Critical Pedagogy movement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Critical Pedagogy movement - Essay Example Critical pedagogy is inclusive of the relationships present between the teachings and learning fraternities, with proponents being of the opinion that the process, being continuous has significant impacts on students in general. This is especially so to students, whom according to the proponents of the movement, historically have, and still are disenfranchised with â€Å"traditional schooling†; the impacts being even greater (Torill, 2005, p 76). The lofty claims, through â€Å"opaque prose†, by Giroux; this according to (John 1990, p 28), exemplified Giroux’s ultimate goal, which was to create radical politics thereby highlighting the existing contestable and antagonistic political and moral grounds that ultimately constitute part of the fundamental ideals pertaining to citizenship and public wisdom. Ultimately, the tensions between progressive and traditional education emanate from the various varying moral perspectives as to categorizing what is â€Å"right† or â€Å"wrong† (John 1990, p 56). As a recommendation, the examination of the work of the inaugural philosopher of critical pedagogy; Paulo Freire, is encouraged before embarking on any analysis. Paulo Freire, who initially focused on adult literacy projects in the South American state of Brazil, would later on find himself to be dealing widely with a range of educational and social issues. His philosophy revolved around anti-authoritarian sentiments and the interactive approach in the examination of issues; this in relation to the relational power for workers and students. Use of the primary goal that based its existence upon the social and political critiques of everyday life was the central theme in this curriculum, with his educational technique not just a exemplifying a teaching methodology but also as a worthy lifestyle in educative practice. It required the execution of a myriad of educational practices and processes, with the

Pornography and US Law Essay Example for Free

Pornography and US Law Essay In Catherine Mackinnon’s book â€Å"Only Words† she describes U. S law as a very strong indictment of a law system in conflict with itself. The book is divided and is a collection of three essays. The first one is a heavy and emotional criticism of pornography. The other two essays evaluate and compare pornography and sexual harassment with racial discrimination and abuse. She defines pornography as â€Å"explicit sexual material that subordinates women† (page 13). She argues that ‘pornography is sex’, as viewed by the American law, that only views it as a possible cause of injury, instead of an act of sexual discrimination that promotes sexual inequality. She holds that like other kinds of racial and hate speeches, it should be totally banned because it contributes heavily in the degradation, subordination and abuse of women in general. Mackinnon says even if pornography is a form of speech, this does not mean that it cannot be controlled and regulated by the government. She lashes out at the people who believe pornography and other acts of harassment and hate propaganda should be protected by law. Mackinnon argues that that pornography, harassment messages and racial speeches eventually do the same thing, which is ‘enact the abuse’. Porn, she says, lowers the dignity and self esteem of women and fuels the acts by â€Å"sexual harassers, wife beaters, child molesters, rapists and clients of prostitutes† (page 17). The first amendment promotes the problems the fourteenth amendment was supposed to fix. Mackinnon shows a society that is extremely hypocritical. Her words in the book have encompassed real abuse, directed at her as a woman; she has really tried to prove her point. Mackinnon believes that we need to change the first amendment in order to balance it out with the fourteenth amendment on issues concerning free speech and protection of equality. She is campaigning for the â€Å"new model in which free speech does not most readily protect the activities of Nazis, Klansmen and pornographers, while doing nothing for their victims† (page 32). She commended two Canadian court decisions which promoted the rights of people negatively affected by pornography and hate speeches and propaganda. Word that involve issues such as bribes, fixing of prices and segregation of facilities are treated as acts of law, but words or pictures target issues involving race and sex are not treated as acts of law, and that is why the courts end up permitting pornography in our societies. She shows how lawyers and judges have used the first amendment to justify the heinous acts of pornographers and racist individuals into political speech. She says that if words have ever been recognized as actions it is in situations concerning sexual harassment. She laments that the courts have reduced their effectiveness by overturning universities’ restraints of discriminatory and sexual speeches on campus by throwing out a complaint brought forward by a female shipyard worker who was harassed by having been shown pornography, which is a form of speech that is protected in the first amendment. In fact these words and pictures are protected by law explained as ‘the free and open exchange of ideas’, even reproduced for viewing. Mackinnon says that what the law is concerned with is not what the word does but what the consequences of the word is, the harassment, racism and hate speeches is showing the differences between the different social groups, the power one group has over another. Mackinnon through studies in workplaces, pornographers, on college campuses and others she shows these very discriminatory acts are protected by law as free speech; equality will only be seen and treated as a word. Mackinnon brings to the open many of the contradictions she has been saying in the previous essays, she says that â€Å"the law of equality and the law of freedom of speech are on a collision course in this country† (page 47). Mackinnon does a good job in showing the ignorance and shallow thinking of many defenders of pornography. The book is a passionate and eloquent plea to Americans to be able to see beyond the doctrines made normal by society, in particular concerning pornography and racial and hate speeches. She says that Americans suffer from obsession of expressive freedom to the trauma of the McCarthy era. Her arguments show that in some levels, pornography may be restricted, but it has not yet shown reason to be restricted. She later confuses by emphasizing that some of them are made from â€Å"actual child abuse and actual rape and tortures† (page 56). Certain weaknesses are evident in the book. First of all, she should have devoted more space for the definition of pornography so that it would have been applicable in law. Another weakness is the vague separation of debating and expressing intolerable ideas. These prevent from having clearly defined boundaries. What she fails to bring out in her book is the other side of free speech, the importance of free speech in an independent society like political accountability, self determination among others. Catherine Mackinnon’s views do have pros and cons. Her view that pornography should be controlled by the government I believe is a good thing. Pornography has really led to degradation of the society and this will reduce if it is controlled. To some extent it does lead to subordination of women leading to more cases of aggression towards women, it eventually ‘enacts the abuse’. Her suggestion that amendments should be made to the constitution to be able to defend those affected by pornography I believe is also a good thing. Campaigning for the new model that free speech does not protect the activities of those using the right of free speech to justify their actions is also a good idea. Some of the abuses of sexual inequality are regarded as free speech hence not seen as acts of sexual abuse. Lawyers and judges have used this to justify some of the issues affecting the society such as hate speeches, pornography and racial discrimination. Some of the cons is that she uses very few words to explain the definition of pornography, she should have taken more time define her view of pornography. I believe that pornography should be regulated and have to agree with Catherine Mackinnon. Pornography has caused serious consequences to the society in general and therefore should be controlled. The pornographers have the freedom to do a lot and they are protected by the constitution. To some extent it does lead to subordination of women, hence pornography should be controlled.

Half caste, Unrelated incidents, and Search for my tongue :: Comapre Three Poems

I will be discussing how the three poems "Halfe Caste", "Unrelated incidents", and "search for my tongue" do not use standard English. I will be exploring the poets motivation and discussing how the poets deviate from standard English. In the poem "Search for my tongue" the poet Sujata Bhatt uses the language Gujarat. Using an alternative language such as (Gujarat) has an effect in ways that it shows how Sujata Bhatt had went from speaking English to Gujarat and back to English. It has an effect showing how she has two tongues in her mouth, one the English tongue, and the other tongue being the foreign tongue. Sujata's English tongue is talking however overnight her Gujarat tongue has taken over in her dreams. Then in the morning her English tongue comes back like a flower growing, "the bud opens, the bud opens in my mouth, it pushes the other tongue aside. In the poem "Unrelated incidents" is a reporter from the BBC talking. From the way the words are spelt we can gather that the reporter is Scottish, "this is thi six a clock thi man said n thi reason a talk wia BBC accent iz coz yi widny wahnt mi ti talk about thi trooth". Also in this poem is hardly any standard English at all. It is effective in ways that we get ideas of what the character is like. We know how the reporter is feeling. He doesn't sound to happy "this is thi six a clock nyooz. belt up". Where as if it was said, "This is the six a clock news. Belt up", it would have no expression to the way the reporter is actually feeling and this is why it would be better not to have used standard English. In the poem "Halfe Caste" the poet John Agard is talking about how he only half person. He says he is Half white, and Half black. We would have no idea of how the character would behave or speak, half white or half black. Judging from the way he talks, "well in dat case england weather nearly always half caste in fact some o dem cloud half caste

January, 1968: Keh Sanh, The Tet Offensive, and the Unraveling of an A

When President Johnson delivered his State of the Union Address to Congress on January 17, 1968 he spoke of the war in Vietnam with optimism. He listed the many military accomplishments to date, mentioned the word â€Å"progress† five times, discussed a â€Å"fruitful† visit with the pope, and spoke with a tone and tenor that suggested an imminent, peaceful resolution (â€Å"Johnson’s Annual Message†). Not three months later – in a similarly important speech to the American people – Johnson stoically announced that he would not be seeking reelection (â€Å"Johnson’s Address to the Nation†). What had seemed like an impending certainty dissolved into a distant dream. Public support for the war, and of Johnson, had deteriorated so swiftly in the winter of 1968 that he had no choice but to disband his efforts to seek a second term. What happened in the months between Johnson’s confident State of the Union and his more su llen speech in March of 1968 is no mystery. The Battle of Khe Sanh, combined with the more lastingly impactful Tet Offensive in late January, were devastating blows to American efforts in Vietnam. In hindsight, these events may have been militarily ineffective, yet the cultural ricochets they created throughout America can be seen as nothing short of a major victory for the North Vietnamese. These events were instrumental in turning the tides of the war. General Westmoreland’s hope, that superior American firepower would end the war with the North Vietnamese in the winter of 1968 was quickly foiled when U.S. Marines were bombarded with a rocket and mortar attack at their isolated base in Khe Sanh. The 76-day battle at Khe Sanh ended with both sides claiming victory, raising the question of why anyone found it strategic to engag... ...ent Lyndon B. Johnson's Address to the Nation Announcing Steps To Limit the War in Vietnam and Reporting His Decision Not To Seek Reelection: March 31, 1968.† LBJ Library and Musuem: National Archives and Records Aministration. Web. 6 Apr. 2012. . â€Å"President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Annual Message to the Congress on the State of the Union: January 17, 1968,† LBJ Library and Museum: National Archives and Records Administration. Web. 6 Apr. 2012 . â€Å"Shock and Awe of the Tet Offensive Shattered U.S. Illusions.† James H. Willbanks. U.S News. 29 Jan. 2009. Web. 6 Apr. 2012. â€Å"The Battle of Khe Sanh, 1968,† The Tet Offensive, Marc J. Gilbert and William Head, eds., Westport, CT: Praeger, 1996, ch. 12, pp. 191-213. Willibanks, James H. The Tet Offensive. New York: Columbia U P, 2007.

Token Economy

Leadership Model Jim Forrest was a skilled professional in related issues managing in substance abuse. Forrest had the opportunity to utilize his abilities as a lead in a mental health center. Forrest began his search for new employees by interviewing each person the same. Forrest talked to each candidate in the same style rather than finding out their strengths and weaknesses so he would have a better idea of where to place them to assist with client care. Although Forrest noticed positive change in client care, he also noticed concerns with his employees slowly surfacing.Forrest began to question his professional relationship with each member of his staff. It is important to recognize leadership comes in various styles to provide applicable direction to accomplish specific objectives in the workplace. Supervisory leadership must discuss the task and goals set for the organization clearly to its employees. Contingency Theory believes individuals are different; therefore there is not one way that is the best way of leading a team. Contingency Theory takes a look at the bigger picture that contains dynamics about supervisory leadership skill and other variables within the circumstances.Success of any organization is influenced by a variety of reasons, one of which is leadership style. One style of leadership may not be appropriate in some cases, however may be best in others. Supervisory Process There are 4 main steps in the supervisory process. The first is the beginning phase of the purpose of the supervisor. One of the elements of this process is obtaining reviews from staff and discussing concerns and ideas to make working together more productive (Lewis, Packard, & Lewis, Chapter 7, 2007).In case 7, Jim did not get feedback from his new staff about the implementation of the token economy. The middle phase of the process is the stage where Jim should have realized that his way was not working for everyone; he should have been open minded and ready to make ch anges when concerns were voiced to him, instead he thought that giving them freedom to make their own schedules they should be following the way he wanted things to be done.At this point Jim should have discussed issues and created an action plan. Jim is now in the facilitative confrontation phase (Lewis, Packard, & Lewis, Chapter 7, 2007), problems have began to surface and Jim hears complaining, with the incident of no one being there when he needed Jim will need to sit and discuss his role with the staff and their issues with the way things are being ran.The transition phase is when changes are made (Lewis, Packard, & Lewis, Chapter 7, 2007). If Jim follows through with the confrontation phase, he may be ready to compromise token economy and focus on rules and regulations to get everyone on the same page to productively help clients. Reference Lewis, J. A. , Packard, T. , & Lewis, M. D. (2007). Management of Human Service Programs (4th ed. ). Retrieved from The University of Phoe nix eBook Collection database..

Assess the challenges and opportunities facing foreign investors seeking to invest in China

Assess the challenges and opportunities facing foreign investors seeking to invest in China Assess the challenges and opportunities facing foreign investors seeking to invest in ChinaIntroductionChina has become one of the most fast growing countries in the world since economic reform and market reform in 1979. The impressively booming economy and good investment environment attracts more and more world's capitals seeking to invest in China, however not only opportunities but also challenges are facing to foreign direct investment (FDI). This essay will examine the challenges and the opportunities of China faced by foreign investors via Political aspect, Economic structure aspect, and Social aspect. Firstly, in the political aspect I will present the policies of FDI in China as an opportunity factor and the challenges come from the new taxation system and fragile implementation of Intellectual Property Law. Secondly, in the economic structure aspect, I will mention the opportunities by discussing large market size, fast growing economy and good infrastructure in China and t he challenge is from the increasing labour cost.The Flower of the East Marina, a multi-billion dol...Finally, in the social aspect, the challenge is from rising nationalism will be discussed. On the other hand, the growth of Chinese education level becomes an opportunity for foreign investors.Main bodyIn the political facet, China initiated "Open-door" policy and started market reform in 1979, since then, Chinese authorities intended to attract FDI as an important goal and the priority on the government agenda. A series of preferential policies were issued to improve investment environment in order to attract foreign capitals to invest China. In order to create a better investment climate, Chinese government set up Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in 1989. There are more liberal investment and trade regime than other areas in the Special Economic Zones. Since 1996, the western and central provinces authorities were entitle to give approval to foreign invest projects which the foreign c apital below...

Corporate Ethics, a Business Asset

Corporate Ethics, a Business Asset 1.Corporate Ethics, a Business AssetEthics in the corporate world is a key concept that has gained importance, more so in the recent years, possibly due to the very publicized and prominent scandals of 2002 concerning Enron, Aurther Anderson, and snowballed effect to another scandal of WorldCom.It created more awareness among the stakeholders which is making ethics harder and harder to ignore. The noise on Ethics in the corporate world has gained a key place not only due to the Bad guys, also due to Good guys, one such company who has been at the top of the list on the fortune 500 is GE. Other companies being Starbucks, Johnson and Johnson, Southwest2. Ethics:2.1 What is Ethics? ;-A system of moral principles or values-Rules or standards governing the conduct of members of a profession-A matter of developing good habits-Standards of conductOrOne of those things that we conveniently forget when faced with tough choices!!2.2ConceptsCorporation Street, Birmingham - Temple Pointof Ethics :Very Briefly:Relativism: believes in morality being relative. Under the descriptive doctrine it claims that different cultures have different moral values, under the normative doctrine it claims each culture is right in itself.Egoism: under the normative doctrine, believes one ought to act in maximizing benefit for ones self.Utilitarianism: is about good consequences, looks for maximum benefit. Ends justify the means. Corporations can sometimes end up looking at the bottom-line a little too closely being morally bound to the shareholders and use means which could prove to be disastrousDeontologism: believes that the right action is independent of consequences. Actions which are duty bound, keeping aside personal gain.Moral=YesImmoral=NoBuilds security, trust. E.g. corporation values, code of business ethics, Corporate Social responsibility, corporate citizenship.3. Corporate Ethics:A system of morals and values applied in the business world providing guidelines of acceptable behavi or stated by the organizations...

The Meaning of the Surname Fuchs

The Meaning of the Surname Fuchs The Fuchs surname means fox, from the Middle High German vuhs, meaning fox. Sometimes used to describe someone with red hair, or someone considered crafty or clever - characteristics attributed to the fox. The name first came into use in the German state of Bavaria. Fox is the English version of this surname. Fuchs is the 42nd most common German surname. Surname Origin:  GermanAlternate Surname Spellings:  FUHS, FUX, FOX Famous People with the Fuchs Surname Bernard Fuchs  - French pilot and WWII heroEduard Fuchs  - Marxist cultural scientistEmil Fuchs -  Ã‚  German theologianErich Fuchs  - English physiologistPeter Paul Fuchs - Austrian-born conductor and composerVivian Fuchs - British geologist and polar explorer Where the Fuchs Surname Is Most Common According to surname distribution from Forebears, the Fuchs surname is most common in Austria, where it ranks as the 11th most common last name in the country. It is also very common in Germany (36th), Switzerland (39th) and  Liechtenstein (72nd). WorldNames PublicProfiler indicates that Fuchs is most widespread in eastern Switzerland, in the Zentralschweiz region, and throughout much of Austria, especially in the Graz and Landeck regions. Surname maps from Verwandt.de indicate the  Fuchs last name is most common in southern Germany, especially in the counties or cities of Munich, Rhein-Neckar-Kreis, Ostalbkreis, Cologne, Passau, Muremberg, Rhein-Sieg-Kreis, and Karlsruhe. Genealogy Resources for the Surname Fuchs Meanings of Common German Surnames: Uncover the meaning of your German last name with this free guide to the meanings and origins of common German surnames.Fuchs  Family Crest - Its Not What You Think: Contrary to what you may hear, there is no such thing as a Fuchs  family crest or coat of arms for the Fuchs surname.  Coats of arms are granted to individuals, not families, and may rightfully be used only by the uninterrupted male-line descendants of the person to whom the coat of arms was originally granted.Fox Y-DNA Surname Project: Individuals with the Fox  surname, and variations such as Fuchs, are invited to participate in this group DNA project in an attempt to learn more about Fox family origins. The website includes information on the project, the research done to date, and instructions on how to participate.FUCHS  Family Genealogy Forum: This free message board is focused on descendants of Fuchs ancestors around the world. Search or browse the archives for posts ab out your Fuchs ancestors, or join the group and post your own Fuchs query. FamilySearch - FUCHS  Genealogy: Explore over 630,000 results from digitized  historical records and lineage-linked family trees related to the Fuchs surname on this free website hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.FUCHS  Surname Mailing List: Free mailing list for researchers of the Fuchs surname and its variations includes subscription details and a searchable archives of past messages.DistantCousin.com - FUCHS Genealogy Family History: Explore free databases and genealogy links for the last name Fuchs.GeneaNet - Fuchs  Records: GeneaNet includes archival records, family trees, and other resources for individuals with the Fuchs  surname, with a concentration on records and families from France and other European countries.The Fuchs Genealogy and Family Tree Page: Browse genealogy records and links to genealogical and historical records for individuals with the Fuchs surname from the website of Genealogy Today. References: Surname Meanings Origins Cottle, Basil.  Penguin Dictionary of Surnames. Baltimore, MD: Penguin Books, 1967. Dorward, David.  Scottish Surnames. Collins Celtic (Pocket edition), 1998. Fucilla, Joseph.  Our Italian Surnames. Genealogical Publishing Company, 2003. Hanks, Patrick and Flavia Hodges.  A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1989. Hanks, Patrick.  Dictionary of American Family Names. Oxford University Press, 2003. Reaney, P.H.  A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1997. Smith, Elsdon C.  American Surnames. Genealogical Publishing Company, 1997. https://www.thoughtco.com/surname-meanings-and-origins-s2-1422408

Buddhism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Buddhism - Essay Example This is achieved as a profound peace after a long process of liberation. In other words, Nirvana is the ultimate union with the Supreme Being (Hughes 38). Therefore, there will be tremendous ultimate joy in this experience, allowing an individual to be free from suffering and other related negative consequences of life. Unlike any other religions that have special time or day for their worship, Buddhism only considers its followers to go to the temples when they only have time or technically when they can (Brannen 30). However, in most of the time, Buddhists go to the temple on a full moon day (Guruge 60). In a temple, Buddhists find the best education for life. They call their temple a Vihara where there is a shrine room with large statues of Buddha and his disciples. A temple shows a complete manifestation of what Buddhism is all about. For instance, there are relics and available manuscripts about Buddhism found in the temple. Not only that. Considering the point that this place c ould be the best place for education, therefore there are remarkable rooms for lecture, meditation and library, respectively. Indeed, the temple itself showcases what Buddhism is all about and it is clear that it is in line with educating the people who primarily believe in the teachings of Buddha. There are many symbolism associated with practices and relevant beliefs in line with Buddhism. For example, Buddhists believe that placing flowers on the front of the Buddhist Statue would remind them of the thought that people will not live forever (Poor and Poirrier 204). Therefore, it is always an important principle among Buddhists to always act well in life. Here are some of the essential things they need to do in order to remarkably do the right thing in life. First, Buddhists believe that they should not hurt living things. This explains the point why it is forbidden for them to kill a cow or any other related living creatures. For them, the spirit or the spirits of gods live in th em they are so sacred that killing them is strongly opposed by the entire belief system linked to Buddhism. In addition, Buddhists are always reminded of the ultimate principle in life to not to take advantage of what is unseen. This means that this religion just like Christianity for instance believes that what is essential is invisible to the human naked eye. Therefore, Buddhists are encouraged to use not only their eyes, but every part of the senses that a normal human being possessed. The very point of this is to do the right thing in life which eventually helps them pave the way to achieving their ultimate joy in life. Buddhists are therefore encouraged to always speak kind words with their neighbours. This goes with the reason that they have to act the right way in order to generate harmony among others and therefore peace will prevail. Furthermore, for them to be able to use their senses correctly, they are discouraged to engage in drinking alcohol. Thus, one of the ultimate forbidden things that every follower of Buddha should practice is to never be involved in drinking alcohol. Buddhists believe that one essential reason why there are evil practices in the humanity is due to the influence of alcohol. When somebody is intoxicated with wine or any alcoholic beverages, a man might be out of control of his senses, and as stated earlier, these should be used properly. A highly intoxicated person with wine for

Electric sector in Ivory Coast Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Electric sector in Ivory Coast - Research Paper Example However, since the inception of their new president in 2010 the country is trying to build up its infrastructure especially the electric sector. The mission of the country in terms of electricity is to make Ivory Coast the center of the Western African power pool (Gnansounou, 2008). According to the author, the government is aiming at attracting both local and foreign investors. The government is cooperative and has launched opportunities in hydro and thermal generation of electricity. This gives private, foreign, and local investors a wide chance to invest in the country. To prove the seriousness of this situation, the Ministry of Mines and Energy was set up to help in promoting and implementing of the projects (Mbendi, 2012). Legal reforms and frameworks are also complete to pave way for easy implementation of the plan. This is to stimulate and attract investors. Currently the electric law n ° 85-583 established in 1985 and decree n °98-725 established in 1998 provides the Stat e with the monopoly power to transmit, distribute import and export power in the country (Pierre-Olivier Pineau, 2008). The monopoly power that the state owns is the major challenge the electric sector is facing. Amongst the strengths of the sector, include the strategic plans to allow private and foreign investors to help in transmission and distribution of electricity (Ray, 2011). RecommendationsïÆ' ¼Ã‚  The government should allow private and foreign investors to help in distribution and transmission of electricity.

Kant's ethical theory applied on cases of violence Essay

Kant's ethical theory applied on cases of violence - Essay Example Indicating that an act that has been adopted across the world is ethical. Secondly, it advocates for the protection of the human dignity; people should not just be used, humanity should be treated as an end and not in any way as the means. Finally, it advocates for an act that exemplifies fairness from all directions, that is, a person’s act should be conscious of both the actor and the one being affected by the actions. In this proposition by Kant, reciprocity of actions is very important (Wike & Showler, 2010). In this essay, I will put into perspective the application of this theory in incidences of violence that entails both self-defense and proactive violence. According to the Kantian theory, morality is not based exclusively on reasoning but also the moral worth of a given action. Engaging in act of violence can be considered moral when the reason behind the engagement can be validated. Though it is important for an individual to apply their reasoning before they act, it is of essence that they are weigh whether the act can be universalized (Wood, 2012). For example, when a thief that has been terrorizing people and poses a threat to the community to the society, the moral worth of such an action can be established. According to Kant’s predispositions, the moral status of humans is based on their rationality; this means humans have the capacity to distinguish what is moral and what is not, hence some sort of universalizability. Therefore, it is possible to point to a moral action based on the extent to which we are able to apply our reasoning. However, despite the human rationality predicting the moral position taken, the basis of the judgment made is not clearly defined. Kant’s argument that reasoning also plays a pivotal role in the determination of the morality has a strong basis since humans not only acts on impulses but also on reasoning (Sullivan, 1989). Therefore, engagement in violent activities is an interplay of the two

If Japan had not launched a full scale invasion of China in 1937, Essay

If Japan had not launched a full scale invasion of China in 1937, would the Nanjing government have survived and brought its sta - Essay Example Historians have speculated how things would have been different for the Nanjing Government, had the Japanese not launched their onslaught in to the region. The substance of this prose will examine the strengths and weaknesses of the Nanjing government and whether or not it would have been successful in unifying and rebuilding China. From the year 1928 till 1937, the Kuomintang (KMT) was the dominant political party, but was readily losing their popularity amongst the people. They had come to power in China during a time when the country was embroiled political and social turmoil following the success of the northern expedition in the year 1927 by the same party. They unified China under one banner but failed to hold the nation together. This unification move signified a time during which the KMT had the greatest potential to rebuild China (Cochran, 1983). The KMT party started off with the noble purpose of establishing democracy in the country and wished to educate the people in orde r to make them capable of self-governing. They started off with a profound ideology and wished to instil nationalist feelings within the masses and slowly began expanding their control, first from the north and then they worked their way down to the southern region. The ideology of the KMT was established upon the beliefs of Sun Yat-Sen, but after his demise, Chiang Kai-Shek became the leader of the KMT and his policies later on decide the course of events that took place during the Nanjing decade and also indirectly led to the Japanese invasion of Nanjing (Sun Yat-Sen, 1953). The question whether or not the Nanjing government would have been successful in integrating the nation has a very straight forward answer to it, which will be discussed in the following parts of the prose. The greatest flaw of this entire expedition was the fact that it was done primarily by military force and the party lacked a strong ideology that would draw the diverse range of people living in the country and unite them on a single platform. KMT further did not introduce the relevant land reforms that would protect the interests of the peasants and farmers, which naturally caused them to drawn in by the communist faction of the society. Reconstruction became even difficult as the schism between communism and republicanism intensified. It was not just ideology that separated them, but the weakness of their political leader was also one of the crucial reasons that hindered the State Building project. The KMT did work to improve upon the financial and education system that had severely debilitated the country and were vastly successful in doing so. However, despite their many achievements, KMT lacked a certain amount of political acumen that left them in a major predicament. They failed to launch a full-fledged democratic rule in the country and they further did not take any steps to enlighten the people about the democratic system of government. The people remained completely ignorant regarding the procedures of self-government and it was further speculated that the KMT wanted maintain their iron-clad control over the land and were not interested in democracy (Musgrove, 2000). One prime instance that supports the aforementioned statement occurred, when the KMT party established a ‘tutelage government’ and extended it indefinitely beyond the 6 years that

Marketing is every thing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Marketing is every thing - Essay Example Technology plays a major role in marketing as it reduces cost at the same time enhances sale. Wide variety of choices for customers makes marketing an important tool for communication. Time of blasting decision and capricious change the new marketing is the reply to these problems. It also says how to do effective marketing by pulling in quality individuals, producing new plans, and forming quality relationships with the customers. One very good example cited out here is the case for telephone manufacturing company called Gluco and Pumpco. Gluco was very keen on building quality relationships with their clients where as Pumpco was only concerned about shelling out money from their customers. We get an insight as to which organization is skilled, responsive and overall sorted out? Which organization might I rather work with? Another point that been highlighted is that marketing must be handled with appreciation. Though marketing is done in order to compete with one another, it should always be respected by the counterparts. The last fact that has been highlighted is that leadership forms an important part as well. A market leader will always influence the consumers. It sets the trends in the market and the followers always change according to the market leader’s strategies. This article was mainly chosen by me in order to understand the importance of marketing. As the name suggest, marketing is key to every business’s success. The author has highlighted many factors such technology, quality and leadership which influences and helps in the marketing a product or a company at large. The way the facts have been highlighted has helped me understand marketing in a much more practical

If Japan had not launched a full scale invasion of China in 1937, Essay

If Japan had not launched a full scale invasion of China in 1937, would the Nanjing government have survived and brought its sta - Essay Example Historians have speculated how things would have been different for the Nanjing Government, had the Japanese not launched their onslaught in to the region. The substance of this prose will examine the strengths and weaknesses of the Nanjing government and whether or not it would have been successful in unifying and rebuilding China. From the year 1928 till 1937, the Kuomintang (KMT) was the dominant political party, but was readily losing their popularity amongst the people. They had come to power in China during a time when the country was embroiled political and social turmoil following the success of the northern expedition in the year 1927 by the same party. They unified China under one banner but failed to hold the nation together. This unification move signified a time during which the KMT had the greatest potential to rebuild China (Cochran, 1983). The KMT party started off with the noble purpose of establishing democracy in the country and wished to educate the people in orde r to make them capable of self-governing. They started off with a profound ideology and wished to instil nationalist feelings within the masses and slowly began expanding their control, first from the north and then they worked their way down to the southern region. The ideology of the KMT was established upon the beliefs of Sun Yat-Sen, but after his demise, Chiang Kai-Shek became the leader of the KMT and his policies later on decide the course of events that took place during the Nanjing decade and also indirectly led to the Japanese invasion of Nanjing (Sun Yat-Sen, 1953). The question whether or not the Nanjing government would have been successful in integrating the nation has a very straight forward answer to it, which will be discussed in the following parts of the prose. The greatest flaw of this entire expedition was the fact that it was done primarily by military force and the party lacked a strong ideology that would draw the diverse range of people living in the country and unite them on a single platform. KMT further did not introduce the relevant land reforms that would protect the interests of the peasants and farmers, which naturally caused them to drawn in by the communist faction of the society. Reconstruction became even difficult as the schism between communism and republicanism intensified. It was not just ideology that separated them, but the weakness of their political leader was also one of the crucial reasons that hindered the State Building project. The KMT did work to improve upon the financial and education system that had severely debilitated the country and were vastly successful in doing so. However, despite their many achievements, KMT lacked a certain amount of political acumen that left them in a major predicament. They failed to launch a full-fledged democratic rule in the country and they further did not take any steps to enlighten the people about the democratic system of government. The people remained completely ignorant regarding the procedures of self-government and it was further speculated that the KMT wanted maintain their iron-clad control over the land and were not interested in democracy (Musgrove, 2000). One prime instance that supports the aforementioned statement occurred, when the KMT party established a ‘tutelage government’ and extended it indefinitely beyond the 6 years that

Wireless Electricity Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Wireless Electricity - Assignment Example International Journal Of Computational Engineering Research (ijceronline.com), Volume 2 Issue 7, pp. 48-51. This is a research paper which was published in the international journal. This paper presents a detailed analysis of wireless transmission and various associated concepts. This paper is a good source for developing the base for the research. This paper also discusses some of issues with wireless transmission. In the start, authors differentiate between wireless and wired medium of energy transmission. This is a detailed project report presented by four students. This report presents a detailed analysis of wireless energy transmission. In this report, authors discuss different applications of wireless energy transmission. In this scenario, they analyze these applications on the basis on certain parameters such as user-friendliness, sustainability, economical and technological feasibility and health and safety. This paper discusses a wide variety of methods and technologies exist up to now for wireless transmission of electricity and the need for a Wireless System of Energy Transmission. They also discuss their advantages, disadvantages and economical consideration. This paper also discusses the history of wireless transmission. Mohammed, S. S., Ramasamy, K., & Shanmuganantham, T. (2010). Wireless Power Transmission – A Next Generation Power Transmission System. International Journal of Computer Applications, Volume 1 Issue 13, pp. 100-103. This paper discusses a detailed analysis of technologies available for wireless energy transmission. The paper is based on finding a solution to deal with energy losses that occur in case of wireless transmission due to the wireless nature of this energy transmission. This is a thesis that is presented by a graduate student for the completion of his graduation in electrical engineering. This thesis is a complete guide for wireless

Explore Possibilities for Happiness Improvement Essay Example for Free

Explore Possibilities for Happiness Improvement Essay This paper seeks to prepare an argumentative essay for the purpose of exploring possibilities for happiness improvement. This paper will prove the assertion that happiness can be improved by choice both from the individual and institutional level. Some have equated happiness with popularity, while others have equated it with wealth. In either case a few could have confirmed some sense of similarity in equating the dissimilar terms. Well one could argue that it is very hard to prove the experience because it is personal. This paper treats happiness that is something measurable and hence can be improved in degrees. Precisely a person committing a suicide is not happy while a person that can handle his or emotional problems are a happy one. This paper’s thesis therefore means that improving the level of happiness is actually helping people to have a better feeling of well being and less likely to be persons who will succumb to suicide. Schwart argues for the importance of value of choice for a person to be happy. The author explained that freedom to choose has what might be called expressive value and that choice enables one to tell the world who he or she is and what he or she cares about. To improve happiness one must be free and having that knowledge that one is free, that person must exercise the power of choice of to be happy. Happiness is a choice from the time a person wakes up in the morning until he lays his or her head at night to sleep and the same choice must again be practice the same day. For what is freedom if not deliberately used? The power to express oneself is one of man’s basic rights that are universally recognized. If one would like to trace the fall of the communist ideology, one would find that the limitation on the power to express oneself might have been one of the causes of its downfall. One would remember the 1989 suppression of the then Chinese government of the demonstrators on Chinese Square. The students were shouting for more freedom. They were willing to die in the name of freedom. Could the acts of the students be not taken also as dying for happiness if freedom has the objective of happiness? The right of freedom to self expression could even be above the right of government official to privacy for what a person’s right of expression could be used to criticize the act of a public official in democratic countries. Remove freedom to express, then you remove happiness. Remove happiness, then you remove meaning, then you remove life. Since happiness is one of the main objects of life, governments must be right in recognizing its availability by the exercise of freedom by recognizing the right in the constitutions although inherently the right might have existed without need or expressly recognizing the same. Organizations whether profit or non profit defines its goals in terms of missions and visions. These missions and visions are directions where organizations want to go. If analyzed further, these missions are actually purposes or meanings which in substance could be equated to happiness. It could thus be argued that institutions including government and other organizations are institutionalizing the right to happiness in terms of laws and policies which are indications of decisions to improve the level of happiness of individuals. To further support the thesis of this paper, Seligman argues that people who are impoverished, depressed, or suicidal care about much more that just the relief of their suffering. He explained that these persons care –sometimes desperately- about virtue, about purpose, about integrity and meaning. For these people, experiences that induce positive emotion cause negative emotion to dissipate rapidly. Seligman’s conception of meaning and purpose confirms the organizations setting their missions and visions are their guides for survival. It is in this regard that Seligman espouses Positive psychology. He observed that the strengths and virtues function to buffer against misfortune and against the psychological disorders, and they may be the key to building resilience. Thus he stated that the best therapists do not heal damage, they help people identify to build their strengths and virtues. Seligman’s Positive Psychology therefore promises to take one through the countryside of pleasure and gratification, up into the high country of the strength and virtue, and finally to the peaks of lasting fulfillment: meaning and purpose. Positive psychology reinforce thesis of this paper that more than curing the psychological disorders, psychology which is a science could be applied to make a choice, a choice for a brighter outlook. Although Seligman acknowledges personal circumstance to be a factor in determining happiness, it does not contradict the power of choice. This choice explains why more people are successful than other who does not have the right attitude. A philosopher once said that attitude is everything. What he really means is that attitude is a choice in the same way that happiness is a choice. Being therefore a choice, its improvement and enjoyment could also be a choice. Conclusion: This paper has proven what its has argued that happiness can be improved by choice both from the individual and institutional level. As man is free to choose so he or she must be free to choose to be happy. From the individual level man will seek to express him or self to other via many means from the performance of arts and even in these daily activities in work. In the institutional level, this paper also found evidence of choice for freedom to self expression that was inserted in many of the constitutions of many nations in the world. This world of hopeful people will continue to survive many challenges because of the power of humanity to determine their destiny, which essentially in reduced form, is actually happiness. Works Cited: Schwarts, Barry, The paradox of choice, Why more is less, Harper Collins Publishers, New York, USA, 1946 Seligman, M. , Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment, Press, New York, USA, 2004

The History Of The Liberal Neutrality Politics Essay

The History Of The Liberal Neutrality Politics Essay The question is should all government decisions be made on a neutral basis or is there a point where the government should be able to make a decision that they believe if for the best interest of the individual? This issue is discussed by multiple authors and looked at from different angles. John Stuart Mill discusses his opinion of government authority as it affects an individuals interests in his essay On Liberty. Joseph L. Sax discusses his opinion of government authority as it affects the national parks and individuals different interests within the parks in his book Mountains without Handrails. Both Mill and Sax look at government involvement and decision making in two different ways. One as it applies directly to any interest of an individual and the other as it applies only to an individuals interests in a specific area. The main topic of Mills essay is civil or social liberty. He defines social liberty as the nature and limits of the power which can be legitimately exercised by society over the individual (Mill, 5). Social liberty allows an individual to govern themselves to a certain point. This point is where they potentially could cause harm to others. Once an individual has reached this point, society or the government can step in to prevent harm of another person. Society is neutral in an individuals interests until this point has been reached and they have the authority to interfere with an individuals interest if they deem it harmful to others. This is the idea of the harm principle. Mill says the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others (Mill, 14). In one sense social liberty follows the idea of liberal neutrality but it has a loop hole that allows for some bias decision making by society to protect others. Where society does interfere with an individuals interest it is doing so for the best interest of the rest of society and preventing harm to them. The negative effect of interfering with a single individuals interests is outweighed by protecting one or more individuals from harm that is not necessary for them to endure. All decisions come down to choosing between protecting the interests of an individual or society as a whole. One topic that Mill discusses is the struggle between liberty and authority. Liberty was put in place as means of protection for people from their political rulers. At the time people were born into power and liberty was kind of like a clause if the ruler became a tyrant. Authority is needed to prevent individuals from taking actions that would be morally wrong (causing harm to others). Society then changed and all rulers were no longer born into power, they were chosen to represent the people. The representatives of the people were to represent the best interests of the individuals and this would eliminate the need for some forms of liberty and authority since the people would be need to be protected from their own will. One thing that was over looked was the fact that a single group of representatives cannot accurately represent the entire population, they can only represent the majority and the majority is made up of the individuals who are active in getting their voice heard and does not necessarily represent the entire population. This is the idea of tyranny of the majority. Tyranny of the majority occurs when the majoritys interests are placed above the minoritys interests and causes minorities to be discouraged in getting their opinions heard. This brings society back to the same struggle of liberty and authority and where to draw the line between the two. Individuals want to have the power to so as they please but there should be some guide lines or limits to this power. Mill does not explicitly state what all of these guidelines or limits should be with the exception of causing harm to others. Are more guidelines really needed than that? What is society as a whole just decided to do away with rules, regulations and all types of society authority with the exceptions of something that enforced not doing harm to others and just let an individual decide how they wanted to live their life? This is what libertarians advocate for, liberal neutrality. Having a society with no rules or regulations with only a few minor exceptions, would allow for an individual to focus on their interests and preferences and allow them to achieve their version of the good life since there would be not interferences from society. Having liberties can produce a positive effect in individuals if they are given the opportunity to effectively utilize their liberties. Although Mills essay was published in 1859, the ideas he presents are still currently being discusses such as in Mark Sagoffs Can Environmentalists be Liberals?, Cary Coglianeses Implications of Liberal Neutrality for Environmental Policy and Andrew Vincents Liberalism and the Environment. There is no wrong answer to the struggle between liberty and authority and there is a possibility of multiple right answers for this struggle. Mill discusses liberty in a broad sense, and does not apply it to a specific area of interest but to all areas of interest to an individual. Sax discusses liberty and authority as it directly affects national parks and the individuals who benefit from them. He tries to answer or at least present the different sides of answering the question should the national parks basically be treated as recreational commodities, responding to the demand for development and urban comforts that visitors conventionally bring to them or should they be reserves as temples of nature worship admitting only the faithful? (Sax, 2) Preservationists represent one side of this issue and want national parks to remain undisturbed by human activities. The preference for undisturbed nature and recreation in nature is merely just a matter of taste specific to each individual and no policy will be able to please all parties. One individuals interest and preference for a national park may contradict another individuals interests and preferences, which make it difficult for society to remain neutral n its decision making process. National parks are owned by the public and consist of remote and scenic land in large quantities. Parks were first preserved for the scenery they provided so the average citizen would be able to enjoy them. It was though that the more people who came to the national parks the more support there would be for the future preservation of other parks. People wanted different things from the parks though; some wanted them for sites for picnics and resorts while others wanted them preserved as museums. The parks could potentially provide engagement with nature which provides an opportunity for detachment from the submissiveness, conformity and mass behavior that dogs us in our daily lives; it offers a chance to express distinctiveness and to explore out deeper longings (Sax, 42). The nature within the park has the ability to stimulate reflectiveness and self-understanding. It provides a model of continuity, stability and sustenance, adaption, sustained productivity, diversity and evolutiona ry change. Humans can learn a lot by observing nature and applying it to their lives. If this nature is disturbed then these revelations cannot be observed and applies to other aspects of daily life. The problems of recreation can cause many conflicts in national parks. Recreation can be defined in different ways depending on the individual and can vary from hiking to snowmobiling and from five stat resorts to building your own lean to. A compromise has to be made between the many types of recreation. One possible compromise is to try fully to serve the quantitative demand for conventional recreation and to provide opportunities for all of the different kinds of activities the public wants, but not to assure those opportunities in locations that have a special value for reflective recreation (Sax, 63). There is a demand for different types of recreation including intensive-use activities. A balance has to be determined on what types of recreation can take place where and to what extent do they damage the environment and prevent future usage. Sax described how he believes the national park ought to be. One important note that he makes is to discourage motorized travel within the national parks. He also mentions decreasing crowds and allowing visitors the opportunity to experience the park at their own pace. The problem with some of the ideas that Sax proposes is that there is no easy way to determine how to effectively please each individuals wants from the park. The park service is in a dilemma between too many people wanting to utilize the park and not enough park resources to go around and conflicting interests between multiple parties. Sax recommends dealing with this dilemma by separating the choices that have to be made from each other. This will allow clarity about each decision that is made and how it will impact future decisions made. All decisions made have to bear in mind that the park belongs to all individuals but some forms of activities that consume a lot of the resources for everyone should be avoided so m ore individuals can potential benefit. The parks are there to be utilized by the individuals but individuals attitudes contribute to decisions made directly affect the potential future of the park. A certain level of tolerance is required for all parties to allow for the most effective use of the park and its resources. In Saxs book he looks at the governments role in the preservation of the national parks. The government has the authority to put in place rules and regulations that would limit the activities allowed within the parks. This would interfere with an individuals liberties to make their own decisions to pursue their individual interests and preferences. Saxs opinion is to limit an individuals liberties within national parks and to allow for the government to have the authority to control what happens within the parks. Sax and Mill seem to stand on different sides of liberal neutrality. Mill agrees with liberal neutrality with the exception of causing harm to another individual. Sax disagrees with liberal neutrality and thinks that the government should enforce rules and regulations for the individuals within national parks even if they interfere with an individuals liberties and their versions of the good life. Although Sax is talking about a specific situation were liberty and authority conflict, it can be assumed that Mills argument applies to all aspects of an individuals life including national parks. Assuming both Mill and Sax are focused on national parks and an individuals liberties within the park they are really not all that different. Mill and Sax both want individuals to be able to pursue their interests and preferences within national parks. Mill allows for these interests and preferences to be followed until they will cause direct harm to another individual. Sax allows for these interests and preferences to be followed until they will cause direst harm to the environment and potentially cause indirect harm to other individuals trying to utilize the national parks resources. Sax allows an individual to govern themselves to a certain point and his point is where an individuals actions will potentially cause harm to the environment. Causing harm to the environment will limit the availability of current and future park resources for other individuals to enjoy and could harm them and not allow them to pursue their interest and preferences within the national park. In this sense preservationists and environmentalists are liberals and allow people to do as they please without interference form society until they reach the point of harm. The idea of liberal neutrality centers around being open to different individuals version of the good life and being neutral in the decision making process that will affect an individuals ability to achieve their version of the good life. Mills essay he defines liberty and discusses limiting the authority society has over the individual/ Saxs book focuses more on allowing society to have the authority to interfere with individuals liberties as they pertain to the national parks. Both Mill and Sax present different points about the struggle between liberty and authority, they both agree on the authority to interfere with an individual if they are going to cause harm to something else. Mills version of harm focuses on harm to other individuals while Saxs versions of harm focuses on harm to the environment which is a public good and could cause harm to others if not looked out for.

The Toxicological Consequences of the Chernobyl Accident Essay

The Toxicological Consequences of the Chernobyl Accident Radiation has both beneficial and harmful effects. The most detrimental health effect on humans, is the incidence of cancer, which has been studied. Humans are exposed to radiation more than they realize. They are exposed medically with x-rays, just by being outside with cosmic rays, and by accidents such as at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Exposure to radiation is high and more studies are done which improve radiation protection. The Chernobyl disaster is one such example in which the studies done had implications in the future of radiation protection. It was an unprecedented event. Large amounts of radiation were released into the area and affected the population living there. With the known damaging effects of radiation, this event was not to be ignored. The factors playing a role in the spread of the radiation as well as the future implications of radiation exposure/protection are explored in this paper. The results of the accident were due to the elements of the area, population and nature of the radiation. These results showed the need to improve radiation data collection as well as safety measures. Radiation is harmful because of its interactions with the environment and the body and in turn, the Chernobyl disaster was harmful because it released large amounts of radiation into the environment, exposing the population. Radiation is broken up into four types: alpha particles, beta particles and positrons, gamma rays and x-rays. Electron volt is the conventional energy unit for ionizing radiation (1 eV = 1.6 x 10-19 J). Alpha particles and beta rays have energy equal to their kinetic energy (E=1/2mv2, m = mass, v = velocity) while gamma rays and x-ray... ...after the Chernobyl disaster. Environ Health Perspect. 1997;105(Suppl. 6):1491-1496. Quastel MR, Goldsmith JR, Mirkin L, Poljak S, Barki Y, Levy Jackov, Gorodischer R. Thyroid-stimulating hormone levels in children from Chernobyl. Environ Health Perspect. 1997;105(Suppl. 6):1297-1498. Rich V. Reaction design not perfect. Nature. 1986;322:588. Tronko MD, Bogdanova TI, Komissarenko IV, Epstein OV, Oliynyk V, Kovalenko A, Likhtarev IA, Kairo I, Peters SB, LiVolsi VA. Thyroid carcinoma in children and adolescents in Ukraine after the Chernobyl nuclear accident. Cancer. 1999;86:149-156. Voigt G, Paretzke HG. Scientific recommendations for the reconstruction of radiation doses due to the reactor accident at Chernobyl. Radiat Environ Biophys. 1996:35:1-9. Williams D. Editorial: thyroid cancer and the Chernobyl accident. J Clin Endo Metab. 1996;81(No. 1):6-8.

Lack of Variance Among Modern Cars :: Economy

Lack of Variance Among Modern Cars We ask ourselves every time we see heavy traffic, is there no variance anymore amongst car models? In the old days, as a matter of fact only five or ten years ago every single car brand seemed to have it's own personality, today they look more like a cluster of copycats. What went wrong? One reason is that the automotive industry has certain trends it has to follow, just like fashion designers and musical composers. In times of recession and decreasing sales there is less room to take chances and manufacturers are prone to follow the common pattern as a safer bet rather than releasing a controversial product that might or might not sell very well. This makes for different models to conform considerably under the rules and regulations for the design of a car of this decade. Another reason is that many manufacturers actually cooperate and by contracts copy each others models. The Mitsubishi 3000 GT for example is practically the same car as the Dodge Stealth, only the Mitsubishi is made in Japan at the original factory and the Stealth is made in the US at the Dodge factory. Apart from the two emblems respectively, very few details differ the two cars. Honda who have been in need of a sport utility vehicle in order to grab their share of that part of the market, which has grown considerably the last decade have taken almost desperate measures. They have simply bought the rights to re-badge the Isuzu Rodeo as the Honda Passport and marketed it as an all new model. The last and maybe the most logical reason is that all manufacturers are striving towards 'the perfect car'. All cars are supposed to offer a maximum of performance, passenger room and cargo space, and a minimum of fuel consumption and cost to manufacture and maintain. There are only so many ways to technically achieve these goals. Cars tend to get more rounded edges in order to be more aerodynamic. The trunk lid is high in order to offer greater cargo space without imposing on the passengers. The design of the trunk lid is also approaching the 'optimal' shape for easy loading and access. Windows are large and pillars are thin for better view. The lights, both back and front, are homing in on the design for maximum

The Baader Meinhof Gang

The Baader Meinhof Gang, also known as the Red Army Faction, was one of the most active militant left-wing groups of postwar West Germany that gained prominence in the 1970s and 80s. Like may other radical communist groups of its time, it was formed with the objective of overthrowing social and political order to give rise to a totalitarian socialist state. Although the group described itself as a ‘Communist Urban Guerilla Group engaged in armed resistance’ its use of arms and weaponry quickly gained it the reputation of being one of the most deadly terrorist groups in Europe at that time.By the end of the 70s the group was responsible for over 30 killings and a series of bombings and kidnappings that aroused severe social and political unrest in the country. The Backdrop of Social & Political Unrest The formation of the Baader Meinhof Group or Gang can be traced back to the social and political instability in West Germany in the late 1960s. As in many industrialized nat ions, young students and workers disillusioned with the ‘oppressive’ regimes of the capitalist government began to stage massive protests.Their objective was to fight for freedom and human rights and they brought issues such as anti-imperialism, racism and the Vietnam War to the forefront of radical politics. The ‘German student movement’ as it was later termed was fuelled by a series of events that took place in the arena of German politics. In 1956, the Communist Party of Germany was banned. Government positions were occupied by ex-Nazis resulting in anger and frustration at the ineffectiveness of de-Nazification after World War II.The media was considered biased as it was controlled by anti-radical conservatives. The mid 1960s saw the merging of the country’s two major political parties- the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SDP) and the Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU) to form a new government. This was referred to as the ‘gran d coalition’ in Germany in 1966, with a former Nazi, Kurt Georg Kiesinger, as chancellor. This development was received with outrage from the radicals who viewed it as a collusion of capitalist power as a convenient way to block out the left-wing opposition parties.Since 95% of the Bundestag (West German Parliament) was controlled by the coalition, a new opposition party was formed called the Ausserparlamentarische Opposition (APO) or Extra Parliamentary Opposition, with the objective of carrying out political activity and protests independent of the government. The APO provided a platform for student radicals to wage resistance against the coalition and played a central role in the German student movement.What started out as peaceful demonstrations turned into violent protests on June 2, 1967 when the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, visited West Berlin. During one such demonstration outside the opera house where he was visiting, German student, Benno Ohnesorg was shot i n the head and killed. The police officer responsible for the shooting was later acquitted. Outrage of the radicals led to the creation of a new militant group called ‘Movement 2 June’, named after the date of Ohnesorg’s death.Formation of The RAF It was against the backdrop of this social and political environment and the impact of Ohnesorg’s death that led to the formation of an alliance between Thorwald Proll, Horst Sohnlein, Gudrun Ensslin and Andreas Baader. Together they detonated home made bombs in several Frankfurt department stores to protest against the Vietnam War. All four were subsequently arrested on April 2, 1967 and later convicted of arson and sentenced to three years imprisonment.Three of the members including Baader and Ensslin managed to escape during a special parole for political prisoners. Baader was soon recaptured, while the remaining members fled to France and Italy and hid underground. During his stay in prison, Andreas Baader ga ined permission to write a book on ‘organizing young people on the fringes of society’. For this he was granted the privilege of visiting a library accompanied by uniformed armed guards. It was during one such library visit in 1970 that Baader managed to escape with the help of left-wing journalist Ulrike Meinhof.It was here that the Baader-Meinhof duo came together, referring to their alliance as the Red Army Faction. Soon after, several members of the group went to Jordan where they received training in the use of arms by a military camp run by the Palestinian Liberation Organization. The Rise of the RAF Hereafter the RAF slowly grew to become one of the most prominent left-wing militant groups in West Germany and was engaged in numerous killings, bombings and robberies in attempt to get their message across through force.It attracted members and supporters from several other radical groups across the country such as the ‘Revolutionary Cells’, ‘Move ment 2 June’, the ‘Situationsists’ and the ‘Socialist Patients’ Collective’. Its rules and mission were partly modeled after a revolutionary group in Uruguay called the ‘Tupamaros Movement’ which succeeded in bringing guerilla war against imperialist oppression, under Che Guevara’s government, from rural areas to metropolitan cities. To avoid capture, most members operated under code names and carried out terrorist activities under a single contract.In June 1972, Baader was recaptured along with his accomplice Jan-Carl Raspe, followed by his girlfriend Ensslin and later Meinhof. Although kept in solitary confinement in a high security prison – Stammheim Prison in Stuggart, the group members devised a means of communicating with one another through letters delivered through their lawyers. With the core members of the group in prison, the group’s activities were taken over by a second generation of militants who se aim now was to secure the release of its leaders.This led to some of the worst terrorist attacks in the group’s history. The German Autumn On April 24, 1975, the RAF occupied the German Embassy in Stockholm where it demanded the release of its leaders in return for the freeing of hostages. When the German government refused, the RAF murdered two of the hostages. Baader and his fellow accomplices were finally put on trial in May 1975 – one of the most long drawn out and costly trials in West German history.Exactly a year later in May 1976, Ulrike Meinhof was found dead in her prison cell after an apparent suicide in which she had hung herself with a rope of towels. As the trial progressed, a number of high profile attacks took place. These involved the killing of Federal Prosecutor Siegfried Buback at a traffic signal, along with his driver and body guard, by two members of the RAF in April 1977. Three months later, in July 1977, Juergen Ponto, the CEO of Dresdner Ba nk was shot and killed outside his home in the German town of Oberursel.The following September, Hans Martin Schleyer, head of the German Association of Employers and one of the most powerful industrialists in the country, was kidnapped after his driver and bodyguards were shot dead by RAF militants. After taking Schleyer hostage, the RAF demanded the release of eleven prisoners including the leaders of the RAF at Stammheim Prison. Under the advice of Chancellor Helmut Schmidt, the government decided not to accede and instead set up a crisis committee to investigate the whereabouts of Schleyer.Before the situation could be resolved, another attack took place which marked the culmination of terrorist activities associated with the RAF. This attack took place in October 1977 when Lufthansa flight 181 from Majorca to Frankfurt was hijacked by a group of Arabs who appeared to have close links with the RAF as they also demanded the release of the same prisoners as in the Schleyer case. T he crisis committee again refused to give in to the hijackers demands, after which the flight captain was murdered and his body disposed of on a runway.A rescue operation was quickly put in motion led by under-secretary Hans Jurgen Wischenewski, during which the elite force of the German Federal Police were finally able to free the aircraft by shooting down all four hijackers. Shortly after, success of the rescue operation, with not a single passenger hurt, was made public by the media. The same night, three of the imprisoned RAF members – Baader, Ensslin and Raspe were found dead in their cells in what appeared to be a planned and collective suicide.The same night Schleyer was shot dead and the location of his executed body was communicated to the French press the following day. It was this string of bloody events that is frequently referred to as the German Autumn (Der Deutsche Herbst) The Downfall The ideology behind the 70s killings is still unclear and by the end of the 1970s the group’s sole objective appeared to be the release of its imprisoned leaders. The second generation of RAF members remained active in the 1980s gaining some East German support in the form of shelter and funding.The group continued to target prominent industrialists and executives and in 1985 murdered Ernst Zimmerman, CEO of a German engineering company. This was followed by a bombing at a US airforce base near Frankfurt which killed three. Seimen’s executive, Karl-Heinz Beckurts was killed by a car bomb in 1986. In 1989, Duetsche Bank chairman, Alfred Herrhausen was also killed by a car bomb planted by the RAF. As attacks continued throughout the 1980s and early 90s, the RAF attracted increasingly fewer supporters and less sympathy from the left.Its popularity quickly waned after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and after a long silence the group announced its dissolution in April 1998. References Alpert, Jane. (1987) The Baader-Meinhof Group: The Inside S tory of a Phenomenon. Translated by Anthea Bell. London: Bodley Head. Becker, Jillian. (1977) Hitler's Children: The Story of the Baader-Meinhof Terrorist Gang. Philadelphia: Lippincott. Katsiaficas, George. (1987) The Imagination of the New Left: A Global Analysis of 1968. Boston: Beacon Press.

Will Biofuels Solve Global Warming

Will Biofuels solve global warming? Global warming is caused by greenhouse gasses; these trap heat in the earth’s atmosphere that should escape from the earth. Global warming is causing sea levels to rise and ice caps to melt this could lead to coastal cities flooding, droughts in area’s which usually get rain and less crops to list only a few affects. The cause of global warming is â€Å"greenhouse gasses† these gasses include nitrous oxide carbon dioxide and water vapour.Cars produce CO2, H20 and trace amounts of nitrogen oxide all greenhouse gases, with the amount of cars on the road surpassing the 1 billion mark in 2010 according to Ward’s Auto with the average car realising 7 tons of CO2 each year it is easy to see why cars are one of the biggest contributors to global warming, producing energy for factories to work also produces harmful gases one solution to this problem is Biofuels. Biofuels is the term given to living or recently living biological material which can be used to fuel cars and other forms of transport they can be derived from any Biomass include animal waste products. Also read: What Unique Challenges Do Aquatic Plants Face That Terrestrial Plants Do NotOne of the main advantages of Biofuels is that they are almost carbon neutral; when a crop is growing it performs photosynthesis to create sugars and other organic compounds that provide energy during this process plants take in CO2 when these crops are turned into Biofuels and burned this CO2 is realised back into the atmosphere as no more CO2 has been added it is carbon neutral however some CO2 is produced in transporting these crops and turning them into Biofuels so they are not completely carbon neutral.Unlike fossil fuels such as petrol Biofuels are a renewable energy source this means they will not run out as crops can be grown back relatively quickly. Biofuels can be created anywhere in the world meaning it is accessible to many people. Biofuels are also cheaper to run than petrol or diesel with the price of petrol rising due to it depleting amount Biofuels are cheaper to attain. Other benef it of Biofuels is that they provide jobs and industry for many farmers all over the world.One popular type of Biofuel is Biodiesel which has many advantages * Simpler to make than other Biofuels such as Ethanol * Burn up to 75% cleaner * Provide new source of income for farmers However Biofuels also have their disadvantages one of the main problems is the land needed to produce the crops. In the UK in 2010 71. 61 % of the UK land was used in agriculture this left around 28. 39 % of land for other uses, coming of the lack of land environmentalist worry that the habitat of any animals and wild plants creating the room to grow Biofuels.At this moment in time Biofuels are not sustainable without affecting the price of food and production. Though Biofuels will give farmers more income however it will give farmer more income than growing crops does this leads to the danger of farmers stopping the growing of crops to grow Biofuels this could lead to less food production and ultimately star vation. Biodiesel also has disadvantages *   sustainability issues * Making biodiesel is not very efficient Biodiesel cannot meet the demand of diesel.Biofuels are not the only alternative fuels Hydrogen fuel cells could also be used in cars to power them they are cleaner than most fuels. Electrical cars are also become increasingly popular however unless the electricity is produced using Biofuels they can still be damaging on the environment. There is no definitive answer to â€Å"Will Biofuels solve global warming† as the issue we are in is far too complex for just one solution, Biofuels along with other renewable energy sources e. g. wind turbines and hydroelectric power would provide a more viable solution to global warming.

Week 4 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Week 4 - Assignment Example The simulator is best controlled by a good quality joystick (777 Studios, 2013). While one is using the combat flight simulator, he/she is presented with beautiful sceneries that have been well designed using the modern graphics. The scene simulates different environmental conditions including snow like conditions and rainfall simulation. One among the best features of the game is its ability to be adjusted extensively to accommodate a learning flyer. These include such things as enabling autopilot, not running out of fuel, and not running out of ammunition. The game is equipped with a variety of planes for the user to choose from. Furthermore, the game has been designed to support multiplayer community. And this enables the user to play against or with his/her colleagues. Lastly the planes in the game have been equipped with realistic features that simulates extreme and exact real world scenarios. Despite the above stated advantageous features of the combat simulator, there are several disadvantages associated with the game. Firstly, learning to play the game is hard. The game has got deep learning curve thus it discourages users. Also, the game is highly dependent on modern graphics that has enough memory, this implies some of the features of the game can’t be enjoyed on PC’s that have less graphics memory. For a software developer, there are various standards that he/she must work within. First, any software developer must work consistently with the interest of the public. Secondly, the work of any software engineer must be to the best interest of his/her employers and clients. The engineer while undertaking his task must make efforts to ensure all his products present the highest quality standard possible. Also, when carrying out judgement, engineers must ensure they are not biased in their judgement. The decision must be independent and maintain integrity. Lastly, the engineer must be supportive and show fairness to his/her workmates. The

Response paper on a novel Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Response paper on a novel - Essay Example It is necessary to analyze the long and short-term effects of both parties while analyzing animal rights. Alma and Dave LaJoy are interested in saving different animals while Boyle tries to highlight a person with rights over nature. The author also uses flashback with intention of highlighting development of animal rights over a distinct period. The author also provides his viewpoint through stylistic and entertaining approaches. Alma’s job includes eradicating wild pigs and black rats. Coincidentally, the black rats are similar to the animals that Alma’s grandmother encountered after the shipwreck. It is evident that Alma’s rival Dave LaJoy intends to save the animals that the park management wants to remove. This creates a disagreement between Alma and Dave LaJoy. The management decides to use poison to eliminate the rats while Dave flies to the forest to drop pellets containing Vitamin K that would neutralize the poison. The short-term effect is that rats cou ld be eliminated. However, there will reach a point when the rats would become an endangered species or face elimination. Furthermore, elimination of rats could result to over population of murrelets that is a source of food for rats. Additionally, other animals that feed on rats could get extinct. It is quite ironical for the National park to kill one species of animals to save the other. The elimination of rats could also open gates for lawsuits against the national park. Lastly, it creates enmity between Alma and Dave. As a result, Dave heckles  Alma at meetings, has her car vandalized and plants a secret agent in the office to spy on her (Boyle 100). Boyle tries to show who has right and control over nature and animal rights. It is particularly effective for author to use Alma and Dave who have different viewpoints on issue to tell the story from several angles. The most appealing character is behind the controlled execution of rats because she intends to protect the indigenou s species of the islands though she disregards animal rights. However, there are faults in her techniques because indigenous animals that depend on rats for food would be endangered. It is also evident that the food chain could be distorted. The author demonstrates that no matter how compassionate the intention, every solution has consequences especially within complicated eco systems. Boyle effectively communicates the fragility of Mother Nature’s (Boyle 150). The key highlight of her job is ensuring that Channel Islands’ original environment is restored to original environment. This will involve taking some hard decision and actions such as getting rid of wild pigs and black rats that would lead to animal rights concerns. Apparently, her grandmother had encountered some rats during her attempt to clamber into the Anacapa Island in the aftermath of the wreckage of the ship. However, Alma’s work is not going to be an easy one owing to the conflicts of interests involved. While she is determined to, get rid of the animals from the Island, Dave Lajoy, and her nemesis thinks otherwise. He thinks that saving the animals is a better idea and commits him towards this course. As a result, an atmosphere of controversy ensues. While Alma relies on her environmental consciousness, her opponent, Dave is relying on his richness. However, none of them fits into their prejudices completely. T.C Boyle argues that this is a regular situation in real life (Boyle 183). Boyle uses historical flashback because

West Africa the Atlantic Slave-Trade Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

West Africa the Atlantic Slave-Trade - Essay Example As an outcome Africans were taken to North America, Central America, South America and Caribbean to offer slave labor in gold and silver mines and agricultural plantations growing crops such as cotton sugar and tobacco (Rodney 125). The tarnished commerce of the human being persisted for more than 400 years since the Atlantic slave trade did come to an end in the late 1870’s. Atlantic slave trade was systematized in Europe and about the huge profits made by countries such as England and France. Africans journey from Africa to America across Atlantic Ocean was a terrible one. Africans were crowded like sardines on the slave ships of the Atlantic full of oppression and brutality which they replied nobly (Rodney 125). The precise number of how many Africans were taken from their families to be sold as slaves is not known, but it is estimated that 15 million slaves reached the American continent and the Caribbean island because of Atlantic slave trade. The number of slaves who left Africa soil was much higher than 15 million since some were killed during the brutal process of acquiring the slaves and also some died on board. By the 19th century, there was a modification as people who took the leading role in ill-using Africa. The European Countries themselves were inactive in the slave trade; in its place European who had established themselves in Brazil, North America and Cuba were the ones who planned the trade. America had gained independence from the Britain and it was the new nation of United States of America which played the greatest role in the last 50 years of the Atlantic slave trade, by taking back slaves at a greater value than ever before (Rodney 126). In order to be in a commerce relationship with West Africa, most of the European countries decided to up factories on the coast. A factory in the trading language of the West African coast was a place where European and African products

Enterprise and entrepreneurial management Essay

Enterprise and entrepreneurial management - Essay Example The competition in business industry has grown to a very different level (Chambers, 2008). The laundry business started will operate in London area; laundry and dry cleaning are the components of fashion and textile sector according to the national career service. The level of employment in the field has remained in a stable trend even under the current economic swings. Laundry and dry cleaning industry expects growth and increased employment in the coming years. The region where the business will operate is one of the largest regions in laundry and dry cleaning services in the United Kingdom. The business is launched because, in early childhood days, clothes washing took place at home but there were laundry services around the area. Washing and dry machines mostly considered expensive and hard to maintain. Although, the clothes were clean and smelled fresh the time taken and labor used remained high. According to statistics from the national association of laundry industry, laundry providers have decreased over the past two decades. In the early 1980s, the number was twelve thousand five hundred, but has since decreased by a margin of three thousand. The main reason cited by people in the industry is the cost of starting up a laundry service. The cost of launching a launderette ranges from sixty thousand to a hundred thousand pounds. The cost has minimized of competitors in the industry by a great extent. The family will provide financial support for starting the business through borrowing. The firm’s selling points include the modernization of laundry services from the common traditional forms. Reinvention and innovation are the key factors in the launch of the business. Equipping the business with flat screen televisions, introduction of gaming systems for the kids and having a cafe that serves food and beverages are some of the ways the firm will attract clients. People in the region are used to the traditional laundry services and bringing a new ide a through innovation and creativity will help in establishing a clientele base. Technological advance from the coin slots machine to use of top up cards and credit cards will attract everybody both the young and old. The move from coin slot machines is to enhance customer convenience and confidentiality. The product, price, location and promotion are some of the key ideas factored in the firms launch. Establishing a difference in the factors from the rest of laundry service providers will help in the creation of a differential factor from the rest of providers. SWOT analysis will become handy in the determination of the firms strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. The firm will operate in a sole proprietorship, mainly to reduce the time used in setting up the firm (Chell, 2001). The business workers will come from the family members, and they will offer free service until the firm establishes. The firm requires a Rota that will ensure staff members are constantly availabl e, and the firm is not under or overstaffed. The owner with the help of an accountant friend performs the firm’s bookkeeping when it comes to tax returns. Business plan Keys to success The firm has several keys that promise its success, and they include location, convenience, environment and reputation. The location of the firm is strategic such that people will have a glance at it while walking at

Leading Global Workforce Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Leading Global Workforce - Assignment Example In an attempt to develop a solution to this, I tried using electronic devices such as smartphone, iPad, and pocket computers. Using a smartphone, an individual can easily write memo notes or set reminders for a particular event so that he would not miss important meetings, functions, or other events. I have been using this strategy to memorize things and manage my time effectively for the last several months. According to Alidina and Marshall (2013, p. 168), it is vital for a person to avoid multi-tasking and stay away from distractive environments. To illustrate, when an individual focuses on different tasks at time, he cannot concentrate properly on any of those tasks. In other words, multitasking may cause one to compromise one’s efficiency. Hence, it is advisable for individuals to concentrate on a single task at a time to improve performance efficiency and gain improved outcomes. Finally, I will strongly recommend people not to put off tasks to a future time/date unless there is a valid reason to do so (Forsyth, 2013,

Charles Darwin & theory of evolution Essay Example for Free

Charles Darwin theory of evolution Essay Charles Darwin in his theory of evolution suggests that man evolved from ape-like creatures. In this theory, there is an indication that the early man was distinct from apes. Hence, some discovery have pointed out the early man could stand upright while apes could not. The hands of the apes were made for climbing and clinging while the early mans hands were jointed in such a way that he could use and make tools. Despite the little evidence on the tool-making affair of early man, remains of polished bones suggest that he made simple digging tools from bone. Generally, the early man appeared about 3 million years ago. However, the 1932 discovery by Louis Leaky in South Western Kenya reveal that Ramapitheticus is probably the oldest man known to date. Ramapitheticus is believed to have lived 12 to 14 years ago. Astralopitheticus, also known as the southern ape, were first discovered in South Africa. The creature had human-like maxillary form and walked upright. The teeth resembled that of human being and it has a full face, jaws and an endocranial bone. Some scientist believes that this creature was the first branch of apes that evolved into modern man. Other evidences of Australopithecines have been unearthed at Kromdraii, Makapansgat and Swartkrans. The Homo habilis also known as the handy man are believed to be the first true humans. Discovered in 1915 by Mary Leaky, it lived 1. 8 millions ago in Africa. Homo habilis are credited with making stone tools and basic weapons. They were taller than their ancestors. Homo habilis had huge non-human molars, a small brain, and a large sagital crest. Their main diet was probably wild fruits, nuts, roots, and vegetables. Although, the handy man did not have skills to make fire they built fire camps out of existing fires. The Homo erectus succeeded the Homo sabilis. They existed between 1. 6 million BCE to 30 000 BCE. He was about the same size as the modern man although the size of their brain was two third the size of human brain. Their tool making skills improved considerably; they made stone axes and knives. Homo erectus made fire and cooked their food. Besides fire camping, fire brought about social occasions in. Homo erectus had much semblance with human especially their teeth and jaws. They walked upright. Scientist discovered that these early men skeleton was shaped like modern man. Their skulls grew forward for their brain to develop. Besides, creating stone tools, and bone needles and fish hooks, the Homo sapiens sew clothes from animal skins. The Homo sapiens were also hunters and gatherers. In conclusion, several other discoveries that purport the existence of early man lack credibility. Piltdown man, also known as the dawn man and scientifically referred as Eanthropus dawsoni was discovered by Charles Dawson in 1912. He concluded that Piltdown man existed in 500 000 million years ago, had ape-like jawbone but the teeth and the skull resembled that of human being. However, after forty years of discovery, Kenneth Oakley, Joseph Weiner and Wilfred Le Gros Clark termed the discovery as a hoax. They claimed that the skull was indeed human and the jawbone was of a modern ape whose teeth were filed to resemble that of human. Again, Nebraska scientifically known as Hesperopithecus haroldcookii was discovered in Pliocene deposits of Nebraska in 1922 by Mr. Cook. It was publicized by Henry Osborn who likened its teeth to that of man. Unfortunately, he failed to conclude whether Hesperopithecus was an ape or human ancestor. References: Muller, H. J. (1959). One Hundred Years Without Darwin Are Enough. Osborn, H. F. (1926). The Evolution of Human Races, Natural History. Spielvogel, J. J. Western Civilization, Volume 1, Sixth Edition.

David Cronenbergs A History Of Violence Film Studies Essay

David Cronenbergs A History Of Violence Film Studies Essay In my presentation about Cronenbergs A History of Violence I discussed the human relationships, the importance of recurring scenes and the question of genetics, parental example and conscious choice. Cronenbergs movie is extremely complex and there are still plenty of topics which can be further analysed, so this time I would like to examine topics like the question of identity or the nature of violence. Furthermore, as A History of Violence is said to be no typical Cronenbergian movie, I would like to compare it with one of his earlier, more characteristic movies, eXistenZ, and demonstrate with it the above statement. When we first meet the Stall family, we have no idea that violence will have something to do with one of the members. Cronenberg uses very professionally a kind of diverting action by introducing first the two mob guys whose appearance will have such vital consequences. The Stall family seems to be a model family with a happy life in a small town. Tom Stall is running a successful, little diner, has two model children and a beautiful, clever wife, with whom their relationship is just as content and intimate as it was 20 years ago in the beginning of their marriage. His wife is certainly satisfied with their life together and thinks that her husband is the best man in the world. Their life changes significantly as the plot develops. One evening the two mob figures, which can be seen in the first scene arrive in Millbrook and go into Toms diner. When they attack the staff, Tom Stall transforms in no time into a local hero and killing the two assaulters saves the lives of those present. Of course, these events put Tom immediately into the limelight; his picture appears in the newspaper and reporters arrive in Millbrook to make an interview with him. The family hopes that this curiosity will soon wane, however it rather leads to the turning point in their life. In a few days time some more mob guys appear in the diner under the leadership of a certain Carl Fogarty, claiming that they know Tom, who is indeed not Tom but Joey and is from Philadelphia. Although Tom denies everything they are not willing to take notice of it and get off the family even after the warning of the local sheriff. There is a turning point in Toms attitude when Fogarty and his man catch Jack after a quarrel between him and his father. They offer to let Jack go if Tom is willing to go with them to Philadelphia for a trip down Memory Lane. Although with Jacks help Tom manages to kill all the three mob guys, this is the point in the movie when it becomes clear both for Toms family and for the viewers that he must have been Joey once. Later we learn that most probably he was born into a gangster family and naturally he also became a violent figure, however when he grew older he decided to give up the way he lived before and spent three years becoming Tom. He decided to take on the name Stall, simply because it was available. It was his meeting with his future wife Edie that helped him to take leave from Joey and adopt a normal lifestyle. Tom seems to be able to draw a distinct line between the two periods of his life when he says that it was Joey who did those violent actions and never Tom. When we watch the events Tom has already spent almost as many years being Tom as being Joey. But is it possible to leave behind everything and become a completely new person from one day to another? Watching the film, it is, however i n Toms case it had an influence not only on his life but also on his familys. It is especially interesting to examine this question from Edies and the childrens point of view: What do you do when you discover that your husband or father has concealed everything about his early life? Was he lying to you, or protecting you? Did you love someone who didnt really exist? (Roger Ebert, 2005). Looking at these question the confusion and shock of the family is easily understandable, but on the other hand, we have to mention that on the evening when the two criminals showed up in the diner it was Joey who saved Tom. If Tom hadnt been Joey earlier, most probably he would have been killed in that incident. It is also interesting to observe how Tom transforms back to Joey when he returns to Philadelphia. The two characters are absolutely different: Tom is a classical, stoic American patriarch while Joey is an active, strong, effective anti-hero (Beaty, 2008.). Going back to Philadelphia and transform once again into Joey is necessary und unavoidable for Tom as he wants to protect his family from the fatal consequences of his brothers visit into Millbrook. This way, he has no other choice than to go but it is also important to mention that his only motif is to get back safely and repair his life with his broken family. It is well-known that A History of violence is not a typical Cronenbergian film, it is difficult to establish even its genre. It can easily be a thriller, action-movie, or a family drama containing horror elements. According to Beaty (2008), the movie is about disguises and a network of lies. Its core story is about a man masking his true identity. Tom Stall isnt what he first appears to be and the film isnt what it first appears to be.(p.12). This leads us to ask two main question during and after the film: 1. Who is Tom Stall? 2. What really is this film? For the second question David Cronenberg gave the following answer: A History of Violence is a kind of inside-out version of what I normally do (Beaty, 2008, p.15). Last but not least, it is also important to mention that playing such a double character is no easy task. Viggo Mortensen made a very good job and it was not by accident that Cronenberg fixed his choice on him: I need a kind of eccentricity that is more typical of a character actor than a leading man and yet still has a leading man presence and charisma. (Beaty, 2008, p.21). David Cronenberg had to find an actor who could play with equal skill both a small-town man and a violent criminal and as Beaty mentions it was Mortensen who combined both traits of the leading man and the character actor (p.21). Violence Already the title of Cronenbergs movie contains the keywords of its story. The title A History of Violence lets the viewers to suspect a number of things about the film. This title can mean at least three things. It can refer to the historical custom of settling disputes by using violence (e.g. war, duals), but it can also refer to a person having a history of violence, that is, a past full of violent actions. In addition, it can refer to the fact that throughout the evolution violence was carried on from father to son, from generation to generation (Ebert, 2005). I think at least two of these topics can be found in the movie. Throughout the history of humanity, violence was always present. We are all naturally partial to violence even if in our day committing violence is no more acceptable except for some good reasons. Such reasons are, for example, when we want to defend ourselves, someone else or our property. In the US, for example, you are allowed to defend your property with a gun. Another acceptable however still controversial reason for committing violence is war and wartime situations and a third one is when we use violence as a punishment, although this is not everywhere an acceptable form of punishment (for example, death penalty is in practice only in some countries of the world). Even if acting violently is not acceptable in a number of situations, we cannot break away from it and more or less we all have a propensity for it. We watch it in the cinema, in television, there is a whole movie industry built on it with innumerable action, thriller and horror films (at this point I have to mention that A History of Violence is also one of them). Throughout the history before the emergence of the movie industry such events as bloody executions and torturing of convicts served as public entertainment. Warfare and duals were another examples. As Desson Thomson (2005) writes, A History of Violence forces us to confront this Pavlovian conditioning to violence. According to scientist, this attachment of ours to violence comes from our animal past, our need to find food and defend ourselves by killing the enemy if we want to survive. Genetically this propensity for violence is still in us and it is carried over from generation to generation (Baumgarten, 2005). However, even if violence is in connection with our animal past and animal instincts we have something else that makes us different from animals and this is the ability to make conscious choices and say no to our instincts. This ability together with a good family example can lead to the right path. As David Cronenberg put it: Genetically, I have to say yes, it is obvious that people have a propensity for violence. It comes from our animal past, our need to survive. But we also have that other thing, that imagination to abstract and say: well we can imagine a world in which we dont do these things that we find abhorrent by negotiation, by diplomacy, by compassion, by empathy. (OHehir, 2005) Toms/Joeys and Jacks example illustrates very well the above idea. From the movie it becomes clear that most probably Joey was born into a gangster family where violence was an everyday thing. On the one hand, this served as an example for him; while on the other hand, violence was also in his genes. This way, it was almost unavoidable for him to become just the same as his family. However, as he grew older he became able to make a conscious choice and decided to leave behind his previous lifestyle. As opposed to this, Jack, his son was born into a normal family and had a normal parental example. As a consequence, he could avoid becoming violent even if it was also in his genes via his father. But the importance of example is very well demonstrated by the events in the film if take a closer look on them. Jack is still very young and therefore easy to influence. So when he sees what a hero his father becomes after he kills those two criminals his attitude towards violence changes radically, although until then he tried to avoid confrontation and violent situations. This is what Cronenberg said about him and about the question of our propensity for violence in an interview: You have the story of the son who avenges himself against a bully () When we first meet him, the boy seems to be a pretty good politician. he can talk his way out of a violent confrontation. He uses his wits, he uses his humour and () therefore he avoids violence. () Then he sees the celebrity his father attains after his acts of violence and hes intrigued by that. () Are we talking about a genetic propensity to violence or is it a cultural one? He feels that he wouldnt mind some of that celebrity on his own level. Therefore, the next opportunity he has, he ends up committing violence. Hes unrepentant afterwards and does connect it to his father (OHehir, 2005). According to Beaty, Cronenberg used the violent scenes in a conscious way. It is not by accident that we see mutilated bodies and faces but rather because the director wanted the viewers to see the brutal consequences of violence. This is not characteristic of every action film. Cronenberg wanted us to realize what we see in those films is only half the truth, that action films build on our desire to see violence in an attractive way. As opposed to those films, Cronenberg wanted to show us what real violence looks like and what the real consequences of it are. As Renà ©e Rodrigues put it: he forces you to consider what it means exactly, to shoot someone in the face and how once that line is crossed, it becomes much easier to do it again (Beaty, 2008, p.7). As violence is a crucial point in the movie, mob figures have a very important role in it. The two such figures are Carl Fogarty, played by Ed Harris and Richi Cusack, played by William Hurt, both of them famous and highly acclaimed actors. Although they spend only very short time on screen, both of them have a critical role. According to Beaty, for the role of Richi Cusack Cronenberg did not need a typical gangster or a clichà © mob figure but a character that can be taken seriously. He had to be compelling, convincing, charismatic, scary, profound and ironic at the same time (2008, p.24). William Hurt was a perfect choice. A History of Violence versus eXistenZ, a typical Cronenberg movie If we take a closer look on the list of Cronenbergs previous films, it is clear that A History of Violence is not a typical one. Before 2005 Cronenberg made mainly abstract, weird films, the topics of which dealt with scientific, psychological, medical or virtual issues. Although a slight minority of the viewers praised loudly these films, most of them were no box-offices. In a way, this is understandable as these films were not the typical Hollywood movies. They were difficult to apprehend, had multiple layers and needed the viewer to think hard if he wanted to understand the message. Of course, this is also characteristic of A History of Violence, in which we can find a number of topics relevant for discussion, for example the nature and the consequences of violence, genetic heritage, the changing nature of personal relationships, the question of identity or the importance of parental example, just to mention a few. Cronenbergs 1999 movie eXistenZ is a very good example for his earlier and more characteristic style. There are huge differences between eXistenZ and A History of Violence. eXistenZ is taking place in a dark future where people are no more contented with their real life, instead they are obsessed with playing virtual games. These virtual games are not the nowadays fashionable mechanical computer games, but instead organic virtual reality games. According to Howe (1999), In this society, people get bioported, so they can plug in to the largest game system of ecstatic hyper-reality. They tap directly into their nervous systems, by connecting their bioports to flesh-textured pods (containing the game software, as it were) by means of an umbilical-like Umby-Cord'. In this near future there are two big video game companies competing with each other and Allegra Geller (Jennifer Jason Leigh) became a kind of superstar by inventing the latest world famous game, called eXistenZ. The opening s cene of the movie takes place in a church where a small group of people is testing her game, when Allegra is attacked and has to flee with the help of security guard Ted Pikul (Jude Law). The movie becomes weirder and weirder when they find out that Allegra was shot with an organic pistol made of bones and teeth and this is why it wasnt detected by Ted. A bit later Allegra discovers that most probably her pod containing the only copy of her game was damaged. She wants to test it by playing the game with Ted when he admits that he has no bioport saying: I have this phobia about having my body penetrated surgically. After Allegra convinces him that getting bioported will change his life they head to a gas station where a service station operator performs the bizarre procedure (Howe, 1999). After overcoming some more difficulties there is nothing to prevent them from playing. From this point it becomes more and more difficult to decide what is reality and what is game and in the virtua l world Ted and Allegra discover new characteristics of their personality. At the end of the film it becomes clear that the viewer was intentionally mislead when we find out that we have seen the world of the virtual game right from the beginning. The world of eXistenZ is altogether different from the world of A History of Violence. Not knowing it as a fact, the unsuspecting viewer would never presume that both of these films were directed by one person. While A History of violence mainly concentrates on issues like violence, identity and the family in a moment of crisis, eXistenZ examines the individual in transformation and the question What is reality?. (Beaty, 2008) As opposed to eXistenZ, A History of Violence is taking place in these days, the events follow each other in strict chronological order, it shows the real world and we do not have to suspect what is reality and what is not. Compared to eXistenZ, the plot is easy to follow and understand. There are major differences in visual and sound effects, too. On the one hand, while in A History of Violence music plays an important role in many decisive scenes (like the closing one), it is not characteristic of eXistenZ. On the other hand, while the first is characterised by colourful, clear images, the second one has mainly dark and dim pictures as a lot of events happen at night. But why is A History of Violence so different from the characteristic movies of Cronenberg? As I have already written above, even if some people praised his earlier works, these became almost never box-offices. By 2005 already two decades passed since his last big success and according to Beaty (2008, p. 19), Although critics and film festival audiences were more and more fond of his work the commercial cinema audience turned away from him. By this time Cronenberg was very short of money and he knew that he was desperately in need of a hit to raise funds. Basically, that is why he decided to direct A History of Violence. I needed the money- he said. (Beaty, 2008, p. 19). A History of Violence is a radical break from the past (Beaty, 2008, p. 11). Compared to eXistenZ, it was made in Cronenbergs most realist style and according to Beaty, it is not only Tom Stall/Joey Cusack in the film who is playing a role but also David Cronenberg who is playing the role of a Hollywood filmmaker: In the end we are left with a film in which a maker of some of the most grotesque films in history suppresses the grotesqueries of the plot in order to tell the story of a man who is suppressing his true (and rather grotesque) nature. It is striking that, in playing to Middle America, Cronenberg hided his true self in a film about a man hiding his true self in the middle of America. (Beaty, 2008, p. 12). Conclusion In my essay I wanted to demonstrate that Cronenbergs A History of Violence is a very complex film, having many topics fit for discussion and debate, of which I wrote now extensively only about three: the nature of violence, identity and the differences between A History of Violence and other films of Cronenberg. I hope that with my presentation and my essay together I could illustrate that although David Cronenberg is not a common film director, he deserves to be called one of the most important Canadian film directors, whose aim is not only to entertain but also to raise significant topics and make his audience think about them.