Bicycle Theives: the Unspoken Allure of Communism

Bicycle Thieves: The Unspoken Allure of Communism Bicycle Thieves is an exemplary demonstration of Italian neorealism that seeks to use non-professional actors to illustrate the struggle of average people surviving under a Fascist government. De Sica's use of film techniques such as close-ups heightens the effect of his neo-realist aesthetic, especially seen in his street-level depictions of Rome in the aftermath of World War II. The poverty and despair captured by De Sica's cinematography and narrative choices illustrates that capitalism has failed the Italian people, providing them only with grinding poverty and inward despair.By focusing on the mundane details of a simple man's life, rather than a narrative involving high drama, the film effectively captures the humiliating effects of class disparity while highlighting the role that communism could play in the improvement of life for the Italian people, if only a sense of community could be established. Director Vittorio De Sica u ses Bicycle Thieves as a vehicle in which to stress the burdens faced by the individual in a heartless and uncaring society.He has stated that his aesthetic intention with the film was to â€Å"reintroduce the dramatic into quotidian situations, the marvellous in a little news item [†¦ ] considered by most people throwaway material† (Cheshire), and so too is his main character, Antonio, a throwaway person. As an unemployed person, he has no value to the larger society and no apparent worth to his family as a provider. It is only once he secures a position as a poster-hanger that he begins to see himself as a productive member of society.De Sica illustrates the importance of this job by demonstrating Antonio's increasing desperation when his bicycle–an item he cannot do his job without–is stolen. His neorealistic style stems more from moral imperative than from necessity because, as critic Godfrey Cheshire notes in â€Å"Bicycle Thieves: A Passionate Commit ment to the Real,† the film was not shot in the low-budget style associated with neorealism, and instead was â€Å"mounted by a team of movie professionals working on a budget generous enough to allow for large-scale scenes, hundreds of extras, and even the apparatus necessary to create a fake ainstorm† (Cheshire). However, De Sica manages to retain an atmosphere of true realism that is heightened by scenes carefully chosen to display Antonio's quick downward spiral as he and his son ultimately fail to recover the lost bicycle. This devastating loss propels Antonio into a life of crime, demonstrating that under an uncaring government and without social support, the poor have no choice but to hurt each other for lack of a better outlet, and that those who are stolen from eventually become thieves as well. De Sica creates drama and illustrates his point by putting his protagonist in an unwinnable situation.Although Antonio has been offered a job, he can only take it if he has a bicycle. Due to financial circumstances, the bicycle has been pawned. In this way, De Sica establishes the character of Antonio's wife, Maria, who agrees to pawn their bed sheets to pay for the bicycle. This demonstrates that material comfort is secondary to the security that will come with stable employment. The actors themselves play a huge role in successfully portraying De Sica's message, and he sticks to the requirements of neorealism by using only non-professional actors.As film theorist Andre Bazin states, â€Å"none [of the actors] had the slightest experience in theatre or film. The workman came from the Breda factory, the child was found hanging around in the street, the wife was a journalist† (Bazin). An added level of realism can be found in using average people with faces that show the effects of time and experience. In his essay, â€Å"Bicycle Thieves: Ode to the Common Man. † Charles Burnett notes the effect of De Sica's choice to use non-professi onal actors, writing that â€Å"their faces are so expressive [†¦ ] they seem to be playing themselves† (Burnett).To further this realism, the director takes a similar approach with his background players. For example, in the pawn shop scene the director captures an elderly man with a tired, lined face who is trying, without success, to pawn a pair of binoculars. His expressiveness makes the scene seem more real, squalid, and filled with pain, while also illustrating that the Ricci family are not alone in their poverty. Indeed, the upwards panning shot that displays a towering pile of pawned sheets just like the set that Maria is exchanging for the bicycle, overwhelmingly shows the terrible effect of unrestrained capitalism on the poor.To further show the damage caused by a social and governmental system that doesn't value human needs, De Sica characterizes the upper class as the true villains of the piece. This is seen very clearly while Antonio is fruitlessly searching the stalls filled with disassembled bicycle parts while a good-looking young man blows bubbles into the air, filled with self-satisfaction and utterly unaware of Antonio's total terror. Symbolically, the bicycles can represent both the destruction of his ability to earn a living wage, and his own mental breakdown in having to confront the loss of such a vital mode of transportation.In this scene, also, a pedophile tries to lure Antonio's son, Bruno, into his clutches. Although the scene is populated with passerby, nobody pays any mind to the dangers faced by the vulnerable boy, let alone steps forward to offer assistance. By showing the oblivion of the group, De Sicoemphasizes the isolation of the individual, as well as demonstrating that no one, not even small children, are safe from the avaricious nature of the rich in a society where, as Burnett writes, â€Å"the predators are the rich and disconnected† (Burnett).The gripping conclusion of Bicycle Thieves further demonstr ates how the need to secure employment in order to survive can cause honest people to behave in a dishonest manner. De Sico uses a shot of Antonio sitting outside of a football stadium, hungrily eyeing countless parked bicycles; a temptation that is akin to showing a starving man a plate of food. Through the director's use of close-up shots of Antonio's pained expression, we experience his inner turmoil as morality fights with his baser needs.The climax occurs when he finally tries to steal a bicycle outside of an apartment building and is caught by a group of men who taunt and abuse while Bruno watches in horror. Cheshire writes that this point marks â€Å"where Antonio's solitary ordeal reaches a humiliatingly public climax† (Cheshire), and indeed it is a fitting conclusion for a film that has taken place entirely in the public environment of Rome.By making use of the city streets as his set, and the city's population as his background cast, De Sico manages to show all of t he missed opportunities where Antonio's life could have been changed for the better, were someone to have only taken an interest in his plight. As Bazin states in â€Å"Neorealism and Pure Cinema: The Bicycle Thieves,† â€Å"the thesis implied is wondrously and outrageously simple: in the world where this workman lives, the poor must steal from each other in order to survive.But this thesis is never stated as such, it is just that events are so linked together that they have the appearance of a formal truth while retaining an anecdotal quality† (Bazin). In such a manner, the irony of Antonio's predicament remains subtle, left for the viewer to determine based on their own experiences and observations. De Sico's film is most notable for what it avoids saying about the benefits of communism when held up against a corrupt, bloated style of capitalism that treats the working person as fodder for a greater machine.Rather than treat Bicycle Thieves as a propaganda device for his opinions, the director instead allows the audience to draw their own conclusions based on the realistic information he has provided to them. But the implication of Antonio's struggle is clear: community support is vital for the individual to survive under difficult circumstances. Without a collective group from which to seek solace and assistance in times of trouble, the individual is left as aimless and panicked as Antonio during his solitary and unsuccessful attempt to retrieve his stolen bicycle.Works Cited Bazin, Andre. â€Å"Neorealism and Pure Cinema: The Bicycle Thieves. † Theory Kit. 21 October 2007. Web. 1 May 2011. Bicycle Thieves. Dir. Vittorio De Sica. Perf. Lamberto Maggiorani, Enzo Staiola, Lianella Carell. Criterion, 2007. DVD. Burnett, Charles. â€Å"Bicycle Thieves: Ode to the Common Man. † Criterion Film Essays. Criterion. 7 February 2007. Web. 1 May 2011. Cheshire, Godfrey. â€Å"Bicycle Thieves: A Passionate Commitment to the Real. † Cri terion Film Essays. Criterion. 7 February 2007. Web. 1

Merchant Banking Essay

A merchant banking is a financial institution primarily engaged in offering financial services and advice to company and wealthy individuals on how to use their money. A merchant bank deal with commercial banking needs of finance, company & long term loans and stock writing. Merchant banking does not have retail offices where customer can go and access their account. A merchant bank is also called as wholesale banking. OBJECTIVE Main objective of merchant banking is coordinating the activities like the bankers, advertising agency, printers and underwriters etc. Guide companies to get register there share under SEBI act.  The merchant banking determine the number of share, price of the stocks and the timing of the release of this new stock. They also provide services to the finance housing schemes for the construction of houses and buying of land. History and growth of Merchant Banking in India Before 1960s there was no merchant banking in India. This system started after 1960s. The Grind lay’s bank was the first bank which started merchant banking services. Grind lay’s bank is the largest foreign bank in the country. The main service offered by merchant banking includes the management of public issues and some aspects of financial consultancy. After this more banks took initiative of merchant banking services. Bank like Citibank came in 1970. Merchant banking with Citibank play role in new entrepreneur and evaluation of new project. Raising funds through equity took place. Management consultancy services were started. State bank of India started the merchant banking in 1972. Before 1972 state bank of India used to only provide funds. But after 1972 state bank of India started multi-tasking. Commercial banks which followed state bank of India were 1. Central bank in 1977. 2. Syndicate bank in 1977. 3. Standard chartered bank, mercantile bank and bank of Baroda in 1978. 4. United bank of India, Punjab national bank, canara bank, Indian overseas  bank in late 70’s and in early 80’s. Importance of Merchant Banking Need for Merchant Banking is felt in the wake of huge public savings lying untapped. Merchant bankers can play highly significant role in mobilizing funds of savers to investible channels assuring promising returns on investments and thus can assist in meeting the widening demand for inevitable funds for economic activity. With growth of merchant banking profession corporate enterprises are undertaking expansion, modernization, and diversification of the existing enterprises. This reinforces the need for a vigorous role to be played by merchant banking. Reasons why specialist merchant banks have crucial role to play in India 1) Growing industrialization and increase of technologically advanced industries. 2) Need for encouragement of small and medium industrialists, who require specialist services. 3) Growing complexity in rules and procedures of the government. 4) Need to develop backward areas and states which require different criteria. 5) Exploring the possibility of joint ventures abroad and foreign markets. 6) Promoting the role of New Market in mobilizing savings from the public. Functions performed under Merchant Banking The important functions of merchant bankers are: 1) Management of Debt and Equity Offerings: This forms the main function of the merchant banker. He assists the companies in raising funds from the market. The undergoing tasks include instrument designing, pricing the issue, registration of the offer document, underwriting support, marketing of the issue, allotment and refund and listing on stock exchanges. 2) Placement and Distribution: The merchant banker helps in distributing various securities like equity shares, debt instruments, mutual funds, insurance products, and commercial paper, to name a few. The distribution network of the merchant banker can be classified as institutional and retail in nature. The institutional network  consists of mutual funds, foreign institutional investors; private equity funds pension funds, financial institutions, etc. 3) Corporate Advisory Services: It denotes advice provided by a merchant banker to a corporate unit to ensure better corporate unit to ensure better corporate performance in terms of image building among investors, steady growth through good working, appreciation in market value of its equity shares. The counseling is limited to only opinions and suggestions and any detailed analysis would form part of a specific service 4) Project Advisory Services: Project counseling is a very important and lucrative merchant banking service. It covers development of an idea into a project, preparation of the project report , estimation of the cost of the project and deciding upon the means of financial and techno-economic appraisal of projects for capital issue/financing etc. The fee charged for project report preparation / appraisal ranges between 0.25% to 2% of the total project cost. The fee charged depends upon- a)Total size of the project b)The total complexity of the project 5) Loan Syndication: Merchant bankers arrange to tie up loans for their clients. This takes place in a series of steps. Firstly, they analyze the pattern of the client’s cash flows, based on which the terms of the borrowings can be defined. Then the merchant banker prepares a detailed loan memorandum, which is circulated to various banks and financial institutions and they are invited to participate in the syndicate. The banks then negotiate the terms of lending on the basis of which the final allocation is done. 6) Providing Venture Capital Financing: Merchant bankers help companies in obtaining venture capital financing for financing their new and innovative strategies. 7) Management of Capital Issues: a) Pre-issue Management: Steps required to be taken to manage Pre-issue activity are as follows: 1) Obtaining stock exchange approvals tomemorandum and articles of association. 2) Taking action as per SEBI guidelines. 3) Finalising the appointments of the following agencies – Co managers /advisors to the issue. Underwriters to the issue. Brokers to the issue. Bnakers to the issue and refund banker. Advertising agency. Printers and registrars to the issue. 4) Advise the company to appoint auditors, legal advisers and broad base Board of Directors. 5) Drafting the prospectus. 6) Obtaining approvals of draft prospectus from the company’s legal advisors, underwriting financial institutions/banks. 7) Obtaining consent from parties and agencies acting for the issue to be enclosed with the prospectus. 8) Approval of prospectus from Securities and exchange Board Of India(Sebi). 9) Filing of the prospectus with registrar of companies (Roc) 10) Making an application for enlistment with Stock Exchange along with copy of the prospectus. 11) Publicity of the issue with advertisement and conferences 12) Open subscription list. B) Post Issue Management: Steps involved: 1) To verify and confirm that the issue is subscribed to the extent of 90% including development from underwriters in case of subscription. 2) To supervise and co-ordinate the allotment procedures of registrar to the issue  as per prescribed Stock Exchange guidelines. 3) 3)To ensure issue of refund order , allotment letters/certificates within the prescribed time limit of 10 weeks after the closure of subscription list 4) To report periodically to SEBI about the progress in the matters related to allotment and refunds. 5) To ensure the listing of securities at a stock exchanges. 6) To attend the investors for managers regarding the public issue. 7) The merchant bankers managing public issue can negotiate fee subject to a ceiling .This fee is to be shared by all lead managers, advisers etc. Registration with SEBI as Merchant Banker Merchant banks are generally setup as subsidiary companies of banks. For e.g.: SBI caps, ICICI securities etc. Once the feasibility studies are undertaken and it comes out to be viable then the following steps are undertaken for registration with SEBI: Application for grant of certificate: An application for grant of certificate is required to be made with SEBI as without holding the certificate no person can act as a merchant banker. The application can be made in one of the following categories: 1. Category 1: To carry out any activity of issue management which includes preparation of prospectus and other information relating to issue, determining financial structure, tie up of financers and financial allotment, and refund of the subscription. Another activity that pertains to this category is of advisor, consultant manager, underwriter, portfolio manager. 2. Category 2: To act as advisor. Consultant, co manager, underwriter and portfolio manager. 3. Category 3: To act as underwriter, advisor, and consultant to an issue. 4. Category 4: To act only as advisor and consultant to an issue. To carry on the activity of underwriter and portfolio manager, a separate certificate of registration needs to be obtained from SEBI. Furnishing of information, clarification, and personal representation: The applicant may need to provide further information or clarification regarding matters related to activity of merchant banker. Consideration of application: Before granting the certificate, the Board shall take into account that the  applicant complies with the following requirement 1. The applicant shall be a body corporate other than a non banking financial company. 2. The merchant banker who has been granted the certificate by RBI to act as primary dealer shall carry on such activity with the condition that it should not accept or hold any public deposit. 3. The applicant should have necessary infrastructure to carry on his activities. 4. The applicant should employ atleast two persons who have the experience to conduct the business of merchant banker. 5. The applicant should fulfill the capital adequacy requirement as follows: The capital adequacy requirement should not be less than the net worth of the applicant. The net worth shall be as follows Category 1: 5 crores Category 2: 50 lacs Category 3: 20 lacs Category 4: Nil 6. The applicant or any of his associate should be free of any legal charges, should not have been convicted for any offence and not found guilty of any economic offence. 7. The applicant should possess professional qualification from any recognized govt. institute in finance law or business management. Procedure for registration: The SEBI on being satisfied with the eligibility of the applicant shall grant him a certificate . Payment of fees: The applicant has to pay Rs. 5 lacs within 15 days of date of receipt of intimation regarding grant of certificate. If the merchant banker fails to pay the required fee, the Board may suspend the registration and applicant may cease to carry on activity as merchant banker for the period during which the subscription subsists. The merchant banker may commence on the business as merchant banker on the acquisition of Certificate of Registration from SEBI after the completion of above mentioned formalities. Procedure for Inspection: Board’s Right to inspect The Board may appoint one or more persons as inspecting authority to undertake inspection of the books of accounts, records and documents of the merchant banker for any of the purposes specified in sub-regulation (2). Notice before inspection: Before undertaking an inspection, the Board shall give a reasonable notice to the merchant banker for that purpose. Where the Board is satisfied that in the interest of the investors no such notice should be given, it may inspect without prior notice. During the course of inspection, the merchant banker against whom an inspection is being carried out shall be bound to discharge his obligations. Obligations of Merchant Banker on Inspection: It shall be the duty of every director, proprietor, partner, officer and employee of the merchant banker, who is being inspected, to produce to the inspecting authority such books, accounts and other documents in his custody or control and furnish him with the statements and information relating to his activities as a merchant banker within such time as the inspecting authority may require. The merchant banker shall allow the inspecting authority to have reasonable access to the premises occupied by such merchant banker or by any other person on his behalf and also extend reasonable facility for examining any books, records, documents and computer data in the possession of the merchant banker or any such other person and also provide copies of documents or other materials which, in the opinion of the inspecting authority are relevant for the purposes of the inspection. The inspecting authority, in the course of inspection, shall be entitled to examine or record statements of any principal officer, director, partner, proprietor and employee of the merchant banker. It shall be the duty of every director, proprietor, partner, officer or employee of the merchant banker to give to the inspecting authority all assistance in connection with the inspection which the merchant banker may be reasonably expected to give. Submission of Report to the Board: The inspecting authority shall, as soon as possible submit, an inspection report to the Board. Action on Inspection or Investigation Report: The Board of the Chairman shall after consideration of inspection or investigation report take such action. Appointment of Auditor: The Board may appoint a qualified auditor to investigate into the books of account or the affairs of the merchant banker. Communication of findings: The Board shall after consideration of the inspection report communicate the  findings to the merchant banker to give him an opportunity of being heard before any action is taken by the Board on the findings of the inspecting authority. On receipt of the explanation if any, from the merchant banker, the Board may call upon the merchant banker to take such measures as the Board may deem fit in the interest of the securities market and for due compliance with provisions of the Act, rules and regulations. Guidelines of SEBI The SEBI has issued guidelines for the issue of capital by companies. The guidelines mainly cover the requirement for the first issue by a new or existing company. The guidelines issued by SEBI are mentioned below: If any company’s other income exceeds 10% of the total income, the details should be disclosed. The company should disclose any adverse situation which affects the operations of the company. The company should also disclose the capacity utilization of plant for the last 3 years. The promoters must maintain their holding at least 20% of the expanded capital. The minimum application money payable at the time of issue should not be less than 25% of the issue price. The company should disclose the time normally taken for the disposal of investor’s grievances. The company can make firm allotments in public issues as follows: 1. Indian Mutual funds (20%) 2. FII’s (24%) 3. Regular employees of the company (10%) 4. Financial institution (20%) The company should disclose the safety net scheme or buy back arrangements of the shares proposed in public issue. In case of public issues, atleast 30 mandatory collection centres should be established. In the guidelines regarding right issue, the company should give advertisements in not more than 2 newspapers about the dispatch of letter of offers. No preferential allotment to be made along then rights issue. The company should disclose the free agreement between the lead managers and the company in the memorandum of understanding. Difference between Merchant Banking and Commercial Banking MERCHANT BANKING COMMERCIAL BANKING Merchant banking deals with equity and equity related finance. Merchant banks are management oriented. Merchant banks willing to accept risks of business. The activities of merchant banks include project counseling in area of capital restructuring, mergers, amalgamations e.t.c. Commercial banking deals with debt and debt related finance. Commercial banks are asset oriented. Commercial banks generally avoid risks of business. Commercial bankers are merely financiers. Difference between Merchant Banking and Investment Banking MERCHANT BANKING INVESTMENT BANKING Merchant banking is purely fee based. Merchant banking are impossible to stay aloof from international trends. Merchant banks expands into the field of securities, underwriting Merchant banking primarily perform international financing activities such as 1. Foreign corporate investing 2. Foreign real estate investment. 3. Trade finance and inter transaction facilitation. Merchant banks tends to operate on small scale companies and offer creative equity financing ,and numbers of corporate credit products. Investment banking is both fee based and fund based. Investment banking commits their own funds. Investment banks trade finance activities. Investing banking facilitate mergers and acquisitions through share sales and provide research and financial consulting to companies. It focuses on IPO’s and large public and private share offering. While investment banks tends to  focus on large companies. Recent developments in Merchant Banking The recent developments in merchant banking are due to certain contributory factors in India are : The merchant banking was at its best during 1985-1992 when there were many new issues . It was expected that 2010 going to be good time for merchant banks , as many new issues are coming up . The foreign investors- both in the form of portfolio investment and through foreign direct investments are venturing in Indian Economy. It is increasing the scope of merchant bankers in many ways. Disinvestments in the government sector in the country give a big scope to the merchant bankers to function as consultants. Introducing of new financial instruments in the market has increased the opportunity for the merchant banks. The merger and corporate restructuring along with MOU and MOA are giving immense opportunities to the merchant bankers for consultancy jobs. Challenges faced by Merchant Banker in India SEBI guideline has restricted their operations to Issue Management and Portfolio .Management to some extent due to which the scope of work is limited. The net worth requirement is very high in categories I and II specially so many professionally experienced person/organizations cannot come into the picture. Poor New issues market in India is drying up the business of the merchant bankers. Scope for Merchant Banking 1. Growth of primary market: if the primary market grows and issues increases, the scope of merchant banking will be enhanced. 2. Entry of foreign investment: now India capital market directly taps foreign capital through euro issues.FDI is increased in capital market .so merchant bankers is required to advice them for their investment in India. The increasing number of joint ventures also requires expert services of merchant bankers. if more and more NRI’s participate in capital market ,there will be great demand for merchant banker services. 3. Changing policy of financial institutions: now the lending prices of financial institutions are based on project orientation, so the merchant banker services will be needed by corporate enterprise to provide expert guidance. 4. Development of debt markets: if the debt market is enhanced, there will be tremendous scope for merchant bankers, now NSE and OTCEI are planned to raise funds through their debt instruments. 5. Corporate restructuring: due to liberalization and globalization companies are facing lot of competitions .In order to compete, they have to restructuring, merger, acquisitions or disinvestments. They offer good opportunities to merchant bankers.

Animal testing on cosmetics Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Animal testing on cosmetics - Research Paper Example The debate on animal testing and the moral and ethical dilemmas that arise is not a simple black and white issue with clear supporters and opposes except for a few hardliners. As Monamy says â€Å"most people will not have to perform animal experiments†(2), and therefore many people are not fully aware of the processes involved in animal testing and are not involved in the procedures and therefore are not in a position to give an accurate opinion on the practice. Modern day debate has however changed as there has been a dilemma been faced in many regions where it is not a simple case of supporting or opposing. In Australia the population of Kangaroos frequently exceeds the numbers the land can hold and so they are culled. According to Monamy, â€Å"There is debate as to whether Kangaroos killed in pastoral areas when numbers become too high† (3). The discussion centers on why the animals have not instead been eaten the same way that cows and sheep are used or even as su bstitutes for guinea pigs. It would appear that for the opposers to this move it is better for the animal to have a dignified death in culling than have them humiliated in lab having tests performed on them. One of the main reasons that animal testing needs to stop is that in spite of efforts to ensure that there are standardized procedures that would ensure the fair treatment of animals, there are so many loopholes in the current laws that procedures that border on unfair treatment to animals can still be carried out without any action taken against them. The procedures have also become extremely numerous and thus difficult to regulate. Latham says, â€Å"This is exactly what might be expected given the incredible volume and variety of animal research† (38), even if the law were to come out and ban practices that it currently views as unacceptable, given the ever changing nature of research and development, it can be concluded that new procedures do come up faster than the t ime it takes to investigate and enact laws regarding their use. For this reason an outright stop to the practice of animal testing would be a more effective solution to the problem of animals getting harmed during research more so in the field of cosmetics where the end product is most of the time simply made to satisfy the vanity of an individual. According to Stephanie, â€Å"sixty-five percent of the population people support the use of animals for testing products for medical purposes (33).† It is for medical purposes that they support these procedures; the use of animal testing in the cosmetic industry does not have as many supporters. Animal testing must also stop due to the use practice of some experiments which from the start are outright to cause harm to the animal even if the purpose is to benefit humans in the end. An example of this is seen in the testing of the telos characteristic in animals. The telos characteristic is a trait that is observed in jackals and ra ccoons whereby if the leg is trapped and no amount of struggle will set them free then the animal opts to gnaw off the leg rather than be immobilized. An experiment that is set up to see if this characteristic is present in other animals has no excuse to say that it did not intend to harm the

Critically discuss the business case for diversity and inclusion by Essay

Critically discuss the business case for diversity and inclusion by drawing on academic theories, research evidence and practice - Essay Example In addition, the business rationale behind embracing a diverse workforce will be also underlined. Finally the popularity and benefits that an organization draws for having diverse and inclusive workforce will be portrayed. The discussion section will illustrate the effect of diversity and inclusion on the factors such as -corporate success, profit, innovation, risk, creativity, individuality, experience and personality of employee. Also some of other aspects of diversity an inclusion will be underpinned. The management of diversity at the micro level, macro level and meso level will be also discussed. Furthermore, challenges pertaining to the implementation of diversity will be also examined. Based on the findings from different sources, a conclusion will be drawn that will mark the importance and benefits of a having a diverse and inclusive workforce. Finally some suggestions for managing and encouraging diversity in an organization will be provided. Background There will be only fe w people in this world who will disagree with the fact that positive relationship with colleagues and having respect for each other promotes better working environment and results in higher productivity. A number of organizations around the world proudly exhibit their espoused values like teamwork, individual dignity, integrity and respect among the employees (Bailne, 2007, p.2). They also have a sense of harmony throughout the organization. However there are also organizations which face several complexities in maintaining the workforce and internal harmony. The employees of those organizations are faced with large number of obstacles in carrying out their day to day activities. These issues do not arises for less qualification or low performance levels, rather it generates for some group membership activities. Several scholars stresses on the fact that the only way to curb such occurrences is implementation of workforce diversity and creating an inclusive workforce. Organizations should try their level best to embrace diversity in their human resources. Thus considering the present business environment there is a need for a shift in paradigm for the way organizations look towards the subject of creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. Defining Diversity Diversity is a broader aspect. From the perspective of human resource of an organization, diversity signifies having employees from different segments of the society. It is therefore defined as the element or aspect which is being used by the organizations to differentiate people and group from each other. This comes in the form of national origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, education and disability. Nevertheless diversity in an organization does not remain constrained with those elements only. It also takes into account life style, working experience and culture. Hence diversity is considered as a ‘big idea’ or a ‘big thing’ in a society as well as in a business venture. Moreover, it help organizations to embrace large variety of people within the system (Gatrell and Swan, 2008, p.3). Defining Inclusion Inclusion is the

How do you account for the global decline in trade union membership in Essay

How do you account for the global decline in trade union membership in the past 25 years . Critically assess whether this is a trend to be welcomed or deplored - Essay Example They face problems of retaining quality members. It has been found that there is substantial erosion not only in the membership but also in the bargaining power of the unions. For developing close understanding with the recent trends in the fall of the trade union membership, it has been intended to enlighten the present scenarios of two countries- United Kingdom (UK) and Australia. It has been found that the trade union membership has been reduced over the previous two decades in the UK. According to the statistics of 1979, there were 13.3 million people under the membership of trade unions which refers to 55% of the overall employees. Decline in the trade union membership during the period of 1995 to 2006 can be exhibited through a diagram. Several reasons are there for the decline in the memberships. Firstly, the drastic reduction in the number of jobs mainly in the manufacturing industries that acquire traditionally higher amount of union membership can be blamed. Secondly, increasing level of unemployment is also held responsible for the decline. Recent trends say that traditional full time employment has been reduced whereas an increase in the part time workers has been noticed which is not beneficial to the increase in trade union membership. In small organisations, it is difficult to form trade unions and a sharp amplification in the proportion of employed workforce has been observed. Hostile legislation can be considered as another reason of decline in the UK (TUC, 2010). Across Australia, a sharp decline in the trade union memberships has been noticed. The declination is a result of significant transformation in the ‘industrial relations environment’. Data reveals that 46% of the entire employee force in the year of 1986 belonged to the trade unions. Opening up of individual and collective bargaining and gaining prominence of decentralised bargaining, has reduced the importance of the unions in the

International Financial Market And Modern Capitalism Case Study - 1

International Financial Market And Modern Capitalism - Case Study Example The market has evolved to inject more liquidity in the global economy. In between certain developments have taken place but the evolution is still on. Many people argue that this kind of money helped in creating inflation in the economy. Today the major stock markets are the London Stock Exchange, NYSE Euronext, Hong Kong Stock Exchange, NASDAQ and Shanghai Stock exchange. The recent one is NYSE Euronext, headquartered in New York, was established on 4th April 2007 (NYSE, 2009). London Stock Exchange, being the oldest among these major stock exchanges, has a history of 300 years; though in 1801 it was formally formed under the name of London Stock Exchange. Starting its business in a coffee shop in London, now this exchange has its own TV studios for live financial broadcasts throughout the day. In October 2007 this exchange was merged with Borsa Italiana to emerge as Europe’s foremost exchange business, London Stock Exchange Group. The exchange is having the largest number of countries admitted to trade there, making it the most international among all the stock exchanges of the world (London Stock Exchange, 2009). The very first financial market evolved was Amsterdam stock exchange, in 1600. In 1602 the Dutch East India Company pioneered trading with issuing the first share on this exchange. Even in the 1960s, Amsterdam was the first mover to introduce currency swaps in financial markets. Then the 1970s came with the innovation of some new instruments. Floating rate instruments, trading of futures on foreign currency, interest rates and on stock market indices were introduced within this period. Whenever one instrument is introduced, the market remains mostly unregulated. After a certain time, regulatory constraints get introduced to make the market more regulated and more liquid. For an example when floating rate instruments came into the picture, it was the first instrument that was linked to a floating interest rate (LIBOR).

Corporate law Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 7500 words

Corporate law - Coursework Example The announcement confronted disparate reactions. Some applauded the government's plans, while others stringently opposed them, questioning the very need for the adoption of a corporate manslaughter bill. A third group maintained the exigencies of designing and passing into legislature a corporate manslaughter bill but voiced doubt over the proposed bill's capacity to address the problem. The imperatives of bestowing legal recognition upon corporate manslaughter, on holding corporate entities criminally liable for acts/cases of unintentional manslaughter, and the capacity of the proposed bill to effectively address the defined problem, comprise some of the dissertation's core concerns. Since the 1980s many companies in the U.K. ... 1.1 Research Background Since the 1980s many companies in the U.K. have been exposed to charges of corporate manslaughter - many disasters and incidents of death involving corporations such as Piper Alpha explosion, Hillsborough Stadium disaster, the capsize of the Herald of Free Enterprise etc., which were initially deemed and labelled as tragic 'accidents,' at the most attributable to the unlawful action of individuals, were later proved to be more a result of corporate malfeasance than individual offence.1 But, for various reasons including the absence of an appropriate law for tackling the offence; the application of flawed criminal law doctrines, ill-suited to corporate criminality; the absence of judicial and political commitment etc, in almost all the major cases, the criminal charges against the corporations failed at the prosecution stage itself. Beyond effective social and legal control, large and powerful corporations continue to inflict severe harm to society through negligent and/or reckless la w breaking. The rising public consternation about the consequences of corporate negligence and the persistent call for appropriate criminal justice intervention for effectively tackling corporate malfeasance has received significant impetus from the government during the past decade, as new and more effective steps for prosecuting companies are explored - the introduction of the new and separate offence of "corporate killing" and the introduction of draft Corporate Manslaughter Bill in 2005 may be considered as major steps in this direction. Nonetheless, the lack of urgency demonstrated by the British Government in enacting into law the 'corporate killing' offence is appalling - first

Competitor analysis of wedding companies in London Essay

Competitor analysis of wedding companies in London - Essay Example After people are becoming more and more interested in having destination weddings, several companies have been introduced to offer services such as planning a destination wedding which can really be hectic for an individual. Destination Weddings.com is among the most popular in London (DestinationWeddings.Com 2015). Lindy Dowling Wedding & Event Planners is another upcoming wedding planning company in London that is quickly gaining a fan base. Those who do not prefer traditional weddings and are willing to put in as much money as possible in making a wedding their most memorable moments go for the luxury weddings. The best thing about the weddings is that they are top notch in everything that a package offers. The food, drinks, reception, and every part of the wedding is characterized by glamor. There are increasingly large number of luxury wedding planners entering the market today. One of them is orchid Inspirational event planning (OrchideEvents 2015). The company is a new entrant and it is not established very well though it still attracts good number of clients. Sarah Haywood Luxury Wedding Planners & Event Designers have been in the market longer and the company is hailed as the best luxury wedding in London. There are several advantages that come with choosing a company to arrange a wedding event. Naturally, there are too many things involved in planning a wedding (Brown 2013). The choosing of a suitable location for a wedding could be tricky itself. A wedding planner offers so much help as they ask for the type of place one would prefer, sometimes bringing with them several pictures that the clients can choose from and providing insights on the best places to go (Brown 2013). The whole planning involved getting a wedding attire, choosing its colour, dressing people up, and what is required in the reception and the food (Brown 2013). These companies, at a fee, simplify all these so that the clients only worry about showing up for the

Human Relations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Human Relations - Essay Example Researchers emphasized culture, interpersonal relations, and group coherence as the determinants of worker performance. Before industrial revolution the work was mostly performed by individual workers. Any particular skill was undertaken by an individual and was time consuming. As a result the productivity was low. With the industrial revolution the nature of work and the role of the worker underwent major changes. With the arrival of machines and factories, the production increased. Along with raw materials and capital, labor was also considered a part of the manufacturing process. The employers never considered how productivity was influenced by a worker's mental needs. As a result, motivation, social relations and working conditions were never considered important. Nevertheless it affected productivity in a major way. This movement had many followers like Keith Davis, Chris Argyris, Fred Herzberg, and Rensis Likert who assumed the underlying employee-employer harmony. They attributed restriction of output to the poor communication between workers and managers, and inadequate attention to the human side of worker. Elton Mayo (1880-1949), a Harvard professor trained in psychopathology and other researchers from Harvard University initiated what have become known as the Hawthorne Studies at the Hawthorne plant of Western Electric Company near Chicago. (The Human relations movement (circa 1929-1951))They wanted to study how the changes in physical working conditions affect employee productivity. The study revealed that even when the physical characteristics of the job like salary were declined, and employee complaints ignored, the productivity of the employees was not reduced. On the other hand there was an increase in productivity. This phenomenon was called as Hawthorne effect where the productivity of the employees who participate in the study increases only because of the attention they receive from the researchers. This discovery forms the basis of the human relations movement because it suggests that employees are highly motivated to work better when they feel important and when their work is recognized. Over the years Hawthorne effect has been successfully used by managers to increase productivity. Implementation of "self-study committees, announcing surprise audits, establishing task forces of various kinds, and in general, keeping the workers tied up with busy-work that has the appearance of ongoing research" was undertaken. Mayo stated that the reason workers are motivated by such things is that individuals have a deep psychological need to believe that their organization cares about them, is open, concerned, and willing to listen. (The Human relations movement (circa 1929-1951)) According to mayo there should be a friendly relation between the employers and workers. At the same time the employers should consider the human values first and not the quality of the work. The employees' opinion about their work and working conditions must be taken into consideration. Further any changes in the organization must take into consideration the employees' view. This became a predominant philosophy and many theories sprung up

The Hunger Problem and Its Causes Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Hunger Problem and Its Causes - Assignment Example From the report it is clear that the first chapter of the book is titled ‘Nutritional Problems’. In this chapter, the author explores the issue of the increased number of people in the world who are living in hunger and who are undernourished. The author takes into consideration the current statistics from Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). These statistics indicate that the current population of undernourished people to be above one billion people in the world, an increase of more than 100 million in just one year. Kent uses this introductory chapter to provide a vivid picture of the hunger and food insecurity situation in the world. He expresses concerns that the United Nations Millennium Development Goal of halving the number of people suffering from hunger by 2015 might not become a reality. This study highlights that the second chapter of the book is titled ‘Widening Gaps.' Kent in this chapter explores the basic cause of hunger and food insecurity. This baseline cause is the ever-widening gap between the poor and the rich. He starts to review this from a basic level of the economically different households who he expresses that they will have differing access to foods. This is significantly represented in the national and global perspective. From his representation, the widening gap economic ability gap between developed and underdeveloped countries is directly causing problems in the access of nutrition to many of the people in the developing and undevel0oped countries.

A Comedy Without Substance by William Shakespeare Essay Example for Free

A Comedy Without Substance by William Shakespeare Essay Old and new comedy both appear during the play, they are only produced for entertainment purposes.Old comedy usually sees a plot with a problem to overcome. This is attempted with a absurd plan, often leading to satire and buffoonery.These key features of old comedy are shown when Hero has to fake her death in order for Claudio to marry her and dogberry and verges court case to gain respect and honour.New Comedy is also visible in the play, it ischaracterised by young man chasing a young woman, the protagonist has to overcome social difficulties in order to succeed in pursuit and eventually ends with restoration. Claudio and Hero are clear examples of old comedy, however Benidick and Beatrice don’t fit into this typical mold but are key romantics. The defective Exchange is a conversation which breeches usual rules of conversation (Grice’s Maxims) which are:1.Be truthful 2. Be concise. 3. be clear. 4. be relevant. In Much Ado About Nothing, this is reflected through those who are out of step or disagree with society.Dogberry and his companions of the middle-class are key characters of this. The use of breeching Grices Maxims in Much ado about nothing cause the play to become a comedy without substance.Dogberry breaks the maxims by not being relevant as he says â€Å"Thou wilt be condemned into everlasting redemption for this†Shakespeares character Dogberry says redemption instead of damnation, this is a malapropism.The fact that he means precisely the opposite of what he so passionately exclaims makes this a comical use of irony.This technique specifically used here potrays this play to be a comedy without substance as this does not at all having any meaning behind it. However Grice Maxims are also broken by Benidick and Beatrice, â€Å"Well, you are a rare parrot-teacher† â€Å"A bird of my tongue is better than a beast of yours† â€Å"I would my horse had the speed of your tongue, and so good a continuer. But keep your way, i Gods name; I have done.† â€Å"You always end with a jades trick: I know you of old†. Shakespeare uses Bendic k and Beatrices merry war for the audience to percieve the characters true feelings for one another, despite the characters not knowing so creating dramatic comedy. They are breaking the Grice Maxim of be truthful. Shakespeare covers these characters true feelings and mixes between good and bad roles of characters. Therefore this shows Much Ado About Nothing is a comedy with substance as Shakespeare explores the geography of human soul. Shakespeare uses comic pairing to create comedy from their dialogue and interaction. Much ado about nothing therefore here is represented as only for entertainment so is a comedy without substance.Dogberry and his companions enter the play at a moment of high drama. â€Å"Come hither, neighbour Seacoal. God hath blessd you with a good name. To be a well-favoured man is the gift of fortune, butto write and read comes by nature† â€Å"Both which, Master Constable â€Å"You have. I knew it would be your answer. Well, for yourfavour, sir, why, give God thanks and make no boast of it; andfor your writing and reading, let that appear when there is no need of such vanity† Dogberry messes his words through out all of his lines.He mistakes writing and reading as a sign of vanity which allows the audience to get a glimpse of exactly how Dogberry views the world. To him, being a learned man is a good way to show off how refined you are. He attempts to use a wide range of speech to convince everyone that’s he’s a gentleman, even though he doesn’t really have a grasp of the vocabulary he employs, he is trying to decieve those of upper class. This is purely for laughs and entertainment without any kind of meaning behind it, therefore proving the play is a comedy without substance. However the Beatrice and Benidck are comically paired by Shakespeare to create comedy, however this shows Much Ado About Nothing is a comedy with substance as there is a key message behind this pairing.â€Å"Why, then your uncle, and the Prince, and Claudio Have been deceived; for they swore you did† â€Å"Do not you love me?† â€Å"Troth, no; no more than reason. â€Å"Why, then my cousin, Margaret, and Ursula.Are much deceivd; for they did swear you did†Ã¢â‚¬Å"They swore that you were well-nigh dead for me† Shakespeare potrays Benedick and Beatrice as having a view that everyone around them i s deceived about their love for each other, but they’re only fooling themselves.Here Shakespeare expresses that despite Bendick and Beatrices clear intelligence and wit, they themselves are unable to show their true feelings. This shows the play is a comedy with substance. Their clever wit is used to decive eachother, however this produces dramatic irony as the audience know this is not the case.â€Å"I would my horse had the speed of your tongue, and so good acontinuer. But keep your way, a Gods name! I have done† â€Å"You always end with a jades trick. I know you of old†.Shakespeare uses the two characters language as weapons, but they never seem to be able to end or resolve their fights. Benedick backs out first, this creates a comedy with substance as women in the Victorian times were supposed to be seen and not heard. Shakespeare uses characters so the audience to laughing with and laughing at them.The audience laughs openly at Dogberry and the townsmen whereas they do not laugh outright at the people of the court, except in the case of Beatrice and Benedick and the way they are deceived and deceive themselves which suggests more respect is given for the higher class. This shows it is a comedy with substance as it is shown here the difference in which classes are taken as.Dogberry, a watchman is comical relief for the comedy itself. He is memorable in that he constantly uses malapropisms, or incorrect uses of words, in his dialogue. Goodman Verges, sir, speaks a little off the matter-an old man, sir, and his wits are not so blunt. Shakespeare uses malapropism here, instead of sharp he says blunt, this creates dramatic comedy as we are laughing at Dogberrys dialogue mistakes. This is only seen in the lower class characters. Despite Dogberry sussing out Don John he is still considered to be the almost clown of the play.Another low class character is Margret,, in contrast with Dogberry she is not trying to gain higher respect, she has no respect for herself..â€Å"Of what, lady? of speaking honorably?† Whilst talking to Hero while she is having doubts she mentions the word honourable this creates dramatic irony since the plot is about to turn into a question of honourbaility due to Margrets actions.This part of the play is purely for entertainment for the build up to the plot so therefore Much Ado about nothing is a comedy without substance. Shakespeare uses the upper class to allow the audience to laugh with them. These characters are better educated and have more wit. Beatrice is one of these characters â€Å"I had rather hear my dog bark0` at a crow, than a man swear he loves me.† This creates dramatic comedy as men usually have that attitude towards love and women. Shakespeare uses Beatrice to portray a dominant,powerful woman who can fight her own battles compared to the steretypical woman role.This is purely just for entertainment to create comedy.However Bendick despite his higher education reads into things too much and is tricked into thinking Beatrice likes him which causes collusion â€Å"Ha! Against my will I am sent to bid you come in to dinner.Theres a double meaning in that. I took no more pains for thosethanks than you took pains to thank me. Thats as much as to say, Any pains that I take for you is as easy as thanks. If I do not take pity of her, I am a villain; if I do not love her, I am a Jew. I will go get her picture† Benedick convinces himself that there†™s underlying romantic meaning in Beatrice’s words, even when that’s obviously not the case. Love has the power to make us see what we want in conversation. Exclusion is taking place here as Shakespeare shows even higher classes are fooled and mistaken therefore,substance is clear as it shows there is not much difference between the two classes. Shakespeare uses trickery to make Much Ado about Nothing a comedy. Comedy has a substance here as it shows it does not expose evil just a lack of awareness.Hero tricked by Don Pedro as he is wooing Hero for Claudio.Tis once, thou lovest,And I will fit thee with the remedy.I know we shall have revelling to-night.I will assume thy part in some disguise and tell fair Hero I am Claudio,And in her bosom Ill unclasp my heartAnd take her hearing prisoner with the forceAnd strong encounter of my amorous tale†.Don Pedro here manipulates gullible and innocent Hero into falling in love with Claudio. It’s shady that Don Pedro will get Hero to fall in love with his words, thinking they’re Claudio’s words. Claudio and Don Pedro don’t care if they manipulate Hero under falseness,as they’ve only got their eyes on the prize of winning her even if she is deceived into being won by a guy she doesn’t know and has never spoken to. Trickery creates substance as it potrays Shakspeares as evil being seen as a lack of awareness. Beatrice and Bendick are also tricked into loving eachother.Shakespeare creates this for the audience to laugh at their naivety and foolishness despite their typical wit.Much Ado About Nothing is a comedy with substance as the message behind this specific plot is anyone can be decieved and fooled since the wittiest and intelligent of characters get fooled. Don Pedro expresses this.â€Å"Benedick that, in despite of his quick wit and his queasy stomach, he shall fall in love with Beatrice. If we can do this,Cupid is no longer an archer; his glory shall be ours, for we are†Don Pedro and Claudio create deception, but rather than tricking him into loving Beatrice, they are manipulating Benedick into making his own decision. Don Pedro also refers to them as being cupid despite lies and deciet taking place. This play is a comedy with substance as Shakespeare shows even the higher archery of society lie and deciet. Shakespeare critises marriage during the play through using the characters, yet the plot finishes its destination at the moment of resoultion where all is solved by marriage. This shows Much Ado about nothing is a play made purely for entertainment purposes with no substance.

The Sioux Tribe From The Great Plains In North America

The Sioux Tribe From The Great Plains In North America Sioux Tribe Before Contact The Sioux Tribe from The Great Plains in North America. The Sioux Tribe had a very different cultural outlook compared to our more modern culture. They did not have our advanced technology standards or the amount of knowledge about the world that we currently have. Although they didnt have the knowledge we have, they knew more about their land than many other tribes. They knew a lot about the animals and resources they had and when they would have to move. The Siouans moved according to the amount of resources they had in their area. This included the amount of water, plants and mainly bison. The Siouans followed the masses of bison as they played a very important role in their lives. The Sioux Tribes most distinguished quality was their religious beliefs. They did everything according to these beliefs which was the foundation of their culture. They actually had a very sophisticated and complicated religion but managed to merge it into their daily lifestyle. The Sioux Tribes held many ceremonies to thank the gods and spirits, who they believed existed within nature itself. Most natural occurrences were believed to be caused by the hateful spirits. Though, the wanted occurrences were thought to be given as a reward from Mother Nature. They believed that the land and all life was sacred and treasured the saying All life is holy the two legged sharing it with the four legged and the wings of the air, and all green things. Timeline of events which occurred before contact with non-indigenous people 6000BC The Siouans changed their food acquisition strategies to meet changing conditions by developing new tools and techniques for hunting bison. 3. Early trade among early peoples found in Manitoba copper from Lake Superior, pipestone from Minnesota, shell from the Gulf of Mexico, volcanic glass from Wyoming, flint from North Dakota. 500BC Climate change appeared to hamper growth of native corn varieties First Nations and The Sioux Tribes gradually switched from agriculture to more hunting, fishing and trapping. Maize was grown but bison hunting appeared to be dominant. Maintained important trading relationships and cultural exchanges with First Nations from the south. 1100 AD 1500 AD Map of where the Sioux Tribes were located During Contact and Comparison To Aboriginal Contact The non-indigenous people who colonized the land were the Europeans such as the Spanish and French and the white men otherwise known as the British. The original intents of the Europeans and British were to expand their land for power and for wealth. After Christopher Columbus first discovered America expecting it to be Asia it alerted other nations. This caused other countries to colonise around these areas and hence the Spanish were the first people to meet with the Siouans. The Spanish spread news about the resources and large areas to other European countries which led to more and more Europeans colonizing in that region. As well as the large amounts of space, the Europeans and British took notice of the valuable resources which then led to the trading and mining of the land. During that time, one of the most valuable resources was gold. Loads of gold was found around that region which caused a gold rush, and because of the overwhelming greed of the Europeans, more and more people began to rush to this region which forced the Siouans to leave their lands and move to other areas where the bison went. The Europeans and others were so greedy that they rapidly colonized the whole area thinking that there would be masses of gold there as well which continually forced the Siouans to move away. The first arrival of the Europeans was quite friendly and they had no evil intentions. They wanted peace with the Sioux Tribes and didnt want to disrupt their beliefs and cultural habits. Even though they had different perspectives and beliefs compared to the Sioux Nation, they didnt really mind their differences until later on. Both groups thought that their cultural practices were acceptable at first but when they gained more knowledge about what each group did, they both detested the others beliefs and despised each other. The Europeans believed that all land could be bought and completely owned which disgusted the because they believed that all land was sacred and holy. They thought that the land could be used by everyone for the benefit of everyone. The Sioux Tribe let the Europeans take over their land only because they wanted peace and thought that everyone was allowed on the land. After the Europeans slowly maintained more and more of the Siouans sacred land and began to break their promises. The Siouans saw their horrible intentions of taking over all of the land which was evil and intolerable hence the Siouans declared war on the Europeans. The first known meeting between any western Siouans and the whites was in 1541, when De Soto reached the Quapaw villages in east Arkansas. The Spanish and the Siouans didnt really fight because they had met had the Valley of Vapors. Members of many tribes had gathered at the valley over many years to enjoy the healing properties of the thermal springs. The tribes had developed agreements to put aside their weapons and partake of the healing waters in peace while in the valley. De Soto and his men stayed just long enough to claim the area for Spain. In 1640 the earliest notice of the main northwestern tribe is that of the French explorers. Some French traders soon followed. These men wanted the furs of animals that lived in the Dakota country such as buffalos. In exchange, they introduced the Dakota to goods such as flint and steel. These traders also brought glass, breads, metal knives, axes, guns, flour and sugar to the Dakota. At first the Siouans were fine with the white Europeans since they brought goods. They were able to enjoy the benefits brought to them by the traders and did not suffer much upset to their way of life because there were only a few white people who lived on their land, but by 1685, the Sioux territory was claimed by the French pushing the Siouans down the Mississippi and away from the Buffalo Plains. The Sioux Tribe despised what the Europeans did so they declared war. The first contact of Europeans or white people was quite different between the Sioux tribe and the indigenous people of Australia. They were different in the sense that the Sioux tribe benefitted a little from the Europeans where as the Aborigines suffered major consequences from the British. When the French traders first met the Sioux tribe, they wanted the furs of animals that lived there and in return the Siouans received some goods such as flint and steel as well as guns and other weapons. This helped both the Siouans and the French because they were able to gain new information and products or resources. When the British first met the indigenous people of Australia, they wanted to claim the land and thought that no one owned it. So they decided to ship their convicts over to Australia because they needed more space. The Aborigines didnt want them there because they were greedy and stole their valuable resources and didnt give much in return. This was terrible and so the Aborigines tried to force them to leave which resulted in the death of many Aborigines. This is very different because the initial result for the Siouans was helpful whereas the result for the Aboriginals was brutal and fatal. Though the end the result for both groups were similar because that they both ended up fighting wars. Consequences of Colonization and Comparison to Aboriginal Experiences The result of colonization for the Sioux tribe started off quite well because they were given new resources and goods such as horses, cloth and guns. Unfortunately, with new resources came new diseases that the Siouans had no immunity over such as small pox which killed many of the Siouans. Cultural differences also caused mass destruction in the Sioux tribe. The Siouans believed in different things compared to the Europeans which caused distrust leading into major arguments and battles or clashes where many people were killed. Treaties were made by both sides, but people changed these treaties which were then ignored. Soon, the Sioux and other nations were given reservation land to live on, but frequently they were relocated when valuable commodities such as gold were found on their lands. After a long period of time with the Europeans, they began fighting at war again because of land and resources that the Siouans were receiving. This caused major conflict between the groups and soon the Siouans were forced to leave their land. For the Spanish and other Europeans, colonization was quite rewarding for them from the beginning and afterwards although it led to the death of many Siouans and Europeans. It was rewarding for the Europeans because they eventually got what they originally intended. They obtained the land and resources they wanted as well as their precious gold. This was wonderful for the Europeans because it meant that they had huge masses of land and they could easily expand their territories across the whole of America. By taking the land, the Europeans became extremely powerful and wealthy. The Spanish also learnt some of the cultural practices from the Sioux Tribes which benefitted them greatly. However taking over the land wasnt all that great because it meant that thousands of people from both colonies had to be killed in the process of conquering the land. Colonization of the Spanish also meant that they would have to adapt to the conditions of that region which also brought them some new diseases and difficulties because they couldnt completely utilize the advantages or conditions of the land. For both the Sioux Tribe and Aborigines, colonization had an extremely similar result. Once the Europeans and British conquered the Sioux Tribes and took their land, the Siouans were left absolutely powerless. Even though the Sioux Tribes tried to fight back with everything they had, it was still disastrous because their technology and numbers were just incapable of winning. This was exactly the same with the Aborigines because once the British came and tried to conquer the land, they were successful and the Aborigines were left defeated and powerless. The British overpowered the Aborigines with their superior technology and speed on horsebacks. Land wasnt the only thing lost from both cultures. Religious beliefs and cultural practices were also lost through colonization. The traditions of both cultures were greatly affected with major losses. Sacred cultures and beliefs slowly faded away because of the massacres which prevented the indigenous people to pass down their stories or Dreamtimes from generation to generation. Both indigenous groups took massive tolls because of the mass annihilation and destruction of colonization. This was horrible because no one was able to live in peace and harmony.

Steroid Use In Professional Sports Sport Essay

Steroid Use In Professional Sports Sport Essay Steroid use in professional sports: are the punishments fair? Introduction Anabolic steroids are continually used by sporting professionals though major sporting organizations have banned their usage due to the negative attributes and effects associated with continued usage. Many nations are troubled by the increasing occurrences of usage of performance enhancing drugs exhibited by the sports people. Professional athletes and baseball players have been in the limelight especially during the summer and American Olympic Games. According to recent survey both old and seasoned sportspeople and athletes use steroids to enhance their performance. Teenagers also admit to have used the steroids at some point of their life (Paterson, 1998). A recent poll on US, about 43% of Americans believe that almost half of the athletic professionals and American Olympics athletes in the country use steroids. Since non medical usage of steroids is illegal, amendments have been advanced in the Anabolic steroid control regulations to make possessions of these drugs a federal crime. Anabolic steroids which are testosterone derivatives enable the body to quickly metabolize the ingested proteins thereby enabling quick synthesis and formation of skeletal muscle. Primarily, sports personalities have continually used the steroids in order to delay the feelings of fatigue and ultimately enabling a feeling of euphoria be exhibited. This boosts their performance levels. This document will highlight the prevalence of the vice amongst the sporting personalities and the kind of punishment advanced to the falters of the rules. With evidence from the Anabolic steroids governing bodies and major sports associations like the Olympics, NFL, NHL and the NBA, a critical analysis of the rules and penalties will be advanced. An agency referred to as World Anti- Doping has consistently maintained a list of steroids which are deemed to enhance performance like Dianabol, Anadrol, winstrol and oxandrin. Literature review Commonly abused steroids There are generally three types of steroids which are commonly abused by sports professionals. Anabolic, Cortico and androgenic steroids are available in the market though the US Government has banned their usage. Anabolic and androgenic steroids have growth and thickening effects on the users skeletal muscles, larynx, vocal chords as well as the bones while affecting a considerable loss in body fat. When taken a remarkable transformation in the body of the user is exhibited due to increased muscle bulk and general body strength. This is primarily the reason why many sports people opt to use the anabolic steroids due to increased strength and agility exhibited after continued usage (Rogak, 1992). Without a valid prescription usage and possession of anabolic steroids is illegal. The Cortico steroids are made in such a way that they mimic the function of the naturally occurring cortisone in the human body. Cortisone deals with injuries in the body by regulating inflammation in the body . The Cortico steroids are used in treatment of such illnesses as asthma, allergies and kidney diseases. Common street names advanced for these steroids include pumpers, weight trainers, Arnolds amongst others. Erythropoietin is commonly used by endurance athletes in a bid to improve on their performance. The drug works to increase the amount of red blood cells present in the body by stimulating the production and release of the red blood cells from the bone marrow. So when there are many red blood cells available in the body, a lot of oxygen is circulated in the body thereby increasing performance. Steroid use in sports The prevalence of steroid usage in sporting arena is high and stiff penalties have been advanced to the sports people found taking the drugs. Most athletes who take steroids do so in a bid to push the performance of their bodies past the limit thereby acquire a competitive advantage ahead of their opponents. Continued usage of steroids results to remarkable increase in muscle mass and strength thus giving the user a competitive edge over his opponents. Common usage of steroids is exhibited in those sporting activities which largely require a lot of strength and large size like football, baseball or wrestling as well as those requiring a lot of endurance like swimming and track athletes (Rogak, 1992). Body builders as well as individuals who fancy developed muscles largely fall prey in taking steroids. Except for the increased body strength and mass exhibited after continued usage of steroids, skill and performance of a player is not increased. It is such factors as the body size, age , diet and the frequency of training which determines the general performance of a sportsperson. Testing and Punishment procedures Every sporting agency has different procedures through which it administers testing and punishments to the players so as to determine whether they are under the influence of steroids. Though a lot of politics exists regarding the ways to administer testing of players, all stakeholders in the sporting arena acknowledge the need to test and make public the results thereby reduce the skepticisms associated with usage of steroids (Rogak, 1992). Challenges exist though, especially when players claim that a move to undertake testing will interfere with their privacy and the results may be maliciously influenced through falsely accusing the players of using steroids. Different sports have their testing procedures which they undertake. The minor league baseball players are tested for cocaine, marijuana, steroids as well as androstenedione. The first time offenders undergo education, counseling and treatment and are constantly subjected to random tests. Suspension from the league is affected to repeat offenders. NFL players are tested during the preseason with random tests being done throughout the season and offseason. A first time offender earns a four game suspension, a second offence earns six games suspension while a third offence earns a complete expulsion. For NBA, the rookies are tested four times each year with penalties of suspensions without pay being advanced to the falters. The US Olympic team has stringent testing procedures with such activities as blood doping, stimulants, alcohol, marijuana as well as mimetic being prohibited. Penalties differ depending on the substance used. Primarily the penalties range from public warnings to suspensions ranging from two to five years. Benefits of punishing steroid usage Since the inception of the Steroid control act many sports personalities involved in steroid usage have been stripped off their titles, medals and records held. Thus through the enforcement of the legislations regarding steroid usage issues of cheating as well as hollow victories have been minimized (Paterson, 1998). By not permitting the steroid users sports personalities to compete with the drug free sportspersons is a show of fairness as no competitor is given a competitive advantage over the other players. Sanctity is reverted to the sporting industry since no pressure is advanced to the drug free sportspeople to use steroids in order to continually remain competitive in their field. Constant drug testing need be upheld by all sporting bodies in order to completely deter sports people from taking the steroids while instilling stiff penalties to people found taking the drugs. Curbing Trafficking of steroids Steroids can be obtained from pharmaceutical companies without prescription. Due to the negative effects associated with the drugs most governments have banned their usage and stiff penalties are advanced to the users as well as anyone found in possession of the drugs. There are several proponents of criminalization of individuals found in possession of the drugs. Many people contend that through putting in place stiff penalties, trafficking of the steroids will be deterred (Roberts, 2005). Monitoring the internet selling sources of the steroids will help in reducing instances of influx of the drugs into the market. Relevant Government agencies need monitor such selling avenue so as to determine their source and destination. Strict controls which limit the substances produced by pharmaceutical companies will ensure that destructive drugs like steroids are not undertaken. The control act states that any individual involved in the manufacturing, distribution and dispensation of controlled substances should always register with the attorney general office (Paterson, 1998). Although this move helps in curbing the manufacture and distribution of the steroids, the booming trade of counterfeit labs which mimic the legitimate pharmaceutical companies has resulted. The black market of the steroid drugs which are substandardly manufactured has continually frustrated the Governments efforts to kick out steroids from the reach of the users. Steroids side effects Anabolic steroids are deadly drugs with massive side effects. Since the sporting personalities self administer the drugs without prescription from the physicians, damage caused on the body of a user cannot be underestimated since the right dosage and duration of medication is not adhered to (Roberts, 2005). The side effects exhibited differ between individuals depending on the length of usage, the type of drug taken, individual sensitivity as well as the dosage administered. â€Å"Roid rage â€Å"is particularly common amongst the steroid users where they portray uncontrollable behavior which is spontaneous and overly aggressive especially after they cease to use the drugs. The function of the liver is inhibited by oral use of AS. Liver Lesions have been exhibited by users of nortesterone as well as testosterone esters. The hospitalized patients of steroids have other illnesses like anemia, impotence and renal insufficiency. Usage of steroids with the 17- alpha- alkyl group cause liver turmoil (Roberts, 2005). More often than not the abnormalities are asymptomatic especially because peliosis as well as the liver tumors do not cause blood abnormalities. Continued use of steroids elicits structural changes in the formation of the heart while after discontinued usage ischemic tolerance remarkably decreases. Steroid users are at a greater risk of contracting prostrate cancer and susceptibility to getting skin infections. Since the AS is derived from testosterone, negative side effects are exhibited in the reproductive system. Decreased fertility, formation of breasts in men, irregularities in ovulation and menstrual cycle amongst women is exhibited. Thus through continued usage, males develop female characteristics whereas the females develop female characteristics. Growing children demonstrate viriliza tion, stunted growth and gynecomastia. Steroid usage affects the cardiovascular system resulting to increased blood pressure. The immune system is also affected resulting to decreased productivity of the immune system. Some less serious side effects of acne include acne, rosccea, hair loss and increased fat excretion. Instances of glucose tolerance decrease in the bodies of seasoned steroid users while the levels of insulin in the body considerably increase thus symptoms of type 2 diabetes will be exhibited. Findings and discussions Issue 1: Marion Jones imprisonment and stripping of records, medal and prizes won after 2000, September. She was an award winning track field athlete who admitted to taking performance enhancing steroids. Initially Marion Jones had denied ant involvement with drugs to the press, sports agencies and grand juries. In October, 2007 it was confirmed that Marion Jones returned the five medals she worn during the 2000 summer Olympics as was determined by the Anti doping agency of the U.S. Tim Montgomery was stripped his records after being found guilty of using steroids. He retired from sports immediately after the results were made public. The USA anti doping agency found him guilty of using the steroids as well as human growth hormones. A four year ban was imposed on him in December 2005 and consequently stripped him all the awards and records held since 2001. In 2008, Tim admitted that he took testosterone during the Sydney relay hence the reason why his team clinched the gold medal. Rule1: According to the 1990 Anabolic steroid control act, it is a criminal offence to use steroids by sports person in order to enhance athletic and cosmetic performance. Suspension and imprisonment is the ultimate punishment for the defaulters of the rule. Analysis1: The Anabolic steroid control act has placed the usage of steroids in the same class as such drugs as ketamine, LSD precursors as well as barbiturates. According to this act, Mariah Jones is guilty of possessing and using the steroids especially because she was involved in major competition events hence the reason why arrests, persecution and imprisonment was done. Tim Montgomery public admission that he used performance enhancers is a clear demonstration that the vice is deep-rooted amongst the athletes who wish to remain competitive in their various sports. The enforcement of the stipulated penalties serves to warn the users of the drugs against continued usage of steroids when undertaking major competitions. Conclusion1: it is vital that the kind of punishment advanced to sports personalities implicated in steroids use is stepped up in order to show other athletes who are already practicing and those aspiring that usage of steroids is totally unacceptable. Throughout the entire career of Marion Jones, accusations that she was involved in the usage of steroids existed but she always denied until the tests were done in 2007. Thus Marion Jones return of all awards won when she was competing under grand violation of the laid down rules. Issue 2: Ben Johnson, a well known Canadian sprinter enjoyed intense moments of fame in the 1980s especially after winning two bronze medals and a gold medal during the Olympics. During the 1987 world athletics championships and the 1988 summer Olympics he set world records for the 100m race. When traces of Stanozolol were discovered, he was disqualified thus loosing both records and the Olympic title. He was suspended from the field until 1991. After his comeback, he was again found guilty of doping with high levels of testosterone after which he was banned completely from athletics by the IAAF. Rule 2: The world Anti doping agency undertakes testing of blood samples as well as urine samples. Testing is a random and unannounced. A penalty for any offence is a two year ban from athletics competitions. Analysis 2: After the tests done at Seoul, Ben Johnson is reportedly to have denied ever doping. During the 1989 Durbin inquiry, he admitted that indeed he used the steroids under the guidance of his coach Charlie Francis who said that Johnson had always been using the steroids since 1981. Conclusion 2: The usage of steroids need be put on hold especially with the practicing athletes. If usage of steroids is to be continued, then the legitimacy of athletics will be questioned because the results produced are not naturally acquired. Since testing is random, enforcement of the laws becomes easy. Professional leagues which exhibit mysteries will be minimized and the credibility of professional leagues will not be questioned. Issue 3: Barry Bonds who was an acclaimed baseball player was implicated in steroid usage. Through association with steroid usage Barry Bonds awards and achievement in baseball were tainted. He had worn seven MVP awards and numerous homeruns and All-Stars. BALCO regulations completely withhold the usage of steroids thus the reason why Barry Bonds was not reassigned to the San Francisco giants during the 2008 baseball season. He played with the Pittsburgh pirates where his prowess was manifested without being revealed he was under the influence of steroids. Ken Caminiti is another baseball player who publicly admitted to the use of anabolic steroids. He played in the team Atlanta braves and worn three awards of Golden Gloves and the coveted 1996 MVP. His admission to the use of the steroids tainted completely the baseball profession where a common belief is held that all baseball players are indeed involved in the vice. Rule 3: Baseball players who test positive for amphetamines will be automatically tested for the second time with a second offence eliciting 25 game suspension while a third offence will elicit 80 games suspension. Analysis 3: A controversial career life of Barry Bonds was exhibited as he is notably amongst the major baseball players implicated in the usage of steroids. In the 2007, he was indicted for the evils of perjury especially since he obstructed justice when the case to determine investigation of the case and the outcome of the implications of the case. The case is still ongoing even now and its unlikely that he will be reinstated in the national team. Suspicions are high regarding the baseball players as most people believe that the players are souped with steroids in order to build on their muscles. Baseball players admit that a lot of pressure exists which forces them to take steroids especially in order to compete in the majors. Conclusion 3: Washingtons baseball commissioner has advanced several stringent measures in a bid to counter steroids. Players who fail the steroid tests will be required to miss more than a third of the seasons of the match. Due to the threat of legislations which have been spurred, players who use steroids have been put up for stiffer penalties. Stiff penalties are advanced to the players so as to limit occurrence of instances of steroid usage (Yesalis, 2000). The current penalties which are in existence include a 10 day suspension for the first offensive occurrence ,30 days for the second offence and in case of a third offence 60 days suspension is advanced. Most baseball clubs ensure that they test players during the spring training sessions with random training sessions being advanced throughout the seasons in order to ensure that players do not fall prey to the vice (Taylor, 2002). Off season testing is also advanced to the players. Several bills have been advanced in a bid to i ntensify punishments for baseball players who use steroids. Issue 4: An alleged East coast distributor of steroids was arrested with a huge stockpile of anabolic steroids. Rule 4: Non medical possession of anabolic steroids with the intention of personal use or resale is illegal. A first time possession of steroids attracts a punishment of imprisonment period of more than one year with an option of a minimum fine of $1,000. Possession with previous conviction of drugs will attract a 15 day to two years imprisonment or a fine of $2,500. People with more than two instances of charges of steroids will attract an imprisonment term of not less than 90 days and a fine of $5,000.A distributor of steroids attracts a $250,000 to $1,000,000 with an imprisonment option of up to 5 years. Analysis 4: The mere possession of steroids is punishable by law. Steroids users need be wary of the usage of the drugs because once police investigations are undertaken and athletes are found in possession of the steroids, stiff penalties are advanced. Legal penalties associate with the vice are massive as they incorporate jail terms of not less than two years. Sports people who self administer the steroids need to have a clue on the possible consequences associated with possession of the drugs. Conclusion 4: Anyone involved in the usage or in selling of steroids need to reconsider association with the drugs as this is the best way to go about it both medically and legally. The different types of steroids available in the market today do not contribute to improved performance of a sportsperson (Yesalis, 2000). Health side effects will no doubt result hence the reason stringent measures have been advanced to curb continued usage of the drugs. Conclusion The sports figures who are constantly using anabolic steroids to improve their athletic prowess encounter several side effects which ultimately shorten their lives and careers. Thus strict punishments as advanced so curb the vice especially amongst the teenagers who admit to have use the steroids at one point of their training so as to mimic the elite athletes. While many users admit increased body muscles and strength, an alarming increase in injury levels is exhibited (Taylor, 2002). Tendon and ligament injuries erupt due to the massive stress advanced by the overdeveloped muscles owing to the continue usage of steroids. Baseball players attest to the fact that rotator cuff injuries are on the increase due to the usage of steroids. In order to save the legacy of the sporting industries governments and sporting bodies need uphold the strict punishments in the sporting industry. Players need be sensitized on the dangers associated with taking the drugs as well as undertaking regular testing as its not a violation of the constitutional rights but a guard against unethical behavior of steroids abuse. Strategies like healthy nutrition as well as strength training programs need be devised to as to prevent the use of steroids amongst the sporting personalities. References Paterson, E (1998) Anabolic steroids and sports and drug testing, New York, U.S.A: Whitston Pub. Roberts, A (2005) Anabolic steroids. New York, U.S.A: Anabolic Information, LLC. Rogak, L (1992) Steroids: dangerous game. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner Publications Taylor, W (2002) Anabolic steroids and the athlete. North Carolina, U.S.A: McFarland, Yesalis, C (2000) Anabolic steroids in sport and exercise .New York, U.S.A: Human Kinetics.

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorn Essay -- revenge, chillingwort

Revenger consumes the soul of the extractor, and leaves him a shell of his former self. Revenge often leads him down an irreversible path that ultimately proves to be detrimental to him. Such acts are especially grave according to Puritan belief, which holds that vengeance belonged only to God. As a Puritan, Nathaniel Hawthorn knew about such believes, and as a master of words, a literary genius who had a deep understanding of human emotions and boundaries, he develops a story whose central theme was revenge. Hawthorne uses The Scarlet Letter to reprimand revenge as a detrimental act never allows a person to be satisfied and in the end, destroys him. He uses Chillingworth’s conversations with others to characterize Chillingworth’s radical transformation from a scholarly person to a devil whose sole purpose was to torment Dimmesdale as retribution for committing adultery with Hester. In his exposition, Chillingworth, a learned man justly demanded that his wife’s fellow sinner speak up and identify himself. This was no doubt a perfectly normal response for a man, who after being in the company of Native Americans for over three years, happens to come to the right place at the right moment to see his wife on the scaffold, humiliated by the overbearing sin of adultery. In his conversation with Hester in jail, Chillingworth made it clear that he did not intend to harm neither Hester nor Pearl. He contended that had he been a more open caring husband, and not devoted his youth to books and the pursuit of wisdom, such an incident would had never occurred. In admitting partial responsibility for Hester’s sins, Chillingworth is characterized as a humble and sagacious man, which Hawthorne employs as the peak from which he strips away Chil... ...intellectual force – seemed at once to desert him† (254). As a man whose sole purpose thereof was to extract revenge, when death moved one-step ahead of him, he had no more purpose in life, and thus too died within the year. Through an analysis of his dialogue with other characters, the reader can witness Chillingworth’s transformation from a leaned man to a vengeful demon. Hawthorne reveals the detriment of revenge, which ultimately drove Dimmesdale and Chillingworth himself to their unintended death, and condemns it as an act that only God can execute. Only Hawthorne could have conjured such an elaborate love story whose central theme is the devastating effects of revenge. This novel serves to remind people of the harmful consequences of extracting revenge without constraint, and how once a person embarked on the path of vengeance, his demise is set in stone.

PSY 301, Introductory Psychology, 1998, Exam 2 :: UTEXAS Texas Psychology

Introductory Psychology -- Pennebaker Test 2 Please write your name and social security number on THIS PAGE as well as on your Scantron form. Be sure and blacken in the correct dots for your SSN, name, and test form. 1. Hans and Franz are identical twins that were separated at birth. The finally meet at age 45, and find that both of them have become psychology professors. What is the most likely explanation for this similarity? a. both twins had strong psychology genes. b. both twins had strong teaching genes. c. something in the twins’ genes led them to see the world the same way. d. identical environments. e. all of the above are true. 2. Functional fixedness interferes with a. objects or events that are functioning properly. b. looking back to evaluate the success of a strategy. c. defining the problem and goal. d. choosing a solution. e. implementing the chosen strategy in solving a problem. 3. When people of varying cultures were asked to match facial expressions with specific emotions a. there was little agreement, even among people from the same culture. b. there was agreement within a specific culture but not across cultures. c. people from underdeveloped societies had responses not seen in industrial societies. d. there was remarkable agreement among members of all cultures. e. there were large differences between rural and urban societies. 4. The innate physiological mechanism that keeps an individual's body weight at a genetically programmed level is known as the a. homeostatic trigger. b. hunger median. c. genoprogrammatic releaser. d. metabolic master. e. set point. 5. The cessation of breathing during sleep is called a. sleep apnea. b. narcolepsy. c. insomnia. d. paradoxical sleep. e. simulated death. 6. Unlike sex in humans, sex in animals typically takes place a. far more frequently. b. after elaborate courtship and foreplay. c. in run-down hotels. d. in the absence of physiological cues. e. only at certain times of sexual readiness. 7. The affiliation motive often strengthens when people are in a situation involving a. performing a work task. b. helping others. c. the threat of danger. d. independent behavior. e. casual discussions 8. The fact that some people who are very good at some intellectual skills (such as reading or verbal reasoning) are frequently rather poor at other intellectual skills (such as solving math problems) tends to contradict the concept of a. the "g" factor. b. specific intelligences. c. instrumental (operant) conditioning. d. componential IQ. e. factor analysis. 9. Of the following, the BEST example of an aptitude test is a. the MMPI. b. a college final exam. c. a 5th grade spelling test. d. an academic achievement test in arithmetic. e. the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. 10. If Mother Goose sees one of her eggs outside the nest, she will go through a series of steps to move the egg back with her bill.

Dangers of a Totalitarian Society Exposed in Brave New World :: Brave New World

Dangers of a Totalitarian Society Exposed in Brave New World On a superficial level Brave New World is the portrait of a perfect society. The citizens of this Utopia live in a society that is free of depression and most of the social-economic problems that trouble the world today. All aspects of life are controlled for the people of this society: population numbers, social class, and intellectual ability. History is controlled and rewritten to suit the needs of the state. All this is done in the name of social stability. When one looks beneath the surface of this "perfect' society it becomes evident that it is nothing of the sort. Eugenics, social conditioning, and anti-depressant drugs have solved many of the problems faced by many modern societies; poverty, class tensions and overpopulation; but at the costs of individuality and with that their humanity. The citizens of "brave new world" are engineered to suite the needs of the state. Individual expression is impossible because everyone is conditioned to think alike. Brave New World is a book about a future that seems more viable and less brave with each passing day as our values become more materialistic and as our faith in God dwindles slowly to be replaced by technology. Aldous Huxley wrote Brave New World to increase our awareness of this frightening future we seem to be progressing towards so we can prevent it from happening. In the futuristic society of the novel, God has been replaced by science and technology as a source substance and meaning in life. As a consequence the words "Christ" and "God" are replaced with "Ford." This is done because Huxley believed that the shift in emphasis from God to technology occurred, to a large extent, with Henry Ford's introduction of the Model-T.1 Instead of using the Christian calendar this date is used as the opening date of a new era; the date is After Ford (A.F.) 632. This shift in importance is symbolized by substituting the Christian Cross with the Ford T.2 The motto of the new World State that now controls the world is "Community, Stability, Identity." This motto emphasizes the importance of the society over the individual. Community emphasizes the importance of the individual as a contributor to society.