Marijuana Legalization Essay

Thesis Statement: Although America is the land of the â€Å"free† you do not really have too many â€Å"free† choices you can make. Americans should have the right to choose whether or not marijuana should be legal. II. Background III. The tax benefits that can be created A. If legalized they can tax it how ever much they want B. Can be regulated IV. Drug enforcement money can be diverted. A. Can help other needy departments that lack money. B. Keep the court system and jails less full for real criminals V. It’s no more harmful then alcohol or tobacco A. Must use it in moderation. B. If abused it can cause health effects like anything els. VI. Rebuttal VII. Conclusion Marijuana Legalization Although America is the land of the â€Å"free† you do not really have too many â€Å"free† choices you can make. Americans should have the right to choose whether or not marijuana should be legal. The government should not be able to tell people what to do, as long as they do not hurt others in their actions. Three reasons why marijuana should be legalized are taxation benefits, drug enforcement money can be diverted and utilized in other needy departments, and the drug generally isn’t more harmful than alcohol or tobacco if used in moderation. In a study done these were the results of how many people die per year from each: â€Å"Tobacco- 400,000, alcohol- 100,000, all legal drugs- 20,000, all illegal drugs- 15,000, caffeine- 2,000, aspirin- 500, marijuana- 0† (us policy on drugs). Background â€Å"The Marijuana, cannabis, or hemp plant is one of the oldest psychoactive plants known to humanity. Cannabis has become one of the most widespread and diversified of plants† (marijuana history and timeline). Cannabis or hemp plants are grown throughout the world and develop into what we know as weed. â€Å"1915 – 1927 Cannabis begins to be prohibited for nonmedical use in the U.S., especially in SW states†¦California (1915), Texas (1919), Louisiana (1924), and New York (1927)† (marijuana history and timeline). â€Å"The U.S. government and the media began spreading outrageous lies about marijuana, which led to its prohibition † (Amsterdam cannabis mystery). â€Å"Since 1996, thirteen states have legalized medical marijuana use: AK, CA, CO, HI, ME, MI, MT, NV, NM, OR, RI, VT, and WA. Eight of the thirteen did so through the initiative process† (Get the facts). The taxation benefits that the United States could receive from legalizing marijuana could be limitless. When something is in such a high demand and the government regulates it they have the right to charge what ever they want for it intern giving them full control over the market. It works sort of like a monopoly because if the user cannot get in anywhere els then they only have one choice and that’s the government. If you look at the current taxation benefits from tobacco and alcohol alone it just shows you how well they do. â€Å"An enormous amount of money is raised through government taxation of alcohol, cigarettes, and other â€Å"sins†. The legalization of marijuana would create another item that could be taxed. I’m sure the government would have no problem spending all that extra money† (Should marijuana be legalized). Drug enforcement has become a bigger and bigger agency throughout the United States to try and stop drug trafficking. â€Å"The U.S. federal government spent over $19 billion dollars in 2003 on the War on Drugs, at a rate of about $600 per second. The budget has since been increased by over a billion dollars† (drug war clock). So it would be in a huge advantage for the governmental spending program if they didn’t have to dump as much money into the (DEA) every year. Therefore; giving the government more money to spend on different governmental agencies that are in need of the extra cash flow. Not only would it give us more money for other departments but it would also keep  are court systems less crowded and jails freer. â€Å"Many consider the War on  Drugs an expensive failure. Resources for DEA, FBI, and border security are only the tip of the iceberg. You must add in the cost of police officers, judges, public defenders, prosecutors, juries, court reporters, prison guards, and so on. Legalization of marijuana would free up those people to concentrate on more important things like terrorism, harder drugs, rape, murder, and so on† (Should marijuana be legalized). Marijuana is proven not to be more harmful then tobacco, or alcohol if used with self-control. â€Å"Most doctors would agree that it’s not very harmful if used in moderation. It’s only when you abuse the drug that problems start to occur† (Should marijuana be legalized). But isn’t that true if you abuse anything problems start to occur? For example if alcohol, coffee, or food just to name a few are abused you could develop serious health conditions. But would you want the government to tell you how much food you could eat or how much alcohol you can consume when you go out? People should be able to make their own dictions when it comes to their health. So what makes marijuana any different from food, alcohol, or tobacco? Rebuttal A general worry of government officials is how its legalization can lead to abuse and how many will suffer from the long-term effects of marijuana. Marijuana certainly can be misused, but in a country were alcohol and tobacco are legal resistance to legalizing marijuana is a bit of a contradiction. Alcohol and tobacco lead to millions of deaths in America .To be accurate with numbers over 100,000 die each year in the U.S. from alcohol, about 15,000 are caused by vehicle. Marijuana causing deaths are zero in its long history. Marijuana is less addictive than alcohol and easily treated if addiction does occur. Alcohol is hands down more dangerous out of these two drugs, it’s kind of backwards on the part of the government that marijuana is prohibited while alcohol is available to the population at large. It is clear to me that the legalization of marijuana would not only be good for people in distress from terminal illness but, also would help empty out local jails keeping room for more serious criminal offenders, saving money on the DEA programs and making more money obtainable for other government  funded program, and also the availability of all the tax benefits. â€Å"Amsterdam cannabis mistry.† CANNABIS/HEMP WAS LEGAL, WHY WAS IT BANNED?. 15 Apr 2009 . â€Å"Drug War Clock.† 15 Apr 2009. 15 Apr 2009 . â€Å"Get the facts.† medical marijuana. 15 Apr 2009 . Marijuana History and Timeline. 15 Apr 2009 . â€Å"Should Marijuana be Legalized under any Circumstances?.† April 7, 2008. 15 Apr 2009http://www.balancedpolitics.org/marijuana_legalization.htm â€Å"The Top Ten Reasons Marijuana Should Be Legal.† alternet. September 1, 2007. 8 Apr 2009 http://www.alternet.org/drugreporter/60959/ â€Å"us policies on drugs.† legalization of marijuana. 13 Apr 2009 http://www.legalizationofmarijuana.com/index.html

Going for the Look

In Cohen’s statement, he gives off an intellectual but also an arrogant tone. This reflects his knowledge for being a successful retailer, but also has a sexist and snobbish way of viewing marketing. Retailers look for walking billboards to upscale their product to the public. Cohen states that you need attractive people working behind the counter to bring in today’s young crowd to the stores.On one hand, retailers should be able to hire who they want so they can project their image; but they are risking discrimination against people who are not eligible to work for them. From my own experience, I have noticed attractive people working at Abercrombie and Fitch stores. It is practically the models from a catalog working in Abercrombie. Yes, it is true that these workers project an image, but for what? I honestly do not walk into these stores just because a â€Å"good-looking gal† is working behind the counter.I go into stores because the clothes, or the brand catc h my attention, not some person advertising the product. So I disagree with this part Cohen’s argument, because not everyone goes into a store just to see a â€Å"good-looking gal†. Another argument Cohen brings up is that retailers hire based on looks because it is smart and necessary. In the article â€Å"Going for the Look, but Risking Discrimination† by Steven Green gives a great example about Elizabeth Nill.She walks into Abercrombie stores and almost every time managers walk up to her and offer her a job. This proves that retailers hire only attractive people. This is discrimination because Abercrombie is only hiring white, attractive people. This leaves them vulnerable for criticism from the public. Retailers should be able to hire they want so they can project their image; but they are risking discrimination against people that are not eligible to work them. I find Cohen’s argument to be invalid.

Saint-Boniface Museum Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Saint-Boniface Museum - Research Paper Example It has also provided a map that assists strangers to find its location (St. Boniface Museum). Products and collections There is a variety of products or collections and services offered by the museum. The collections found in the museum include medical equipment, archaeological pieces, Louis Riel’s coffin, domestic and furnishing accessories, a Red River cart replica, the first bell of the church in the West, educational and religious artifacts, and trade and agricultural tools (St. Boniface Museum). In the archives, there are photographs while, in the decorative arts, there are musical instruments, furniture or furnishings and textiles or tapestries. Under fine arts, there is the Canadian culture, painting, sculpture, folk art and religious art (St. Boniface Museum). The collections under human history include; Time-keeping devices or clocks Furniture or furnishings Communication devices Imaging (photographs) Medals Local history Domestic technology or household objects Maps, charts, blueprints or plans Spots equipment Weapons Transportation Memorabilia Toys and games Religious or liturgical objects, and Non-motorized ground Biological collections, found under natural sciences, include plants and animals. There exists zoology, mammals (Mammalia), birds (Aves) and vertebrates (St. Boniface Museum). Services and activities Self-guided or guided tours, school visits, exhibits, treasure boxes for seniors, school programs, and consulting services Educational programs- lectures, family programs and school programs Visitor services- children activities or services (playground, change table or nursing area), bilingual services, exceptional needs facilities (wheelchair access, signs and washrooms), guided tours (English and French), a public transportation accessibility, washrooms, gift shop, parking facilities (bus), and cloakroom Volunteer services- there is availability of volunteer training. The number of volunteers should be twelve. Activities: board member ship Food services- catering services Internet services- virtual exhibitions, education, local history, online gift-shop or bookstore, directions or maps, and school visits or programs Market trends and patterns The museum (Saint Boniface) is a non-profit organization. All the benefits or profits received from any purchase made become used to support the museum (St. Boniface Museum). It has advertisers and sponsors who support it in marketing and financial matters. Some of the tradeshow participants are; the Canadian Association of Professional Conservators, Cibinel Architects Limited, Dorfman Museum Figures, Color Art Supply and Framing, Maker Technical Sculpture Services, and others (St. Boniface Museum). The museum has a gift shop that offers various gifts, souvenirs and heritage themed items with a link to cultures of Metis and French and the fur trade. Some unique merchandise available in the shop includes the famous voyageur shirts and sashes in different qualities, sizes and patterns (St. Boniface Museum). There are also traditional toys, local foods, small Red River carts (hand-made), gifts made locally by hands, and Quebec Maple Syrup products. Items, which are exclusive, to the museum shop consist of polar fleece scarves, Louis Riel T-shirts, cards, Metis mugs and posters (St. Boniface

Polynesian Questions and Answers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Polynesian Questions and Answers - Essay Example allotted $15 million annually to aid them. This brought about the sudden change in the people and had significantly impacted on their culture but did nothing to enable them to implement a self-sustaining economy (Dunford and Ridgell, 1996, p. 60-62). The people came to be overly dependent on the financial aid extended to them and started the commotion fuelled by greed and disparity primarily because of the mismanaged resources that landed constantly on an ill-prepared group of people. The concept of family before the advent of dependency in Micronesia had drastically changed over the last decades. The social unit was characterized by nuclear families that lived together in a compound with harmonious relations with each other. Hezel describes this community where in Chuuk for example dwellings would be in a single cluster of land where extended family units live and in this area there would be what is called a fanang which is basically a cookhouse where the families would take turns i n cooking the meal enough for every member of the nuclear family. The will also be an uut which serves many purposes such as a meetinghouse or a dormitory for the unmarried men as well as a place for them to learn. Other islands would entail similar practices such as Chuuk where most would be centrally matrilineal such as Marshalls and Pohnpei. This would take its turn and change when Western imposition found its way to them (Hezel, 2001, p.9-10). It was in 1991 after having been bona fide member of the United Nations when the Federated States of Micronesia had to elect their own government officials in a legislature who will choose among themselves the person to represent them as president. The people were allowed to migrate to the United States of America where approximately 2,000 flocked to Guam, Hawaii and mainland United States, a great block settling in the two previously mentioned U.S. territories (Dunford and Ridgell, 1996, p. 90-91). The people found this mass migration to be a necessity in order to provide for their underprivileged families by sending them remittances from foreign land instead of staying in a direly impoverished country. With many of its productive citizens abroad labouring on foreign land, Micronesia suffered continued economic immobility for lack of effective economic policy carried over from its years as a trust territory. The islands became excessively dependent on the annual budget provided by the United States and they were not able to cultivate a sense of economic stability since aid regularly comes their way. Father Hezel maintains that though a great number of Micronesians have settled in U.S. soil, many still find themselves deeply rooted to their native land. â€Å"Anyone who thinks that Micronesian emigrants abroad simply vanish one day never to be seen again need only to scan the departure area of a return flight to the islands to discover that this is far from the case (Hezel, 2001, p.159). The mass of Micronesians who were able to immigrate to the United States affects health care and education in the sense that they add up to the government expenditure necessary to finance public education and health care. Most of them have found a permanent home far from their native land and this equates to additional families that rely on government support to live according to decent

Business system Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Business system - Assignment Example The system combined information system with indicators in the identification of parking areas. The project is affected by time and resource limitations. The financial resources required to plan for and implement the parking system, should be effectively budgeted for. The system should be implemented by a competent computer programmer in consultation with the building architect. It is thus assumed that MUN has adequate finances that will be used in implementing the project. The project also requires 2 months to be a success. It is thus expected that MUN has adequately created a schedule for the implementation of the parking system project. It is also assumed that the project will be environmentally friendly. This is through minimizing fuel use, because drivers quickly notice available parking slots. The Car Park Guidance System (CPGS) gives drivers dynamic data concerning parking in a controlled environment, like in the parking area of MUN. CPGS is alternatively referred to as the Parking Guidance and Information systems (PGI). CPGS integrates traffic monitoring, variable message sign, GPS, communication and processing technologies, to give the service. The modern parking spaces apply several technologies that assist motorists in; getting parking lots that are unoccupied, locating their vehicles, and also enhancing their parking experience. The technologies involve adaptive lighting, indoor positioning system (IPS), sensors, and also space led indicators. The red indicator illustrates an occupied space, the green indicator illustrates available space, and the blue indicator illustrating reservation for the elderly. The PGI is a key component of the intelligence transport system, which is mainly applicable in urban area environments and institutions like the MUN. The PGI assists in the implementation of an effective, efficient, environmentally friendly, and safe parking space. The PGI system operates

Wilkerson Company Variance Analysis Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Wilkerson Company Variance Analysis - Case Study Example However, one cannot give the real reasons behind this loss without first analyzing the data and comparing it with the standard target set by the company. If we look at the data we might see that the variance between the actual and targeted price may have caused the profit to decline. We can see that the company was able sell valves at a price which was $.15 below the budgeted price. Since the total production of valves was 7500 units, the company incurred a negative variance of $1125. Similarly, if we look at the data of pumps, we can, again, see that there has been a massive variance among targeted and actual price. This variance amounts to $20.69 for each unit the company sells. Therefore, total variance based on the production of 12500 is $258625.This is a negative variance and it has resulted in the budgeted profit to go down. However, there is good news for the company in their third product flow-controllers, as the price of this product is rising. Therefore, the variance in this case is positive which is a good sign for the company. The variance in this case is $9.62. The total effect of this variance is $38480. From the above information, it can be said that the company should focus more on producing flow controllers than other products because of rising prices in this commodity which will ultimately lead to higher profits for the company. Now, let's look at the machine hour variance. ... This means that highest degree of efficiency is being maintained in machine processes. Similarly, same degree of efficiency is being maintained in the production of pumps and flow-controllers. This shows that there is been absolutely no variance among the actual and budgeted financial indicators, and the company is doing well here. Wilkerson management is also using the direct material very efficiently and there's no direct material usage variance. Now, let's look at the gross profit margin of products that are produced by Wilkerson Company. In case of valves, we can see that there's a little change in this ratio. The budgeted margin was 35% whereas Wilkerson Company's actual margin is 34.9%. This small decrease in profit margin is a result of declining prices. The company is selling its products at 15 cents less than the budgeted price due to competition in the market. According to Randall (1996) there are various factors which might cause the company's gross profit margin to decline. These factors include: failure to control the cost of manufacturing, bad supervision of employees and wastage of resources etc. Looking at the gross-profit margin pumps, the budgeted gross profit margin was 35%, whereas Wilkerson's actual gross-profit margin is around 19% only. This massive decline again has been caused, again, by the price decline that has taken place in the industry due to stiff competition. As a result, firm has experienced ma ssive reduction in gross profit margin. However, if we look at the data of flow-controllers, there has been an increase in the profit margin to 41% from the budgeted margin of 35%. This again is a result of

How much of a problem is work place stress in a care home Essay

How much of a problem is work place stress in a care home - Essay Example and Rout, J. 2000, p. 77). Hence, it is extremely important to identify stressors and implement programs to reduce problems created due to stress, as it will help the organizations in managing workplace stress and to identify nurse’s perception of workplace stress. However, to find a solution to stress, it is very important to understand what ‘stress’ really is. Definition of Stress The meaning of ‘stress’ has been a matter concern for many researchers studying stress in human beings. There were so many aspects related to it that researchers found it difficult to define it properly (Lazarus and Folkman 1981, p.11). Lazarus (1966) suggested that it is a psychological aspect related to the adaptation of human being and animals to their surrounding and hence, wide range of phenomena that occur in human beings while adapting to the surrounds, should be considered as stress (Lazarus and Folkman 1981, p.11). Hence, stress is not just one thing but consists of many different aspects of psychological, emotional, physical and communicational level, which occur when dealing with adaptation to surrounding environment (Lazarus and Folkman 1981, p.12). ... Hence, the events and the situations that occur in the surroundings are called as stress stimuli (Lazarus and Folkman 1981, p.12). However, the stress stimuli comes not only from external conditions but also the inner human drives like hunger, sex, thirst etc., are considered as stress stimuli as it has a potential to create stress in human beings (Lazarus and Folkman 1981, p.12). However, it was realized that stress is not just a stimuli but is also evident in the response as every stimuli creates a response (Lazarus and Folkman 1981, p.15). Hence, it was observed that the stress is cohesion of stimulus-response relationship in living beings and hence, it consists of both, the stimuli and the response in living beings (Lazarus and Folkman 1981, p.15). Hence, Miller (1953) has defined stress as â€Å"..any vigorous, extreme, or unusual stimulation which being a threat, causes some significant change in behavior†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Lazarus and Folkman 1981, p.15). Bosowitz et al. (1955) h as defined stress as â€Å"stimuli ‘more’ likely to produce disturbances† (Lazarus and Folkman 1981, p.15). The definitions show that stress is always a challenge for human beings and it is not easy to handle the emotional and psychological patterns that are created due to stress. According to Selye (1984), stress is â€Å"the response of an organism to any demand made upon it† (Howard 2003, p.93). Hence, it generally creates negative impact on the emotional and psychological health of a person (Howard 2003, p.93), as the demands and the pressure in the environment are, most of the times, unexpected and unwanted. Hence, there are many things, situations and events in the environment that work as stressors in human being’s life. Understanding

Strategic Marketing Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Strategic Marketing Management - Essay Example Strategic marketing plan is appropriately observed as a continuous process as this assists the particular organization to recognize the objectives that it aims to attain. In this context, it is important to be noted that the objectives of any organization cannot remain the same throughout and needs to be changed according to the alterations in the business environment. In this period of ever changing business environment, only a proper strategic marketing plan can help an organization sustain. Strategic Marketing Planning in the Sports Sector The sport industry has started to acknowledge the worth and the need of a proper plan of strategic marketing. There have been little facts regarding the relationship that is said to exist among the performances and a proper marketing plan in relation to an organization. However, there has been conflict between numerous researchers of sports about the fact that unless enhancements are made in the actions of a strategic marketing plan, it would not be possible for the sports industry to persist to live on in an environment that is so competitive (Shoham & Kahle, 1996). The process for designing a proper strategic marketing plan with regard to the sports industry is proposed below.... In this context, it is important to be noted that the objectives of any organization cannot remain the same throughout and needs to be changed according to the alterations in the business environment. In this period of ever changing business environment, only a proper strategic marketing plan can help an organization sustain. Strategic Marketing Planning in the Sports Sector The sport industry has started to acknowledge the worth and the need of a proper plan of strategic marketing. There have been little facts regarding the relationship that is said to exist among the performances and a proper marketing plan in relation to an organization. However, there has been conflict between numerous researchers of sports about the fact that unless enhancements are made in the actions of a strategic marketing plan, it would not be possible for the sports industry to persist to live on in an environment that is so competitive (Shoham & Kahle, 1996). The process for designing a proper strategic m arketing plan with regard to the sports industry is proposed below. The steps that are included in the proposed structure are based on the studies of Shilbury & Et. Al. (1998), Kotler (1997), McDonald (1999) and Lancaster & Massingham (1996): 1. Ascertaining the mission statement of the organization 2. The corporate objectives associated with the particular organization should be laid down 3. Analyzing the environment of the market To evaluate the external market environment where the organization competes that is the outside forces and the competitive market among others To evaluate the inner environment of the organization that is the financial capabilities of the particular organization, marketing, and manufacturing among others 4. Performing a SWOT

Injustice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Injustice - Essay Example Thrasymachus points out that justice is the advantage of the stronger. He claims that rulers and makers of law do not commit errors in their decrees and that they make laws that are best for themselves. Thrasymachus argues that subjects have no chance but to do as the decrees of their ruler without question. This argument makes injustice act solely for the interest of the rulers. According to Thrasymachus, injustice is stronger if it is on a larger scale, and it is more masterly than justice is. Injustice always gets more(Plato. 343b-344c). Glaucon view on justice is that it is a necessary evil that people allow themselves to suffer to avoid a much greater evil of impunity (Plato. 438b-e). Injustice is thus a much better preference than justice is as justice is just a burden that we engage in out of fear. People participate in justice, as they are afraid of the punishment of injustice. Injustice rewards all that practice it, with honor and wealth, as it allows one to indulge in all his urges (Plato. 357a-367e). Adeimantus claims that justice does not act solely but for something more: for the rewards, that one reaps in the current life and aftermath. One seeks injustice for one’s sake while justice is only for something more, the rewards it brings along (Plato. 357a-367e). Conclusion In light of the arguments proposed above, it is apparent that the three favor injustice rather than justice. Injustice is a practice of free will that satisfies the body, unlike justice that is a bondage of something more.

Race and Crime Essay Example for Free

Race and Crime Essay Are minorities continually being unfairly arrested, tried and punished as a result of racial discrimination or do minorities just commit more crimes? In order to determine if disparity or discrimination is the cause of current over representation of minorities in the criminal justice system we have to study race, ethnicity and past discriminatory judicial practices. Are the historical discriminatory practices and past laws the cause of the systematic imbalance of power in relation to race, class and discrimination within our society that leads to more crime among minorities today? There are many theories on why, how and even if race discrimination plays a significant role in explaining the current arrest and incarceration rates of minorities in the United States. Social strain theory, because it also involves the most restriction to important social aspects of society is the one I most agree with. In my experience restricted access to social and cultural capital is the cause for higher than expected crime rates among our citizens who lack these two important aspects of crime control. The inability to achieve success based on societies’ definition causes stain and alternative ways of thinking to achieve that level of success, which is sometimes outside the confines of the law. The term race has traditionally referred to the biological differences of mankind. The differences that distinguish us by the color of our skin, hair texture and certain physical features determine what race we are. Some experts contend that race is just a social construct and people are classified and labeled by the culturally dominant group in that society. This type of classification system tends to imply that one race is inferior to another (Walker et al pg 6). The term minority is used for any race that is less in numbers than the race in power. Currently in the United States the â€Å"majority† is considered to be Caucasian and the â€Å"minorities† are African Americans, Hispanics, Arab Americans, etc. There have been many historical examples of minorities being unfairly treated within the confines of our judicial system. â€Å"Race discrimination and social and economical inequality have a direct impact on crime and criminal justice† (Walker et al, pg 78). In the southern states during the 1800’s barriers were created in the laws to separate nonwhite persons from the majority, white persons called the Black Codes. These codes created a legal line of separation stating where blacks could and could not go in public, what land they could own and how they could earn a living. The term, Color Line encompassed everything involving what water fountains and bathrooms â€Å"coloreds† could use and where they could stand or sit in public spaces. The Jim Crow laws of the 1900 were also racist laws and actions that deprived African Americans civil rights, claiming blacks were inferior to the whites and were lower class people. â€Å"The colored sign was the most visible mark of inferiority imposed upon African Americans by the Jim Crow laws† (Davis PhD). The punishment for breaking these laws and codes were mob lynching, serving prison time on chain gangs and debilitating debt imposed by sharecropping attempts to make a living (Davis PhD). Previous laws and codes set the stage for economic inequality of minorities in the United States. Income, wealth, unemployment are the standard measure of economic inequality. â€Å"All of these measures indicate deep and persistent inequality in society generally and with respect to race and ethnicity† (Walker et al pg, 79). In order to determine if race discrimination has the major contributor to minority over representation in the criminal justice system we must rule out the idea of disparity being the cause of overrepresentation. The concept of disparity in the criminal justice system refers to differences in say incarceration rates of a certain race but not because of systematic race discrimination. Disparity is a way to explain the high numbers of minorities as criminal perpetrators with legitimate factors. These factors could include, minorities commit more crimes, not because police officers, judges and juries are racists. Crime arrest and convictions could be solely based on legal factors. These legal factors include the seriousness of offense, mitigating circumstances and previous criminal records. These factors opposed to extralegal factors that include race, class, gender and lifestyle (Walker et al, pg 18). If arrest and conviction rates were based solely on legal factors with no weight given to extralegal factors, a high minority count would be considered disparity not systematic discrimination on part of the criminal justice system. To determine if only legal factors and not extralegal factors are the cause of an overrepresentation of minorities in the criminal justice system much more research needs to be conducted. If the cause of high incarceration rates is because of disparity instead of discrimination there is one theory I feel explains why there is disparity. The Social Strain Theory explains the causes of disparity among minorities that leads to higher rates of arrests and incarceration rates. â€Å"Robert Merton’s social stain theory holds that each society has a dominant set of values and goals along with acceptable means of achieving them† (Walker et al, pg 92). If success in life is measured by your social status, involving what you own, where you live and who you know then that is your personal goals for success. The ways to achieve this success are seen as hard work, education, self-control and as individual achievements (Walker et al, pg 92). If the American dream is not realized by a group of people because of societies inability to provide equal levels of educational and work opportunities to achieve success it results in what Merton’s calls social strain. Merton’s theory of social strain addresses the gap between what society views as success and a persons circumstances are for trying to achieve that success. (Walker et al, pg 92). Social strain helps to explain high rates of criminal activity among minorities because minorities are more likely to be denied legal opportunities to obtain the American dream by legal means. â€Å"The high levels of economic inequality experienced by minorities, together with continuing discrimination based on race and ethnicity, mean that minorities are far less likely to be able to achieve approved social goals through conventional means† (Walker et al, pg 93). In conclusion I believe minorities do commit more crimes today, but that is because of a history of discrimination and blocked opportunities to achieve social and cultural capital. The ruling class, the majority, because of past-institutionalized and systematic discrimination has created what we have today, a disparity among minorities involved in our criminal justice system. Therefore even though we have curbed contextual and individual acts of discrimination we have yet to address past discrimination in a meaningful way while still upholding the law. Bibliography Davis, Ronald L. F. Ph. D. California State University, Northridge. Creating Jim Crow. History of Jim Crow retrieved on June 2, 2011 from http://jimcrowhistory. org/history/creating. htm Lafree, G. Russell, K. K. (1993). The argument for studying race and crime. Journal of Criminal Justice Education. 4, 273-289. Walker, S, Spohn, C, DeLone, M. (2007). The Color of Justice: Race, Ethnicity, and Crime in America. Wadsworth Publishing Co.

Ultimate leadership styles that the managerial grid deems to be ideal

Ultimate leadership styles that the managerial grid deems to be ideal This is the ultimate leadership styles that the managerial grid deems to be ideal. This leader encourages teamwork while focuses on result and output simultaneously without compromising either. The leader is dominant enough to make the followers feel that they are constructive parts of the company and so make the most out of their capabilities. Research has helped us identify this leadership styles as Charismatic leadership or transformational leadership. Charismatic leadership is defined as a social influence process that involves the formulation and articulation of an evocative vision, provides inspiration to motivate collective action, demonstrates sensitivity to environmental trends, and displays unconventional and personal risk-taking behavior. These behaviors result in leaders being role models for followers who become committed to the leader and the vision, experience task meaningfulness, and make sacrifices for the collective cause (Conger Kanungo, 1998; Shamir et al., 1993) . Shamir, House, Arthurs (1993) self-concept based theory presents two core dimensions of charismatic leadership. These dimensions are inspirational motivation and idealized influence. Inspirational motivation involves communicating high performance expectations through the projection of a powerful, confident and dynamic presence. Such behaviors evoke powerful emotional responses from followers that energize them to exert extra effort.( Sosik Dinger, 2007) Idealized influence involves the display and attribution of role modeling for followers through exemplary personal achievements, character strengths and/or behavior. (Sosik Dinger, 2007) According to Bass Avolio, (1997) both these core behaviors help create a strong emotional bond between the follower and the leader. Inspirational motivation and idealized influence are also considered as charismatic components of transformational leadership. . (Sosik Dinger, 2007) Previous research suggests that transformational leadership co ntributes to the success of an organization by motivating employees to go beyond self interest and be passionate to achieve given targets and goals. Ross Gray (2006) chose transformational leadership when researching on teacher leadership and student achievement because according to them, it is compatible with broadly based trends of teacher empowerment, multiple stakeholder participation in school decisions, and reduced support for top down change theories. In addition, substantial evidence exists that transformational leadership is a stronger predictor of teacher beliefs and practices than transactional leadership (e.g., Koh, Steers, Terborg, 1995). Transformational leadership is said to contribute to collective teacher efficacy (Bandura,(1986). Collective teacher efficacy regards to the perceptions of the teachers in a school that the collective efforts of the teachers will positively contribute to student achievement. (Goddard, Hoy, Hoy, 2000) Produce, Dictatorial or Perish Style This is a very task oriented leader who has high concern for the fulfillment of goals and responsibilities and minimum or low concern for the welfare, comfort or interaction of the employees. His solution to a non productive worker is simply to punish him or replace him. This leader has a dictatorial style and his focus is on planning, coordinating work, scheduling and providing the necessary resources for task accomplishment (e.g., Likert,1967). People who tend to act on extremes of this leadership style tend to become petty tyrants or abusive leaders Hornstein (1996) describes an abusive leader as one whose primary objective is the control of others, and such control is achieved through methods that create fear and intimidation (Hornstein, 1996). Ashforth (1994) describes a petty tyrant as someone who uses their power and authority oppressively, capriciously, and perhaps vindictively Tyrannical leadership falls in the domain of this leadership style. This leadership style hampers motivation, job contentment or welfare of the followers. Tyrannical leaders may behave in accordance with the goals, tasks, missions and strategies of the organization, but they typically obtain results not through, but at the cost of subordinates (Ashforth, 1994; Tepper, 2000). While dictatorial leaders are least concerned about their followers and keep minimum interaction with them, tyrannical leaders act aggressively towards their subordinates and believe that doing so will increase work effort. Most of the literature on tyrannical leadership considers it harmful for organizations especially in the long run. (Bies Tripp, 1998; Tepper, 2000; Lombardo McCall, 1984) Nevertheless Brodsky (1976), argues that tyrannical leaders, despite of harassing followers, may perform well on other work related duties. They may also have strong technical skills that somewhere down the line are contribu ting to the overall success of the organization. Ma et al. (2004) call this, the paradox of managerial tyranny, arguing that tyrannical leadership may lead to extraordinary performance, even when subordinates suffer. So we can argue that the behavior of this leader can be evaluated differently by upper management as compared to the subordinates. Another style that can be discussed here is the instructional leadership style. Research on teacher leadership argues that supervisory leadership is a characteristic of instructional leadership (Hulpia Devos, 2010). Previously it has been discussed that the instructional leader plays a key role in controlling, monitoring and directing in schools (Bamburg Andrews, 1990; Hallinger Murphy, 1985). However, it empirical research shows that autocratic leaders reduce the stability, satisfaction and feelings of motivation within a group of followers. (Van Vugt, Jepson, Hart, De Cremer, 2004). As discussed above, these leaders fall low on the axis of the grid that presents concern for people. So their priority for satisfaction, motivation and comfort of the followers is minimum reducing effectiveness in performance. (Judge et al., 2004). In a study where followers motivation and satisfaction were two dependent variables checked against autocratic leadership, it was found that people do not favor autocratic leaders(Cremer, 2006). According to the study this was so because autocratic leaders donot give sufficient attention to followers and so fail to motivate them to participate, exhibit loyalty, or contribute positively towards the group. The Impoverished or the Indifferent Style. Leaders who fall in this category have low concerns for both people and production. They either adopt a very lazy approach or simply try to avoid getting into any trouble. The main concern of this leader is not to be held responsible for any mistakes and in that course he/she tends to be unproductive, disorganized and they lack effective leadership qualities. Up to date, there has been little effort to research or study this leadership style, instead literature on leadership is concentrated of effective and ideal leadership styles. (Kelloway, Mullen, Francis, 2006). Although destructive leadership is not a synonym for the impoverished leader but it can fall within the domain of this leadership style. Destructive leadership behavior is defined as the systematic and repeated behavior by a leader, supervisor or manager that violates the legitimate interest of the organization by undermining and/or sabotaging the organizations goals, tasks, resources, and effectiveness and/or the motivation, well-being or job satisfaction of his/her subordinates. (Einarsen, Aasland, Skogstad, 2007) According to this definition the leader does not deliberately harm the subordinates or doesnt intend to do so rather he is thoughtless, incompetent as well as ignorant.( Einarsen, et al. 2007). According to the presented definition a leader will be practicing a destructive style if he is violating the legitimate laws of an organization. Any behavior that opposes a legitimate decision, goal or strategy of the firm, is to be regarded as destructive from the moment these decisions, goals or strategies are enforced. . ( Einarsen, et al. 2007) For example, if a school decides to give extra attention to weaker students and instructs all teachers to do so, and some teachers fail to abide by this decision, this behavior can be characterized as destructive teacher leadership. Country Club Style These leaders are extra cautious about the welfare and comfort of the followers. They take care of their followers at the expense of the welfare of the organization often by interacting with them on a personal level, or by giving them favors and rewards that are not part of the organizations judgment. The main goal of task or goal attainment is undermined while violating the legitimate interest of the organization. (Einarsen, et al. 2007) these leaders may be giving more benefits to the subordinates than they are obliged to and this is done at the cost of the company. They may be stealing resources in form of time or finance from the work place. (Altheide et al., 1978; Ditton, 1977). They are of the opinion that if the employees are happy, they tend to be more motivated to work hard and achieve organizational efficiency. The research work of Einarsen, et all.2007, shows that a category of leaders called supportive disloyal leaders is very similar to Blake and Moutons country club style. It is argued in their article that both the styles show overriding concern to establish good relations with the subordinate. These leaders lack strategic competence and so support values and beliefs that are not consistent with those focused by the organization. Irrespective of that, they may be able to maintain a good relationship with the followers. Such leaders easily gain popularity amongst their followers and are often considered them by as good leaders. It is also argued in previous studies that the intention of supportive disloyal leaders is not to harm the organization; they just believe acting in the particular way discussed above will bring benefit to it. (Mars, 1994) Another concept that falls in the same domain is that of Laissez faire leadership. This leader avoids getting into trouble, make any decision or try solving a problem. (Bass Avolio, 1997), Middle of the road or the status-quo style This leadership style lies in the middle of Blake Moutons grid. His focus is equally divided between concern for production and concern for people. It is argued that he tries to keep a balance between the two.(Bartol, Tein, Mathews, 1994. p405) These leaders are regarded to be average or mediocre leaders. They are not pioneers nor are failures. Also, this approach puts considerable emphasis on the leader, his characteristics and attributes. However, not much attention is paid on the attributes of the subordinates, or the circumstances within which the leader and followers are interacting.( Hitt, Black, Porter, 2006. P 418) The above discussion was aimed to present multiple leadership styles considered effective or otherwise so previous research may be highlighted. I find it important to point out here that there is no ideal leadership style, rather the effectiveness of a leadership style is dependent upon the choice of leadership style adopted in a particular situation. According to the contingent approach to leadership, leader effectiveness doesnt only depend on a leader but also on situational characteristics. So a leader will only be effective if he adopts his leadership style according to the situation.(liu, et all, 2003) The contingency approaches to leadership dominated by the path goal theory: House, 1971 all argue that situational characteristics influence the effectiveness of a leader. Also, it is argued culture is an important situational factor that influences leadership style. (Hofstede, 2001) According to Hofstede (2001) leaders in collectivistic cultures aspire more for traditional values and they follow standard methods, and do not support followers initiative. People treat their leaders with respect and are obedient towards them in many collectivistic cultures, where paternalistic leadership is traditionally seen (Dickson, et al., 2003; Dorfman et al., 1997).The directive and supportive leadership styles collectively make up this paternalistic style. So in this leadership style close supervision of employees is combined with high concern for the well being of the follower. Paternalistic Leadership is widespread in non-western cultures (Dickson et al., 2003). Directive leadership in general, is a less common practice and is not much of a consideration when an appropriate leader behavior is considered in individualistic (Western) countries, as it is in the case of collectivist societies (Hofstede, 2001; Dickson et al., 2003). Similarly, supportive leadership is more comm on in collectivistic cultures as compared to individualistic cultures. (Wendt, 2004)

Holistic Therapy :: essays research papers fc

How does Buddhism differ from Christianity? 1. There Is No God Void vs. Loving God (emptiness, apathy, ignorance) In Buddhist thought, there is no supreme being, no Creator, no omnipotent omnipresent God, no Loving Lord over his creation. Ultimate Reality is an impersonal Void or Emptiness (Sunyata). Only the Void is Permanent. To a Buddhist, saying that God exists is like saying that the Void exists. Saying that God is loving and desires relationship with us is saying God is Ignorance since all desire comes from ignorance. Saying that God created us and has a purpose for our lives is saying that God is Karma, the cause and effect of our existence. Thus, in Buddhist thought, the concept of God is closest equated to the Void, Ignorance, and Karma. So who are Buddhists bowing down and praying to in their temples? Remember that Buddhism has adapted and absorbed many other beliefs rooted in animism and ancestral worship. 2. Christ’s Deity Denied If a Buddhist were asked who Jesus was, responses would likely include: a good man, a prophet, the founder of the Christian religion, a bodhisattva, the younger brother of Buddha. As it is hard for a Buddhist to understand the existence of God, it is inconceivable that Jesus is the incarnate Lord, God in the flesh. 3. Man Is Not A Spiritual Being Mankind has no soul or permanence. In Buddhist thought, an individual consists of five skandhas or aggregates. These aggregates are disassembled at death and there is no longer a cohesive unit that can be identified as an individual person. People are impermanent and transitory, perpetually facing the problem of how to escape from suffering. All life is meaningless and without purpose. The ultimate hope lies in what is permanent: The Void. Before one can find permanence, one must disappear into the Void, that is, achieve nirvana. 4. Karma Is The Iron Law Karma vs. Mercy Buddhists believe that the totality of one’s actions and the results of those actions determine one’s fate in subsequent reincarnations. This is the cosmic Law of Cause and Effect. Karma is the ultimate impersonal, unmerciful judge. Karma is unchangeable, cannot be undone, altered, avoided, or forgiven. What is done is done and cannot be undone, nor can you be forgiven or released from it. 5. Sin Has No Consequences The two systems` concepts of sin stand in stark contrast. To Buddhists sin does not have any consequences before a holy God.

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The objective of this article is to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of Speedster Athletics Company’s financial position. Company has a good profitability and a attractive asset base. However following strengths can be highlighted in the financial position of Speedster Athletics Company; †¢ Favourable Gross profits – Speedster Athletics Company has been able to generate favourable gross margins over the last three years consistently over the industry average of 26%. Gross margin is in a declining trend over 2010 to 2011 where 2011 gross margin is 27% (1371/5075*100%) which is 1% lower than 2011, however this is above the industry average level, proving that Speedster company is capable of generating better margins. †¢ Increase in Fixed assets base in 2011 over 2010 – From 2010 to 2011 there has been a 23.8% increase in gross fixed assets value. The raised funds through long term debts would have been used to enhance assets base of Speedster. This is a very positive sigh of future profitability and capacity of the company. Higher assets should be able to generate more cash inflow...

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Ambiguous Adventure Essay Ambiguous Adventure, written by Cheikh Hamidou Kane, compares traditional Islamic education with the new western education that was introduced through colonization. The novel follows the journey of Samba Diallo whose home of Diallobe was conquered by the French and was being colonized. Ambiguous Adventure demonstrates the traditional Islamic education in comparison to the new western education and ideals throughout Samba Diallo’s journey. Samba Diallo grew up in Diallobe in an elite family. Diallobe was recently colonized by the French and his town is having a hard time assimilating to the French ideal and education. Diallo describes this colonization that â€Å"we have nothing left - thanks to them - and it is thus that they hold us. He who wants to live, who wants to remain himself, must compromise† (pg. 9). Diallo spent most of his childhood in the Glowing Hearth, a koranic school, being taught by his koranic teacher Thierno. Thierno believed that Diallo has a divine gift, and is especially hard on Diallo in order to drive him to achieve greater things. Thierno believes that Diallo will become the next koranic teacher of Diallobe. Diallo becomes a religious disciple, however right before he is about to learn how to apply his knowledge of the Koran, he is pulled from the Glowing Hearth to be sent to the new western school. â€Å"I had interrupted my studies with the teacher of the Diallobe at the very momen t when he was about to initiate me at last into the rational understanding of what up to then I had done no more than recite† (pg. 143). The Most Royal Lady is Diallo’s older cousin, and sister to the chief of Diallobe. She calls a community meeting and decides that in order to fight back against the coloni... ...t rather learn how to fight back. On the flip side, the Modern education represents the Modernist point of view during colonization. They want to learn how to incorporate parts of French culture and philosophy into their traditional Islamic ways. Samba Diallo makes the transformation into a modernist throughout the book, however he was never fully able to show his new philosophical knowledge because he was killed. If Diallo had completed his koranic knowledge, then he might of been rooted stronger in it and wouldn’t of been so torn between his Islamic roots and the new western ideas. Ambiguous Adventure shows how the traditional Islamic education and the new western education played a big role during the process of colonization. By: Ashley Fleetwood Word Count: 1,416 Kane, Cheikh Hamidou. â€Å"Ambiguous Adventure†. Melville House Publishing. Brooklyn, New York. 2012

Leadership Theory and Assessment Essay

Emotional Intelligence Mark Orvidas Walden University Introduction I have to say that getting back to considering emotional intelligence has been a bit of a walk down memory lane. When I was working for J&J, I was invited to attend a leadership workshop on emotional intelligence. As you might imagine, and probably have experienced, there were many individual and group exercises. I particularly remember a talk given by Daniel Goleman, he stresses the social aspects of leadership, and how it emotional competencies may trump intellectual competencies once a certain knowledge threshold is achieved. Later, we all receive a personalized copy of his new book, Working with Emotional Intelligence, which was the fall of 1998. New Insights Self-awareness is a basic competency that requires being in touch with our feelings, and using those feelings as a guide to decision making (Goleman, 1998). Being self-aware can help build self-confidence as a leader. While taking the assessment I felt like a Likert scale might be a more accurate scale since I found myself answering a version of â€Å"sometimes† to many questions (Nahavandi, 2012). Consequently, when this happened, I answered false, for to be â€Å"true† it should always be true. That said, my score on the self-awareness subsection was by far the worst (5 of 8). I realized that I really don’t create opportunities to learn about myself, nor do I analyze events that affect me. I usually don’t take things too personally and move on to the next challenge (unless it really was my fault! ). I have to say that I scored pretty well in the other categories, none â€Å"perfect† and I think this is due to the fact the my job for the last 20+ years requires a high degree of self-motivation, self-regulation, understanding and above all, social skill: although, my next lowest score was social skills (12 of 15). I don’t do to well with handling difficult people, and I don’t feel like I am all that persuasive. Usually, I just let the facts speak for themselves. New Impacts I think I will take these results and pay more attention to the details of how a scenario has unfolded and put myself in a position to ask what I could have done differently. Use the opportunity to assess strengths and weaknesses and learn about myself. I feel like I am a pretty humble, easy-gone person but can be hard on myself when the mistake is mine. I feel that as a public health leader, I would share my missteps with my team and perhaps others may do the same so we all can learn from each other in a non-threatening environment. In doing so, perhaps I will be a more authentic leader and be able to share my vision from a credible position, and others will be inspired to follow my lead. Reference: Goleman, D. (1998). Working with Emotional Intelligence. New York, New York; Bantam Nahavandi, A. (2012). The art and science of leadership (6th ed. ). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

Doctor Faustus’ Damnation Essay

Doctor Faustus chose to be damned, although the evil spirits may have influenced him, Faustus always wanted wealth and honor. Faustus was very intelligent but with all the knowledge he had pertaining to logic, medicine, and law, it was never enough for him. With his quest for all that he could know he would never be satisfied unless he was a magician of the black arts. The damnation of Faustus’s soul was his own doing; it is exactly what he wanted. Only by selling his soul too Lucifer could Faustus obtain all the he desired, having ultimate knowledge. The beginning of the play shows Doctor Faustus is already interested with the black arts and magicians. â€Å"These metaphysics of magicians/ and necromantic books are heavenly! / Lines, circles, schemes, letters, and characters! / Ay, these are those Faustus most desires.† (lines 49-52). Faustus has an undying need for knowledge that he can only get through the means of selling his soul. Obviously Faustus had no hesitation when he has summoned Mephastophilis for the first time and demands that he be his servant for twenty-four years. This shows that Faustus does not care what he must do to become an honored and wealthy person. However the good angel and the evil angel appear to him and try to influence his deal with Lucifer. Faustus is having indecisive thoughts on if he has done the right thing. â€Å"Ah Christ my Savior! seek to save/ Distressed Faustus’ soul!† (line 256). The good angel is trying to tell Faustus that he can still repent and his soul will be saved, but the evil angel is reminding him that if he stays with the deal that he made, he will be wealthy and honorable. Faustus only considers repenting for a moment and then disregards that. â€Å"O this feeds my soul!† (line 330). Through his own thoughts and free will, Doctor Faustus brought the damnation onto himself. He had the opportunity to repent more than once, but even then that wasn’t enough to make him see his fate. Faustus was not a sympathetic figure; he was simply out to do whatever necessary for his own personal gain. Although his dearest friend The German Valdes and Cornelius, they greatly help Faustus’ journey to damnation.

Deception Point Page 3

He clucked ruefully. â€Å"Thirty-four. Almost an old maid. You know by the time I was thirty-four, I'd already-â€Å" â€Å"Married Mom and screwed the neighbor?† The words came out louder than Rachel had intended, her voice hanging naked in an ill-timed lull. Diners nearby glanced over. Senator Sexton's eyes flash-froze, two ice-crystals boring into her. â€Å"You watch yourself, young lady.† Rachel headed for the door. No, you watch yourself, senator. 2 The three men sat in silence inside their ThermaTech storm tent. Outside, an icy wind buffeted the shelter, threatening to tear it from its moorings. None of the men took notice; each had seen situations far more threatening than this one. Their tent was stark white, pitched in a shallow depression, out of sight. Their communication devices, transport, and weapons were all state-of-the-art. The group leader was code-named Delta-One. He was muscular and lithe with eyes as desolate as the topography on which he was stationed. The military chronograph on Delta-One's wrist emitted a sharp beep. The sound coincided in perfect unison with beeps emitted from the chronographs worn by the other two men. Another thirty minutes had passed. It was time. Again. Reflexively, Delta-One left his two partners and stepped outside into the darkness and pounding wind. He scanned the moonlit horizon with infrared binoculars. As always, he focused on the structure. It was a thousand meters away – an enormous and unlikely edifice rising from the barren terrain. He and his team had been watching it for ten days now, since its construction. Delta-One had no doubt that the information inside would change the world. Lives already had been lost to protect it. At the moment, everything looked quiet outside the structure. The true test, however, was what was happening inside. Delta-One reentered the tent and addressed his two fellow soldiers. â€Å"Time for a flyby.† Both men nodded. The taller of them, Delta-Two, opened a laptop computer and turned it on. Positioning himself in front of the screen, Delta-Two placed his hand on a mechanical joystick and gave it a short jerk. A thousand meters away, hidden deep within the building, a surveillance robot the size of a mosquito received his transmission and sprang to life. 3 Rachel Sexton was still steaming as she drove her white Integra up Leesburg Highway. The bare maples of the Falls Church foothills rose stark against a crisp March sky, but the peaceful setting did little to calm her anger. Her father's recent surge in the polls should have endowed him with a modicum of confident grace, and yet it seemed only to fuel his self-importance. The man's deceit was doubly painful because he was the only immediate family Rachel had left. Rachel's mother had died three years ago, a devastating loss whose emotional scars still raked at Rachel's heart. Rachel's only solace was knowing that the death, with ironic compassion, had liberated her mother from a deep despair over a miserable marriage to the senator. Rachel's pager beeped again, pulling her thoughts back to the road in front of her. The incoming message was the same. – RPRT DIRNRO STAT – Report to the director of NRO stat. She sighed. I'm coming, for God's sake! With rising uncertainty, Rachel drove to her usual exit, turned onto the private access road, and rolled to a stop at the heavily armed sentry booth. This was 14225 Leesburg Highway, one of the most secretive addresses in the country. While the guard scanned her car for bugs, Rachel gazed out at the mammoth structure in the distance. The one-million-square-foot complex sat majestically on sixty-eight forested acres just outside D.C. in Fairfax, Virginia. The building's facade was a bastion of one-way glass that reflected the army of satellite dishes, antennas, and rayodomes on the surrounding grounds, doubling their already awe-inspiring numbers. Two minutes later, Rachel had parked and crossed the manicured grounds to the main entrance, where a carved granite sign announced NATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE (NRO) The two armed Marines flanking the bulletproof revolving door stared straight ahead as Rachel passed between them. She felt the same sensation she always felt as she pushed through these doors†¦ that she was entering the belly of a sleeping giant. Inside the vaulted lobby, Rachel sensed the faint echoes of hushed conversations all around her, as if the words were sifting down from the offices above. An enormous tiled mosaic proclaimed the NRO directive: ENABLING U.S. GLOBAL INFORMATION SUPERIORITY, DURING PEACE AND THROUGH WAR. The walls here were lined with massive photographs – rocket launches, submarine christenings, intercept installations – towering achievements that could be celebrated only within these walls. Now, as always, Rachel felt the problems of the outside world fading behind her. She was entering the shadow world. A world where the problems thundered in like freight trains, and the solutions were meted out with barely a whisper. As Rachel approached the final checkpoint, she wondered what kind of problem had caused her pager to ring twice in the last thirty minutes. â€Å"Good morning, Ms. Sexton.† The guard smiled as she approached the steel doorway. Rachel returned the smile as the guard held out a tiny swab for Rachel to take. â€Å"You know the drill,† he said. Rachel took the hermetically sealed cotton swab and removed the plastic covering. Then she placed it in her mouth like a thermometer. She held it under her tongue for two seconds. Then, leaning forward, she allowed the guard to remove it. The guard inserted the moistened swab into a slit in a machine behind him. The machine took four seconds to confirm the DNA sequences in Rachel's saliva. Then a monitor flickered on, displaying Rachel's photo and security clearance. The guard winked. â€Å"Looks like you're still you.† He pulled the used swab from the machine and dropped it through an opening, where it was instantly incinerated. â€Å"Have a good one.† He pressed a button and the huge steel doors swung open. As Rachel made her way into the maze of bustling corridors beyond, she was amazed that even after six years here she was still daunted by the colossal scope of this operation. The agency encompassed six other U.S. installations, employed over ten thousand agents, and had operating costs of over $10 billion per year. In total secrecy, the NRO built and maintained an astonishing arsenal of cutting-edge spy technologies: worldwide electronic intercepts; spy satellites; silent, embedded relay chips in telecomm products; even a global naval-recon network known as Classic Wizard, a secret web of 1,456 hydrophones mounted on seafloors around the world, capable of monitoring ship movements anywhere on the globe. NRO technologies not only helped the United States win military conflicts, but they provided an endless stream of peacetime data to agencies such as the CIA, NSA, and Department of Defense, helping them thwart terrorism, locate crimes against the environment, and give policymakers the data needed to make informed decisions on an enormous array of topics. Rachel worked here as a â€Å"gister.† Gisting, or data reduction, required analyzing complex reports and distilling their essence or â€Å"gist† into concise, single-page briefs. Rachel had proven herself a natural. All those years of cutting through my father's bullshit, she thought. Rachel now held the NRO's premier gisting post-intelligence liaison to the White House. She was responsible for sifting through the NRO's daily intelligence reports, deciding which stories were relevant to the President, distilling those reports into single-page briefs, and then forwarding the synopsized material to the President's National Security Adviser. In NRO-speak, Rachel Sexton â€Å"manufactured finished product and serviced the customer.†

Gender Criticism based on Feminism and Masculinism in the Book “Skin” Essay

The book entitled, â€Å"Skin† is written by Ted Dekker and is a fiction novel about a killer who took as captives five people who each had stories to tell and had things about their past to confront. They were brought together by such deadly circumstances and despite their individual differences and suspicions drawn against one another, they had to work together somehow against a common enemy, their captor. â€Å"Skin† covers issues of feminism and masculinism in the details about how the captured characters – namely, Wendy, Colt, Jerry, Nicole and Carey – were victimized by the killer, Red. For Wendy, it all started one rainy night when she was driving herself to the place where her estranged mother was. The horror of all that they have gone through, all five of them, turned out to be something none of them was ever prepared for. Thesis The novel â€Å"Skin† relates a story that supports the thesis that the gender-defined roles of the characters therein damaged both sides. The story also presented the question of what true beauty is, both masculine and feminine beauty. Beauty is explored both as an external quality and as something that is more than what meets the eye – in men and in women. It turns out that beauty can be perceived by people as gender-defined. Beauty in men, thus, can be judged by parameters that are supposed to apply to men, and then beauty in women can be judged by altogether different parameters that, in turn, are supposed to apply to women. Feminism in the Story Wendy is an escapist from a cult where men reigned as the superior sex. In fact, even decisions pertaining to her life – who she was to wed eventually, who she could date and kiss – were made by the acknowledged head of their tribe, a man much older that her who was even supposed to be her future husband. Her mom was in the cult, too. As a member of it, she submitted to such leader and went to wherever the group went, never deciding for herself where and how she wanted to live her life. Through it all, she allowed the cult leader to make decisions that she should have made for herself and her daughter, Wendy. Wendy has become a prime feminist since her escape from the group whose members made up her world. She then became totally free – free to make choices for herself, free to make decisions concerning herself, her life and her personal interests. She has been equipped with good education and having been a scholar who made it through college by herself – with no help from parents, whose support usually comes in the form of financial resources to enable their children get through college as a way to have much better chances for a bright future. During her traumatic childhood experiences in the cult where the male leader was practically the ruler of all, Wendy had known what it meant to be eyed or even â€Å"reserved† for an older man. In the story, there was the pre-arranged marriage that Wendy had no choice but to succumb to when the time for it would come. For this reason, Wendy was even punished at one time for having kissed a guy. Through it all, Wendy came to have this fear of men. It was the same fear that went in the way of her having a serious relationship with a guy even when she was already a young woman. Thus, during years since her escape, Wendy had only female friends. Given the life she lived and the role of men in her life, Wendy has grown to be an independent woman who definitely did not need a man to make life easier for her. In contrast, Nicole had her brother, Cary, to adore her, to take care of her and to protect her. She grew up depending on the love and security that her older brother represented. Nicole represents the very image that present day feminists want to totally disassociate from women in general. She’s a victim of men who, like her brother, have to be needed by the women in their lives as the only way they would feel strong, masculine and happy. In such a trap, the likes of Nicole have been raised to believe that women are weak and are in constant need of the protection and support that only men can provide. For an independent woman like Wendy, it was indeed a novelty to watch Carey carry his younger sister all the way and to see for herself how much Carey loves his younger sister, Nicole. And Nicole, loved him, too. He was her older brother who has always been her source of love and protection. The same love and protection, though, can serve to curtail Nicole’s potentials as a person – a free thinker, a decision-maker and the master of her fate. Thus, the protective love of men – in this case, Nicole’s older brother – can be likened to a trap that can prevent women from going out into the world, making mistakes and learning in the process, and living their lives to the fullest. Curtailed freedom was one thing Wendy and Nicole had in common, but Wendy had chosen to break out of her prison cell and fly away toward freedom and self-realization. Men, as oppressors, can clip the wings of the women in their lives either intentionally or not, either lovingly or not – the manner, though, does not change the meaning of what is going on. Masculinism in the Story Colt’s masculinity would seem readily obvious in the light of his being a policeman. His marked skill as a gunman would serve to give his masculinity an added boost. After all, his being an adept shooter can easily be surmised to mean his being a good protector of people under his wings. As a great gunman, then, Colt has won the respect and admiration of his fellow cops in the police department, both male and female. And also as a great gunman, Colt would seem the kind of man who has little or nothing to fear. No one would guess, therefore, that for all his seemingly apparent masculinity, Colt has fears and has doubts of his capabilities and qualities as a man. In fact, the story says that having a woman around or being with one is enough to break Colt’s cool demeanor and to reduce him into a bundle of nerves. He therefore has neven been close to a woman. His life has been lived and has revolved pretty much around male friends. The story has mentioned Colt’s mom who has been murdered but was believed to have committed suicide – she might easily have been the only woman in his life. One’s childhood always leaves its imprints on the person. Events during Colt’s childhood have caused him to have insecurities and doubts about himself. These self-doubts leave no sign in the policeman that Colt has become. Such doubts and insecurities have stayed within him but have been buried way under Colt’s demeanor. In a way, Colt has been victimized by the way ladies ridicule guys they are not interested in, more so when ladies spurn those suitors whom they do not at all find attractive. Being rejected by a girl can have such an adverse impact on a guy’s confidence. Some guys even find it hard to recover their self-esteem after having been rejected by the ladies they loved. While Colt avoided women as characters he was not ready to have in his life, Cary was the type of guy who was instinctively protective of women he loved, like his sister, Nicole. Cary has grown up believing that the male sex is the stronger sex and that the females are therefore to be taken care of and sheltered. While adhering to this belief, being in helpless situations would kill the likes of Cary in their insistence that they be the protectors of the women they love. Thus, in the story, it tore Cary apart to watch his younger sister in pain and so helpless. It likewise broke his heart that he could not do what had to be done to keep them all safe from harm. Thus, independent women like Wendy would be a novelty to Colt, whose perception of women would be more of the clinging and needy sort. In the same way, frail and fragile women like Nicole would disarm Colt’s defense and lead him to overcome his fear of women, who in the person of Nicole can seem to be such weak, dependent and powerless creatures in need of somebody like himself. The story is adroitly set with twists that all served to help the characters eventually face their fears and find themselves. Works Cited Dekker, Ted. Skin. Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc. 2007.

Explain two psychological theories of individual development and Essay

Explain two psychological theories of individual development and discuss how these can be used to understand the health of an individual today - Essay Example â€Å"He tried to trace current behavior to early childhood experiences including children’s sexual fantasies† (Kalat, 2008, p.24). Erik Erikson’s greatest contribution to Psychology is evidently his take on the stages of Human Development. Divided into eight stages, he argues that for every stage man has definite goals and desires to master to be able to overcome various personal conflicts. The inability to conquer these could lead to arduous consequences in the long run. His theory offers a more practical approach to dealing with psychological troubles. They are specifically founded on stimuli response from the subject. The congruence of stimuli and behavior becomes an apparent main topic for Erikson as a psychologist. Perhaps his dissimilarity lies in the perspective of change attributable to a person that he suggests. The stages, to Erikson, have particular social and emotional conflicts that lead to the paced development of the individual. The person’s inherent analysis of his life, this becomes the main focus of humanistic psychology. The newborn stage, as he suggests, is delineated to trust vs. mistrust between the infant and his parents or caretakers. This where this issue is introduced trust is established. Infancy require parental affection and constant nurturing to provide a positive grounds for human relations. The absence of these factors could lead to a future that may be ridden with the child’s inability to form bonded relationships. The main issue in adolescence is identity. This is particularly so in Western societies where this stage is vital in the formation of a person that could lead to his character throughout his life. This choice is separated between intimacy and isolation. The person may choose to be with others and commit to sharing himself or he may opt to shut out others from his life. A full lifespan gives rise to

Creative Process Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Creative Process - Research Paper Example Warhol gained a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the Carnegie Institute of Technology in 1949 and went to New York right after his school days with the intention of working as a commercial artist. He became successful in his endeavor and thus begun his other works that made him famous, bringing out the genius in him not only with the camera and brush but included writing and sculpturing. His acquaintances with celebrities gave him the privilege of painting the famous during his time and were included in his subjects of interest. His list includes Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Truman Capote, making them painted portraits which accelerated him to stardom, receiving commissions from wealthy socialites, musicians and film stars (Carnegie Museum of Pittsburgh). Georgia O’Keeffe was trained by a grammar teacher to draw along with her sister in their early age and taught to paint by a local water color painter (georgia-okeeffe.com). She we nt to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1905 then continued her studies at the New York’s Art Student League in 1907 through a scholarship. Five years later, she taught at the Catham Episcopal Institute and later worked as a drawing supervisor in Texas. After years of teaching, she went back to her passion and started drawing using charcoal, sending some of her work to a friend who showed it to an acquaintance who appreciated her work and later became her husband, Alfred Stieglitz. This introduction begun her successful career as a painter which lasted through the years despite the challenges of her life like the death of her husband and her blindness brought about by old age. Despite these, she continued to paint and in the later part of her life, was assisted in her works due to her blindness. Ralph Vaughan Williams, a musician who made his first composition at the very young age of six showed signs of a genius with his work and his learning to play the piano, o rgan and violin as a child. At fifteen, he went to the Charterhouse then to the Royal college of Music to study composition from Hubert Parry and Charles Villiers Stanford, to Trinity College to read history and take his Bachelor of Music (hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com). Later, he went to Paris for an intensive training with Ravel, being unsatisfied with his work â€Å"Toward the Unknown Region† despite its acclamation at the 1907 Leeds Festival. Ravel’s music most probably made the distinction in Williams’ music so that later, his teacher said that William did not play his music. On his return, the composer finally found himself, found what he wanted in his music and begun composing with his own style reflecting the Williams genius in him in full originality (hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com). Writing runs in the blood of Robert Graves which is usually stressed by biographers, mentioning his great uncle, Leopold von Ranke who was a highly accomplished historian an d Richard Graves, a relative who wrote a novel successful in the 18th century. Through a scholarship, Robert went to Charterhouse after preparatory school where he began writing poetry, performing well enough academically and earned yet another scholarship to St. Johns College in Oxford. However, with the declaration of the war, he enlisted and joined the Royal Welsh

Business Ethics Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Business Ethics - Research Paper Example In order to gets acceptance from the government as well as the bodies controlling policies and laws, organizations have to accept and follow certain rules and regulations and maintain certain standards in the work process. A collaborative study of these regulations, laws and issues can be termed as business ethics. Ethics is always concerned with the moral judgment of business. Every business or organization expects to be in the good books of the government as well as regulatory bodies. Decisions in an organization are taken by higher management but these decisions are always influenced by the culture of the company as well as the external environment in which the company operates. Involving in ethical process might seem difficult and lead to cutting down of short-term profits, but it is very essential for a successful and sustainable long term growth of the organization (Chang, 2011). Companies can significantly benefit from positive corporate social responsibility and ethical behav ior; Customers are attracted to the products and services of the firm, thus, profits and sales get a boost. Employee perception towards the organization becomes positive and loyalty increases. Thus, there is a decrease in labor turnover and overall increase in productivity. As a result of the positive perception growing popularity of the organization, skilled talents are attracted and recruitment costs are reduced significantly. The share price of the company increases and investors are constantly attracted and business is always in growth phase. TOYOTA COMPANY Toyota is one of the largest automaker in the world, headquartered at Toyota, Japan. In terms of revenue, Toyota is the eleventh largest corporation worldwide. The company was founded in 1927 and deals with the manufacturing and production of commercial vehicles, automobiles, engines and motorcycles (Toyota, 2013a). Apart from global leadership in vehicle manufacturing, the company is known for its participation in ecological campaigns and sustainable environment issues. The company believes in theory and practice of sustainable development. Toyota practices total quality management in all its operations. The objectives are to least impact the environment. For creating a sustainable environment, the company has established a plantation programes (Toyota, 2013e). Apart from this, the company is involved in many ecological campaigns and environmental management programes. The organization has been awarded with various awards such as Green Awards (Toyota, 2013d). ETHICS AT TOYOTA Toyota is one of the well recognized conglomerates worldwide. It is imperative that the organization maintains a record of all its transactions and business acts. In this regards, proper maintenance of ethical behavior in the organization is critically important. Quality and ethics are the benchmark for the sustainability of the organization as well as growth and development of the supply chain and other important department of To yota (Toyota, 2013b). Both play a crucial role in the strategic plan of the company. Since it is a vehicle manufacturing company, safety of the consumers will be the top-most priority while designing and manufacturing products. On a broader term, the business ethics for the company can be applied in three major areas; designing and man

Critical Analysis of Current Management or Leadership Book Research Paper

Critical Analysis of Current Management or Leadership Book - Research Paper Example It imparts into the managers the skills that are vital for present management as well as in the future. Managers are informed on better strategies that are necessary for solving problems. The new strategies were previously hidden from them. The theoretical proposals of the book when applied in management can help enhance the performance of various organizations. The first part of the book talks about business performance. Drucker says although there is no known genuine business theory and no integrated business strategy is in existence, people know about business and its key functions (Peter, 1999). In deed no standard management strategy exists. The practical implication of this fact is for the managers to design the strategy that will most suit the needs of their organizations. Different organizations have different management strategies and this explains the diversity in the performances of organizations. This fact coincides with what happens in reality. Managers should set balanc ed objectives in the key areas of production in line with the current prevailing factors and those of the future. Owing to the fact that businesses have certain set goals, the managers must lay down clear strategies that will help steer their business to achieving those goals. Applying the strategies proposed in the book puts the managers at a better position to improve their organizations. They must learn how to mobilize the necessary resources required in realizing the objectives of their businesses. When strategizing, managers should also put into consideration how the decisions will impact on the performance of the business in the future. When fully adhered to, the business performance proposals can be of great help in management of organizations. The book talks about dimensions of management. Organizations, both business enterprises and public institutions exist for a purpose. There are three major roles of management in an organization. The managers must ensure that these role s of management are achieved. The first role is to think through and define the specific reason for existence and mission of the institution, whether hospital, business enterprise or university. If the organization is a business enterprise, its reason for existence would be to make profit and expand its scale of operation. The second purpose is to ensure productivity and the employees achieving. The last role is to manage social impacts and responsibilities. Todays organizations’ success is based on these three pillars. Managers should know the purpose of an organization. Once they are fully in terms with the mission and purpose of an organization, they can set policies and strategies that can enhance the productivity and efficiency that aim at achieving the set goals. The strategies formulated should conform to the objectives to be achieved. Time dimension, as proposed in the book, affects management of businesses and institutions. This coincides with the real situation in m ost organizations today. In making decisions, managers should put into considerations the time factor. For a productive organization, every decision made and objectives set must be time bound. The managers must live at present and also in the future. The future goals of an organization can only be achieved from the present as they represent the continuity of the organization. Management of various organization when planning include the future in the decision

The Victorians Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

The Victorians - Essay Example I not only communicated through symbols, but also expressed my emotions through playing piano. The division of responsibilities was very significant; men and women recognized the difference in their roles and accepted the fact that even within marriage they were supposed to lead separate lives until their death. Unmarried women who got pregnant were highly disregarded in the Victorian era; they were considered not only conspicuous, but also a danger to the society’s stability. However, pregnancy of a married woman was highly valued because of the high position of babies after marriage. I remember a big celebration that was held by my father when I experienced my first menstrual cycle. I think he held the celebration because he knew he was going to exchange me for a good amount of money. He was the one that had the authority of deciding which boyfriend was to marry me depending on the money on his saving account. In connection with this, only women who were virgins were considered potential wives during my era. Virginity was an indication of not only purity of the woman, but also a significant bride price. Marriage in my era was also between couples from the same social class; a wealthy man married a woman from a wealthy family as well as a poor man married a woman from a poor family. To avoid shame associated with uncalled matches, my parents controlled my company. It was a result of this that I married a wealthy man that I did not love. Double standard was also acknowledged in my era; men were allowed to have many lovers considering that women were barred from ha ving any lover apart from the husband because they were believed not to have sexual energy. The guilty of adultery, as well as well pregnancy of an unmarried woman, meant not only shame, but also humiliation. Thus, I avoided by all means having any relationship before marriage as well as outside my marriage after getting married to my husband. Divorce was also not very common during my era. It

Research paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 21

Research Paper Example er, images of female beauty portrayed by most advertisement, communication, and interaction platforms, make women to adopt unhealthy living habits, as they strive to meet the over exaggerated standards of being beautiful. This trend has brought about research by various scholars into the effect of media on women’s view of beauty, pointing to reduced self-esteem, among other negative issues associated with unrealistic body images. This paper explores and critically analyzes existing scholarly evidence, showing the relationship that exists between media and the rise in women’s unhealthy habits like eating disorders, as they practice beauty. The subject bears a huge impact, given the pervasive nature of media and accompanying socio-cultural expectation of women to be symbols of physical perfection. Prior to analyzing the effect of media in shaping the beginning of female beauty and body image, it is important to first understand the meaning of this aspect. According to Luff and Gray (133), body image refers to â€Å"the inner representation of a person’s outer appearance.† This means that one’s body image is a reflection of both physical and abstract views about their appearance. These scholars also emphasize that body image is linked to the self-concept and self-esteem. For instance, a negative perception of one’s body image translates to highly reduced self-esteem and subsequent dissatisfaction with oneself. Body image is particularly of concern during adolescence and young adulthood, since it is in the course of this phase that individuals undergo numerous and rapid physical and mental changes that pave way for self-discovery. It is also during this important developmental stage that people, especially girls and young women become more vulnerable to external influence from peers and information sources like various forms of media. With coverage to media increasingly becoming prominent and provocative by day, body image is certainly a major topic of

Ultimate Reality and the Nature of a Human Being Essay

Ultimate Reality and the Nature of a Human Being - Essay Example Because of our limited understanding of reality, individuals create a personal perception of the truth of ultimate reality. The understanding of ultimate reality provides explanations of the causes of some phenomena such as living and non-living things in the universe. The explanations of the causes of existence make human beings create the meaning and purpose of life and living. For example, those who see the world from a religious viewpoint attribute the existence of a diverse universe to the works of an infinite Supreme Being. Thus, human beings come up with various attributes of the Supreme Being. Human beings derive the meaning and purpose of life from the perceived attributes of the Supreme Being. For the Christians, the purpose of living is to fulfill God’s creation. According to Goheen and Bartholomew (2008), the Bible is the true story of the world. It teaches that the definitive goal of the world is the establishment of God’s kingdom. Therefore, the Bible should be regarded as God’s message about how is working to resolve the world and all human beings. The practical implication of understanding ultimate reality is the emergence of various views that attempt to provide satisfactory explanations of existence. Each and every person creates their own individual perception of reality. The perceived individual reality helps in shaping the consensus reality of the human nature. Because of the limited powers of reasoning and experience, humans may not understand the entire diverse nature or even provide satisfactory explanations of its existence. It is such limitations of reasoning that make people resort to religion to explain what the basic human reasoning cannot provide. Therefore, what the human reasoning cannot explain is attributed to the Supreme Being. Human beings seek to understand themselves in relation to the ultimate nature. To understand the ultimate nature, an individual needs to understand God, the supreme being. Thus, God is strictly

Htc Introduction Essay Example for Free

Htc Introduction Essay HTC quickly emerged on the smartphone scene with the remarkable success of The Sense, one of its first models, and broke many industry sales records. People were asking, â€Å"Who is HTC? † Our research indicates that HTCs rapid rise to success was because of innovation and technological capabilities. Even though the HTC brand was not widely recognized, its smartphones were generating interest. In our primary research, we discovered that some people owned an HTC phone but did not know that HTC was the manufacturer. Obviously, brand awareness was relatively low. For HTC to stay relevant in the hypercompetitive smartphone industry, it needs serious revamping of its marketing plan. With smartphone market penetration increasing to more than 20 percent in the past five years and reaching 46. 8 percent in Q3 2011, HTC has tremendous opportunities to establish a solid market position. After examining the market conditions and current HTC performance in the U. S. , our team proposes that HTC position itself as a technological leader by targeting consumers ages 18 to 34. This promising segment has potential sales of $2. 5 million. We analyzed the industry and examined external factors that could impact HTCs bottom line. This analysis gave us crucial insight into the smartphone market. We also analyzed the competitive environment that includes Apple, Motorola, and RIM (Blackberry). HTC, which has a positive reputation on the merits of its technology, needs to boldly differentiate itself in the marketplace. Through market analysis, we discovered that HTC has a strong market size, market potential, and distinct target markets. We recommend that HTC take specific steps through segmenting, targeting, and positioning to execute its marketing plan. We are confident that our plan can increase HTCs market share by 2 percent each year. By the end of 2012, our marketing objective is to reach a 24 percent market share of the smartphone industry, which equals 18. 7 million HTC customers. The plan includes recommendations and precautions at distribution channels so that HTC differentiates itself from the other brands. We developed a budget for the marketing plan and devised procedures to monitor each effort in order to reach our projected market share increase. We are confident that our marketing plan can take HTC from an emerging brand to a dominant market leader.

Psychodynamic Theory Essay Example for Free

Psychodynamic Theory Essay What Psychodynamic Theory Has to Contribute to Our Understanding of   Counselling in a Multicultural Society? If counsellors are to discern very well their clients of diverse backgrounds or culture and their place in a multicultural society, psychodynamic theory may be particularly helpful in this respect. Theories and techniques used in counselling are diverse and it is imperative for counsellors to know how to use their knowledge of psychodynamic theory in conceptualising systems for both counselling and therapy. In psychodynamic therapy, which is an approach in counselling based on psychoanalytic theories, it is postulated that conscious and unconscious influences mold human behavior and social relationships. This concept of the unconscious is often associated with Sigmund Freud whose contribution in psychoanalysis can not be discounted. Psychoanalytic theory though, is not exclusively Freudian. Freud’s brilliant ideas and theories, were controversial. His theories were under attack from many directions and it was a good thing though that from his perspectives, many other psychoanalytic theories emerged as well. Carl Jung was famous for his collective unconscious and his oriental approach was unorthodox for Western psychoanalytic theorists. D.D. Winnicott’s transitional objects and good- enough mothering for instance, are interesting contributions to psychoanalysis as well. It should be fascinating to explore these theorists’ contribution to systems and approaches of multicultural counselling. In as much as these theorists’ perspectives seem to have distinct or even conflicting orientations, we may have the chance to look upon their theories, in many ways, complementary in the practice of counselling in a multicultural society. Their theories can prove to be useful at any point in counselling (or therapy) sessions in understanding clients, their unique history, individual concerns, and understanding their behavior, the impact of their past experiences to their present condition in life, and some of their underlying motives and beliefs. Sigmund Freud   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Psychoanalytic approaches to therapy and counselling originated from the works of Sigmund Freud. He viewed that people are driven by unconscious influences, a part of their inner world of which they are not aware of. He theorised that repressed unconscious thoughts and feelings could manifest through dreams, fantasies and odd behavior. Until after these repressed forbidden desires, hurtful memories and experiences are brought to conscious awareness, these were presumed to lead to irrational and maladaptive behavior. Based on this concept, effective counsellors can effectively draw upon these repressed thoughts and emotions through psychotherapy to ease their client’s depression or anxiety and to rebuild their client’s self-esteem.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Freud’s concept of eros (sexual and life instincts) and thanatos (aggressive and death instincts) are considered motivating factors of personality, with the term libido referring to basic energy of life associated with Eros. Troubled individuals may manifest death instincts through destructive behavior such as, alcoholism, substance abuse, aggression (towards self or others), and even suicide.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Freud theorised that the individual’s behavior is assumed to result from the interaction of three components of the personality: id, ego, and superego. The id is said to be the source of instinctual drives and operate in terms of the pleasure principle. It is capable of eliciting mental images and wish-fulfilling fantasies (Coleman, 1980).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The second personality component is the ego, which intercedes between the demands of the id and the external world, and operates in terms of the reality principle. For instance, Freud believed that sexual or aggressive tendencies are in conflict with society’s rules and prohibitions.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It was clever of Freud to introduce the third personality component, which is the superego, or commonly known as conscience. If one has learned and adapted to the moral demands of society, the individual would have a better grasp of what is right from wrong. The superego serves as personality’s system of control to inhibit immoral desires.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Freud believed in the interplay between the id, ego and superego, and how it becomes crucial to behavior. Inner conflicts may arise because the id, ego and superego are striving for different goals. Inner conflicts could manifest as a mental disorder if not resolved. Another important psychoanalytic concept of Freud is defense mechanisms. For him, whatever pains or anxieties are eased by distorting reality, if one can not deal with it rationally (Coleman, et.al., p. 54). Therefore, an individual’s distorted perception of reality poses behavior problems. This only happens though when the ego can no longer cope with the pain or anxiety by rational measures. Freud’s contribution to developmental psychology is his theory on five Psychosexual stages: the oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital stages.   He believed that these stages of development could determine one’s defenses, anxieties, and impulses. A child who has been deprived of fully experiencing any of these stages may suffer fixation at that stage of development. The first three stages of development, the oral, anal, and phallic stages, are the most crucial, as one’s personality is molded at this time. If fixation happens at any point during this period, then the child would likely develop distinct personality type. From birth to 1 year (oral stage), the mouth is the principal erogenous zone and it is assumed that an infant’s greatest source of gratification is sucking. If the caregiver is overindulgent or depriving, then the child is likely to develop fixation at this stage. Some traits associated with overindulgence are optimism, manipulativeness, boldness and admiration. On the other hand, deprivation would lead to traits such as pessimism, suspiciousness, self-belittlement, passivity, and jealousy. Further, as Freud theorised, fixation at this stage, or when the individual did not receive adequate oral gratification during infancy, the individual is predisposed to excessive drinking or eating in adult life. When the child is about 18 months to 3 years (anal stage), the anus and rectum are considered to be the primary sources of pleasure. Either an excessive demand or permissiveness from a child’s caregiver, will lead to the development of anal personality. Other psychological problems that are thought to arise from this stage are obsessive-compulsivity and paranoia. During the phallic stage, or when the child is about 3 to 6 years old, the penis or clitoris is assumed to be the major source of pleasurable sensation. At this stage, the child learns to manipulate the genitals and becomes curious about the opposite sex. Curiously enough, Freud also believed that it is at this stage when the child develops intense sexual feelings for the parent of the opposite sex, or otherwise known as Oedipus and Electra complex. The Oedipal complex is the perception that boys desire to possess their mother. Freud thought that boys have incestuous cravings for their mother, even sees their father as rival, but they have fear that the father will harm them (castration anxiety). Likewise, the Electra complex is the assumption that girls desire their father, and want to replace their mother. The fear of the same-sex parent leads to sublimation of their sexual attraction for the opposite sex parent into non-sexual love, and they learn to identity instead to their same-sex parent.   For either sex, it imperative for them to resolve the conflict, such that when they enter young adulthood stage, they are likely to have a satisfactory heterosexual relationship. In the years from 6 to 12 (latency stage), sexual motivations are put aside and the child channels his energy into school, play, shared activities with friends, and sports. Finally, the genital stage, which is from puberty onwards, the deepest feelings of pleasure come from heterosexual relations. At this stage, the individual channels his energy into socially acceptable ventures such as entering into romantic relationships, establishing friendships, career planning and also some recreational activities.   Freud’s cathartic hypnosis was popular during his time, but more than the technique of hypnosis as a therapeutic cure to psychological illnesses, was his concept that feelings were drawn from the unconscious. His contribution stands out in the sense that he was the one who developed techniques such as free association and dream analysis in dealing with both the conscious and unconscious aspects of mental health. Freud emphasized the role of the unconscious motives and ego-defense systems, and the importance of early childhood experiences in the personality adjustment and maladjustment of adults, as well as the relevance of sexual factors in human behavior and mental disorders (Coleman, et.al., p. 57). Freud’s techniques now used in contemporary psychodynamic counselling provide much deeper understanding of the (client’s) self, and can prove to be helpful in emotional, spiritual development and self-awareness. Carl Jung   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One of the most original and controversial features of Jung’s theory on personality was the concept of collective unconscious. He theorised the existence of universally shared motives, drives, potentials, fears and symbols that human beings have more or less the same collective unconscious. Collective unconscious is defined as the â€Å"storehouse of latent memory traces inherited from one’s ancestral past† (Hall Lindzey, 1978, p. 119). Simply put, with this theory, there is probability of reviving experiences of past generations. â€Å"Humans are born with many predisposition for thinking, feeling, and perceiving according to definite patterns and contents that become actualized through individualized experiences† (Hall Lindzey).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   If Freud’s â€Å"unconscious mind† is often associated with repressed forbidden desires, hurtful memories and experiences, Jung’s collective unconscious is a vast resource of subliminal contents and potential, which includes the â€Å"wisdom and experience of uncounted centuries, and laid down in its archetypal organs† (Jung, cited in Hall Lindzey, p.120). The collective unconscious can then serve a very good purpose to the individual. But, if this ignored by the ego, â€Å"the unconscious may disrupt the conscious rational processes by seizing hold of them and twisting them into distorted forms (Hall Lindzey, p.120).   Instances of irrational behavior could arise such as phobias and delusions.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Jung believed that the individual achieves completeness or wholeness only as fantasies, images and dreams from the personal and collective unconscious become accessible to the conscious self (Coleman, et.al., p.58).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Jung’s concept of archetypes refers to patterns of behavior within the unconscious mind. The most common of these archetypes are the persona, shadow, self, and anima and animus. The persona is tantamount to the social personality the â€Å"face† an individual has in his social relationships. A healthy persona could then mean good adaptation to the demands of society or the environment where one belongs. In some respects, Jung’s concept of the persona is similar to Freud’s superego. The shadow has some resemblance to Freud’s concept of the id. It is considered the hidden or dark side of personality that sometimes the individual is not even aware of. This part of the psyche would be difficult to accept. If a certain trait of another distress an individual, then this could be a reflection of his shadow. Traits such as laziness, attention-seeking, anger expression, etc., are usually kept from consciousness and is often projected to others. The self can be considered the sum total of one’s personality, the motivating factor of human behavior that causes one to constantly strive and attain wholeness. It was Jung’s view that the self can only emerge only if various aspects of the personality have fully developed (known as individuation) (Hall Lindzey, p. 124). Thus, this does not happen until one has reached middle age when one â€Å"begins to make a serious effort to change the center of personality from the conscious ego to one that is midway between consciousness and unconsciousness† (Hall Lindzey). Jung believed that one takes the journey toward individuation, spending almost half of his life individuating, and the second integrating. This concept has direct application and relevance to career counselling. Notice that most individuals who reach middle age begin to have more focus and sense of purpose, not wasting their time and energy where they do not fit or are not welcome, and extending effort only in activities that will lead them to their true calling. Somewhat parallel to Freud’s Oedipus and Electra complex which prove relevant to understanding one’s heterosexual adjustment is Jung’s anima and animus. This is much like the â€Å"yin and yang† of the Chinese, the masculine and feminine side of human personality. The role of biological hormones cannot be discounted, but from a Jungian perspective, this is more considered to be a product of racial experiences of man with woman and vice versa. Jung’s anima and animus may be of relevance in understanding man-woman relationships in a counselling setting. Man is supposed to â€Å"apprehend the nature of woman by virtue of his anima, and woman apprehends the nature of man by virtue of her animus† (Hall Lindzey, p. 123), and without regard to the real character of the other, their relationship will most likely lead to discord. Donald Winnicott   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The influential concepts of transitional objects, the good-enough mother and the true and false self are attributed to Winnicott. A transitional object is some sort of a security blanket for a child. It could be a favorite stuffed toy, baby blanket, pillow or any symbolic object that a child finds comfort in having. A transitional object helps a child cope with fear while their principal caregiver is away. The most influential person (object) during a child’s development would be the principal caregiver. In a counselling setting, the counselor serves as the transitional object, who gradually helps his client overcome frustrations and develop greater independence over time. The good-enough mother pertains to the principal caregiver whose parenting style fit the child’s developmental needs. Winnicott believed that caregivers have to be good-enough in providing the child’s needs, but not too much. They have to teach children as well to tolerate frustrations, and teach them the lesson of independence and self-sufficiency. Winnicott theorized that children’s needs, if not adequately met, could help develop a false self (this is somehow identical to Freud’s concept of fixation). On the other hand, when children’s needs are adequately provided, then, they are likely to develop a true self. A relationship based on trust, a relationship that is more real, will grow between the caregiver and the child. This concept may apply to counselor (or therapist)-client relationship. An effective counselor knows how to provide a safe â€Å"holding environment† for his client, and is adaptive to his client’s needs. The counselor knows how to respond to his client’s emotions with warmth and empathy, thus helping his client reveal his true self. References Coleman, James C., James N. Butcher and Robert C. Carson. Abnormal Psychology and Modern Life (6th ed.). Illinois: Scott, Foresman and Company. Dakai, S.H. (2003). â€Å"Addiction Counseling: Examination of Various Addiction Counseling and Therapy Approaches.† Journal of Addictive Disorders. Breining Institute. Hall, Calvin S. and Lindzey Gardner (1980). Theories of Personality (3rd ed.). New York: John Wiley Sons. McGinnis, James D. and Kenneth R.Thomas (1991). The Psychoanalytic Theories of D.W. Winnicott as Applied to Rehabilitation. The Journal of Rehabilitation. 1 July 1991