that both men see as they descend to the vaults (Poe, â€Å"The Cask of Amontillado†). In fact, the phrase â€Å"mask of black silk† and the word â€Å"catacombs† do not only foreshadow Fortunato’s death but also somehow symbolize death itself. The â€Å"mask of black silk† in particular, which is likened to the mask of an executioner, somehow signifies beginning of the initiation rite. Another form of symbolic imagery employed by Poe includes the family coat of arms of the Montresors: â€Å"the foot crushes a serpent rampant whose fangs are imbedded in the heel† (Poe, â€Å"The Cask†). The purpose of this particular form of imagery is to show the reader tha t the theme of death is perfectly intertwined with the theme of revenge and punishment. On the other hand, in â€Å"The Tell-Tale Heart,† it was a disease that â€Å"had sharpened [the narrator’s] senses and that makes him â€Å"very, very dreadfully nervous† that has actually made him kill the old man. Moreover, the narrator seems to have admitted the murder and justifies it only on the basis of impulse. In short, unlike Montresor in â€Å"The Cask of Amontillado,† the narrator in â€Å"The Tell-Tale Heart† does not hold a grudge against his victim although he kills him: â€Å"it was not the old man who vexed me, but his Evil Eye† (Poe, â€Å"The Tell-Tale Heart†). This particular disease that somehow sharpens the narrator’s senses has somehow made him too nervous and too afraid of the old man’s Evil Eye and that is the reason why the narrator smothers the latter with a bed or a pillow until his death. He then chops of f the old man’s head and limbs and hides them under the planks. Although

Cultural development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Cultural development - Essay Example It is evident from the study that Cultural Development theories strive to describe the quality changes in the framework and structure of society, which help its members realize their aims and objectives. Cultural development does not only entail the integration of new programs and policies in the society, but it also includes the process of social change. Physical Stage is mainly marked with the domination of physical aspects of the human personality. At this stage, people are required to adhere and follow tradition strictly, and only little change and innovation are required. Society in this stage is mainly meant for survival and subsistence. Land is the most outstanding resource, and wealth is weighed on the size of land holdings. During this stage, money and commerce play minor roles, and experimental and innovative approaches are discouraged. Church and religious beliefs are responsible for introducing new technological knowledge into the society. Professional skills are passed d own from the parents to the children. Vital Stage is marked with change and dynamism. Society becomes adventurous and innovative thereby expanding its activities. The society transforms from stressing on interactions with the physical environment to emphasizing on the social interactions between people. Agriculture, which is the main economic activity at this stage is fueled by trade. New programs and policies that encourage commerce and trade are introduced into the society. Experimental and innovative approaches are encouraged, and demand for knowledge and skills rise. This is the stage where people begin to strive to acquire leisure and luxury, which were not attainable when the society was at subsistence level (Johnson & Lewis 48). Mental Stage This stage is characterized by the social, political and practical application of mind. At this stage, the society emphasizes on education, technology and inventions. New social organizations, political systems, human rights and democrati c movements are created (Johnson & Lewis 67). People are also allowed to interact with God directly without the mediation of church leaders. Mental stage is fueled by technological advancements such as telecommunication, air travel, modern roads and networking (Johnson & Lewis 68). Technical Development Technical change is a process that is characterized by three main stages that include invention, innovation and diffusion of processes (Johnson & Lewis 54). Invention Invention refers to the breakthrough in technology or the creation of new things (Johnson & Lewis 26). It involves the creation of new idea that had not been created or discovered by anyone else. Everett Rogers indentified five elements of an innovation, which impact the extent of its effectiveness. They include compatibility, trialability, complexity, observability, and relative advantage (Johnson & Lewis 111). Innovation Innovation entails the development of an inventive idea to create refined and leaned products and services (Johnson & Lewis 124). This is the stage that proves or fails the worthiness of an inventive idea. It is less risky than invention because it deals with known quantities, qualities and parameters (Johnson & Lewis 127). For example, the availability of personal computers has aided the creation of Software that human has also used to

A Synopsis of the Movie Fight Club Essay Example for Free

A Synopsis of the Movie Fight Club Essay The movie begins as Jack, the protagonist, is trapped in a state of insomnia by his job at calculating the cost of recalling a faulty car as opposed to paying court settlements to the relatives of the people killed by that car. He then recommends the one that seems less expensive. While he tries to argue with a doctor about how he can start sleeping, the doctor happens to make a sarcastic remark about how if he wants to see real pain he should go to a support group for men with testicular cancer. Jack takes this remark literally. It is there that he meets Bob, whom I shall describe shortly. Anywhere, he begins to find the support groups addictive, and attends more and more of them, and finds that they allow him to sleep. Soon after in the movie we find Jack meeting Tyler Durden on a plane trip, and when his apartment later explodes Jack meets Tyler Durden in a bar. Having agreed to let Jack stay at his house, Tyler asks Jack to punch him. He tells Jack this will make him feel that his life was indeed exciting, and Jack obliges. They begin to fight, and others begin to stand around, wanting to join as well. They gather together, protesting amongst themselves that society was trying to turn them into wimpy and uniform machines and preventing them from feeling like real people, constantly telling them that they need to buy all sorts of stuff that they only need because the advertisements said they did. Pretty soon there are weekly gatherings of these men, waiting for a chance to fight one another, and then they move into the basement of a local bar. More and more men begin to attend Fight Club with the express agreement that they would not mention it, and rumors begin to circulate of Clubs in other cities. Gradually Durden begins to make the Club more involved, giving out homework assignments such as to start a fight with a stranger and lose. Thus Jack finds himself watching as Durden institutes Project Mayhem, an outward attempt at changing society based on widespread attacks on coffee franchises and corporate artwork. Finally Durden plots to blow up ten major credit card companies, with the intent that to erase everyones debt would create chaos, and allow society to re- organize itself from that chaos. Many critics of the movie found it to portray antisocial behaviors as a valid way of expressing oneself. (Particularly if only the beginning and middle of this movie are looked at. ) They argue that its violence is there merely to draw an audience. This is supported by numerous instances of young men and boys vandalizing cars as was done in the movie or forming clubs of their own. Therefore many say that the movie succeeds in condoning what the ending condemns. They say that it promotes violence by making it seem so attractive in muck of the movie, regardless of the conclusion. With this argument in mind, we shall proceed with our analysis of the movie itself. One of the principal themes in Fight Club is its treatment of violence and its relationship with masculinity. The men in the film are portrayed as confronting a society which gives them little meaning and refuses to give them what they feel to be a birthright, a meaningful, productive place in society. Tyler Durden, the leader of Fight Club and the manifestation of the angry, alienated, and purposeless feeling, articulates this, Were the middle children of history, with no special purpose or place. We dont have a great war in our generation, or a great depression. The great depression is our lives. The great war is a spiritual war. We have been raised by television to believe that well be millionaires and movie gods and rock starsbut we wont And were learning that fact. And were very, very, pissed off. The men in this movie, having their traditional masculine role of breadwinner seemingly denied by feminism and left with meaningless corporate jobs compensate for this loss of masculinity and control by re-affirming their masculinity for themselves through the only masculine behavior they still can do: fighting. According to Jackson Katz: One way that the system allows working class men (of various races) the opportunity for what Brod refers to as masculine identity validation is through the use of their body as an instrument of power, dominance, and control. For working-class males, who have less access to more abstract forms of masculinity-validating power (economic power, workplace authority), the physical body and its potential for violence provide a concrete means of achieving and asserting manhood. Bob also fits this description of fighting as compensation for that sense of paralysis preventing men from being either a crucial part of society or being able to change it so that one can be. Through a combination of the treatment for testicular cancer and of increased estrogen as a result of his steroid use while a body-builder which Bob was left with unusually large breasts and left him with very little perception or himself as masculine or valuable to anyone. However, Bob later appears in the movie as a member of Fight Club, where he finds that once again he can act like a man and feel as if his masculinity is validated. Jack finds Durdens assertions that the men in their generation have no other way to express their individuality or to free themselves from materialism than to fight each other, and to use their fighting as a method of filling the void left by the removal of worthy roles for men in society. In the beginning of the film Jack is using mail-order catalogs, becoming so obsessed with buying whatever he sees advertised in them that his orders become an end to themselves. I would flip and wonder, What kind of dining room set defines me as a person? He became so obsessed with obtaining what he saw in the catalogs that he filled up his apartment with furniture and all sorts of other stuff he didnt need. This seems also to address the increasing assertion by advertisements that you can be defined and given a soul by acquiring products. Durden also spoke of this sort of cycle: Look at the guys in fight club. The strongest and smartest men who have ever lived and theyre pumping gas and waiting tables; or theyre slaves with white collars. Advertising has them chasing cars and clothes. A whole generation working in jobs they hate, just so they can buy shit they dont really need. He was alluding to the shackles that a culture based on acquisition has on its members, and inviting thes e members (namely men) to throw off the shackles and prove that they didnt need a better dining room set to define them. All they needed, he assured them, was to fight, and would show their humanity and masculinity through that. During another one of his outcries about the male relationship with society, Durden once came upon a designer clothing billboard featuring a muscular man in jeans and no shirt, and criticized it much like various critics of ads which use unrealistic shows of feminine beauty to sell products asked, Is this what a real man looks like? After smearing it with blood, he proclaims, Guys packing into the gyms, all trying to look like what Calvin Klein says. Fight club isnt about looking good. Susan Faludi, author of Stiffed: the Betrayal of the American Man calls this sort of ornamental masculinity a major factor in the Angry White Male mentality: The more I consider what men have losta useful role in public life, a way of earning a decent living, respectful treatment in the culturethe more it seems to me that men are falling into a status oddly similar to that of women at midcentury. The 50s housewife, stripped of her connections to a wider world and invited to fill the void with shopping and the ornamental display of her ultrafeminity, could be said to have morphed into the 90s man, stripped of his connections and invited to fill the void with consumption and a gym-bred display of his ultramasculinity. The empty compensations of a feminine mystique and transforming into the empty compensations of a masculine mystique. Douglas Rushkoff gives his account of the switch from a linear and continuous world to one that was non-linear and discontinuous. Before this switch, middle-class men were seen as valuable and benevolent authority figures who were a pillar of society and who always succeeded in bringing home food for the table because his work paid relatively well. The society felt that there was value also in acquiring as many new and technologically advanced possessions as possible, which allowed for the men to ensure that their wives would find it enjoyable to expend all of their energy at home, cooking and vacuuming and buying better things for cooking and vacuuming. In this way men were given the great majority of political power and respect. However, the awareness of the corruption in politicians lives from Watergate, the national confusion after a country was able to watch Kenn edy assassinated on TV, and possibly the most lasting of all, the first time that ordinary citizens were able to see combat in Vietnam on the nightly news, creating a much more suspicious outlook on the government and military, caused society to become discontinuous. The former male status symbol was gone along with continuity, replaced by gender equality which prevented men from using the feminine mystique to their advantage, making them less likely to have a dependent wife and family. They lacked that meaning which they had when they were providing for their offspring and mate, to put it in a biological concept, so their motivation to work was largely gone, with consumerism alone unable to fill the void. Their power having toppled, the male now tried to fill this void and prove that he indeed was still a man for society. Consumerism was unable to do that anymore, and so the male body itself, as Jackson Katz said, became the tool. This is shown by the film, in which Tyler Durden attempts to destroy the discontinuous society which tells him that he should not have this total control. This is shown by his completely anti-feminist outlook, particularly his meaningless sexual relationship with Marla Singer. Except for their humping, Tyler and Marla were never in the same room Jack relates. Tyler also describes a generation of unaggressive men raised by their mothers, that characterized his peers who grew up in a time of increased divorce rates and in turn grew up without fathers. The last thing we need is another woman. He gives reason to his masochistic fights and burns by saying that you could create pain for yourself, thereby hitting bottom. He describes it not as a painful and agonizing experience, but a turning point, where you are going to feel excellent after having your teeth knocked out no matter how bad your station in life is. And so Durdens scheme to create chaos which would then begin society anew, Rushkoff would say, actually was showing that he was trying to mold society around himself. Meanwhile Jack in the end renounces Tylers ideas of violent upheaval, instead deciding that he would accept society as discontinuous and use its discontinuity as part of his life. This film therefore shows the advantage in not letting what happens matter to you such as it would in a linear world. Edward Hermans perceptions of the film would be those of contradiction, largely centering around the fact that the movie is marketed and designed to make a profit, yet at the same time it criticizes the idea t hat you need to buy what society tells you to buy and that material goods are unnecessary to life. He might postulate that the companies had realized that a capitalistic message promoting conformity doesnt sell, and instead used and anti-capitalistic message of being skeptical of what society and everyone else tells you to make an even greater profit (much like Sprites paradoxical campaign which made fun of soft drink ads, then told people to buy Sprite). he would observe in short not that corporations indeed rejected themselves, but that they now make themselves even more effective by letting people pay to watch them pretend to do so. My own impressions of the movie are that along with its messages on corporations and their relationship with the identity crisis in American men is that it also offered a lot of information on the ultimate problem with taking violence as a way of demonstrating masculinity. This is especially apparent with Bob, who, managed to rediscover his manhood in Fight Club and in Project Mayhem, but was also killed while part of the latter. Following his death , he is spoken of by his comrades as if he had never been human. This is saying that to become part of violence unquestionably despite perceived acceptance and purpose is to swap one form of denial of yourself for another. Bibliography. Katz, Jackson/ authority on phenomenon of violence and its link to masculinity and cultural trends creating this phenomenon/ Advertising and the Construction of Violent White Masculinity This article discussed the use of violence by white men as a tool to regain power they feel to be lost to other groups. Discusses overuse of portrayals of violence and its symbols in advertising. Faludi, Susan/ author of Backlash and Stiffed: The Betrayal of the American Man, a contributing editor for Newsweek, The Betrayal of the American Man, At Ground Zero of the Masculinity Crisis, The Ornamental Culture, Beyond the Politics of Confrontation Newsweek, (09-13-99) Its Thelma and Louise for Guys, Newsweek (10-25-99) These articles discuss how men have reacted to the identity crisis from their loss of job status and expresses that much of it comes from a modern image of manhood impossible to attain and in the latter relates such phenomena to the film. Fletcher, Kim, Male Fantasies The Spectator (11-2 0-99) Much like Faludi in that it concludes that film is the result of male feelings of inadequacy in modern culture addressing the question of how to react. Rushkoff, Douglas/ author of Media Virus and Playing the Future among others content take from excerpts of Playing the Future This book describes the cultural evolution caused by the digital age and resulting in adopting non-linear thought and in chaos mathematics. Herman, Edward/ linguistics professor at MIT, comrade of Noam Chomsky The Propaganda Model Revisited from Capitalism and the Information Age This essay enlightens as to the role producers and reporters personal biases and more particularly of their desire for profit plays in how the media portrays certain events or whether they even mention certain events at all. Braun, Bill, Auto dealership vandal released after finishing bootcamp', World Staff Writer final home edition (date not given) This, among other articles, outlined or mentioned the violent and anti-social ef fects that the film seemed to have on the younger adults and adolescents, such as forming their own little fight clubs or vandalism. Uhls, Jim Fight Club screenplay available at http://geocities.com/scifiscripts/scripts/fight_- club_shoot.txt

Organized Crime Essay Example for Free

Organized Crime Essay Ever since the time that human beings began living in any form of community setting, it is likely that organized crime, albeit in a primitive form, was born. Today, organized crime is quite different than the stereotyped mobster of the days of Al Capone. With this evolution in mind, this essay will answer various questions about the modern face of organized crime. Why Does Organized Crime Still Exist? Organized crime still exists today for a variety of reasons, especially when the development of the modern world is taken into account. First, on the most basic level, the classic organized crime organizations still serve a vital function in every corner of the world as a means of managing drug trafficking, illegal gambling, prostitution and many more typical vices that represent profitable opportunities for the criminal enterprise. The complex nature of the political, technological, and economic world in the 21st century also lends itself very well to the proliferation of organized crime. For instance, the many global terrorist groups that are active at the present time are very well run organized crime groups (Washington Times, 2003). Technology, and its link to international commerce has also fostered present day organized crime; in a far cry from the days of â€Å"Murder Incorporated†, organized criminals today often use the Internet and related devices to commit what is called transactional crime, such as bank fraud, embezzlement, stock market swindles, and more (Punch, 2005). What are the Roles of Various Law Enforcement Agencies in Fighting Organized Crime? Traditionally, the various law enforcement agencies served the purpose of protecting the common good and to promote common decency by eradicating the vice and corruption that organized crime fueled. In most cases of localized organized crime, local or state police agencies were able to keep organized crime in check; in the extreme cases when organized crime was international in nature, world police organizations such as Interpol and the FBI got involved. Presently, however, due to the globally terroristic nature of organized crime, which represents as much of a threat to global security as it does to the quality of everyday life, organized crime has been challenged by the armed forces of the nations of the world (Olson, 1995). In these circumstances, world leaders have formed crime fighting alliances to act as a global police force to bring international organized criminals to justice (Fighting Organized Crime, 2000). What are the Challenges with Undercover Investigations in Organized Crime and the Use of Informants to Prosecute Organized Crime Figures? Undercover investigation, due to its very nature, poses its own unique challenges; the need for the undercover officer to maintain his or her assumed identity, effectively infiltrate criminal groups, and bring criminals to justice is perilous to say the least. When undercover investigation is employed in organized crime, a whole new realm of challenge and danger surfaces. To begin with, organized crime groups are typically tightly knit, making the introduction of a new person, especially one whose whole life was created as a work of fiction highly difficult. Once â€Å"inside†, the undercover officer must also maintain the identity at the peril of the investigation at least and their life at worst. Use of informants to prosecute organized crime figures is highly challenging as well; the reliability of the informant, who is of course a criminal, can make or break the investigation. Moreover, keeping that informant in place without being revealed as an informant is daunting and also risks the investigation and the life of the informant. Conclusion Organized crime is alive and well in many forms, given the complex nature of the modern world. As time goes by, fighting organized crime will become increasingly difficult, and the stakes will get higher and higher. World leaders and law enforcement must work together to make a difference.

Human resource management is a vital tool in any organization

Human resource management is a vital tool in any organization HRM Management: Human resource management is a vital tool in any organization. Employees are vital assets of these organizations if their goals, targets and aims are to be met. If properly managed and taken care of, employees may well contribute to an organizations improvement and success using their specific capacities and knowledge. The main challenge facing HR managers in handling and administering employees is that each person has their specific characteristics and capacities which must be adjusted in line with the prevailing operating environment within the organization. The organizations must consider also the behavior of the employees colleagues and superiors in order to promote a smoother and more efficient working relationship.   I would like to argue in this paper that many current human resource management practices are of help to the young adults working for the first time, albeit these practices may still be improved. Who we will hire? Browsing through researches and studies, I have noticed that a critical factor in human resources management is hiring the right kind of persons for each position. Out of the dozens or even hundreds or so applicants who passed their resumes to the HR office, only a few of them managed to pass the written and/or oral exams, get to be interviewed by a panel, and get a slot in an organization. But even hiring them may not be an assurance that a firm/organization got the person up to the challenges of his position, depending on his ability to relate well with colleagues, has the ability to deliver amid issues which may arise in the workplace. More importantly is to ensuring the stay of an employee. As pointed out in various studies such as those of (Calvasina, Calvasina, Calvasina, 2008), fresh graduates may face problems related sexual harassment, racial discrimination and similar issues brought on by unethical behavior by colleagues and even superiors. Determining these factors is impo rtant especially when hiring fresh graduates who may or may not have any working experience related with their courses.    Browsing through Calvasina et.al (2008) study reveals that some government agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) have filed charges against firms suspected of harassing their first time young employees. In addition, the EEOC has also conducted seminars orienting young adults on their rights as employees and even engaging with employers to provide a conducive environment for young adults to be employed for the first time. Calvasina et.al (2008) also cites several court decisions pertaining to sexual harassment occurring in various states. The study had concerning sexual harassment of young employees by some of their older colleagues. Specifically, many cases ended in payment of damages, attendance of seminars or out of court settlements. Some of these incidents involved older employees asking for sex, or sexual favors from younger and newly-minted colleagues for some periods of time. Many of the firms were also accused of inadequate and slow action in resolving these cases. At the studys end, Calvasina, et.al (2008) concluded that while many employers have agreed to conduct trainings on sexual harassment among their employees, it is still vital that these trainings be formally done and documented, the trainings should be expanded to include other forms of harassment, the trainings be followed up by refresher courses, and personnel handling the trainings should be qualified. The EEOC also came out with a series of guidelines for employers aimed at preventing workplace discrimination against young workers (Cavasina, et.al 2008): These include facilitating employer-young worker interaction, encouraging various modes for young employees to air complains on harassment and discrimination, formulation of a organizational policy dealing with harassment and discrimination issues, publicly and clearly enunciating such policy to all employees, and conducting training sessions for supervisors on harassment/discrimination prevention. The commission also encourages employers to reach out to parents of young employees so that they can be better informed on workplace issues which may involve their children Related to this issue is the policy on affirmative action which may affect younger colored, Hispanic and white employees. With racial concerns still underlying employment issues, it is important for firms to try balancing its employee population based on color. At the same time, it is vital that this proportioning be done according to merit. If there are cases of discrimination, firms may implement pertinent policies based on affirmative action. I also think that the EEOCs policy on discrimination and harassment may be applied to issues on affirmative action specifically on employer-employee communication and a clear policy on merit-based affirmative action. Human Resources Hiring Planning and Development It is also important for HR managers to critically consider the hiring, planning and development processes corollary to acquiring and retaining new employees. It is during these processes when an organization gets new manpower, develop their skills according to their specific capabilities and at the same time, craft specific measures aimed at streamlining human resource management. However because these processes also entails costs and time, organizations must be able to estimate beforehand the HRs needs and requirements. Ivancevich (2009) points out specific characteristics of the current HRM system such as emphasis on action, focus on individual employees, ability to adjust with global employment conditions and capability to foresee potential changes in how things are being run. This dynamic paradigm necessitates critical analysis among HR practioners if their respective units are to survive in the current competitive world. Citing experiences from the cooperative sector, Freeman (1993) details ways by which an organization can develop a systematic way of developing long term plans for HR management. In her study Freeman suggests that a management formulate a long-term human resources plan in line with the organizations strategic plans. The human resources plan should be able to address the employees long term goals, requirements and needs, their growth opportunities, employees placement considerations, the organizations hiring and promotion practices, as well as legal matters. Freeman adds the management can formulate such plans by conducting consultation sessions with  labour, where both sides can review each others perspectives on the issue. A quantitative review of employees performance can be made to assess their capabilities in light of current human resources practices of the organization. Ivancevich (2009) also discusses the importance of planning and development in human resources practices. In the context of considering HRM as a profit center, human resource managers should solve related issues according to the profit-oriented paradigm, assessing and interpreting costs/benefits of HR issues, and formulating planning models to empirically determining viability in attaining goals, among other tasks. (Ivancevich, 2009) In terms of attaining goals, Ivancevich (2009) points out companies are primarily suggested to implement intra-organizational reforms. These include: producing well trained and highly-motivated employees, improving job satisfaction among the employees, achieving a balanced quality of work life mix, mitigating negative effects of change and compelling faster processes within the organization. In order for firms to accomplish most if not all of these goals, companies should be able to develop a systematic way by which organizations can promote well-planned and highly organized HR practices. Ivancevich (2009) explains organizations should clearly enunciate their HR strategy, policies and procedures. Doing so will enable them to know what will be their thrust in human resources (i.e. retaining old employees vs. hiring new employees) and how these will be specifically implemented. The first major step will be determining employee satisfaction with their advancement/growth opportunities. Organizations may conduct surveys among them. The management may use the results from the surveys to craft changes in HR policies if possible. Then they can formulate ways (procedures) to implement these revised policies. Ivancevich (2009) also tells HR specialists and managers of the other important factors governing HR hiring, planning and development phases. First, they must consider the size and extent of the HR department. The larger this unit is, it has more manpower and resources to implement systematic, clear and objective HR practices according to specific sectors. Secondly, HR managers and operational managers need to work together in order for the practices to be smoothly implemented. However, Ivancevich himself admits that relationships between the two kinds of managers have not always been smooth due to their differing views on operations and concepts. Ivancevich (2009) also points out that the increase of Generation Y or young employees born in relatively recent decades may affect the efficacy of HR practices be implemented in an     organization. Correlating with a study mentioned earlier about young employees problems with harassments, the members of the Y Generation may also have challenges in adjusting with their older colleaguess perceptions on work, life and even religion. HR managers should consider these differences in  behaviour  since they are subjective, something which must be carefully treaded on in crafting workplace policies. HRM practitioners need to consider the changing demand in the kind of skills needed in the market. As pointed out by Grugulis (2009) in response to a review, todays job market has more complicated and complex definition on whether a skill is soft or real. This is because of the diversity of level and practices being sought for by employers and are available in the market.   This, she says, is part of the development of job skills from technological or muscle-based work to one that is more social and communicative in nature. Grugulis recommends HR practioners and labor experts to carefully study these skills so that they can determine the specific needs which may be addressed. I think this is also an important subject to be studied upon by HR managers since many of the young applicants-and employees- may possess some of these soft skills.   The challenge will be to sift through them so that only the best talents can be hired and retained for the firms benefit. Compensation and Benefits If the employees are young and are relatively new on the job, compensation may well focus on the performance of their jobs. Human Resource personnel need to objectively determine who among those young adult employees deserve higher pay and who among those employees need to paid the standard rate. A similar situation exists for benefits, primarily those being offered by the company for excellent performance. Safety and Health Another very vital issue in HR management is keeping employees safe. Ivancevich (2009) cites the example of Aaron Feuerstein who decided to hand out benefits and salaries to his employees after the Malden Mills plant in Massachussets burned down in 1995.   For three months, the firm paid out salaries to its 1,400 displaced workers. Feuerstein also continued to give benefits to these employees for nine months. When the plant was rebuild, 90% of the displaced employees opted to return to Malden Mills. Feuersteins example showed how HR management can mitigate an othewise disastrous/bleak incident into a showcase of concern and goodwill toward its employees. It is also important that the organization  instil  safety concerns among the employees right at the beginning of their employment. At the same time, firms should be prepared to set aside money in case any work-related accident occurs among its employees. Employer-Labor relations We can surmise that an efficient management of human resources greatly helps promote cordial employer-labor relationships. Because they stand in between the two parties, human resources specialists can view each partys concerns and interests more objectively. This is very helpful when the employees are primarily young and newly hired, who may have to adjust with their jobs. Conclusion This discussion had shown that Human Resources practioners have formulated new concepts and procedures in handling new and old employees. Young, newly hired employees have more opportunities to work in the jobs of their choices. However, policymakers as well as employersneed to do more on a.) protecting young newly hired employees from possible abuse from colleagues and b.) addressing possible conflicts in  behaviour  and ideas between the young employees and their older colleagues. On the other hand, the young, newly hired employees need to adjust in thier working environments by changing their mindset that their workplaces ambience will be to their liking. This paper just reiterates my earlier assumption on areas of improvement in the way employers hire and retain young employees. References: Calvasina, G.E., Calvasina, R.V., Calvasina, E. (2008). Creating Positive First Work Experiences for Young Adults: the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (Eeoc) Youth @ Work Initiative Journal of Legal, Ethical and Regulatory Issues, 11(2). Freeman J.M. (1993). : Human Resources Planning – Training Needs Analysis. Management Quarterly, 34(3). Grugulis, I.(2009). Skills, Training and Human Resource Development: A Response. Economic and Labour Relations Review, 19(2), Ivencevich, J. (2009). Human Resource Management (11th ed). United States: McGraw-Hill.

Near-Drowning in Pediatric Patients Essay -- Nursing, Health Care

Introduction There are an estimated 8,000 deaths per year in the United States from drowning. Near-drowning occurs anywhere from 2-20 times more frequently (for estimated 16,000-160,000 events per year)7. The definitions for drowning and near-drowning have for the longest time been very confusing to understand. Recent health officials have attempted to resolve some of this confusion by redefining drowning as â€Å"the process of experiencing respiratory insufficiency or difficulty following a submersion or immersion in a body of liquid.† Near-drowning has also been redefined as â€Å"survival from a drowning event which involved impaired consciousness or water inhalation for 24 hours or more†2. Both near drowning and near-drowning occur when someone experiences a submersion event. A submersion event is when someone, in this case a pediatric patient, experiences an unexpected submersion in water. When an unexpected submersion, regardless of water type (salt or fresh) occurs, the ind ividual experiences breath hold, panic, and a struggle to resurface1. Humans, naturally, can only hold their breath for a short period of time. This prolonged breath hold results in hypoxia and eventually leads to involuntary gasping. As the individual attempts to gasp for air they sometimes aspirate7. This paper will attempt to look at the clinical presentation of a near-drowning patient who has suffered from a submersion event. Research It was previously thought that the type of water aspirated posed a serious threat to the patient and drastically increased their chance of mortality. In particular, salt water was thought to be one of the more potent types of water to aspirate due to it’s tonicity. This previous thought that salt water was more harmful to... ...01. 4. Oehmichen, M, Hennig, R, and Meissner, C (2007). Near-drowning and clinical laboratory changes. Legal Medicine;10:1-5. 5. Gregorakos, L, Markou, N, Psalida, V, Kanakaki, M, Alexopoulou, A, Sotiriou, E, Damianos, A, Myrianthefs, P (2009). Near-drowning: clinical course of lung injury in adults. Acute Lung Injury;187:93-97. 6. Beeck, EF, Branche, CM, Szpilman, D, Modell, JH, and Bierens, JJ (2005). A new definition of drowning: towards documentation and prevention of a global public health problem. World Health Organization;83(11):853-856. 7. Ender, PT, and Dolan, MJ (1997). Pneumonia Associated with Near-Drowning. Clinical Infectious Diseases;25:896-907. 8. Leroy, P, Smismans, A, and Seute, T (2006). Invasive pulmonary and central nervous system aspergillosis after near-drowning of a child: case report and review of literature. Pediatrics;118(2):509-513.

Anthropogenic Sources of Atmospheric Methane Essay -- Geology

Anthropogenic Sources of Atmospheric Methane Introduction The atmosphere has always contained the Greenhouse Gas methane. Along with carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and water vapor, methane helps to create the natural greenhouse effect. These gases trap some of the sun's energy and keep the Earth at a warm enough temperature to sustain life. If the occurrence of any of these gases in the atmosphere is increased, the natural greenhouse effect will intensify and further warm the Earth. Due to man's activities, the amount of atmospheric methane has more than doubled since pre-industrial times. It could double again by the year 2050. Today, 60 to 70% of methane releases come from human- related activities. Pie chart of Greenhouse Gases The Effect of Methane on Global Warming Methane is the second largest contributor to potential global warming (carbon dioxide being the first). Methane is an extremely powerful greenhouse gas, and it increases the greenhouse effect in two ways. Firstly, it absorbs infrared radiation well, making it twenty times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. Secondly, increased amounts of methane increases the amount of water vapor in the stratosphere, further trapping heat. Another characteristic of methane relative to global warming is its staying power: the methane released today could still trap heat more than a decade from now. Its concentration in the atmosphere is rising annually. Landfills The largest source of methane emissions in the United States are landfills. Landfill gas, which is mainly composed of methane and carbon dioxide, is the result of the anaerobic decomposition of ... ... it and use it for our benefit. Sources: Pipkin. Recent Climate Change. http://madmonster.williams.edu/geol.103/04-Climates2.html, Fall 1996 EPA. Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Methane. http://www.epa.gov/oppeoee1/globalwarming/inventory/1998-inv/methane.html, April 7, 1998 World Meteorological Organization. Scientists Support IPCC Global Warming Conclusion, Call for Quick Action. http://www.voyagepub.com/stories/0996cli2.htm , Summer 1996 EPA. Climate Change: Methane and other Greenhouse Gases. http://www.epa.gov/outreach/ghginfo/reports.htm Global Warming is Happening. http://www.enviroweb.org/edf/ishappening/ishappening_frameset.html. copyright 1997 Methane (CH4). http://global.phy.pdx.edu/sarah/CH4.html Michael Franklin. Trash Can Be Turned Into Energy Source. http://www.dfpress.com/science/0422972.html, April 1997

Cultural Difference in Malaysia

What are cultural differences between Malaysia and other countries? In general culture can define as a way of life and process of development of the personality, spirit, mind, and the human effort in a community or cluster. Culture can be understood as the creation of human community in various forms, whether tangible or intangible. Culture it’s very important because it show the difference between societies to another society. The cultural features are obtained through a learning process, practices of sharing and cannot be separated from language. We cannot be denied that the Malaysian culture is very different compare to other countries.Malaysia is a multiracial country living in harmony compare to other countries. Among the three main races in Malaysia are Malays, Chinese and Indian. In addition, Malaysia is a homeland to approximately for 80 ethnic groups, especially in East Malaysia including Baba and Nyonya, Kadazan and Iban. The total of Malaysia’s population is 28. 3 million of which 91. 8 % are national citizens while 8. 2 % are non-citizen. Furthermore, indigenous people were 67. 4 %, of which 56. 4% are Malays ethnic and 11% of the other natives. Approximately, the total of Chinese ethnic in Malaysia’s population is 24. %, 7. 3% are Indian with a total of 1. 86 million people, while other race is 0. 7 %. Almost 85 % of Indians in Malaysia are Tamil community. In terms of religion, Islam is the official religion of the Government of Malaysia as subject under the Constitution and the most widely professed religion with the proportion of 61. 3 %. As multi-racial country, other religions are practiced are Buddhism, Christian and Hinduism. In terms of language, Bahasa Malaysia is the official language of the country. However, other races are free to use their mother tongue like Chinese and Tamil.English an international language which play role as a second language in Malaysia and widely used in the fields of education, trade and indu stry. Malaysia national population practices are vary according to their own religion. According to the practice of Muslim believers is to pray five times a day, fasting during the month of Ramadan and eat kosher food. Muslim believers not allowed to drink alcohol, eat pork, do not eat the flesh of slaughtered animals, stealing and committing sins. Buddhist faith practice is to remove their shoes before entering the temple and prostrate statue of Buddha.They are not allowed to kill all living beings, stealing, lying and drinking alcohol. Hindu people required to wash their feet before entering the temple, fasting, tying a banana tree during religious ceremony and wearing black mark (pottu) in the middle of forehead for unmarried women, while for married women must wear red mark called as kum kum. Hindu believer do not allowed to drink alcohol, stealing , lying, give respect for parents and do not allowed to eat beef because according to their religion cows considered as gods. In add ition, each religious wedding ceremony is different.In Malay wedding ceremony, marriage contract and enthronement is very important practice that must be done because it’s a part of wedding. For Buddhist, both bride and groom usually get the blessing from the divine. They also practiced tea drinking custom in wedding ceremony that aims to strengthen family relationship. In Hindu wedding ceremony, the primary witness of marriage is the sacred fire (agni). Both bride and groom need to turn around the sacred fire in circular motion for seven times. Malaysia culture is based on Malay culture as the original people of this region.Malay culture based on Sharia law and Islamic principles. Malay cultural give more important to values and preferred politeness, simplicity and harmony among family members, neighbours and society. Example; in general handshakes suffice for both men and women, although some Muslim ladies may acknowledge an introduction to a gentleman with a nod of her hea d and smile. The traditional greeting of â€Å"salam† resembles a handshake with both hands but without the grasp. The man offers both hands, lightly touches the visitor's outstretched hands, and then brings his hands to his chest to mean, â€Å"I greet you from my heart†.The visitor should reciprocate the â€Å"salam†. Furthermore, in Malaysia culture, the right hand is always used when giving and receiving objects like gift or money. Pointing is normally done using the thumb as using the right forefinger is considered rude. Here is some general gift giving etiquette. In Malay culture, if invited someone home, don’t ever give pig and dog toy to children and don’t give any products that made from pig skin. White and yellow wrapping should be avoided because white symbolizes death and mourning while yellow symbolizes colour of royalty.In Chinese culture, if going to visit relative home, bring a small gift of cake or fruits for children. Giving flowe r should be avoided because flower do not make good gift and usually used at funerals. Besides that, the gift should wrap with cheerful colour like red, pink or yellow except white, blue, or black because symbolizes mourning colours in Chinese culture. In Indian culture, the gift should be given with the right hand and not wrap the gift with white and black colour. In generally, the gift should not open when received to avoid people think you are greedy.The way names are used also varies between ethnicities. The Chinese people traditionally have 3 names. The surname is usually first name and two personal names. Example: Wong Jae Suk. Malay people do not have surnames. Men use term â€Å"bin†, so Kamarul bin Mohamad is Kamarul the son of Mohamad. Instead women add their father’s name to their own name with the term â€Å"binti†. Indian people doesn’t use surname. Men use s/o to refer themselves as the son of their father. Example: Ajay s/o Abishek. Culture and communication depends on each other and have a reciprocal relationship.According to Hall, â€Å"culture is communication, communication is culture†. This indicates that communication is two-way. Different culture held different values. The way we communicate depens on our culture, rules and norms. For example, American usually treats and exchanged with unknown person. Meanwhile, The Malaysia does not prefer to treats or exchanged with stranger. This showed that Malaysia cultural and American cultural are totally different. Malaysia practices courteous communication. For Malay society, interact courteously very important and showed our values of norms.For example, using proper words when talk to someone older than us like Sir or Madam. Besides that, culture is also shown through verbal and non-verbal communication. Speak rude and negative words are prohibited. Malaysian traditional cultural games are batu seremban, wau, mah-jong and kabadi. Batu Seremban and Wau is Malay traditional games, Mahjong is Chinese traditional game, while Kabadi is Indian Traditional game. Batu Seremban also known as a Selambut. This game often played in leisure time by girls, either individually or in groups. It’s usually using glass marbels or small stones.Wau is known as kite and normally played by rural people. Wau created in various design and has its own name like wau in shape of brid, stingray, peacock and many more in various colour. However, Mahjong played by four individual and it involves strategy, tactics, skill and calculation. In Asia, mah-jong is also popular as gambling. In kabadi, each team consists of five players on the reserve bench and this game played for 20 minutes. A team will be sent forward to the opponent’s team, which aims to touch and push one of the players before turning back to his team.The players who have been touched by the opposing team will be out and left the field. From aspect of the traditional dance, the various custom s and culture can be learned from various ethnic groups in Malaysia. Dance can be defined as a movement of the body, legs and arms to the beat of the music. The traditional dance has own purpose and tribes. Examples of traditional dance in Malaysia are gamelan, zapin, kathak, dragon dance, kathak, bharathanatyam and many more. Zapin dance is famous dance in the state of Johor and usually performed in both formal and informal events like wedding or opening ceremony.Kathak dance is one of the Indian classical dances which are originated from Kerala. Kathak means â€Å"art of the storytelling†. While, bharathanatyam it’s also Indian classical dance based on Indian epics in motion of dramatic and passionate. Amorous dragon dance is a traditional cultural dance in China. Lion dance and dragon dance often played on Chinese New Year. As a conclusion, this discussion showed dramatically that Malaysia’s cultural very different compare to other countries. It’s more follow to the traditional, principle of the religion and give more important to norms, values and rules. I am very proud to be a Malaysian.

With Close Reference to their recent releases, compare how Britney Spears and Sum 41 are marketed

Like all artists, Britney Spears and Sum 41 belong to a record company. Here 3 departments look after them: the Artist and Repertoire, Marketing and Production. The Artist and Repertoire( a+r) are responsible for signing the artist. The marketing department are responsible for advertising the artist. The production company are responsible for organizing recording and songs for release. Possible ways the Marketing department can use the Media for advertising include television, radio, posters. They also use a subtle way of using the artist themselves. Britney belongs to Zomba Records and Sum 41 belong to Britney has matured as artist over the years. At the beginning, she was a schoolgirl. This was reflected in her video â€Å"Hit Me Baby One More Time† She was dressed in school uniform. Although attracting pre teens as her primary audience, she was attracting young men (15-20). She has maintained her primary audience throughout her career and as my analysis will tell you, incre ased her secondary audience. Following a break from her career to make a film â€Å"Crossroads†, she re-launched her career as an adult, moving away from school uniform. Her album release â€Å"Britney† opened new doors for Britney and new fans. Her album cover featured her sitting on a stool, crouching forward. With the low cut top she was wearing, this position revealed quite a lot of Britney's chest area. She held wrists facing the camera. This suggests she was flirting with men. She was wearing a crucifix necklace, which suggests she is trying to maintain her virginal reputation that she previously had. Heavy Eye-Makeup is worn, similar to that of Brigitte Bardot, a 60's icon. This attracts men as she is shown to take pride in her appearance. Her hair is tousled over her chest, hinting that she isn't as clean cut as previously thought. The back cover is featuring Britney's face repeatedly reflected over the cover. This gives the effect that she is everywhere. The eye makeup is still worn. Yello w lights are shown, possibly to reflect attention on to Britney. Previously, Britney modelled for Sketchers Footwear Company. She featured in a poster that was completely opposite to the image given in the album cover. Her she appeared normal, down to earth. As this was an appeal to young girls, she worn clothes they could relate to, jacket, jeans and the trainers she was advertising. She still wore makeup but not as much as she wore in the album cover shoot. Sum 41's image is completely different to Britney's. Their album features a more personal touch with what appears to be handwritten track lists and Polaroid photos. This makes the audience feel as though the album has been made for them personally. Dark colours are used, this reflects the bands image of a â€Å"hard† rock band. Sum 41's image has not changed as much as Britney's. In conclusion, Britney is marketed more two audiences where Sum 41 appear to be marketed for the same type which is skaters and rock fans. Britney appears to be more interested in her fans, while Sum 41 aren't really bothered what anyone thinks and are more concerned making music and having fun. Finally, record companies are responsible for the artists image. Record companies use media for advertising and will have too as the public opinion of artists change when the media portrayal of them changes.

Financial Management – Exam

1. Time value of money (15 points) You have just turned 30 years old, have just received your MBA and have accepted your first job. Now, you must decide how much money to put in your retirement plan. The plan works as follows. Every dollar in the plan earns 7% per year. You cannot make withdrawals until you retire on your 65th birthday. After that point, you can make withdrawals as you see fit. You decide that you will plan to live to 100 and work until you turn 65. You estimate that to live comfortably in retirement, you will need $100,000 per year starting at the end of the first year of retirement and ending on your 100th birthday.You will contribute the same amount to the plan at the end of every year that your work. How much do you need to contribute each year to fund your retirement? 2. Stock pricing (20 points) Colgate-Palmolive Co. has just paid an annual dividend of $0. 96. Analysts are predicting an 11% per year growth rate in earnings over the next five years. After that, Colgate’s earnings are expected to grow at the current industry average of 5. 2% per year. If Colgate’s equity cost of capital is 8. 5% per year and its dividend payout ratio remains constant, what price does the dividend-discount model predict Colgate should sell for? 3.Bond pricing (15 points) Consider a 30-year bond with a 10% coupon rate (annual payments) and a $1000 face value. 1. What is the initial price of this bond if it has a 5% yield to maturity? (5 points) 2. What will the price be immediately before and after the first coupon is paid (10 points) 4. NPV (25 points) A proposed cost savings device has an installed cost of $480,000. The device will be depreciated straight-line to zero over its five year life. The required initial net working capital investment is $35,000 (which will be recovered at the end of the project), the marginal tax rate is 35%, and the discount rate is 12%.The device has an estimated year 5 salvage value of $80,000. What level of preta x cost savings do we require for this project to be profitable? 5. IRR (25 points) Your firm is contemplating the purchase of a new $850,000 computer based order entry system. The system will be depreciated straight line to zero over its five-year life. It will be worth $150,000 at the end of that time. You will save $350,000 before taxes per year in order processing costs and you will be able to reduce working capital by $125,000. If the tax rate is 35%, what is the IRR for this project?

Devastating Racism in “The Martian Chronicles” Essay

Martian Luther King Jr. enlightened us with his dream â€Å"of a country where every man will respect the dignity and worth of the human personality.† The world watched his glorious speech, amazed with his fluency, honesty, and intelligence. People such as M. L. King Jr. revolutionized Black equality in North America. He contributed to the [almost] barrier free society for any race. Today, societal racism is almost obsolete and the majority of citizens are open-minded and accepting of different races. Though as displayed in Ray Bradbury’s The Martian Chronicles, racism against African-Americans is evident in their society. Exploitation and Ignorance of this minority is also communicated. These three points are effectively displayed through the Caucasian characters’ thoughts, speech, and actions. More specifically shown through their ignorant thoughts, their unappreciative speech, their condescending actions. Throughout North American history, racism has been a serious issue which has consumed many people a , yet destroyed another. Racism makes other humans beings feel inferior, this is wrong. This is frowned upon in our society, yet accepted in Chapter 15 of The Martian Chronicles. This short narration is called â€Å"Way in the Middle of Air†, and takes place in a fictional June of 2003. The entire chapter the author has devotes to all aspects of racism in its entirety., Displaying thought uses of extensive symbolism the author depicts the leaving of the African -Americans from their town. â€Å"And in that slow, steady channel of darkness that cut across the white glare of day were touches of alert white† (p. 91), the paragraph form which his passage was taken has allegorical characteristics. The use of light and dark [â€Å"White banks of the town stores, among the trees silences, a black tide flowed.† (p.90)], symbolism [â€Å"Brooks of colour† (p. 91)], m etaphors [The Blacks’ are the river], similes [â€Å"Men sat like nervous hounds† (p. 91)] and oxymoron’s [â€Å"Cinnamon Roads† (p. 90)]. This section full of literary devices, is informative by depicting for the reader the level of extreme coloured evacuation. The Whites on the other hand are flabbergasted at the level of secrecy the African-Americans take on when attempting to migrate. The  majority of Caucasians in this town consider themselves ‘better’ then any one black man, because of the colour of his skin. As Mr. Teece, a local white hardware store owner, tries to sabotage a young black mans chance of getting to Mars, he forcefully reinforces to the young man, that â€Å"I’ll let you go when I’m ready to let you go†¦until I say you can leave, you know it damn well† (p. 94). Mr. Teece, as well as the society enforcing this behaviour, believes that because Teece is white, he has the right to dominate and command a black man. The repeated use of the pronoun â€Å"I† suggest that Mr. Teece has a haughty demeanour. Also, the reference to â€Å"you know it damn wellâ⠂¬  is a cutting reinforcement, intended to make nervous Mr. Teece gain power in dominance. The excessive belittlement and racism is taboo in society today, most racism that circulates is more subtle, yet still disturbing. In Canada, everyone is considered an equal; all races entitled to equal rights. In the un-model society depicted the Caucasians’ thought themselves to be a higher class citizens due to their race. They act upon this conception. This novel was written in a time when the abolishment of slavery was a still a lingering issue. Slavery dominated the USA for generations, the concept is based on the very values of the town looked at in chapter 15. The slavery was abolished in the United States African0 Americans got [paid incredibly low wages for gruelling hard labour. In general, their work was work every penny, twice. In The Martian Chronicles Bradbury includes examples of these situations. Situations where the White folks depend on the Black people for [less-than]-minimum wage employees. Even though the Caucasians desperately need the Black workers, they treat them disrespectfully. It is only when the Africans attempt to flee that they realize the asset they have lost. When Mrs. Teece discovery that her nanny/maid is fleeing to Mars, she reaches a state of turmoil. Heaven forbid she might actually be expected to cook! Lucinda Teece hurries down to the family store to seek comfort from her husband. â€Å"She’s leaving.†, she says worriedly to Mr. Teece, â€Å"What’ll I do without her?† (p. 92). This statement shows a lot about Mrs. Teece’s character. She feels inadequate to run a household on her own, keeping in mind she has probably never done extensive chores before. Also, Lucinda was  probably never taught how to do the house work as a youth, her parents more-than-likely had help as well. Not only is Mrs. Teece’s help leaving, but also Mr. Teece’s employee. When another young black man, Teece’s employee, returns upon leaving to return his bicycle, is confronted by Mr. Teece about contract conflicts. Though, it is obvious that the confrontation is mainly on principle and belittlement, perhaps Mr. Teece would have problems tidying his store or finding another employee. Even though both the Teece’s ‘need’ their Negro employees neither treats them with dignity. More so Mr. Teece, when referring to Silly as â€Å"boy† (p. 95) and commanding him rudely, â€Å"You still standing there!†. The Teece family will miss their obdurate help on the Black people fly to Mars. Many of the people of European descent in this town used and relied on African- Americans to complete hard, and unfavourable tasks. While the Blacks’ worked, the Whites’ disregarded their feelings, by speaking rudely towards their [now depleted] asset. Unlike the other points of discussion, ignorance to another culture group is overwhelmingly evident in present day society and the fictional society devoured by the reader in The Martian Chronicles. As the Black people slowly migrate from the town, described as a â€Å"steady channel of darkness† (p. 92), the White townsmen are shocked. The Caucasian people do not understand the new found backbone or the other race. And they do not understand why the black’s feel a need to go. This ignorant opinion of Black peoples rebellion was common trough the early and mid 1900’s. As bluntly stated by Mr. Teece: I can’t figure why they left now. With things lookin’ up. I mean, everyday they get more rights. What they want, anyway? Here’s the poll tax gone, and more and more states passin’ anti-lynching’ bills, and all kinds of equal rights. What more they want? They make almost as good money as a white man, but still they go. This ignorant mans words show his blindness to equality, sadly this demeanour is generally accepted in his society. The majority of society are racists. The black people only want to be treated as absolute equals; contrastingly,  the white people do not understand this concept. For they see the black’s as not equals but a lesser kind, therefore in there eyes the Black’s should not ask for rights, that they are not entitled to. Mr. Teece asks himself, â€Å"what the want, anyway†, perhaps if he asked a blunt educated Black man, the type of response would be, to stop referring to grown black men as â€Å"boy[s’]†; generally speaking to put an end to their condescending racial speech. As the hurds of black families â€Å"engulf the town† on their way to Mars, the white men do not understand their reasoning for leaving. Mr. Teece and his buddies are ignorant to the general feelings of the Black community, and continually, treat Black’s condescendingly even as they leave. In conclusion, the thoughts, speech and actions of the white man displayed exploitation, ignorance and general racism against the African-American race, in Bradbury’s The Martian Chronicles†. This fictional society has barriers to overcome. If the racist people in this society can follow as quote of Confucius, â€Å"when you meet someone better than yourself, turn your thoughts to becoming his equal. When you meet someone not as good as you are, look within and examine your own self.†, racism could be abolished, and every race, creed or kind could live harmoniously on one planet.