Animal Experimentation Essays (4018 words) - Animal Welfare

Animal Experimentation ANIMAL EXPERIMENTATION Holly Anderson was a strong supporter for animal rights. When she was a little girl, she saw a cat get run over by a car. As she watched it die slowly, some young boys were poking it with a stick. She screamed, Why dont you leave that poor cat alone! One boy replied, We wanted to see if maggots will come out of its nose! Hey Jimmy! the boy yelled at his friend, Go get your firecrackers! Holly started crying and ran away. From then on, she viewed all scientists who use animals to experiment on as immature little boys just trying to get a kick out of blood and guts. Not only did she not like what the scientists did to the animals, she was so close-minded about the issue, she hadnt even considered the other side, and she refused to. Now Holly is thirty-five years old and is happily married with five children and just as many cats. One summer day, she walked upstairs to wake up her children. She walked into the room to see them all very sick in their beds. They were all running a high fe ver and were having trouble breathing. She took them all to the emergency room where they were tested immediately. After a whole days waiting, she was called into a meeting with all the doctors. They told her that her children had contracted a deadly virus that they had never seen before and that they might not live unless the origin of this virus was found. They asked her if she had any animals and how many. She told them she had five cats. The doctors all talked privately and finally made a decision. Im sorry, Ms. Anderson, but I think were going to need those cats to find the serum for the virus. What are you going to do with them? she asked. They then told her they were going to take the cats to the lab where all of them would go through a series of experiments until they found the problem. They also explained they couldnt guarantee that any of the cats would live through the tests or that they wouldnt feel any pain. When they told her this, she pictured in her head a bunch of s cientists standing around her cats poking them with needles everywhere while the cats were restrained and struggling for breath. She shuddered at the thought of her cats going through that, but even more at her children dying. It took her less than five minutes to decide because she realized that animal experimentation could save her childrens lives. A few days later she left the hospital with her children, who were back to their normal, healthy selves. She felt bad for her five cats that were dead, but it was a good feeling having all five of her children there at the funeral for Fluffy, Furry, Frisky, Grumpy, and Stinky. She now understood the other side. She didnt exactly approve of it now, but she knew that animal testing must go on for her childrens children. Holly finally realized that animal testing must go on because it benefits society. There are many reasons a person should agree with animal experimentation, but there are also a few reason why some people are against animal experimentation. A few of these reasons are that animal experimentation is cruel and inhumane, animal experimentation is under regulated, and that there are alternatives to animal experimentation. Many people claim that animal experimentation is cruel and inhumane. It is said that many labs are unsanitary and small. Animals have been seen in cages with unbandaged wounds (Day 67). It is also said that primates are treated inhumanely and are put in small living quarters (Goo 96). They are kept alone and isolated. This is not good for their psychological well being (Wil 79). Actually, most of these claims are invalid due to the laws and regulations that have been set to make sure animals are not being treated like this. For every lab that does any type of animal testing, there has to be a veterinary staff just to watch the animals and the scientists who work on

Worst Cover Letter Advice Use a Quotation in Your Cover Letter

Worst Cover Letter Advice Use a Quotation in Your Cover Letter I came across an article in my travels, Season Your Cover Letter with a Great Quote, that recommended to job seekers that they use an inspiring quotation in their cover letter. In case any of you encounter the same cover letter advice, I want to warn you now NOT to follow it. I strongly discourage anyone from including a quotation in their cover letter, unless that quotation comes from you, a client or supervisor. Examples of Vapid Quotations in Cover Letters Setting an example is not the main means of influencing others; it is the only means. (Albert Einstein) The sample cover letter in the article above included the above quote and stated, You can count on me to live these inspiring words. I know the importance of influencing people for good and that is what I want to be known for. Id welcome the opportunity to meet with you in person so you can judge for yourself. My reaction: Barf. Some other suggested (and I believe empty) quotations from this article: Plan your work for today and every day, then work your plan. Norman Vincent Peale Real success is finding your lifework in the work that you love. David McCullough Success depends on your backbone, not your wishbone. Unknown Author The problem with using these borrowed words is that just because you like a quotation does not mean you will live up to it! In your cover letter, give inspiring examples of what you have done and then say you will live up to your own examples. Hard facts always speak louder than flowery language. When it’s Okay to Use a Quotation in Your Cover Letter When I was a hiring manager I never received a cover letter containing a quotation, but if I had I would have mistrusted it immediately. Anyone can do a Google search for inspiring quotations. Not very many people truly meet the high standards set by those words, so I would caution you to avoid this type of quotation in your cover letter. The exception to this rule is if you have a quote that you wrote yourself, and that you can back up with examples. Also, it’s a great strategy to put some testimonials from other people in your cover letter – either at the top or in the margin. You can get creative with carefully chosen quotations like these. Another option is to use a tagline on both your resume and cover letter. For example, one of my clients says under her name, â€Å"Leading Teams to Performance When the Game is On the Line.† Isn’t that better than some quote by Benjamin Franklin? If you need help developing a cover letter that will help you get interviews, contact us for more information, or view our Resume and Cover Letter Writing Services.

Narrative paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Narrative paper - Essay Example He taught me that life is not easy and one has to discover how to dance in the rain and not just wait for it to pass. I believe that what this means is that one ought not to wait for his difficulties to pass, but instead should know how to handle them. It also means that if one chooses to spend life sitting on the side and wait as life goes by, then he is going to miss on a lot of opportunities. I watched my brother go through a lot of difficulties when he finished his schooling and was looking for employment. He could apply for jobs and not get any feedback. Sometimes he received interview invitations and attended interviews, but the companies never responded. Nevertheless, this did not stop him from trying more chances in the same and even different firms. My brother could rise up in the morning like everybody else who was going to work and leave the house. Sometimes I asked him why he had to wake up that early without any good seeming to come out of it. To me, there was no difference if he left the house at 5:00 am in the morning and if he stayed a little longer to leave at 10.00 am. After all, he was not employed in those companies that he was going to apply for employment. Logically, he would have chosen to stay home and wait for that time that he would be sure that he has an interview to leave the house early. One day he came home excited and narrated to the family how he had obtained himself a job. Everybody was eagerly waiting to hear the kind of job he got. We were overjoyed and happy that finally, his efforts had been rewarded only for him to say that it was an internship that was just offering him transport to the work place. My parents however encouraged him and promised to support him in whichever manner. Following several months of his internship, he was taken in by that company for permanent employment. The company saw his commitment, hard work and perseverance. From my brother’s

Sports marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Sports marketing - Essay Example Badminton finds little support from the American populace given that tennis is the most popular racquet sport. As a racquet sport, tennis has drawn all the interest from other racquet sports, thus, making it popular among the other variables. Badminton has never produced stars in the American society, as in other sports such as tennis and American football. Therefore, it has not gained public interest due to this. The fact that America has few stars in the sport obstructs or hinders it from gaining publicity. The presence of stars in a certain sport assists in offering motivation to the young generation and making other people like the sport. The few athletes in the sport gain little or no media attention, thus, reducing the occurrence of potential participants. The financial income of the badminton players profoundly limits or discourages many people within the populace from joining in the sport. The payments are extremely low as compared to other sports. Therefore, this has led to the public undermining the sport especially if one takes it as the career. Several strategies can serve towards making a sport popular. The strategies utilized in marketing a given sport depend significantly on the extent to which the sport is popular among the people. It can also be reliant upon the resources allocated towards that sport, promotion and advertising approaches to be utilized. The first phase towards marketing a sport is advertising it and educating the masses about the interesting aspects and pleasures derived from participating. Creating awareness among the rest of the population can substantially improve the public’s appeal to a certain sport. The management concerned with badminton ought to develop ways of educating people concerning the sport (Stephens 1). Education can be carried out both at the personal and societal levels. The management can recruit ambassadors to market the sport by educating the masses. Awareness can be created through the

Discussion Responses Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Discussion Responses - Essay Example The focus of this is to understand how individuals manage companies effectively and perform specific tasks. There are four levels of the OB model that cover autocratic, custodial, supportive and collegial. These levels are important for focusing on organizational behavior and allowing individuals to learn how individuals from different backgrounds work together. Individuals affect organizations because they control the atmosphere of the organizations environment. The individual’s actions play a positive or negative role on the events that happen in the organization. The more positive the attitude is, the more positive the productivity will be. Organizations also affect individuals that are in the organization. Individuals that are in an environment with ethics and goals will be positively affected. If the organization is an unsafe, unethical environment the individuals will be negatively affected. Traits of an effective organization are having strong ethics beliefs and goals. An effective organization will have the employee’s needs in mind. Creating a happy work environment for individuals in the organization will improve dedication. Another trait is to be culturally diversified and have strict morals. These traits are a main focus for mangers in the organizations. My organization is unique from other organizations by the use of meetings to increase employees self esteem and let them know they are in a caring environment. Ensuring that employee’s needs are meant is a uniqueness that all organizations should consider. Employees are the lifeline to a company and control organizations productivity. The purpose to study organizational behavior is important because people in general are easy to fall into habit. The habits of individuals in a business setting are likely to be repeated. Studying organizational behavior can improve work places and improve employee/ management relations. The study helps to get an idea of how people function

A Critical Commentary Of Voltaires Candide English Literature Essay

A Critical Commentary Of Voltaires Candide English Literature Essay Voltaires work, Candide, uses powerful satirical narrative to represent slavery in the eighteenth century, the supposed Age of Reason, and Candides epiphany, represented throughout the course of the extract. The passage follows the travels of Candide and his fellows to Buenos-Aires, in search of his beloved Cunà ©gonde. After five days of travelling, he arrives, with Cacambo, outside the town of Surinam, where they encounter a mutilated slave. The theme of slavery is represented most effectively through the descriptions given by the characters, rather than the physical description of the scene provided by the narrator. A slave or nà ¨gre is found on the ground. His physical position, à ©tendu par terre, reflects his social class and the degradation of slaves. The slaves garment, un caleà §on de toile bleue, is hardly weather-proof or durable, highlighting the poverty endured by slaves and the ruthless attitude of their masters. Voltaire withholds the name of the slave, emphasising the disregard for human life implied within society. Nà ¨gre is used to represent the entire slave population. This pejorative term further highlights societys attitude. However, it is important to note that Candide first calls him mon ami, indicating his open nature, perhaps a reflection of Voltaires opinion of slavery. Whilst the masters of slaves are very disrespectful of their slaves, the nà ¨gre calls his keeper maà ®tre, showing a profound respect. To add to masters grandeur, the slave recalls his position in society, qualifying it with the adjective fameux. In this paragraph, the depiction of slavery is brutal, with the tragedies of the workplace and punishment discussed with a banal acceptance. The language used when the slave describes how la meule nous attrape le doigt, on nous coupe la main; quand nous voulons nous enfuir, on nous coupe la jambe gives a feeling of breathlessness and the futility of his attempt to escape. This description of suffering draws accurately on legislation concerning delinquent slaves set out in in the 1685 Code Noir  [2]  .The description also draws a parallel between the relationship between the slave and his master. Voltaires use of restrictive adverbials,  [3]  such as neà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦que demonstrate the physical effects of cruelty on the slave. The language used by the slave is resigned, with a repetitive use of passive structures such as on nous. The slave then coldly states, cest à   ce prix que vous mangez du sucre en Europe. This simple statement highlights the corruption, not only in slavery, but in all levels of society. Leibnizs philosophy of Optimism is evident in the representation of slavery. The slaves resigned account shows an acceptance of life shared with those who follow the belief of Optimism. Leibniz claimed that both human and moral evils were part of a greater good  [4]  .This is further emphasised by the qualification of slavery by the mother of the slave as un honneur. The slave adds an optimistic cependant; this sudden element of bathos reinforces Pangloss meilleur des mondes outlook on life. This optimistic view, personified through Pangloss, contrasts greatly with Candides opinions after witnessing the situation. The absurdity of Optimism, with reference to the slave-trade, is shown when Cacambo asks, Quest-ce que quoptimisme? Cacambo has not used an article before optimism, emphasising how little he cares for it. With reference to the novel as a whole, Optimism is only mentioned directly within this passage. As soon as it is mentioned, it is denounced. Further to the slaves acc ount, he compares his situation with that of des chiens, des singes et des perroquets. The animals might possibly represent the different social classes within society. The passage emphasises how slavery was represented in monetary terms; the slave was sold by his mother for ten à ©cus patagons, the currency of Spain at the time. Moreover, throughout the slaves account of how he came to be in this position, it appears that slavery was represented differently in the West from the homelands of the slaves. The nà ¨gre recalls how his mother told him ils te feront vivre heureux, describing it as an honour to work for nos seigneurs, les blancs. It is interesting that the masters are classed as les Blancs. Voltaire divides society not only by social class, but also by race. It is clear that the people of Guinà ©e were disillusioned by the notion of slavery. The confusion is further emphasised by the religious theme central to the passage. The lexical field of religion emphasises the religious beliefs of the slaves, a central theme in their African culture. Evidently, the slave is religious, as he attends church tous les dimanches. However, Voltaire highlights, yet again, the corruption within society by making it clear to the reader that the slave had been converted. The Pasteur claims that they are tous enfants dAdam, blancs et noirs. This contradicts his earlier statement of the masters being les blancs. Like his clothes and culture, his religious identity has been stripped from him. Here, Voltaire is criticising the social system of the period. It is clear that the slaves are taught what they know not to be true, yet they accept it as it is the way of the world in which they live. Despite Voltaires thought-provoking depiction of slavery in the passage, it is interesting to look critically at Candides attitude to the situation. When he first encounters the slave on the road, he addresses him in a friendly manner, symbolising his naivety and lack of understanding. Voltaires portrayal of Candides naivety is referenced even in his name. Candide is taken from Latin and connotes whiteness, openness, naivety, innocence and, more negatively, inexperience and credulity.  [5]  The passive language of the slave throughout his description of his horrific ordeal is a direct juxtaposition with the raw emotion portrayed through Candides reaction. The flaws in Panglosss optimism are clearly highlighted, especially during Candides discourse. W.H Barber suggest that the characters help Voltaire in his purpose of parodying the episodic adventure novel [making it possible for the reader] to view characters and narrative as it were externally, and consequently critically to become aware of the caricature and exaggeration, the deliberate implausibilities, the bathetic contrasts  [6]  . Despite Candides denouncing of belief, he does little else to react to the situation. Candide merely begins to cry, leaving the slave where he found him. The reader criticises Candide for not helping to free the slave from his bind in society. Voltaire is provoking this response in the reader to make clear the effects of passivity. He also seems to regard the problem as so large and horrifying that [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] one can only weep and go on ones way, or presumably, continue to eat sugar with a guilty conscience.  [7]   Throughout this passage, irony plays very little part. However, other narrative techniques are employed. Personal deixis is used when Candide is talking to the slave. He asks, que fais-tu là  , mon ami, dans là ©tat horrible oà ¹ je te vois?Here it is impossible for the reader to understand the situation and the horrible state that the slave is in without reading into the context of the question. The theme of culture can be thoroughly examined in this passage. Talking en hollandais, Candide emphasises his European background compared with the African culture of the slave. Division within society is clearly illustrated when the slave tells Candide that his mutilation is the price that he has paid to eat sugar en Europe. Voltaire demonstrates that the world is divided. Interestingly, the slave understands Candides Dutch, highlighting their cultural awareness, the importance of communication and the enforcement of other cultures upon slaves. The cultural toleration of the slaves is juxtaposed with the attitude of Western civilisation. African culture appears to be more family-oriented when compared with Candides upbringing. The slave refers to his mother, ma mere, showing his respect for the advice given to him by his family. Throughout this passage of Voltaires Candide, slavery is represented in a number of ways, most notably by the description provided by the slave himself. In addition, Candides attitude highlights the philosophy of Optimism that Voltaire aims to discuss throughout the entire book. It is said that the narrative of Candide is [..] a vehicle carefully designed to convey a philosophical discussion of topical concern both to the author and reader  [8]  . In conclusion, Voltaire has employed a palette of narrative techniques to enrich this passage of the book. Word Count= 1,490 Bibliography MHRA format Barber, W.H., Studies in French Literature 5, Voltaire: Candide (London: W.H. Barber, 1960) Cronk ,Professor Nicholas, Voltaire and the Voices of Enlightenment, read by Simon Russell Beale, (BBC Radio 3, 2010) Mason,Haydn, European Masters  : Voltaire (London  : Hutchinson, 1975) Williams,David, Voltaire:Candide (London: Grant and Cutler Ltd, 1997) Voltaire, Candide, Presentation by Jean Goldzink, (Paris, Editions Flammarion, 2007)

History of the Soybean :: Essays Papers

History of the Soybean Before cultivation, wild soybeans grew abundantly in northeast China and Manchuria. As early as 2700 B.C. they were classified as one of the five principal and sacred crops, having both medicinal and food value. They have been cultivated for at least 4,500 years. However, they were not very popular. (They were said to cause flatulence!) During times of bad harvests in China, soybeans were one of the nine staples on which starving millions in the country depended. In the famine of A.D. 194 when the price of millet soared in relation to the price of soybeans, many people were forced to eat soybeans which they often prepared in a gruel called congee. Buddhist monks experimented with soy cultivation and found that flour, milk, curd, and sauce from the soybean all brought necessary additions of protein to their vegetarian diets. They carried the soybean wherever they went as missionaries. By the sixth century A.D. they introduced it into Japan and Korea. When the soybean mixed with the Shinto religion, it quickly became a staple in the Japanese diet. From Japan, soldiers, merchants, and travelers helped to spread the soybean to Vietnam by 200 B.C., and to Thailand by the tenth century A.D. It reached India by the twelfth century, brought there by traders. The bean was slow to reach beyond Asia, however. Although the Spanish and Portuguese traded in East Asia, the soybean was slow to catch on in Europe; it did not fit into the various cuisines of the continent. In 1765, a sailor aboard an East India Company ship that had visited China brought soybeans to the American colonies. By the mid 1800’s the soybean was quickly being disseminated around the globe. During the Civil War, American farmers became interested in cultivating soybeans as a forage plant. This lowered the cost of feeding livestock by replacing the more expensive grass, hay, and corn. At the beginning of the twentieth century, America was trying to feed a population swelling with immigrants. Perhaps the bean that was so high in protein could feed people as well as animals. Soybean cultivation seemed like one way to meet the demand for more food. Following World War II, soybeans became the world’s most important crop. By the end of the war, the United States had become the biggest exporter, growing more than 75% of the world’s soybeans.

Civic Engagement

Civic Engagement and Political Awareness in the Youth of America Change is inevitable and the popular one hit wonder, Video Killed the Radio Star, echoes a nostalgic desire to appreciate the past. The simple, yet meaningful verse, â€Å"we can’t rewind we’ve gone too far,† drives home the notion that the past is in the past, and one can only move forward. The song directly relates to technological changes in music at that time period.The lyrics give the impression radio will be replaced by visually stimulating music videos; however, the future has proved that radio has not been replaced; music has merely been enhanced by the continuous change of technological advancements. Political scientist and professor, Robert Putnam illustrates in his book, Bowling Alone: America’s Declining Social Capital, how one of the primary culprits in the decline of political awareness and civic engagement is the new media, for example, the Internet. Further studies suggest thi s is not necessarily the case.Video Killed the Radio Star mirrors the relentless argument of whether the mass media has hindered or assisted in political awareness and civic activity in adolescents and young adults. The radio made people famous, and even after music videos became popular, music was still streamed through a radio and continues to be used to this day. Studies have shown that civic engagement and political awareness has declined, at all age levels, and yet there is evidence that the mass media can have a positive effect on cultivating social capital, especially in the interest of young voters in America.The issue at hand is not mass media, but how mass media can be used as a means to stay informed on community issues and how it can create a sense of community. In the article, America’s Youth and Community Engagement: How Use of Mass Media is Related to Civic Activity and Political Awareness in 14- to 22-Year-Olds, the authors begin by providing troubling evidenc e, â€Å"Voter turnout in congressional and presidential elections has dropped since 1960†¦ Americans are less involved in political activities ranging from signing petitions to attending rallies† (Pasek, Kenski, Romer, and Jamieson 115).Putnam compares the decline in civic engagement to the massive decline of bowling leagues; however, as bowling memberships are declining, the number of people bowling has increased. He explains the concept of a bonding capital and a bridging capital within the social capital as a whole. The theory of bonding and bridging can also be described in terms of strong ties and weak ties of networking.Professors Homero Gil de Zuniga and Sebastian Valenzuela explored Putnam’s research further in their article, The Mediating Path to a Stronger Citizenship: Online and Offline Networks, Weak Ties and Civic Engagement, finding it inclusive that bridging, or associating with weak ties provide one with a greater networking base, and therefore mo re information and resources. Bridging and weak ties are when an individual socializes with people who are different from themselves. Bonding and strong ties are individuals who are linked to each other on varying levels of intimacy; for example, one’s inner circle of friends and family.Putnam additionally points out that bonding and bridging strengthen each other. Because of the decline of bonding, there is a decline in bridging, which he links to the drop of organizational forms of capital due to the mass media. Like Putnam, authors Zuniga and Valenzuela agree that â€Å"larger networks foster civic participation so long as they provide access to weak ties,† yet they take into consideration that the internet is vast with diversity and is not â€Å"geographically bounded,† and therefore â€Å"argue that the online context should be more strongly associated with weak-tie communication than the offline context† (405).According to Zuniga and Valenzuela, thi s connection shows that internet based networks and weak ties will be more effective than the relationship between personal, offline networking and weak ties. The authors mentioned earlier, Josh Pasek, Kate Kenski, Daniel Romer, and Kathleen Hall Jamieson conducted a telephone survey to assess â€Å"12 different uses of mass media as well as awareness of current national politics and time spent in civic activities† in respect to the youth and how mass media is related to political awareness and civic activity (115).If the conclusion made by Zuniga and Valenzuela is accurate, then the new media will have a positive effect on the younger population’s role in developing social capital. Historically, when print media flourished, it served as a way to stay in touch with the community of readers with no face-to-face interaction and â€Å"made possible the development of the modern nation state† (117). Internet is just another mechanism to build social networks, in whi ch interpersonal communication is absent, like the newspaper.However, unlike the newspaper, internet provides individuals with an extensive opportunity to network with people who are not in their inner circle, thus weak ties are created. Furthermore, Pasek, Kenski, Romer, and Jamieson examine how some forms of media are more effective than others, and explain how media that solely exists to entertain adolescents and young adults can aid in promoting group activities with individuals that can share their experiences and develop a sense of community.They are still experiencing social participation, even if the activity is not directly associated with civic activities. The authors evaluated the 12 different uses of mass media and assessed each media variable based on if it improved political awareness or civic engagement, or both. The researchers also included demographic predictors that would correspond with the study: age, race, gender, and socioeconomic status. It is apparent that a dults would have a higher amount of political knowledge. â€Å"The average education level in our sample was 10. years of schooling†¦ Of respondents, 78. 9 percent were currently students,† which would give them the edge since there are more opportunities to become involved in community service activities and clubs the schools have to offer. Some schools require community service to graduate. Socioeconomic status also plays a role in political awareness and civic engagement. This correlates directly to the fact that individuals who are wealthier have the resources and means to educate their children and are probably highly educated as well.Race and gender is yet another factor in evaluating political knowledge and civic engagement, whereas â€Å"whites appear more politically aware than Blacks, Hispanics, and other non-Whites†¦ however, race has not been as strongly related in one direction or the other [in regards to civic engagement, and]†¦ women, on average , belong to more associations and organizations than men but tend to exhibit less political knowledge† (123).The results of How Use of Mass Media is Related to Civic Activity and Political Awareness in 14- to 22- Year-Olds, revealed that if media usage increased in frequency, it had a negative impact on political awareness and civic engagement, which is to be expected. Although reading remained positive, the results showed individuals took longer to develop a well-rounded political knowledge base if their reading increased. This is the cause of a decrease in active engagement with others. The authors could not predict if newspapers increased civic activity, however, it was evident that it increased political awareness.Civic activity was strongly related to political awareness, and the findings also concluded that the Internet increased civic engagement, along with listening to news on the radio, following shows on television, and reading magazines. Not only were civic activiti es found to be directly related to political awareness, but the media had an overall positive effect on civic engagement and political knowledge. In his research, Putnam fails to assess new ways to approach civic engagement and political awareness, and instead looks to the old.Relating civic engagement to the decline of bowling leagues seems futile to the reader, especially to a young adult. As society changes, activities change; people change. The youth of today are more interested in modern technology, which is why more candidates should reevaluate how they approach the younger generation in regards to the elections and make use of the Internet during elections. Because young voters are growing up in a time when technology is usually readily available to them, they look mostly to the web for political information.Youth turnout for the 2004 elections showed â€Å"marked increases. † Most likely prompted by the war in Iraq, intense efforts were made to ensure younger generati ons were actively engaged throughout the campaigns. New media tools were also used, with websites put up that focused on attracting the younger population to politics; â€Å"an estimated 28 percent of 18- 29-year-olds received most of their information about the campaigns via the Internet in 2004, making them the age group most reliant on new media for political information about the election† (Xenos and Bennett 444).However, in the article The Disconnection in Online Politics, Michael Xenos and W. Lance Bennett stress the fact that although younger voters are participating online, they are less likely to visit a site that is sponsored by a specific party or electoral candidate. Unfortunately, politicians are very slow when adapting to the modern world of technology, and do not make use of the web to attract young voters. On sites like Rock the Vote, they give young voters access to interactive features, and yet links to websites with related political information and resourc es are not easily accessible.Young voters only attain a morsel of information from youth engagement websites. Between 2002 and 2004, Xenos and Bennett conducted an extensive analysis of political sites that focused on youth involvement, as well as electoral sites, and they found the â€Å"overall pattern is one of overlap† (456). The candidates’ websites were not designed to attract young voters. They merely addressed the same issues on their sites as seen on the youth sites; however, on the electoral sites they clearly were not reaching out to the younger population of voters.Professional consultants correlate politicians’ indifference to youth voters because senior citizens have a higher voting rate. Xenos and Bennett express their disappointment, â€Å"younger voters who ignore politicians largely do so because politicians largely ignore them† (457). It is ironic because voters are less involved in politics due to politicians’ lack of interest i n their appeals, and politicians show disregard for the youth because of their low voting turnout and vice versa.If politicians, our leaders, are putting the youth aside, who is going to devote the time to inform the younger generation of the importance on civic activities and political awareness? In correlation with the decline of adult involvement in social participation and volunteering, people simply do not have the time or energy to devote to their own needs, let alone join a civic organization. In today’s society, both parents work to make ends meet.There are usually a higher percentage of female volunteers to male volunteers, but now that women are taking on raising children, housework, and working an additional 15 hours per week than men, the idea of becoming involved in community activities is overwhelming. The economy is in a stale state, and since the 1970s, the percentage of single mothers has increased dramatically (Freedman 246). Children are being isolated more often than not, which can also result in the disregard for community and civic engagement.Mentoring programs are unreliable, and many adolescents and young adults are left in the dark without an adult role model: â€Å"In his essay â€Å"Building Community, John Gardner [Miriam and Peter Haas Centennial Professor at Stanford Business School] offers both consolation and wisdom about the historical process of community erosion and renewal†¦ â€Å"disintegration of human communities is as old as human history†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ â€Å"We can’t know all the forms community will take, but we know the values and the kinds of supporting structures we want to preserve. We are a community building species.We might become remarkably ingenious at creating new forms of community for a swiftly changing world. †Ã¢â‚¬  (Freedman 248) Robert Putnam insists on looking to the old, and if he must, he should look at the potential of civic renewal in the volunteering of senior citizens . Over the past thirty years, the population of Americans over the age of 65 has doubled and will continue to increase. Marc Freedman, the author of the article, Towards Civic Renewal, Journal of Gerontological Social Work, expresses his faith in the nation’s retirees to change the deterioration of volunteerism in the U.S. , where children are in need of the most help. If children at an earlier age gained better insight into what it means to have a sense of community and belonging, they would have a better awareness of civic engagement and a broader knowledge base of politics on the state, local, and national level. Senior citizens also have the time, and there is evidence that implies older adults are looking to stay active in their communities; â€Å"As one recent U. S Administration on Aging-sponsored survey reveals, a full 37. percent of older Americans say they would volunteer if asked, while an additional 25. 6 percent already volunteering indicate that they would like to devote more time to service,† and they prefer to work with the younger generation (Freedman 249). Not only will it help the children, but it will also help the senior citizens. 55 percent of seniors feel a sense of uselessness when they retire†¦ a 25-yr National Institute of Mental Health study finds, for example, that â€Å"highly organized activity is the single strongest predictor, other than not smoking, of longevity and vitality† (Freedman 250).The local and federal government is known for lost proposals. Perhaps some of them would have been successfully planned out and put into action if accepted, and Freedman makes the idea of senior involvement seem feasible. Freedman provides the reader with examples of effective programs in community involvement created by the older population; one example is a â€Å"union-sponsored initiative that helps nonviolent juvenile offenders find and keep blue-collar jobs. Freedman goes onto explain to doubtful readers that are thinking, where is this money going to come from? America’s budget is steadily falling into a rabbit hole, and yet the author is confident in the â€Å"†talent, experience and commitment† of older adults,† and their ability to organize well and get tasks completed quickly and effectively (252). Civic engagement and political awareness is declining because of the absence of an inspiring role model in the youth of today, and this program shows romise of creating a healthier sense of community for the older and the younger generations. Reiterating authors’, Homero Gil de Zuniga and SebastianValenzuela’s earlier consensus, the decline in civic engagement is not the consequence of the mass media and modern age of technology. The importance of weak ties through the Internet is actually seen through the web of networking that people from all over the world create, which ignites a stronger relationship in civic participation than networking face-t o-face with weak ties.This finding was reinforced by the study on various media uses in the article; How Use of Mass Media is Related to Civic Activity and Political Awareness in 14- to 22- Year-Olds, where the end result is conclusive with Zuniga and Valenzuela’s evidence. The media can enhance civic engagement and political awareness if used sparingly and in the right context. â€Å"The mind is a double edged sword. It has immense power and it is capable of accomplishing both useful and destructive feats. † (Atharva Veda http://thinkexist. com/quotes/atharva_veda/). It is not the media that is destructive.The minds of the populace are ignoring the real issue at hand. The mind could be used more effectively in developing new ideas to encourage civic engagement and political awareness in the younger population. The media actually promotes civic participation and therefore is directly related to political awareness; overall the media has a positive effect on social capi tal. It is the communities’ job to instill these values on the children so they can grow into informed adults and have their own opinions and ideas, passing those values onto their children and so on.Bibliography Freedom, Mark. â€Å"Towards Civic Renewal. † Journal of Gerontological Social Work 28. 3 (1997): 243-63. EBSCOhost. The Haworth Press, Inc. , 11 Oct. 2008. Web. 1 Oct. 2011. . Pasek, Josh, Kate Kenski, Daniel Romer, and Kathleen H. Jamieson. â€Å"America's Youth andCommunity Engagement: How Use of Mass Media Is Related to Civic Activity andPolitical Awareness in 14- to 22-Year-Olds | DeepDyve. † DeepDyve – Millions ofArticles At Your Fingertips. Sage, 27

HOW DID STALIN ACHIEVE POLITIC essays

HOW DID STALIN ACHIEVE POLITIC essays HOW DID STALIN ACHIEVE POLITICAL DOMINANCE BY 1929 By 1929, Stalin had attained total political dominance in the Communist party and this was due to a variety of factors caused by the death of Lenin and the leadership struggle that followed it. A major factor was Trotsky and his failures. Trotsky was the most able member of the communist party to take over leadership after Lenin's death. However, he was disliked in the party due in part to his strengths. Trotsky was seen as a Napoleonic potential dictator as he had much in common with Napoleon, he was clever, organised and very much apeople person?. He was a prominent diplomat and was the charismatic leader who had brought the Bolsheviks victory in the civil war. However, he was also unpredictable, arrogant and strong willed something the leaders did not like, as they would then have little influence over him if he became leader. He was also the leader of the Red Army, the much loved and respected military group who were under his direct control as Commissar for War. He was feared by political leaders as someone who would use his army to take control and so the prominent leaders chose someone who they felt could beguided? easier. Trotsky had rejected Bolshevism in the earl y years of the party and only joined when it was likely that the Bolsheviks would take control. He was seen as not having been a servant of the communist belief, leading to mistrust as to whether he was a true communist and whether he would keep to communist beliefs or whether he would set himself up as a dictator with absolute power. These reasons meant that three of the most influential members of the Politburo: Stalin, Zinoviev and Kamenev. This troika was the single most powerful group and allowed Stalin, the leader, to denounce his main contender and set himself up as a potential leader. Stalin was seen by the politburo as a good successor to Lenin as he was seen as weaker then Trotsky and so more able to b...

Everybodys Ethnic Enigma Example

Everybodys Ethnic Enigma Example Everybody's Ethnic Enigma – Article Example Everybodys Ethnic Enigma In every society, differences occur among individuals. Such differences may naturally occur or may be established out of people’s doing. Some natural differences in the global scene include sex, race, disability and sexual orientation. While the afore-mentioned differences are natural, individuals have different perceptions regarding such differences. This article will explore differences as described by Rosenblum and Travis and its applicability in McLeod’s â€Å"Everybody’s Ethnic Enigma†. According to Rosenblum and Travis (2005), differences in American society are evident in the way people perceive sex, class, sexual orientation and race. According to the two authors, racial categories exist without regard to social processes. Instead, they are objective categories that exist in the real sense among individuals. The two authors also reveal that conceptions are devoid of meanings except those given them by observers. In other wo rds, Rosenblum and Travis believe that difference is a creation rather than an intrinsic phenomenon. What this really means is that individuals make judgments based on their perspectives as opposed to their nature. Differences are greatly emphasized by Jaliet Macleod’s biracial character nature in â€Å"Everybody’s Ethnic Enigma† (1976). The biracial character is perceived to be white as opposed to Asian by some, and her Asian roots are looked at with disappointment. From her experiences, it is almost clear that ethnicity is a factor that bears heavily on the way people are treated in America (and possibly other societies) in spite of the society claiming to be liberal. Upon discovering that she is not pure white, the man in the elevator is disappointed and admits that he thought that she was â€Å"one of us†. It is evident that people’s communications and experiences borrow a lot from their understanding of differences. The aspect of privilege is very evident in â€Å"Experiencing Differences†. The privileged in society feel that they are entitled to certain things that others are not entitled to. They have a feeling that they should be rewarded, acknowledged and respected according to Rosenblum and Travis (1996). People who belong to privileged groups also believe that they deserve recognition and benefits for their statuses without really appreciating how such benefits are derived. In McLeod’s article, people derive status by belonging to one ethnic group and not the other. This is seen in the way the she is treated by those who would wish to believe that she is white and not Asian. She however has mastered the art of fitting into each group and manages to auger well with people of different ethnic backgrounds in different occasions.In conclusion, differences many times occur naturally, and are perceived differently depending on the experiences and background of observers. Difference is the observer’s creation and not an intrinsic characteristic. People from privileged groups always feel like they should be treated in certain ways and that they deserve certain things.ReferencesMacleod J. (1976) Everybody’s Ethnic Enigma: Washington. Largo Publisher. Rosenblum K & Travis T. (2005) The Meaning of Difference: American Constructions Of Race, Sex And Gender, Social Class, And Sexual Orientation. Mcgraw-hill.Rosenblum, K. and Travis, T. (1996) ‘Experiencing difference’. New York: McGraw-Hill.

The Threshold Issues Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Threshold Issues - Essay Example Jurisdiction determines which court should properly adjudicate a case. AS such, it is the power and authority of a court to hear, try and decide a case. It is conferred by the Constitution, by federal and state statutes. It is important that a court must have jurisdiction over the parties or the property involved in the controversy. A Federal court in order to exercise its jurisdiction must meet certain requisites. First, there must be an actual controversy calling for the exercise of judicial power. Second, the parties in the actual controversy must have legal standing to sue and be sued. Third, the case must present the dispute and issue must be ripe for adjudication and it likewise a case that the court has the power to remedy, and finally, the case cannot be moot. It can be inferred from the foregoing discussion on jurisdiction that the instant case was not able to comply with the requisites so as to vest the Federal court the jurisdiction to hear and determine the case. With regards the requisite of actual controversy, the instant case was bereft of an actual controversy. ... In the instant case, it should be noted that there is no law to speak of, since what was passed by Congress was still a bill and therefore, a bill not duly enacted cannot be considered as a law and correspondingly, it vests no rights. On the issue of legal standing, herein plaintiff has no legal standing. Plaintiff has not been aggrieved or legally harmed by the defendant Border Patrol, there being only the plaintiff's fear of or detention. Additionally, the constitution limits the role of the judiciary that Federal courts may only exercise its power in the last resort and as a necessity. Aside from the foregoing, the instant case likewise fell short of the constitutional requirements for legal standing on the actual, imminent, distinct and palpable injury which must not be abstract. There is also no causal connection between the injury and the conduct complained of and finally, it must not be speculative so as for the court to favorably redress the injury. On the issue of ripeness, it can be inferred in the instant case that it is not ripe for adjudication, since the plaintiff's claim is based on a future event which may or may not happen. A claim is not ripe for adjudication if it rests upon contingent future events that may or may not occur. The Ripeness doctrine prohibits the federal courts from exercising jurisdiction over a case until an actual controversy is presented which involves a threat which is real and immediate. A matter is moot if it is deprived of practical significance. The instant case, being deprived of practical significance should be dismissed for being moot. A political question is one under which the US constitution has committed decision-making on the subject matter to another branch of the federal government or there are inadequate

Case Analysis Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 4

Analysis - Case Study Example ollowing issues: To begin with, the supply process was characterized by manual modes of operations, creating time challenges with regard to operations of the Company; moreover, the manual aspect of the supply process compelled the company to apply large amount of labor resources. Another issue that faced Phase 1 of R/3 implementation process is the fact that the Macpac package that was applied to manage shop floor operations did not have capacities for simulation in order to operate alternative operational processes. Moreover, the system did not have the capacity to support formal procedures of distributing resource planning. Consequently, this phase is characterized by a scenario whereby Material Requirement Planning was supported in a partial dimension. The use of manual operational processes that were used in the previous operational systems was replaced by the use of a Macpac Package that was applied to manage and control various floor operations. The fact that the system did not support a formal operational system, did not deter the company from achieving its goals, due to the fact that it was solved by implementing a replenishment schedule that took into consideration predefined economic facets. On the other hand, the challenge facing Material Requirement Planning was solved through manual operations that basically involved physical entering of pre-planned orders. Phase II of the project was conducted in October, 1998; one of the issues that was faced in the second face of the project that seem to have been more complex as compared to Phase I, is the fact that the use of MacPac and FYI Planner systems were not able to facilitate some desired changes in the second phase of the project. Specifically, the FYI Planner forecasting software was not able to facilitating forecasting on the dimension of customer by customer, as required by the company. Another complex challenge that characterized the second phase of Geneva’s operational improvement project was