The Events That Caused The Civil War - 1688 Words

The Events That Caused the Civil War One could argue that the true causes of the Civil War were states’ rights and taxations. Although this played a large part in the start of the Civil War, slavery was the ultimate factor that led to this event in history. Economic and social differences between the north and the south, fights between slave and non-slave proponents, the growth of the abolition movement, and the election of Abraham Lincoln are all events having to do with slavery in the United States that led to the start of the Civil War. Economic and social differences between the north and the south was one of the events of slavery leading up to the Civil War. When the cotton gin was invented in 1793, cotton became a very profitable crop. Before the invention of the cotton gin, it would take one slave a day to remove the seeds from two pounds of cotton. After the invention of the cotton gin, it could be used to clean two pounds of cotton in just half an hour. With the invention of the cotton gin came an increase in the number of plantations willing and wanting to move from other crops to cotton. The south raised rice, sugar, and indigo, but cotton was its main crop. This move from other crops to cotton would cause for a greater need for a larger amount of laborers, meaning a greater need for slaves. The south, becoming a one crop economy, then became more dependent on cotton, thus more dependent on slaves. The north, on the other hand, was less focused on crops andShow MoreRelatedThe American Civil War981 Words   |  4 PagesThe American Civil War was one of the major events in history that helped develop America to what it is today. Many people think that the American Civil War was fought over the issue of slavery alone, but in reality it was caused by many disagreements and events between the northern free states and southern slave states that occurred prior to the war. Monetary alterations were one of the main reasons the North and South had many conflicts and differences in beliefs. The Civil War was an inevitableRead MoreTaking a Look at the American Civil War896 Words   |  4 PagesMany events during the mid-1700-1800s provoked the civil war because of the contradicting ideas between the northern states and the southern states. The conflict between the north and south that led to the civil war includes economic, social, and political events. At the meantime, slavery arose as a huge debate between the pro-slavery and anti-slavery faction. Fierce debates had sparked between the north and south states because of the southern states’ agrarian based economy. The geography in theRead Morecivil war963 Words   |  4 Pages Prompt: There were numerous events and crises during the 1850’s that contributed to the advent of the civil war. Choose three and analyze the relative significance of each in contributing to the advent of the Civil War. During the time period of the mid 1800’s there was a great deal of growing tension between the northern and southern states. Many northerners were abolitionists and were anti slavery, the northerners didn’t want to outlaw slavery completely but wanted to put an end to slaveryRead MoreWhat Events Sparked The Civil War?779 Words   |  4 Pages Mrs. McGee English 2 27 April 2015 What Events Sparked the Civil War? â€Å"We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain.† Abraham Lincoln spoke this during the time the Civil War had ended. There were several major events that helped spark the Civil War; Uncle Tom’s Cabin, John Brown’s Raid, Lincoln’s Election, and the Battle at Fort Sumter. The Civil war was one of the hardest fought battles in American history. In 1852, Uncle Tom’s CabinRead More1968 Was a Turning Point for the United States. Assess the Validity of This Statement652 Words   |  3 Pageswas going through many important and crucial events. From the Vietnam War to national politics, and even civil rights, our country was changing a lot. In particular, the year 1968, was when our country went through a major turning point, especially when you take in consideration the major events that involved the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement such as the â€Å"Tet Offense†, violent protests, and the Civil Rights Act being passed. The Vietnam War is still a very controversial subject to thisRead MoreThe Civil War Of The United States1440 Words   |  6 Pages The Civil War was one of the most deadly wars the United States ever fought it was fought between the North and South and to this day still leaves a big mark on the history of the United States. Though the Civil War seemed to be clear cut on what happened during the conflict its cause is to this day seemingly undecided. Was it the simple piece of legislature called the Kansas-Nebraska act that started it or the election of the United States president Abraham Lincoln that caused the turmoil? EitherRead MoreEssay about The Revolutionary War1417 Words   |  6 PagesThe Revolutionary War The Revolutionary War started on April 19, 1775 at Lexington and Concord. America was very much unprepared with no central government or army. The congress stepped up as the government and began to organize an army. The Revolutionary War did not end until September 3, 1783 with the signing of the final peace treaty between America and Great Britain. The victory in the Revolution War led to the birth of a new independent nation. After the Revolution it was a timeRead MoreThe War Of The American Civil War960 Words   |  4 Pagesslavery even if it meant war caused peace in this nation. Slavery was the vital cause of the American Civil War. The north and the south both had their differences on how to run the country. People in the North believed in unity and that slavery should not exist because â€Å"all men are created equally.† On the other hand, the South believed in continuing slavery. People tried to talk it out and come to a middle ground after both sides compromising, however that didn’t work and caused war. Ideological differencesRead MoreThe Civil War995 Words   |  4 PagesThere were many different events that contributed to the start of the Civil War. The Civil war was one based on people and slave rights. It was a compilation of confrontations regarding the institution of slavery. It was a long-standing war where many such as President Lincoln strongly intervened. There were three events, however, that I believe were the most important events leading to the Civil War. These events included The Missouri Compromise of 1820, The Compromise of 1850, and Uncle Tom’sRead MoreThe Civil War Was Fought Over African American Freedom1331 Words   |  6 Pagesquestioned what was the cause of the civil war. Till this day there has not been a straightforward answer, but many people still have different views and beliefs on what caused it. Many people believe that political issues or even taxation was the cause of the civil war. However, it was really over slavery. This essay will go over the civil war and explain why slavery caused the southerners and northerners to fight in the civil war. To what extent was the Civil War fought over African American freedom

Accounting article review Example

Essays on Accounting article review Essay Accounting Article Review Economic Value Added (EVA) is a measure of the economic profit of a firm, which makes its estimates by comparing the net operating profit with capital’s total cost. EVA is based on the notion that an organization can only create value when its returns on economic capital exceeds that capital’s cost. EVA significantly indicates both the profitability of a firm’s projects as well as the performance of the managers. As practically shown by managers who introduced the concept, for example ATT, Coca-Cola, Briggs Stratton and Quaker Oats, a business may be termed as truly profitable only when it creates wealth for its shareholders. The managers brought out the importance of using the cost of equity capital on top of that of borrowed capital in their calculation of the business’ profit by EVA concepts (Tully Hadjian 38). As explained by Robert Allen, the CEO at ATT, the company dealt in multiple products in its operations. Determining which products were profitable and which were not became difficult. To calculate the EVA of each division and product, Allen introduced job order costing. Because of the variety of products, the costs are also different. His first step was to split the operations and maintain distinct records for each. He was able to trace individual projects and their capital costs, ultimately knowing which ones were not profitable. The CEO at CSX, John Snow, embarked on activity-based costing to arrive at the firm’s EVA. In comparison to conventional costing, activity-based costing assigns overhead costs into direct costs. For example, Snow reduced the locomotives used to power trains from four to three, hence reducing the freight speed. Earlier, the company used more fuel on four locomotives, arriving too early at the destination and having to wait for too long before offload ing. With three locomotives, he reduced the activity and fuel costs, but still arrived in time for offloading. The extra capital that had previously gone to waste was used to increase freight volumes, while at the same time reducing the number of trains (Tully Hadjian 38). The two examples facilitated profit planning for the CEOs. They were able to develop plans that would use their operational budgets to generate maximum profits. Managers are in a position to determine their companies’ EVA through profit planning, which focuses on the efficient use of the resources available. Profit planning guides them in analyzing costs of labor, maintenance of facilities, raw materials plus the cost of marketing and sales efforts. It enabled the Coca-Cola CEO find out that the cost of maintenance of 52 production plants outweighed the profits. His EVA rose significantly after he closed down 12 of them and only used 40 to give higher product volumes. In the same way, the CSX CEO reduced the number of trailers by 4,000 but still grew freight volumes and profitability. That disclosed that the maintenance was eating into profits. Calculating EVA, therefore, enables the managers to determine the true worth of their organizations, because they can actually see if they have earned above their capital costs, borrowed capital as well as equity capital (Tully Hadjian 38). Works Cited Tully, Shawn Hadjian, Ani. â€Å"The real key to creating wealth†. Fortune 128.6 (1993): 38. Print.

Developing a Marketing Research Proposal Free Essays

Marketing Research Professor Tom Tafolla Midterm Exam Developing a Marketing Research Proposal 84179 Marketing Research Proposal Kraft Food Healthy Snack Product Development for 50+ Market Introduction For years, Kraft Foods are hiring experts to conduct lengthy studies on a product’s marketability, visual and taste, all to sell you more foods stuffed with sugar, fat and salt. Now Kraft Food is blamed by publics it only cares about consumers’ personal taste, but not personal health, especially for the aged people. Since baby boomer is a uge population in the US and nave a strong purchasing power, they are trying to save their losing competitiveness in this huge market. We will write a custom essay sample on Developing a Marketing Research Proposal or any similar topic only for you Order Now Therefore Kraft Food’s product development department is seeking a research service consultant to conduct baby boomer market, to discover new product opportunities of healthy snacks. Research Objectives The objectives of this research are: 1 . To understand how baby boomers make snack purchase decisions and choices. 2. To learn who are the key influencer in snack consumption decisions in baby boomer market 3. To gain insights into the obstacles to choosing Kraft Food product 4. To understand what health considerations exist in baby boomer market Marketing Challenges and Opportunities Challenges: 1 . Kraft Food products’ images are deeply rooted in the hearts of people’s mind, which is tasty, satisfying your bliss point, but not very healthy. 2. Snack is usually designed for leisure time between meals; people seldom consider its health value. Opportunities: 1. Baby boomer is a huge market and has strong purchasing power 2. The lack of healthy snack market 3. If consumer is looking for an easy way to eat healthy, without having to change their daily routine too drastically, snacks should be a good entry point. Information Coverage Information for this research will be collected according to the following hierarchy of needs: 1. Baby boomer group information 2. Healthy food information Research Design Primary Research: 1 . In store observation: baby boomer’s purchasing routine and behavior on snacks. Healthy considerations while making choice. 2. In home interview: baby boomer’s eating routine on snacks How to cite Developing a Marketing Research Proposal, Essays

America Has Seen A Great Amount Of Social Change During The Past Few D Essay Example For Students

America Has Seen A Great Amount Of Social Change During The Past Few D Essay ecades. From they way we eat to the way we treat our criminals to the safety of our children at school, things have definitely changed. The rash of recent school shootings is a sure sign of the breakdown in parenting and a lack of family values being taught to our children. The highly processed foods that we are eating have led to a nation, which is severely overweight and ill. The Criminal Justice system in this country is a joke; it has been shown to be biased against minorities and the poor. A guilty rich man is known as a free man, while a poor murderer is destined for years on death row. In the Kip Kinkel article we are given a view of Kips life as told by his friends and classmates. A symbolic interactionist would say that this violence is caused by a break down in the childs social structures, organizations, and culture. The main social structure to decline is that of the family. Twenty to thirty years ago the family was much stronger. There were less single parent homes and the divorce rate was lower. Since these changes have taken place, families have demised and some children have become unruly. A Structural functionalist would say that the fast food we eat serves two purposes. The first purpose, which is the manifest function, is food which is served almost as fast as it is ordered. This would be a good function of fast food, since it has been labeled fast food. The second function, or latent function of fast food, is the battle of the bulge, which many Americans are fighting due to their dependency on fast, over processed food. The food industry is interrelated with corporate America and also with poor Americans. Corporate America generally gives its workers thirty minutes to an hour to eat lunch. To get out get a bite to eat and get back to work in this time; one needs to go to a fast food restaurant. In these same restaurants you will find workers who are paid very little and who do not have many benefits if any, since only the managers are full time employees. The criminal justice system is a hot bed for conflict theorist. Conflict theory is based on the idea that all society has inequality, and theses inequalities lead to societal strain. Minorities and the poor are disproportionately imprisoned in this country. The rich are able to afford competent defense attorneys, while the poor are given low paid public defenders. These defenders are usually friends of the judges and wish for the cases to be rushed through the system. The inequalities in education, housing, and wages have led some to resort to crime. We all aspire to obtain the American Dream. But due to the class system the rich are getting very rich, while the poor are wallowing in an even worse state. It does not feel good knowing that the legal lynching of minorities and foreigners still take place today. By acquitting police of murder because they were afraid of a man and his wallet, we send a message to the country saying it is okay to kill a Black man as long as you feel unsafe. While, on the other end of the spectrum a Black man defending himself from a police officer is sent to death row for his murder. Being a Black man in this country I think a bout the social changes which affect me on a day to day basis. I am a conflict theorist to the core. Without equality we will continue to live in a broken nation. The countrys dependency on fast food also needs to change and it needs to do so just as fast as they produce the food. Many Americans have put on extra pounds because of eating fast foods and processed foods. .u359c51889d2613e11b22bf2d0ea7a5de , .u359c51889d2613e11b22bf2d0ea7a5de .postImageUrl , .u359c51889d2613e11b22bf2d0ea7a5de .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u359c51889d2613e11b22bf2d0ea7a5de , .u359c51889d2613e11b22bf2d0ea7a5de:hover , .u359c51889d2613e11b22bf2d0ea7a5de:visited , .u359c51889d2613e11b22bf2d0ea7a5de:active { border:0!important; } .u359c51889d2613e11b22bf2d0ea7a5de .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u359c51889d2613e11b22bf2d0ea7a5de { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u359c51889d2613e11b22bf2d0ea7a5de:active , .u359c51889d2613e11b22bf2d0ea7a5de:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u359c51889d2613e11b22bf2d0ea7a5de .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u359c51889d2613e11b22bf2d0ea7a5de .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u359c51889d2613e11b22bf2d0ea7a5de .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u359c51889d2613e11b22bf2d0ea7a5de .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u359c51889d2613e11b22bf2d0ea7a5de:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u359c51889d2613e11b22bf2d0ea7a5de .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u359c51889d2613e11b22bf2d0ea7a5de .u359c51889d2613e11b22bf2d0ea7a5de-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u359c51889d2613e11b22bf2d0ea7a5de:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Bill Gates Essay EndingThe social fabric of our nation has undergone a radical change. Some changes such, as the Internet and communication tools are good. While, the changes I have discussed in this paper are definitely not good.

Corporate Bylaws Essays - Board Of Directors, Business Law

Corporate Bylaws BY-LAWS OF DKS, Inc. ARTICLE I -- OFFICES ARTICLE II -- SEAL ARTICLE III -- STOCKHOLDERS' MEETINGS ARTICLE IV -- DIRECTORS ARTICLE V -- OFFICERS ARTICLE VI -- CORPORATE RECORDS ARTICLE VII -- STOCK CERTIFICATES, DIVIDENDS, ETC. ARTICLE VIII -- MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS ARTICLE IX -- ANNUAL STATEMENT ARTICLE X -- AMENDMENTS ARTICLE I -- OFFICES Section 1. The registered office of the corporation shall be at: 1234 5th Street, Cocoa Beach, Florida 32920 Section 2. The corporation may also have offices in Coffee County, Georgia. Section 3. The registered agent is Michelle Vitt Baker, 200 Brevard Avenue, Cocoa, Florida 32922. ARTICLE II -- SEAL Section 1. The Corporate Seal will be circular and the name ?DKS? for this corporation will be in the center. It will have the State of Florida inscribed as well as the year 2000, with the words ?Corporate Seal?. ARTICLE III -- STOCKHOLDERS' MEETINGS Section 1. Meetings of stockholders shall be held at the registered office of the corporation in this state. Section 2. Annual Meetings: The annual meeting of the stockholders shall be held on the first day of September in each year, starting in the year 2000 at seven (7) p.m., if not a legal holiday. If a legal holiday, the meeting shall take place on the next business day. Section 3. Election of Directors: Elections of the directors of the corporation shall be by written ballot. Section 4. Special Meetings: Special meetings of the stockholders may be called at any time by the Board of Directors, or stockholders entitled to cast at least one-third of the votes, which all stockholders are entitled to cast at the particular meeting. At any time, upon written request of any person or persons who have duly called a special meeting, it shall be the duty of the Secretary to fix the date of the meeting, to be held not more than thirty days after receipt of the request, and to give due notice thereof. Written notice of a special meeting of stockholders stating the time and place and object thereof, shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote thereat at least thirty days before such meeting, unless a greater period of notice is required by statute in a particular case. Section 5. Quorum: A majority of the outstanding shares of the corporation entitled to vote, two (2), represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of stockholders. If the quorum is not present, the meeting shall be postponed. Section 6. Proxies: Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders or to express consent or dissent to corporate action in writing without a meeting may authorize another person or persons to act for him by proxy. All proxies shall be filed with the Secretary of the meeting before being voted upon. Section 7. Notice of Meetings: Whenever stockholders are required or permitted to take any action at a meeting, a written notice of the meeting shall be given which shall state the place, date and hour of the meeting, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called. Unless otherwise provided by law, written notice of any meeting shall be given not less than ten nor more than thirty days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting. This notice shall be sent through the United States Postal Service. Section 8. Consent in Lieu of Meetings: Any action required to be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders or a corporation, or any action which may be taken at any annual or special meeting of such stockholders, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted. Prompt notice of the taking of the corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent shall be given to those

Mass Media in India Essay Example

Mass Media in India Essay Example Mass Media in India Essay Mass Media in India Essay Have you ever had an original thought? Why do we dress the way we do, watch what we watch or even live the way we do. Through our means of entertainment, we are guided in how one should live their life. With the technology we have in our world we are persuaded to believe what is right and what is wrong The dictionary tells us that mass media is: those means of communication that reach and influence large numbers of people. Mass media are methods of communicating to a vast amount of people around the world. Mass Media means things such as Television, Radio, Newspapers, Internet, Magazines etc; they are a means of communication to people. The mass media have a few main functions, which include informing, educating and entertaining us. Have you ever had an original thought? Why do we dress the way we do, watch what we watch or even live the way we do. Through our means of entertainment, we are guided in how one should live their life. With the technology we have in our world we are persuaded to believe what is right and what is wrong The dictionary tells us that mass media is: those means of communication that reach and influence large numbers of people. Mass media are methods of communicating to a vast amount of people around the world. Mass Media means things such as Television, Radio, Newspapers, Internet, Magazines etc; they are a means of communication to people. The mass media have a few main functions, which include informing, educating and entertaining us. Have you ever had an original thought? Why do we dress the way we do, watch what we watch or even live the way we do. Through our means of entertainment, we are guided in how one should live their life. With the technology we have in our world we are persuaded to believe what is right and what is wrong The dictionary tells us that mass media is: those means of communication that reach and influence large numbers of people. Mass media are methods of communicating to a vast amount of people around the world. Mass Media means things such as Television, Radio, Newspapers, Internet, Magazines etc; they are a means of communication to people. The mass media have a few main functions, which include informing, educating and entertaining us. Have you ever had an original thought? Why do we dress the way we do, watch what we watch or even live the way we do. Through our means of entertainment, e are guided in how one should live their life. With the technology we have in our world we are persuaded to believe what is right and what is wrong The dictionary tells us that mass media is: those means of communication that reach and influence large numbers of people. Mass media are methods of communicating to a vast amount of people around the world. Mass Media means things such as Television, Ra dio, Newspapers, Internet, Magazines etc; they are a means of communication to people. The mass media have a few main functions, which include informing, educating and entertaining us.

Sales Journals Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Sales Journals - Essay Example an (176) explained, the candidate detailed that his job is specifically to look for new orders in state organizations, private sector organizations as well as individual consumers for the supply of HP products. The products include new computers and product servicing if his company gets contracted to supply computers to any client. Although I did not buy any product from John, he demonstrated that he is an outstanding salesman. He demonstrated substantial knowledge about his products and selling techniques, which are paramount in the art and profession of salesmanship. He even asked for my contacts for future follow ups and getting other referrals. To my surprise, after a period of four days as agreed on, I received a call from John confirming our meeting in a day’s time. This demonstrated how he takes follow-ups very seriously by preparing clients in advance prior to visiting them. John is a good listener; he never interrupted my speech as he carefully paid attention to every bit of what I was saying. In order to reach more clients, John explained that he utilizes sales activations and product exhibition shows that are held in different American cities. Such forums are important as salespeople can give presentations and product brochures in regard to their products. As mentioned by Amjed (1-2), he also displayed the characteristic of having good people skills noted in his friendliness, outstanding personality, good listening and the ability to communicate very effectively. He demonstrated good product knowledge as he explained without hesitation all the questions I asked I personally discovered that John is a critical thinker as his plans of action included psychological engagement of a client as well as his ability to initiate a personal feasibility study to have diversity of marketing approaches. Although this was not a company mandated survey, it was for his own benefit to achieve market segmentation in order to sufficiently capture

MICRO AND MACRO ECONOMICS Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

MICRO AND MACRO ECONOMICS - Case Study Example Since this will create an inequilibrium, market forces will push the prices downward until the equilibrium price is reached. Equilibrium price is the price where quantity demanded is equal to the quantity supplied. If prices of baseball bats are down, there will be excess demand of baseball bats in the market and quantity demanded of baseball bats will be higher than quantity supplied of baseball bats. This will again lead to inequilibrium in the market and hence the market forces will force the prices to adjust to reach equilibrium. In this case, prices will increase until the equilibrium price is reached. Changes in price of a product do not cause a shift in the demand or supply curve. Changes in price causes movement along the demand or supply curve (Investopedia). Since the supply curve slopes upwards, an increase in price will increase the supply of BMW cars whereas a decrease in price will decrease the supply of BMW cars. This is in accordance with the law of supply which states that as the price of a product increases, the quantity supplied of that product also increases and vice versa. I am assuming that the prices of shoes are relativitely elastic and has a price elasticity of demand of greater than 1. If price elasticity of demand is greater than 1, a reduction in price may lead to an increase in revenue and vice versa (Other things remaining constant) Andy, on the other hand, assumes that shoes have a low price elasticity of demand of less than 1. If the price elasticity of demand is less than 1, an increase in price results in an increase in revenue and vice versa (Other things remaining constant). Economic growth depends on the amount of capital invested, labor employed and productivity of workers (Berkeley). Higher savings rate does have a profound effect on an economy. Savings are needed to provide financing for investment in a

The Conduct of Health Insurance Policy Fraud in the Rainmaker Assignment

The Conduct of Health Insurance Policy Fraud in the Rainmaker - Assignment Example Great Benefit insurance company has wilfully committed fraud when it continued to accept premiums and new policyholders when it knows for a fact that it is in a precarious financial condition to settle obligations due to its huge debt. I would like to give Great Benefit insurance company the benefit of the doubt that when it incorporated the company, it did not intend to wrong its policyholders but meant to fulfill its obligation. In the novel or movie, the insurance company may have been caused to commit fraud to preserve itself as a business entity because it is already hemorrhaging financially due to heavy debts. They may have employed the initial policy of denying all claims regardless of its legitimacy as a coping mechanism of their dire financial status. So the first measure that I will institute is for the insurance company to avoid the circumstance that will cause them to commit fraud in the future. I will fix their financial position by devising a policy that will make the company liquid at all times to settle all the claims of its policyholders in the future. Just like in the banks, I will require the insurance to have a liquidity that is commensurate to a certain number of policyholders that should a significant number of them will file a legitimate claim against their policies, the insurance company will be in a financial position to fulfill its obligation. Equally important is the institution of a policy of limiting the acceptance of new policyholders in accordance with its financial capacity and liquidity. For the time being, I will recommend that Great Benefits insurance company not to accept new policyholder until it has restructured its financial position.

Employee Performance in the Hotel Industry

Employee Performance in the Hotel Industry 1.1 Background Information: Employees are the assets for an organization. This is true because the success or failure of any organization depends upon its employee too. The importance of an employee in hospitality industry becomes more significant because of its nature- manpower intensive industry. In hospitality industry and hotel sector especially it is very important for organizations to stay focused on employee performance and so how to get enhancement in the employee performance. There are many reason of providing training to the employees. One basic reason is to fill the performance gap after having been identified the same. This gape can be known while having performance evaluation process. These days hotels have been taking continuous efforts to provide most practical and relevant training to the employees of all the functional area of the hotel concerned. These efforts of the hotels are more towards integration and getting more concrete results. Those hotels earning good profit have their well-developed training systems and they resort to a planned approach to training its employees. This level of hotel organization has regular training programmes regardless of its concrete tangible gains or not. There are many hotels where they have different approach to train the employees, that approach is intentional training, this includes providing training to all the employees irrespective of their deficiencies and strengths. This kind of approach of training goes on as one of the function of the organization. Srivastava.V.N, Shafiq.M, Ghosh.K (2005) Employee performance is more important in this industry because employees are having direct interaction with the guest and secondly it is employee of the hotel industry that satisfies its guest. So it is very important for the manager concerned to know the factors that affects employee performance. There is a saying that perfection of work depends on pleasure at job. So pleasure and performance both can be achieved by quality education about the subject area and systematic training of the same. As far as Indian hospitality industry is concerned, a report commissioned by the department of tourism, Government of India, revealed that the annual demand for trained manpower in hotels and restaurants is likely to touch 29,000 by the year 2010. This figure is likely to increase to approximately 39,000 by the year 2020.And the actual supply of manpower? A total of approximately 18,000 students are being trained in hotel management and food craft annually in the country. Currently, in hotels, attrition rates are at 18-25 per cent per annum, and growing at an alarming rate of 10 per cent per annum. This, exacerbated by an escalating wage bill of 10-12 per annum with a five-year forecast pegged at a minimum increase of 40 per cent over current levels. Thus systematic training will play a life saving role in hospitality industry to counter with the current scenario. www.indiatoday/may2007/page24 After having basic information about systematic training and its significance to the hotel industry author would like to provide definitions of the key terms of this research. 1.2 Definitions: Training means learning some new things for increment or development of the working personnel. Training is becoming a necessary for having skills and attitudes as a part of each individuals working life for the higher performance. Performance Management: it is a process which is designed to improve organization, team and individual performance and which is owned and driven by line manager. Fool.M, Hock.C (2002). Training constitutes a systematic approach to training which includes taking the time to analyze what results the organization needs from its employees, if employees are accomplish those results. A systematic approach includes evaluating approaches before, during and after training to ensure employees truly benefited from the training in terms of enhanced results to the organization. www.managemertthelp.org/trng-dev/basics/sd.htm. Training is a planned process to modify attitude, knowledge or skill behavior through learning experience to achieve effective performance in an activity or range of activities. Golssmith.A, Nickson.D, Solan.S, Wood.R.C,; (1997). Training is a systematic process through which an organizations human resources gain knowledge and develop skills by instructions and practical activities that result in improved corporate performance. Frank.M.G, Mary.L, Monchello, BaumJ (1996). 1.3 Aim and objectives / Research Questions / Hypothesis: 1.3.1 Aim and Objectives: Purpose of this research work is to explore systematic training as a major factor in enhancement of employee performance in service department of hotel Industry. To explore the term Systematic Training and employee performance in hotel Industry. To explore the determinants of employee performance To find out relation between systematic training and employee performance. To explore training as motivational tool that leads to employee satisfaction. To explore the process involved in systematic training 1.3.2 Research Question: R.Q.1: What are the factors that influence employee performance in hotel sector of hospitality Industry? R.Q.2: How systematic training will ensure employee performance in hotel Industry? R.Q.3: What is the mechanism (process or technique) of systematic training? Is training works as motivational factor? 1.4 Rationale behind choice of this research topic: Employee performance is key to success of hotel organizations. So this is a prime area of focus because employee performance leads to organizational success and especially in hotel industry because of its nature that is manpower intensive industry. This is the reason employee performance is always a matter of consideration. These are the reasons author felt to explore this area with the help of systematic training. 1.5 Structure of Dissertation: This section is about presentation of the dissertation. First chapter after this introduction section is LITERATURE REVIEW which is chapter No.2, in this section author has presented his secondary research. After that chapter No.3 is METHODOLOGY chapter where in author has explained the methodology used to achieve the aim and objectives of this research. After methodology section there is chapter No.4 which is basically ANALYSIS OF FINDINGS with the help of tables and graphs. And at last chapter is 5 which contains CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS. After these there is BIBLIOGRAPHY section which is nothing but list of references, followed by APPENDIX section which contains sample questionnaire and other additional material related with this research. LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Introduction: Literature review section of this report is secondary research related to the topic area and aim and objectives established by the author. This section of the research has been proving the research related to the topic area with the help of secondary research. All the variables of this research has been taken into account and all possible factors are also explored which is statements and quotes and sayings of scholars. 2.2 Significance of performance management: Performance management requires a willingness and commitment to focus on improving performance at the level of individual or team everyday. It focuses on performance and potential appraisal, performance review and feedback, and 360-degree feedback. All these processes center round improvement of performance levels of the employees. Its main purpose is to improve performance at all three levels- individual, group and hotel. A direct application of performance management is raising competency levels and potential of employees through employee training and development. Training and development efforts need to be linked with performance and potential appraisal systems prevailing in the hotel to improve results from training. Concrete gains from such training efforts initiated for employees can be achieved. Where performance appraisal has indicated poor performance, training focused at improving needed performance levels can yield significant improvement of performance by initiating need based professional development programs. Srivastava.V.N, Shafiq.M, Ghosh.K; (2005) Managing higher performance in a hotel is very much dependent on adopting a systematic training approach by which training gives better results and is more effective for both the individual as well as for the hotel. Training is a planned process to modify attitude, knowledge or skill behavior through learning experience to achieve effective performance in a activity or a range of activities. Goldsmith A, Nicleson D, Solan S, Wood RC: (1997) Training includes systematic training, which includes the different approaches like Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate. Therefore systematic training means to analyze the needs and training goals of the organization with knowledge and skills to perform according to the hotel needs. Then a design of training system is there by which a training package is developed, which is inclusive of audio-visual, graphics, manuals etc. and at last implementing the package, which is developed. Simply approaches of systematic training provide a phase to next phase as it is a ongoing process. www.managementhelp.org/trng-dev/basics/sd.html. 2.3 Types of Training and Development: 2.3.1 Informal Training and Development Informal training and development is rather casual and incidental. Typically, there are no specified training goals as such, nor are their ways to evaluate if the training actually accomplished these goals or not. This type of training and development occurs so naturally that many people probably arent aware that theyre in a training experience at all. Probably the most prominent form of informal training is learning from experience on the job. Examples are informal discussions among employees about a certain topic, book discussion groups, and reading newspaper and journal articles about a topic. A more recent approach is sending employees to hear prominent speakers, sometimes affectionately called the parade of stars. Informal training is less effective than formal training if one should intentionally be learning a specific area of knowledge or skill in a timely fashion. Hardly any thought is put into what learning is to occur and whether that learning occurred or not. (However, thi s form of training often provides the deepest and richest learning because this form is what occurs naturally in life.) www.managementhelp.org/trng-dev/basics/sd.html. 2.3.2 Formal Training and Development: Formal training is based on some standard form. Formal training might include: Declaring certain learning objectives (or an extent of knowledge, skills or abilities that will be reached by learners at the end of the training), using a variety of learning methods to reach the objectives and then applying some kind(s) of evaluation activities at the end of the training. The methods and means of evaluation might closely associate with the learning objectives, or might not. For example, courses, seminars and workshops often have a form but its arguable whether or not their training methods and evaluation methods actually assess whether the objectives have been met or not.http:/ /www.managementhelp.org/trng_dev/methods/slf_drct.htm 2.3.3 Formal, Systematic Training and Development: Systematic, formal training involves carefully proceeding through the following phases: 1. Assessing what knowledge, skills and /or abilities are needed by learners; 2. Designing the training, including identifying learning goals and associated objectives, training methods to reach the objectives, and means to carefully evaluate whether the objectives have been reached or not; 3. Developing the training methods and materials; 4. Implementing the training; and 5. Evaluating whether objectives have been reached or not, in addition to the quality of the training methods and materials themselves www.managementhelp.org/trng-dev/basics/sd.html. A systematic approach is goal-oriented (hopefully, to produce results for the organization and/or learners), with the results of each phase being used by the next phase. Typically, each phase provides ongoing evaluation feedback to other phases in order to improve the overall systems process. Not all formal methods are systematic. Some courses, workshops, and other training sessions have goals, methods and evaluation, but they are not aligned, or even integrated. The methods, in total, do not guide the learner toward achieving the training goal. The evaluations are too often of how a learner feels about the learning experience, rather than of how well the learning experience achieved the goal of the training. http://www.managementhelp.org/trng_dev/rnethods/slf_drct.htrn 2.3.4 Self-Directed and Other-Directed Training: Self-Directed Training Self-directed training includes the learner making the decisions about what training and development experiences will occur and how. Self-directed training seems to be more popular of late. Note that one can pursue a self-directed approach to informal or formal training. For example, self-directed, informal training might include examples of informal training (book discussion groups, etc.), as long as the learner chose the activities and topics themselves, either for professional or personal reasons. Self-directed, formal training includes the learners selecting and carrying out their own learning goals, objectives, methods and means to verify that the goals were met. htpp//:www.authenticityconsulting.com/ Other-Directed Learning This form, of course, is where someone other than the learner drives what training activities will occur. Other-directed, informal training includes, e.g., supervisors sending employees to training about diversity, policies, sexual harassment in the workplace. Other-directed, formal training includes where someone other than the learner specifies the training goals will be met in training, how those goals will be met and how evaluation will occur to verify that the goals were met. This form of learning is probably the most recognized because it includes the approach to learning as used in universities, colleges and training centers. This form of learning typically grants diplomas and certificates. Note that this form of training, although readily available in universities, etc., is usually somewhat generic, that is, the program is geared to accommodate the needs of the most learners and not be customized to any one learner. Therefore, a learner may pay tuition fees to learn knowledge and skills that he or she may not really need.Another form of other-directed, formal training is employee development plans. The plans identify performance goals, how the goals will be reached, by when and who will verify their accomplishment. htpp//:www.authenticityconsulting.com/ Other-directed, formal training can be highly effective for helping learners gain desired areas of knowledge and skills in a timely fashion. A drawback is that learners can become somewhat passive, counting on the expert to show them when and what they should be doing. htpp//:www.authenticityconsulting.com/ 2.4 Systematic Training Approach: Adopting a systematic approach to training helps ensure that supervisors are getting the most out of themselves and their employees. A systematic approach to training includes the time to analyze what results the hotel needs from its employees, if employees are accomplishing those results, and what training and what training and development approaches are needed by employees to better accomplish those results. A systematic approach includes evaluating approaches before, during and after training to ensure employees truly benefited from the training in terms of enhanced results to the organization. These also have to be linked with performance management. Effective training and development includes using sound principles of performance management and effective training techniques. Srivastava.V.N, Shafiq.M, Ghosh.K; (2005) 2.4.1 Steps: Analysis-: Analyze the hotel needs and identify training goals which, when reached, will equip learners with knowledge and skills to meet the hotels needs. Usually this phase also includes identifying when training should occur and who should attend as learners. Purpose of training analysis is identifying training goals. A training analysis is conducted ultimately to identify training areas and plans for learners to help them acquire higher competence levels and contribute to accomplishment of the hotels goals (usually in terms of a performance standard). Srivastava.V.N, Shafiq.M, Ghosh.K; (2005) Design:- Design a training system that learners and trainers can implement to meet the learning goals; typically includes identifying learning objectives, need facilities, necessary funding, course contents, lessons and sequence of lessons. Srivastava.V.N, Shafiq.M, Ghosh.K; (2005) Designing the Training Programs-: The step requires listing of typical activities involved in designing training. During the design phase (which is usually closely integrated with the development phase), trainers work from learning goals to design a training system that learners and trainers can implement to meet the learning goals. This phase also typically includes identifying learning objectives, need facilities, necessary funding, course contents, lessons and sequence of lessons. The various training media are selected, e.g.: instructor-led, computer-based, worldwide web based, self-directed, interactive and computer-based, or multi ­media. Therefore this design phase can also include identifying evaluation criteria to evaluate if course content is understandable by learners. There are some points considered for the phase which are as follows: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The nature and type of training that is to be imparted. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The anticipated that learners may take to learn the particular aspects desired to be imparted from the training. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The financial provisions that can be possible to be made for the particular type of training. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The level of participants group. Formulating Program Learning Objectives-: Training programs should be designed by the trainers and/or learners to achieve certain overall goals. Programmes should also include various learning objectives that will help in achieving the overall goals of the training programme. Care must be taken while designing a training programmers learning objectives. These should be designed and worded to the extent that others can clearly understand. These training objectives have to be clarified to the learners in the beginning of the programme so that they know from the beginning what specifically are the programme objective and whether the same have been achieved or not. Srivastava.V.N, Shafiq.M, Ghosh.K; (2005) Develop : Programme development requires developing right from the programme outline to training manuals, trainers manuals, specific cases, so that programme objectives and learning goals can be achieved with optimum efforts for training made. It must be developed and implemented in a manner so that the best results from training are achieved. The way the entire programme is conceived and developed is also an important determinant for the success of the training effort. It contains the following main activities: Developing Programme Learning Activities-: Every programme must contain a set of learning activities consisting of a mix of role-plays, exercises, games, instruments, cases, etc. these learning activities have to be compiled theme and sub- theme wise. Training material must be systematically developed and finally each sub-theme, theme with the help of various learning activities must culminate in concrete learnings. Development requires documentation of all these and compiled a trainees and trainers manuals to use as resource material for conducting programmes systematically. Srivastava.V.N, Shafiq.M, Ghosh.K; (2005) Develop System of Continuous Learning-: Programme can be developed in such a way that the process of continuous learning is in-built in the programme structure itself and learners continue to learn even after the programme is over. Therefore it is important that the process learning must continue. This can be possible through developing mechanisms for reinforcements by the learners superiors, post training follow-ups, and helping learners develop a plan of action for implementing in the place of work both in short term and long term. The techniques to help facilitate occurrence of continuous learning on the various programme themes, has to be planned and integrated into the programme development phase. Srivastava.V.N, Shafiq.M, Ghosh.K; (2005) Implement-: This phase involves implementing the developed training package, which includes scheduling and delivering the training materials, and running the programme. This phase can include many administrative activities, such as copying, taken attendance data, billing participants, arrangements for program logistics and support facilities to create a favorable environment for learners. The major activities requiring care in this phase among others mentioned above are: Selecting a Trainer-: This activity is the most important activity. The appropriateness of the trainer will determine the effectiveness of the programme as well as the cost. The most important consideration when selecting a trainer is if they are well suited to the training design required to meet the learning goals. For e.g, if learners prefer computer-based instruction, then they will benefit most from a trainer only when he will have a thorough understanding of on-line/web enabled training technologies with a high level of personal mastery. Trainers may be chosen from among the following depending on needs, suitability and costs. Srivastava.V.N, Shafiq.M, Ghosh.K; (2005) Evaluate-: Training evaluation is extremely important phase and preferably, must be done before, during and after implementation of training. Evaluation process must adopt approaches that are practical and relevant. Typically evaluation could be carried out at four distinct points of time. Srivastava.V.N, Shafiq.M, Ghosh.K; (2005) Evaluating Before the Implementation Phase-: The evaluation at this point must find out whether: The planned training package will really result in enhancing the employees knowledge and skills needed to perform the task or carry out the assignment roles. The same has been attended by other employees in the hotel and that how useful have they found. The employees are/will be comfortable with the training pedagogy. Srivastava.V.N, Shafiq.M, Ghosh.K; (2005) Evaluating During Implementation of Training Programme-: It requires finding out: How are the participants feeling about the relevance and usefulness of the programme, getting more and more interested or disinterested? Continuously undertake recapitulation before the next day and sum up before the close of the day. A short-programme evaluation could be structured and taken during the middle of the programme to take any corrective action required. Srivastava.V.N, Shafiq.M, Ghosh.K; (2005) Evaluating Immediately After Completion of the Training-: The training programme must be evaluated properly after the same has been completed. This can be done by: Giving each participant a feedback form and taking a structured written feedback. Take the participants verbal feedback to check for anything that has not been covered up in the written feedback. Srivastava.V.N, Shafiq.M, Ghosh.K; (2005) Evaluation after completion of 3-4 Months of Training: This is generally done by an expert evaluator from inside or outside the hotel to evaluate what have been the concrete gains to both the learners knowledge and skills and to the hotel as well. Srivastava.V.N, Shafiq.M, Ghosh.K; (2005) 2.5 Advantages of Systematic Training: Training involves an expert working with the learners to transfer to them certain areas of knowledge or skills to improve in their current jobs. Development is a broad, ongoing multifaceted set of activities (training activities among them) to bring someone or an organization up to another threshold of performance, often to perform some job or new role in future. The typical benefits are as follows: Increased job satisfaction and morale among employees. Increased employee motivation. Increased efficiencies in processes, resulting in financial gain. Increased capacity to adopt new technologies and methods. Increased innovation in strategies and products. Reduced employee turnover. Enhanced hotel image. Srivastava.V.N, Shafiq.M, Ghosh.K; (2005) 2.6 Dimensions of Systematic Training and Development Processes: Systematic Training and development processes could be described using two dimensions one for the degree of formality and one for the balance between self-directed and other-directed learning. These two sets of choices result in four overall approaches. That is, one can take an informal approach to self-directed or other-directed learning. Similarly, one can take a formal approach to self-directed or other-directed learning. htpp//:www.authenticityconsulting.com The decision about what approach to take to systematic training depends on several factors. These factors include the amount of funding available for training, specificity and complexity of the knowledge and skills needed, timeliness of training needed, and capacity and motivation of the learner. Other-directed, formal training is typically more expensive than other approaches, but is often the most reliable to use for the learner to achieve the desired knowledge and skills in a timely fashion. Self-directed, informal learning can be very low-cost; however the learner should have the capability and motivation to pursue their own training. Training may take longer than other-directed forms. htpp//:www.authenticityconsulting.com Highly specific and routine tasks can often be trained without complete, formal approaches. On the other hand, highly complex and changing roles often require more complete and formal means of development, which can be very expensive as a result. If training is needed right away, then other-directed training is often very useful, e.g., to sign up for a training course at a local university, college or training center. Or, a training professional can be brought in. Again, other-directed training is usually faster and more reliable, but more expensive. Self-directed forms of training require that the learner be highly motivated and able to conceptualize their approach to training, particularly in formal training. htpp//:www.authenticityconsulting.com 2.6 Factors affecting systematic Training Programme: After having a series of discussions with the trainers/management consultants several factors were identified and grouped into which affect the training programmes negatively. Some of the factors which contributed to the negative results of training programmes are grouped as the reasons for failure of a training programme. Some reasons are identified for less effective training programmes and the responses were collected on a five point scale. All the reasons were listed in the questionnaire and the respondents were asked to rate the reasons for the less effective/ poor quality of a training programme. In the opinions of the respondents and the mean values of the reasons for less effective training programmes, the following are the factors, which affect the most of the training programme results: No follow up after the training programmes. Too much of individual difference among the trainees. Lack of motivation to trainees after the training. Inadequate opportunity to perform what the trainee has learned during the programme. Resistance to change due to uncertainty of outcomes. Communication gaps at the programmes. Too short duration. Lack of genuine support from top management. Very little planning or problems in the design itself. ( Srivastava.V.N, Shafiq.M, Ghosh.K; (2005)) Informations of this section have been taken from work of many scholars as a part of secondary research. Based on the secondary research author would like to conclude that to have enhancement in performance of hotel staff systematic training would be a vital factor. Now author will conduct primary research and discuss the concept based on his own experience after having interaction with the samples while conducting primary research. Author will replicate this conclusion based on secondary research, in the conclusion section of this report, while writing conclusion based on primary research. Chapter 3 METHODOLOGY 3.1 Research Design: A research can be exploratory, descriptive or explanatory. The determination of a particular research (as whether it is exploratory, descriptive or explanatory) is based on the aims and objectives of the research. Exploratory research seeks to get new insights into the subject, answers the research questions and assesses a phenomena from a new perspective. In other words, such research attempts to understanding or clarifying a problem (Saunders et al, 2005). Further they add that exploratory research goes through the processes of reviewing literature and consulting to experts on the subject through selected methods of consultation. They further put that exploratory research is advantageous in the sense that it is flexible and adaptable to change. Thus while conducting exploratory research a researcher can change his/her direction considering the new data and new insights. On the other end, as according to Saunders et al. (2005), the purpose of descriptive research is to highlight an accurate profile of an event or situation. This research is also termed as an extension of exploratory research, where a clear picture of phenomena is required before collecting the data. Finally there comes explanatory research, which according to Saunders et al. (2005), establishes relationship between variables and in such type of research focus is given on studying a situation or a problem (through explaining relationship between variables). In such type of research various statistical tests are conducted in order to examine the relationship. The aim of this research is to examine five star hotels on the basis of systematic training to the staff of service department and staff performance point of views. 3.2 Research Method Business and management Research, like any other study, has evolved through years of theoretical foundations and conceptualisations. Research may be defined as something that people undertake in order to find out things in a systematic way, thereby increasing their knowledge (Saunders, Lewis Thornhill, 2003). Research would not be meaningful if it is not done in a systematic way i.e. it should have a clear purpose and data collection should be done accordingly followed by assembling of data collected along with interpretation without which it is not considered a resea

Bao Ninhs Sorrow of War Essay -- Vietnam War Ninh Sorrow War Essays

Bao Ninh's Sorrow of War When we think of the Vietnam War, we think of all the hell and torture that American soldiers went through with little regard to the Vietnamese and the hardships they endured. Reading the Sorrow of War gave me a clear understanding of the Vietnamese people and the suffering that the war caused them. The Sorrow of War is unique and powerful in the sense that it is written by a Vietnam army veteran and gives the perspective of the war from a Vietnamese soldier. It is one of the few novels that has given the Vietnamese people a voice. In this beautiful novel, Bao Ninh manages to put a face on the other side of the conflict and humanize a people who until now have been viewed as faceless â€Å"gooks†. When it comes to the Vietnam War, we only consider how much pain our country went through and the loss American lives, but forget about how much more the Vietnamese people have suffered and lost. From a global perspective, many readers and movie viewers worldwide know only about how American’s have suffered and the amount of pain our war veterans have endured as a result of the war. American films such as Platoon, Full Metal Jacket, Apocalypse Now, Thin Red Line, and We Were Soldiers to name a few, are all Vietnam War movies that portray the loss and suffering of American life. The traditional American made movie or novel about Vietnam fails to show the human side of the struggles that the Vietnamese people both from the north and the south went through....

Life of Maya Angelou Essay

Maya Angelou was born an African American. One would feel the agony she went through to be born as such and in America. Her grandmother was raped and bore a child; this child later came to be her mother. Similar to the ferocity her grandmother experienced, she was raped as a child by her mother’s boyfriend who was later on killed by her uncles. Because of this, she didn’t speak for almost six years afraid that her words had killed the man. This must be the dawn of her path to being a writer, realizing that words are powerful. If it could kill then it could give life as well. When her parents divorced, her grandmother took good care of her and her brother Bailey, Jr. and it was him who called her Maya. She became many things: a dancer, a cable car operator, a singer, a waitress, and where she flourished, a writer. The turn of her career came when she went to Egypt and Ghana. She went back to America to support Malcolm X’s Organization of African American Unity but he was assassinated. The struggle of the race continued as she supported Martin Luther King, Jr. who was also assassinated defending the African American cause, this made Maya Angelou devastated. She never stopped working for the emancipation of the African Americans and continued writing for equal rights and liberty. And so, in 1993, she read ‘On the Pulse of Morning,’ at President William Jefferson Clinton’s inauguration at the White House. Her words are valuable to the nation. Her words influence men of power. Her life is interesting which produced works that are priceless to the American people most especially to the African Americans of whom she dedicated her efforts to for their emancipation. Angelou’s style of writing categorized her works in the genre of autobiographical fiction because of her writing styles in dialogues, characterization, development of theme, setting, plot and language. But for her, these are simply autobiographies. She speaks through her writing what she has learned or learning out of life. In her interview with Mike Schneider in Bloomberg TV, she talked to all women as her daughters for her book, â€Å"Letter to My Daughter†. She speaks to them how a woman surpasses an incident in life as she would, given a similar situation. She writes to all the women as her daughters, sharing with them her story like she was one with them. In the poem, â€Å"I Know Why the Caged Birds Sing†, one would feel between the lines how an African American feels in the land called America. The words are simple and yet powerful in the sense that it deeply triggers emotions from the reader. These are deep sentiments of an enslaved race, wanting to be free but â€Å"the bird’s wings are clipped†. Feelings of being held while the other birds are free: is something that she has undergone while the whites enjoy the liberty of being part of their race. A critic named Lupton, considered Angelou’s writings as autobiographies for they contain the elements of such: written by a single author, chronological, and they contain character, technique and them. Although, there are parts that are fictional, the elements necessary for an autobiography are present. Angelou has the tendency to go to the direction against the convention of what an autobiography is. She used the first person singular, â€Å"I† in talking about â€Å"we†. She is placed among the African American autobiographists but other writers insist that she has created a different kind of interpretation of the autobiographical form. The book, â€Å"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings†, became an acclaim containing the sentiments of the black people. She wrote it out of a challenge by Robert Loomis, her editor, for her to write â€Å"high art†. African American literature is more challenged in such that the authors have to agree about the status of their writings on whether it’s â€Å"high art†. O’Neale considers Angelou’s poetry a â€Å"more expected ghetto expressiveness† and she also avoids a monolithic Black language. The bird was used as metaphor that is struggling to set itself free from its cage. The cage that incarcerates the creature represents â€Å"oppression† of the African American people. It must be emphasized as well that Angelou doesn’t intend to isolate the white people. She wanted to promote the relevance of diligence so as to change the concept of laziness among African Americans. At the latter part of the 1960s, one of her goals was to create a book that satisfied the criteria, â€Å"organic unity†. According to English literature scholar Valerie Sayers, her poetry and prose are similar because of the episodes which are done like a series of short stories, but they do not follow a chronology of events. Her prose and poems are both in â€Å"direct voice†, which are characterized by steady rhythms with lyrical patterns that use figures of speech (similes and metaphors). Hagen has mentioned that Angelou’s works were influenced by the African American community’s literary and oral tradition. She uses the â€Å"blues† music and literary characters in testifying about her life and hardships, with the use of metaphors, rhythms, and intonations. Angelou’s one of the most important themes are â€Å"kinship†, this has something to do with her parents abandonment of her and her brother, her relationship with her son, husbands and lovers all throughout her books. She discusses the value of family relationships of how it can affect development of a person. She spoke of her paternal grandmother who prophesied of her being a teacher when she intentionally went mute. Telling her that she would be a teacher someday but how could that happen if she does not speak. In most of her books, â€Å"motherhood† is predominantly manifested based on her experiences as a single mother, a daughter, and a granddaughter. Like in the book, â€Å"Letter to My Daughter†, she dedicated this book to all women pondering on their life experiences. She delivered words of wisdom to soothe and give directions to their souls. When asked if she would say the same things to her son or sons, she said it would be different. She would never know how it is to be a man. If she would write something for her son/sons, it would be through the perspective of a woman. Her plot often surrounds in this motif – mother & child. â€Å"The woman who survives intact and happy must be at once tender and tough. † – Maya Angelou, Wouldn’t Take Nothing For My Journey Now (1994) She is an embodiment of strength and wisdom. This is where she gets her tenets from – the experiences she has gained from childhood up to the present which molded her to become a woman whom people listen to. For Scholar Mary Burgher, African American women autobiographers have rejected the stereotyping of roles as â€Å"breeder and matriarch† of their kind and they are being presented as â€Å"creative and personally fulfilling†. Maya Angelou also wanted to deliver the message that women are more than the purpose of bringing forth children. Women are valuable beings in society as much as men are. In her books, women are winners and are brilliant who have overcome hindrances of racial discrimination. She has been influenced greatly by her relationship with her grandmother who died early in her third autobiography, â€Å"Singin’ and Swingin’ and Getting’ Merry Like Christmas†. Momma (Angelou’s grandmother), is quoted in the whole book. â€Å"I write because I am a Black woman, listening attentively to her people†. Maya Angelou, 1984[87] She has greatly contributed to the emancipation of the black people in America working alongside with Malcom X and Martin Luther King, Jr. Went through devastation because of their deaths but continued on the struggle of her people. She continued to express the pains she goes through as a black woman through her music and poems. Using her gift in expressing through words her thoughts and struggles, unified the very same sentiments of all the black people in America. Her experiences especially from childhood gave her the foundation she needed to become who she is now. Everything that transpired in her life was a message she depicted in all her books. She resisted racial biases and protested outright to effect change in American society. She mentioned in her interviews when asked if she was angry, she said, â€Å"I am angry but I am not bitter†¦Ã¢â‚¬ , reiterating that anger was necessary to express indignation to the unjust treatment towards the black people. She emphasized, however, that she is not bitter. There is a difference between those two. She used anger to advance the cause of African Americans but made sure there is no bitterness in her heart. Works Cited Hagen, L. (1997). Heart of a Woman, Mind of a Writer, and Soul of a Poet: A Critical Analysis of the Writings of Maya Angelou. Lanham, Maryland: University Press. Lauret, M. (1994). Liberating Literature: Feminist fiction in America. New York: Routledge. O’Neale, S. (1984). Reconstruction of the Composite Self: New Images of Black Women in Maya Angelou’s Continuing Autobiography. Garden City, NY: Doubleday.

Environmental Issues in Kolkata Essay Example

Environmental Issues in Kolkata Essay Example Environmental Issues in Kolkata Paper Environmental Issues in Kolkata Paper Water is polluted when poisonous garbage is thrown into the water room various sources like factories, cities etc. Todays world is full of cars, four wheelers, two wheelers etc. And their horns are the cause of sound pollution. Sometime, the sound of sound boxes, mikes at various occasions in a high pitch is one of reasons. These are damaging for heart patients, children etc. And for our ear also. Everyday, huge amount Of poisonous gases are mixing with the air from various sources like factories, cars, bikes etc. And these causes air pollution. As a result, it changes the timetable of the seasons and the seasons will not come according to their time. Because of that our agriculture is vastly damaged. Ecosystem will be totally damaged due to that. Diseases are increasing day by day because of that. It is reported people are dying everyday in an increasing rate due to that. Threes are part of the environment. It balances the amount of oxygen and carbon-dye-oxide. If we cut trees then this balance will be damaged. Instead, we have to plant trees as much as possible. Gobo. Would make some stick laws on environment. Engineers should think how to reduce it and make it possible. It is not only our duty but also our responsibility to save the environment as well as the world. Above all, we all have to forward our hand to build a world that is totally pollution free. Pollution levels across India are some of the highest anywhere in the world. And on top of this pile of polluted places sits Kola. A once beautiful city has been reduced to a huge garbage yard with tons of plastic waste strewn on every square inch of the city. Along with the number of aging buses and trucks spewing smoke the various coal fires and dusty construction sites, have made the landscape a wasteland. But what has conspired to create this situation? Why has the West Bengal government turned a blind eye to the transport contractors? Politics has always been a prominent part of the Kola culture. However the excessive politicking of every issue has made it extremely difficult for legislation to be formed. The government in its quandary chooses to sleep over the various bills in the interest of protecting the environment rather than irk the contractors who pay for the party funds. This has led to an unhealthy environment of government apathy and general callousness, especially in taking care Of the living conditions. In its mandate to provide rights to the poor they have totally neglected the harm being caused to the environment by the millions of poor in the city. The classic case f rampant pollution in the city of Kola are the buses and trucks plying the roads. In a recent move, a number of Nags had petitioned that the pollution norms be strictly applied to the errant bus contractors. However the ministry decided to make the announcement with a rider that people with genuine reasons can get a reprieve from the pollution control measures!! This kind of obvious molly coddling of the transport contractors have further emboldened them, making it impossible for the police on the ground to fine the law breakers. Plastic bags is another area where the West Bengal government has ailed to check pollution. Elsewhere in all other major cities of India, plastic bags are banned as they cause widespread pollution which is difficult to remove. But not in Kola where the poor have to carry their daily bread in plastic bags! The result is that the drainage system is choked in the city and the roads look like an unending garbage yard. Filth and disease accumulate in this waste causing diseases and generally making the whole city an unhealthy place to live in. The present CPRM government is on its way out. They lost in all the by-polls. Here is hoping that the new government when it arrives, will be able to get rid if the lethargy and inaction. If the laws are not implemented soon this city is going to become uninhabitable in the next few years! It is time the West Bengal government understood that giving rights to the poor does not mean that the environment can be abused! We the humans are most dangerous species in the planet earth. We have created the civilization,created the sky scrapers, more modernized living in our world we live in, yet now we are becoming a real threat to human civilization. Day by day we repopulating the water, the environment, air we breathe and creating a global warning.

Biography of Tullus Hostilius

Biography of Tullus Hostilius Tullus Hostilius was the 3rd of the  7 kings of Rome, following Romulus and  Numa Pompilius. He  ruled Rome from about 673-642 B.C. Tullus, like the other kings of Rome, lived during the legendary period whose records were destroyed in the fourth century B.C. Most of the stories we have about Tullus Hostilius come from Livius Patavinus  (Livy), a Roman historian  who lived in the first century B.C. Hostus Hostilius and the Sabines During the reign of Romulus, the Sabines and Romans were approaching each other in battle when a single Roman rushed ahead and engaged with a Sabine warrior who had similar ideas. The brash Roman was Hostus Hostilius, grandfather of Tullus Hostilius. Though he did not defeat the Sabine, Hostus Hostilius was held up as a model of bravery. The Romans retreated, although Romulus soon changed his mind and turned around and engaged again. Tullus on Expanding Rome Tullus defeated the Albans, razed their city of Alba Longa, and brutally punished their traitorous leader, Mettius Fufetius. He welcomed the Albans into Rome, thereby doubling the population of Rome. Tullus added Alban nobles to the Senate of Rome and built the Curia Hostilia for them, according to Livy. He also used the Alban nobles to increase his cavalry force. Military Campaigns   Tullus, who is described as more militaristic than Romulus, went to war against Alba, Fidenae, and the Veientines. He tried treating the Albans as allies, but when their leader acted treacherously, he conquered and absorbed them. After beating the people of Fidenae, he defeated their allies, the Veientines, in a bloody battle at the Anio River. He also defeated the Sabines at Silva Malitiosa by throwing them into confusion using his Albans-enhanced cavalry. Jupiter Strikes Down Tullus Tullus had not paid much attention to the religious rites. When a plague struck, the people of Rome believed it to be divine punishment. Tullus didnt worry about it until he, too, became ill and  unsuccessfully tried to follow the prescribed rites. It was believed that Jupiter in response to this lack of proper reverence, struck Tullus down with a bolt of lightning. Tullus had reigned for 32 years. Virgil on Tullus He shall found Rome anew- from mean estateIn lowly Cures led to mightier sway.But after him arises one whose reignShall wake the land from slumber: Tullus thenShall stir slack chiefs to battle, rallyingHis hosts which had forgot what triumphs be.Him boastful Ancus follows hard upon- Aeneid Book 6 Ch. 31 Tacitus on Tullus Romulus governed us as he pleased; then Numa united our people by religious ties and a constitution of divine origin, to which some additions were made by Tullus and Ancus. But Servius Tullius was our chief legislator to whose laws even kings were to be subject.- Tacitus Bk 3 Ch. 26

Apple, Microsoft, IBM and Others Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Apple, Microsoft, IBM and Others - Assignment Example The success of these technologies is in part due to their similarity to gestures we undertake in our daily lives, and build on the success of the previous Windows, Icons, Menus and Pointing (WIMP) system that revolutionized the computer world. Those using a Starwood Hotel would benefit in numerous ways from the input of touchscreen technology. Not only would it allow menus and cinema times (as well as countless other pieces of information) to be displayed all on one screen, it would allow the user to browse these in a way that would already be familiar to them. It would allow them to order room service without worrying about a lost menu, and items that were unavailable could be updated in real-time. There may be disruptions in inputting this device, because it would need to be put in every room as well as be linked to a central mainframe service. This would be of considerable economic expense also. It may also cause the loss of several jobs in the area. Other disruptions would come later, when the central server may be down or the technology is updated. The quote by Bill Buxton is interesting, because it suggests that the touch screen technology of today will replace the more traditional WIMP systems. It would probably take a lot for this to occur, because the WIMP system is already fairly intuitive and ingrained into the collective mentality of users. Touch screen technology is not completely intuitive either, because in reality we do not drag two fingers apart to see something more closely, but we simply walk closer. It would be interesting to see this level of intuitiveness involved in the market, and it may be this all-encompassing type of computer usage that gives us the replacement for the WIMP system. Touch technology also has issues when it comes to sensitivity and size, as some users and interfaces are difficult to use in that they are too responsive or not responsive enough, and the size may be wrong for young or very large users. It will

Capital Expenditure and Depreciation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Capital Expenditure and Depreciation - Essay Example Acquiring fixed assets like building, land, plant and machinery, motor vehicle and furniture fittings are regarded as the capital expenditure. The assets are not to be sold for making profit but that assets should be retained in the business. Capex generally yields gains over a long period of time (Banerjee, 2010). Capex on a financial statement is important as the investors are interested in the amount of capital improvement that he experiences. The declining capex will make the investor cautious as well as abnormal increased values signals that the investor should also be cautious (Jennings, 2006). The different types of capex are the following: Expenditure resulting from the acquisition of permanent assets: Any asset that can be converted into cash later. The money spent to acquire the asset is called capex (Warren, 2009). Expenditure resulting from purchase, erection or receipt of a fixed asset: The expenses in addition to the purchase price that are incurred for manufacturing th e asset for use are added to the cost of the asset and thus is regarded as capex. The examples are the wages that are paid to the workers for manufacturing machines, the cost of the place where the machine will be manufactured and the interest on the loan raised to purchase a fixed asset. Expenditure resulting from improvement of the fixed asset: If the profit earning capacity increases because of the expenditure, through lowering of cost or increase the output level, it is capital expenditure. Expenditure incurred to get the right to carry on business: The expenses that are needed for establishing a business or acquiring license is capital expenditure. The cost of patent is also capital expenditure. Expenditure resulting from acquisition of tangible asset: The expenditure incurred on a non profitable asset is treated as capital expenditure. Factors that add to the cost of capital expenditure (with examples) Cost of capital expenditure i.e., the interest payments and the cash-flow, that affect cash that are available in the capital goods. Example: If one borrows ? 10000 to buy a new coffee maker and it brings with it an additional ?1000 / month of profit but the monthly interest that are to be paid for the loan is ?1120, then it is said to be the bad expenditure with a negative impact on the business. Now if the same person borrows the same amount but bring ?1500 profit/month it is a good investment. Thus, there are different factors that add up to the cost of capital expenditure and can make an investment unprofitable and even profitable. How does capital expenditure lose value over time? A product when capitalized the value of the item is placed in an asset that increases the total value of the company. The reason behind these is that the items are considered to lose their value slowly or increase over time. The asset is listed on the company’s property tax inventory and the asset is provided a number for tracking purposes (Elmaleh, 2005). The company gets bill for taxes on the value of the assets and the listing of an asset that is depreciating decreases in value each year until it is considered to have no value (Hoofman, 2009). After capitalizing, the item is allowed to depreciate over a period of time, such as 3 – 5 years of time. After depreciation the entire cost of the item is not revealed in the expenses at one time,

The Commodity Exchange Act Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

The Commodity Exchange Act - Essay Example Any commodity contract offered or sold shall, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, be presumed to be offered or sold for speculation or investment purposes. A commodity contract shall not include any contract or agreement which requires, and under which the purchaser receives, within 28 calendar days from the payment in good funds of any portion of the purchase price, physical delivery of the total amount of each commodity to be purchased under the contract or agreement.[1985,c.643(new).]" (Title 32: Professions and Occupations, Ch.111-A: Maine Commodity Code (Heading: PL 1987, c.402, Pt.A.@174 (rpr)) http://janus.state.me.us)2 The 106th Congress, 2nd Session H.R.5660 was held to reauthorize and amend the CEA to promote legal certainty, enhance competition, and to reduce the systemic risks prevailing in the markets for futures and the so-called over-the-counter derivatives, and others. This bill was called "The Commodity Futures Modernization Act of 2000" The Act was to: 1. Reauthorize the appropriation for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission 2. Streamline and eliminate unnecessary regulation for the commodity futures exchanges and other entities regulated under the Commodity Exchange Act 3. Transform the role of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to oversight of the futures markets 4. Provide a statutory and regulatory frame-work for allowing the trading of futures on securities 5. Clarify the jurisdiction of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission over certain retail foreign exchange transactions and bucket shops that may not be otherwise regulated 6. Promote innovation for futures and derivatives and to reduce systemic risk by enhancing legal certainty in the markets for certain futures and derivatives transactions 7. Reduce systemic risk and provide greater stability to markets during times of market disorder by allowing the clearing of transactions in over-the-counter derivatives through appropriately regulated clearing organizations, and 8. Enhance the competitive position of United States financial institutions and financial markets. (106th Session of Congress, H.R. 5660, Dec.14th 2000, www.cftc.gov)3 3.0 Who's who Commodity trading advisor Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, the term "commodity trading advisor" means any person who: 1. for compensation or profit, engages in the business of advising others, either directly or through publications, writings, or electronic media, as to the value of or the advisability of trading in: (i) Any contract of sale of a commodity for future delivery made or to be made on or

Implementing a Business Continuity Essay Example for Free

Implementing a Business Continuity Essay In this lab, you implemented a portion of your organization’s BCP. On the basis of the BIA, the organization determined that the internal Active Directory database and the corporate Web site must be recoverable in the event of system failure or natural disaster. To accomplish this, you configured local backups of Active Directory on the existing virtual server using Windows Server Backup. You also configured the organization’s Web servers to host content from a single NFS share, and to back up that NFS share daily using Windows. Lab Assessment Questions Answers 1. What is the purpose of the business impact analysis (BIA)? 2. What is the difference between a disaster recovery plan (DRP) and a business continuity plan (BCP)? 3. What are the commands used in Windows 2012 to mount the NFS share on the Linux server. 4. Is creating redundancy for systems such as Active Directory or Web servers a part of the DRP or the BCP? 5. Why use the mklink command? 2 | Lab #6: Implementing a Business Continuity Plan 6. What role/service is Windows 2012 Server Backup part of? a. Windows Group Policy b. Windows Collaboration Server c. Windows Server Essentials Experience 7. Which Linux file makes a local share available to NFS clients? a. transports b. imports c. fstab d. exports

Representation Of Women In Music Cultural Studies Essay

Representation Of Women In Music Cultural Studies Essay In 1969 when asked why there werent any other powerful women in the music industry, Janis Joplin said its not feminine, maybe, to really get into music, instead of float around on the top like most chick singers do. Maybe that is why today, in the 10s there is a lack of challenging female artists who truly break down boundaries. The contemporary music industry offers very few independent, strong female role models who do more than simply sell sex to make people buy records. This investigation will focus on the representation of women in music, specifically in punk and underground music, from their breakthrough in the 70s to their lack of representation today in the 10s. The primary case studies will be various female punk bands from the 70s to the 90s such as Xray Spex and Siouxsie and The Banshees, with Beth Ditto as my contemporary focus. I will analyse music videos and song lyrics, as well as their physical representations. I will examine theorists such as Germaine Greer, Naomi Wolf and Laura Mulvey to assess how their work can be applied. As second-wave feminism took hold in the 60s, music turned into a political manifesto for feminists, as female singer-songwriters began to campaign for womens rights. Their music often dismantled myths held about women, and enabled women to embody their own self-made identity as opposed to that which society and culture allocated for them. Janis Joplin was largely unconcerned with the feminist movement, but proceeded to represent a feminist symbol for women in a male dominated rock culture, influencing generations of female musicians to come. Women were of significant importance to the punk culture of the late 1970s; beginning in New York with performers like Patti Smith and Debbie Harry, punk rock spread around the world and women in punk music became more visible. As punk music gave them an outlet for their edgy, political, anti-establishment lyrics, and non-conformist, unconventional female personas, it became perfect for feminist musicians to have their voices heard. Women in punk music had to be strong to stand against their male contemporaries. By the late 70s, punks peak in London, female-dominated bands like Siouxsie and The Banshees, The Slits and X-Ray Spex were playing on the same bills as all-male bands like The Clash and the Sex Pistols. These bands gained public recognition not only because of their revolutionary music, but also by challenging expectations of femininity. Widely considered the most influential woman in punk rock ever to walk the Earth Siouxsie Sioux said in 1974 I dont carry anything for any females, and I hate being called the best female singer cause I think Im better than any male singer as well. These bands didnt want to be classed as a separate category from male musicians; they just want to be classed as musicians. Siouxsie Sioux said it was a powerful time for women. Girls were finally picking up instruments and not just being a puppet held up by a man with strings in the background. Laura Mulvey is a feminist media critic who is best known for her seminal essay entitled Visual Pleasure and narrative cinema (Sight Sound 1975). In it she sites the media as o tool for male oppression and that women are seen merely as objects for male gratification. The camera, she argues, sees from the Male gaze. Mulveys theory also states that the media satisfies and reinforces the masculine ego and represses the desire of women. The Siouxsie and The Banshees video Happy House, goes against Laura Mulveys theory that images of women are displayed as sexual objects. In the first shot of this video Siouxsie looks fiercely into the camera, her eye make up is dark and she has bright red lips; her signature look. She looks androgynous as she is wearing an oversized jester outfit with short spiky black hair. No skin is visible except for her face and hands. The camera follows Siouxsie around, showing she is controlling the video, contradicting this quote from Laura Mulvey: in their traditional exhibitionist role women are simultaneously looked at and displayed. As the camera follows her, it is not in a voyeuristic way, she is simply the main focus of the video, and the camera angle remains level with her face throughout the video, showing she is dominant and confident. Despite being the only female seen, she appears more confident than the male members of the band, overshadowing them by controlling the video. Siouxs ie is also shown playing instruments, displaying her as equal to the male musicians. This opposes Mulveys idea that men always dominate. Also, she continuously looks aggressively at the camera, conveying she feels superior to the audience. Nothing in this video suggests Siouxsie is being portrayed as a sex symbol, in fact quite the opposite. Many of these women did not seem to care about being sexually alluring, this contrasts with Germaine Greers theory of there being a dominant image of femininity which rules our culture and to which all women aspire. It also disagrees with Naomi Wolfs argument that women in Western Culture are damaged by the pressure to conform to an idealized concept of female beauty. On The Slits first album cover they are pictured topless, covered in mud, looking dishevelled, not appearing to have made any effort at all to look good. Despite being topless, this cover is not shot through the male gaze as the women appear dominant and in control as opposed to passive. The women of these bands took their entire personalities onstage, often involving wearing clothing that reflected their thoughts and attitudes. Siouxsie Sioux frequently performed wearing black leather and rubber bondage attire, as well as heavy eye make-up, making overt statements about her sexuality. When asked about her appearance, Siouxsie said image represents in a way, a kind of rejection of a stereotype, a blonde, dumb cuteness that was sought after by most singers, especially female, conveying that she dresses for her own pleasure and not others. Ari Up of The Slits, constructed an image that played on conventions of female sexuality by always sporting long dreadlocks, never using make-up and often wearing underwear over her clothes. In New York, Patti Smith and Debbie Harry of Blondie expressed two very different takes on punk femininity; Smith was a cross-dressing, androgynous woman, comfortable with blurring her gender, and Harry was a bleached-blonde former playboy bunny, still playing on the stereotypical conventions of female singers. Poly Styrene of X-Ray Spex was a geeky teenager, overweight, and with large metal braces, known for wearing bright abrasive clashing colours onstage. Xray Spex dealt with various issues on their album Germfree Adolescents such as the environment and living in a consumer society where you have to live up to the expectations driven by advertising and consumerism. Even lead singer Poly Styrenes name reflected the fake and plasticness of the society they were living in. The song Plastic Bag reinforces her view as she sings my mind is like a plastic bag that corresponds to all those ads it sucks up all the rubbish. Art-I-Ficial contains the lyric I know Im artificial but dont put the blame on me, I was reared with appliances in a consumer society. When I put on my make-up the pretty little mask not me thats the way a girl should be, this conveys Pollys feminist views and her opposition of societys expectations of women. This theme can also been seen in Xray Spexs most widely known song Oh Bondage Up Yours where Polly begins by saying softly in a childlike voice Some people think little girls should be seen and not heard, but I think before exploding with a screech of Oh bondage, up yours, turning the girly voice into something more distasteful. This song is about the aversion at being constantly scrutinized by mainstream society. After a lack of female punk bands in the 80s, Riot grrrl exploded in the early 90s. It originated from the punk movement, initiated by nonconformist female bands who aimed to stomp out sexism and inequality in response and developed into an underground feminist movement in the early 1990s. It is often associated with third-wave feminism and it is sometimes seen as its starting point as a response to the backlash against initiatives and movements created by second-wave feminism. The subculture gave women a place to exist out of the system. Riot grrrl was about 90s women making a stand, screeching against authority and exploring what they wanted a woman to represent. Todays music charts seem only to reflect generated pop-rock, especially where females are concerned. The only mainstream female band with political views and strong female role models, who want more than to just be sex symbols currently are Gossip. Competing with artists marketed through the male gaze, its no wonder Gossips Beth Ditto is deemed controversial in todays music scene. Whether its because shes openly gay, a non-shaving punk, or morbidly obese, mainstream society sees her as an outsider. 30 years ago, it wouldve been typical in the underground music scene to see individuals like this. Beth Ditto is said to be a fan of Riot Grrrl and states Xray Spex as her biggest influence. Gossips lyrics are often about society and feminist issues, disguised with a mainstream catchy electro-beat. Even Gossips most widely recognised song, Standing in the Way of Control is extremely political as it is attacking George W. Bush in response to same-sex marriage being prohibited in some states of the USA, the resistance can be seen in the lyric were standing in the way of control, we will live our lives. Her unwillingness to conform to societys expectations is clearly visible on the NME issue on which she appears unshaven and naked on the front cover. The image shows Beth with her hand on her bottom which has a kiss mark on it and another hand covering her breast. She is looking at the camera, not in the conventional, seductive way female singers are usually photographed, but instead almost snarling as if she doesnt care what anyone thinks of her. The headline reads Kiss my ass, once again reinforcing her reluctance to conform. This image shocked the teenage audience of the magazine and sparked controversy as it is an image that mainstream society is rarely subjected to. It was also nominated to be crowned the best magazine cover of all time. This image doesnt represent the usual ideology of women and this is why Germaine Greer has praised Ditto on appearing like this on the cover of a mainstream magazine, and also NME for allowing her to do so. Greer speaks highly of Beth stating: h er intention is to force acceptance of her body type, 5ft tall and 15 stone, and by this strategy to challenge the conventional imagery of women. Laura Mulveys theory of feminism can be seen here; Beth Ditto is the dominant female who refuses to be passive to the male viewer. Gossips video Listen Up, follows two transvestites, one male and one female and depicts what it means to be masculine and feminine. This is an alternative theme for a music video and so once again Ditto challenges mainstream society. However, in this video, Ditto herself is not shown in her usual rebellious way, but instead appears to be typical of a music video, showing that everyone needs to conform to sell records. My research has established that despite years of feminism and social movement, women are still objectified as sex symbols in the music industry. For my linked production I will be producing a music video in the style of 1970s female punk bands to the song Oh Bondage, Up Yours by X-ray Spex. The target audience for the video will be predominately female teenagers who feel their views and values arent represented in mainstream music. The video will not sexualise women and it will reject the male gaze. Word Count 2002