Improving The Health Care System Essay - 1605 Words

Introduction Fixing problems that face health care in many health facilities demand a system wide set of solutions. The systems used in these facilities must be assessed and redesigned to identify factors that will aid in the achievement of the set goals. The enormous task of achieving the goals should be undertaken collaboratively by all the key stakeholders, who include, health care professionals, planners and policy makers, administrators, payers, and patients and their families. These partnerships must begin with a common understanding of the problems together with a shared commitment to cooperate and work together to eliminate the problems. With this knowledge, therefore, an action plan for redesigning the health care system can be developed and later implemented. For a successful health care service to be realized, there are various factors which should be employed and which are not found in the traditional business setting. These include unique economic processes, proper regulatory require ments and the perfect quality indicators. This creates a need for every leader within the healthcare industry to create or develop unique skill sets that will harmonize both organizational leadership and the inter-professional team development. It is, therefore, important to understand the comprehensive approach to the management of patient care and also how the concepts of team development and organizational leadership support healthcare leaders in creation of a patient-centricShow MoreRelatedImproving The Health Care System1104 Words   |  5 Pagesimprove the health care system there are three aims that are required and must be implemented simultaneously. A triple aims that has an impact on the cost decisions in managed care are; improvement of the experience of care; amending the health care system as it relates to communities, and reducing per capita costs of health care. 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While many upper and middle class Americans have nothing to worry about since they can afford health care insurance, the lower class are neglected and pushed to the side. Including funding and performance, the costs of the health care insurance has caused current political evaluations. Yes, Medicaid does cover the poor Americans, but you do not receive the same treatment and coverageRead MoreImproving New Health Care System Into The United States866 Words   |  4 Pagesthe new health care system into the United States. To avoid the idea that the government is introducing a â€Å"Big Brother† like plan. The first step is to introduce the usage of smart cards through executive order. Since it is election year it would be beneficial in implementing the new policy. This first step, of using smart cards would decrease wait-time and decrease charges while increasing care and transparency. With this plan the prices would be fixed and be negotiated annually. The system alsoRead MoreImproving Local Health Care and Effectiveness of Hospital Management Systems1367 Words   |  5 PagesImproving Local Health CarePage 2 Improving Local Health Care Effectiveness of Hospital Management Systems Question No.1 Think back on the last time you accessed health care services in your community (west oak lane) and make recommendations concepts that would have improved your visit. Provide specific examples to support your response. As an answer to this question, I would refer to my visit to the local hospital in West Oak Lane. During that particular visit, I was intending to get medicationRead MoreCanada And Uae : Advanced Economies And Invest Heavily Improving The Health Care System850 Words   |  4 PagesCanada and UAE are advanced economies and invest heavily in improving the health care system. 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Health informatics is an amalgamation of various disciplines like information science, computer science, social science, management science, behavioral science and others. There are various sub categories in health informatics like the â€Å"clinical informatics, pathological info rmatics, pharmacy informatics, public health informatics, community health informaticsRead MorePmh Model In Quality Care830 Words   |  4 Pagesenhance the system by pursuing various models for the delivery of healthcare through the Accountable Care Organizations and the Patient Centered Medical Home by putting measures in place that will provide cost effective delivery which will help to approve the patient outcome along with greater satisfaction with the care they have received. The Accountable Care Organization and Patient Centered Medical Home in these case studies did best by assuring patient satisfaction through quality care that is

Class and School Size Free Essays

It is important for students to receive the best education that their schools can offer to them because this would greatly contribute to their future and overall performance. Education is a significant part of a person’s life. Without it, people would have a hard time finding suitable and satisfying jobs and earn money. We will write a custom essay sample on Class and School Size or any similar topic only for you Order Now Still, several factors can affect a person’s learning process. Class and school size are important factors in students’ learning because this would affect their behavior and way of thinking. A class or school that is made up of a large number of students would be hard because it would mean that teachers and instructors would have a hard time monitoring each and everyone’s progress. They would not be able to concentrate on each child, which would somehow have a negative effect on the student because they would feel neglected and unimportant as compared to those who are being closely monitored. As such, there is a possibility that the students’ learning and education would suffer because they would feel that they are not important members of the school’s community. A small sized class or school has its pros and cons. It would be good for the students because they would be guided and taught without much difficulty. They would also be able to build a close relationship with their classmates and their professors, which would help make them feel comfortable and can encourage them to learn. However, this type of setting would make the students used to being monitored and even â€Å"spoon-fed† with information. They may have a hard time adjusting when they encounter places where the population is larger, whether in another school or at the workplace environment. How to cite Class and School Size, Papers

Sustainable Enterprise in Business Organization

Question: Discuss about the Sustainable Enterprise in Business Organization. Answer: Introduction Among the various concepts of a business organization, one of the most attentions grabbing aspect was the issue of sustainability. According to AO Dos Santos, Svensson Padin (2014), being faced with several internal and external factors, managers tend to focus on ensuring a long run by integrating various necessities in the business framework. It is noted that with a diversification of the concept, there is a consequent differentiation in the tracking systems as well. In addition to sorting out priorities, the mechanism greatly contribute towards ensuring stability and removal of negatively impacting practices from the business (Peterson et al., 2016). Further, characteristics of effective indicators are the following: Features of Sustainability Indicators Relevancy Easy to Understand Accuracy Reliability Accessibility Table: Sustainability Indicator Features (Source: Methner, Hamann Nilsson, 2015) For this particular project, a well known Australian brand named Woolworths Limited has been taken into consideration. Apart from a check on the firm`s ongoing practices and existing conditions, the report tends to be specific about the sustainability areas and further concentrates on assigning indicators along with a future developmental plan. Sustainability Dimensions As opined by Rajabian Tabesh, Batt Butler (2015), the three dimensions of sustainability also known as the pillars of a company are divided into three different segments, which are the following: 1. Social 2. Environmental 3. Economic Concerning Woolworths Limited, the firm actively takes part in maintaining the three dimensions as well. In addition to developing profit figures and expanding business, the management tends to fulfil social and ecological demands (Rose, Hawryszkiewycz Kang, 2015). Based on the firm`s perceptions, sustainability dimensions can be divided further into the following subsections: Sustainability Dimensions Woolworth`s Roles Social Dimensions Product Development Diversity Engagement with People Training Safety and Health Environmental Dimensions Carbon Emissions Packaging Waste Recycling Deforestation Resource Utilization Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Economic Dimensions Law Compliance Cost Management Market Penetration Diversification Social Welfare Jobs and Employment Benefit Stakeholders Table: Sustainability Dimensions of Woolworths Ltd. (Source: Griggs et al., 2013) According to Warburton (2013), in terms of social and cultural sustainability, the brand tends to provide the people with their most demanded goods at a comparatively lower price than the competitors. Further, along with ensuring high satisfaction of the customers, the management of the firm also works on developing a safe and highly motivated workplace for the employees. Not only does the supervisor accepts innovation and creativity in the organization, but also enhances safety and security in the work environment (Woolworths Group: Quality Brands and Trusted Retailing., 2017). Moreover, the presence of a positive atmosphere enhances engagement and value of the taskforce. It is noted that the brand over the past few years have spent over $28.2 million in training and development of more than 2000 courses which has significantly build up potentiality of the staff members (Environment and sustainability - Woolworths Group., 2017). On the other hand, various initiatives and programs have been developed by the highly skilled business experts in order to develop environmental and economic sustainability concerns (Opp Saunders (2013). In addition to focussing on an optimum utilization of resources, the brand works towards lowering carbon emissions, reducing packaging materials and deforestation levels. Moreover, a concentration is laid on waste and recycling as well (Strategy and objectives - Woolworths Group., 2017). Environmental Dimensions 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Carbon Intensity (t CO2-e / $m EBIT) 881 838 841 793 808 Energy Intensity (GJ / $m EBIT) 3,325 3,227 3,097 3,019 3,100 Water Intensity (KL / $m EBIT) 560 600 600 655 655 Waste Intensity (T / $m EBIT) 45 38 36 28 29 Table: Environmental Dimensions (Source: Focus Areas., 2017) Furthermore, it is noted that the management tends to benefit the stakeholders and society by opening up employment opportunities and enhancing shareholder value (Grubb, 2014). Woolworths have provided jobs to a large number of people and provided developed supply chain situations to the people. A focus on the legality and economic factors of Australia, New Zealand and other regions of performance also increasingly helps in building up revenue conditions. Also, donations to charities tend to benefit the community as a whole (About Us - Woolworths Group., 2017). Specific Sustainability Area Justin Smith`s business case for sustainability has been focussed on in this report. Based on Woolworths Limited prevailing conditions, the economic dimensions are focussed on to reach from Point A to Point B on the Dunphy Scale. Background of the Enterprise As stated by Devin Richards (2016), Woolworths Limited is Australia`s one of the most renowned and extensive retail outlet. Apart from providing the people with a diversity of products under a single head, the brand also in recognized as the largest liquor retailer. Moreover, the enterprise also successfully made its name in the hospitality industry with the biggest hotel and poker gaming services. The company actively serves New Zealand and all parts of Australia with its headquarters in the South Wales. In addition to diversifying services, the highly skilled management team of the brand seeks to maintain position in the market and further make an optimum use of the available opportunities (Klettner, Clarke Boersma, 2014). Additionally, with a taskforce of more than 202,000 employees serving a larger number of customers every day, Woolworths along with a focus on revenue generation concentrate on achieving sustainability targets as well. On the other hand, based on the mission statement of the firm it can be inferred that the brand tends to ensure an increased level of convenience and value for money to the visitors (Padin Svensson, 2015). Based on the Dunphy Scale it can be understood that the organization maintains its position at Phase 5 of Strategic Sustainability (Point A). In addition to fulfilling the needs and demands of the people in a best possible manner, the management also takes care of the staff members. It is noted that with a proper management, control, coordination and diversity of business scopes, the sustainability scale can be shifted to Phase 6 of the sustaining corporation (Point B) on the Dunphy Scale. According to Berning (2014), it is noted that customers tend to seek for a continuously developing shopping experience with an increase in quality of goods and downfall in price levels. While, the employees look for a secured workplace, respect and acceptance to innovation and creativity helping them to develop potentiality. Furthermore, the brand also understands its role towards the environment and prosperity of the society it serves (Cheng, Green Ko, 2014). Stakeholder groups like suppliers, shareholders and the community as a whole also form an integral aspect of Woolworth`s sustainability concern. It is seen that the managers enhance the concept of sustainable development in the business framework as a strategy itself. Conclusion Analyzing the various aspects of the project it can inferred that Woolworths Limited actively involves in developing sustainability concerns in the business framework. In addition to a people`s perspective, the brand concentrates on an environmental and economic view as well. Moreover, with an increase in the competitiveness in the industry, managers seek to monitor and check on development indicators to ensure sustainability as well. Despite of being inaugurated around 92 years ago, the managers have greatly succeeded in adapting to the changes and further actively involved in modernization. It is noted that a proper balance between the three dimensions of sustainability shall enables Woolworths to not only earn a stable rate of revenue, but also secure long term gains. Reviewing the economic dimension and focussing on shifting the sustainability scale from point A to B, it can be concluded that the management needs to focus on the indicators and developmental plan. References About Us - Woolworths Group. (2017).Woolworthsgroup.com.au. Retrieved 3 January 2017, from https://www.woolworthsgroup.com.au/page/about-us/ AO Dos Santos, M., Svensson, G., Padin, C. (2014). Implementation, monitoring and evaluation of sustainable business practices: framework and empirical illustration.Corporate Governance,14(4), 515-530. Berning, A. (2014).Sustainable supply chain engagement in a retail environment: the case of Woolworths food suppliers(Doctoral dissertation, Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University). Cheng, M. M., Green, W. J., Ko, J. C. W. (2014). The impact of strategic relevance and assurance of sustainability indicators on investors' decisions.Auditing: A Journal of Practice Theory,34(1), 131-162. Devin, B., Richards, C. (2016). Food Waste, Power, and Corporate Social Responsibility in the Australian Food Supply Chain.Journal of Business Ethics, 1-12. Environment and sustainability - Woolworths Group. (2017).Woolworthsgroup.com.au. Retrieved 3 January 2017, from https://www.woolworthsgroup.com.au/page/community-and-responsibility/group-responsibility/environment/ Focus Areas. (2017).Woolworthslimited2015.csr-report.com.au. Retrieved 3 January 2017, from https://woolworthslimited2015.csr-report.com.au/focus-areas.html Griggs, D., Stafford-Smith, M., Gaffney, O., Rockstrm, J., hman, M. C., Shyamsundar, P., ... Noble, I. (2013). Policy: Sustainable development goals for people and planet.Nature,495(7441), 305-307. Grubb, M. (2014).Planetary economics: energy, climate change and the three domains of sustainable development. Routledge. Klettner, A., Clarke, T., Boersma, M. (2014). The governance of corporate sustainability: Empirical insights into the development, leadership and implementation of responsible business strategy.Journal of Business Ethics,122(1), 145-165. Methner, N., Hamann, R., Nilsson, W. (2015). The Evolution of a Sustainability Leader: The Development of Strategic and Boundary Spanning Organizational Innovation Capabilities in Woolworths. InThe Business of Social and Environmental Innovation(pp. 87-104). Springer International Publishing. Opp, S. M., Saunders, K. L. (2013). Pillar talk: local sustainability initiatives and policies in the United Statesfinding evidence of the three Es: economic development, environmental protection, and social equity.Urban Affairs Review, 1078087412469344. Padin, C., Svensson, G. (2015). Intertwining ecologic, social and economic efforts and achievements of business sustainability in business networks.International Journal of Logistics Economics and Globalisation,6(3), 195-204. Peterson, N., Pearl-Martinez, R., Stephens, J. C., Serrano, M., Blondet, M., Rubios, ., Mattsson, E. (2016). Introduction to the special issue on social sustainability: integration, context, and governance.Sustainability: Science, Practice, Policy,12(1). Rajabian Tabesh, A., Batt, P. J., Butler, B. (2015). Modelling the Impact of Environmental and Organizational Determinants on Green Supply Chain Innovation and Performance.Journal of Food Products Marketing, 1-20. Rose, J. F., Hawryszkiewycz, I., Kang, K. (2015). Evaluating information systems for collaborative wellness'. In19th Pacific Asia Conference on Information Systems (PACIS 2015). Singhry, H. B. (2015). An Extended Model of Sustainable Development from Sustainable Sourcing to Sustainable Reverse Logistics: A Supply Chain Perspective.International Journal of Supply Chain Management,4(4). Strategy and objectives - Woolworths Group. (2017).Woolworthsgroup.com.au. Retrieved 3 January 2017, from https://www.woolworthsgroup.com.au/page/about-us/our-approach/strategy-and-objectives/ Warburton, D. (2013).Community and sustainable development: participation in the future. Routledge. Woolworths Group: Quality Brands and Trusted Retailing. (2017).Woolworthsgroup.com.au. Retrieved 3 January 2017, from https://www.woolworthsgroup.com.au/

The Outreach Program Essays - , Term Papers

The Outreach Program The Panuluyan was a real eye-opener for me. It made me become aware of the things, which I have normally taken for granted. It was so surprising to see how much little they have, yet at the same time they cherish each little blessing they receive and they never cease to be grateful for what is given to them. It made me see that it was easier to please those who have less, because they expect less. The trip to Camarin also made me realize how much different we are, yet very much the same. We have different concerns, different views, and different standard of happiness. But at the same time all of us have the same basic needs, has his own dreams, needs to be loved, longs to be free from struggle and pain, and desires to be happy. We are two planes on the same ground. One thing that struck me was the warmth and hospitality they have shown and given us. They welcome us to their home ad treat us like guests. They serve us food and drinks alongside with their profuse apology pasensya na ho kayo, ito lang ang kaya namin, although they might not have enough for themselves. They are very thankful for the help our school has given to their children, which might be one reason why they wanted us to be as comfortable as possible . On the house our group was assigned to, we noticed that sandals and slippers were removed before entering the house. We asked the owner if it was necessary for us to remove our shoes since the path leading to their house was muddy, but she hastily replied ay wag na po! wag na! So we just wiped our shoes and entered the house with it. It was only when we entered the house, not more than the size of my room, did we realize that the same place we stood was also where they slept! And we trampled it with our muddy shoes. Despite their situation, I noticed that the people in Camarin are generally happy. Everyone in the barangay knows everyone, the neighbors help each other out; families back each other up and are always there for each other. Even their goals are selfless. The woman we talked to only wishes for her children to finish school and hopefully have a better life in the near future. We also talked to her son, who has all praises for his kuya whom he whole-heartedly boasted for being artistically talented. Love was very visible. That spells out another difference. They cherish what is important because they have nothing to hold on to, while we are sometimes distracted by things which make us forget what is essential. The Panuluyan made me ask numerous questions. Among them is What next?. I saw the situation there, I was able to experience how it is to live in a world different from mine.What now? Now that I am back home, sitting in my air-conditioned room, I know that it would be impossible to let Camarin or the whole Panuluyan experience to remain in the outskirts of my reality, just something I read about in the newspaper and donate to every Christmas. I think the purpose of Panuluyan is to teach that those who have more are expected more. And I also learned that there are so much more I can give besides material needs. Simply being with them and giving part of my time and myself will live far longer than any food, money or clothing donations in their hearts. It might be hard walking a couple of miles from the parish to their houses and the sun might have fried my skin, but if I am given a chance to go back, Im definitely going.

Free Essays on A And P By John Updike

The Real Sammy Gestures of protest are very normal in our time. They are usually made to protest a wrongdoing or supporting a cause easily labeled. Like so many short stories, John Updike’s â€Å"A & P† is primarily a story of initiation, as a young boy moves from innocence or ignorance to experience or knowledge. â€Å"Updike shows the difference in general between romantic fantasy and tainted reality, leading to an emotional fall† (Saldivar 215). â€Å"We can characterize Sammy as a good-natured average boy with a vague preface for beauty, liberty, youth, and recklessness as against the stultifying cant of a stodgy civilization† (McFarland 96). Since â€Å"A & P† is a story of one individual’s gestures of protest on an issue extremely hard to define with precision, these motives are building as our story unfolds. Sammy is a good natured, average boy not even particularly restless in his boring job. He manages to find amusement in his work by making sarcastic observations of customers, by exchanging irreverent barter with Stokesie, his fellow worker, by ogling girls. When the three girls in bathing suits come into the store, they hook the slack potentials of his character in the most natural way. He is stirred by the beauty of the girl he calls Queenie, by her air of class and by the sweet disorder of her attire, the lowered straps of her bathing suit and exposure of un-tanned skin on her breasts. â€Å"The story calls attention not to the tone of nostalgia but the brashness of his colloquialism† (Greiner 297). Sammy’s sympathy with the teenyboppers is established immediately by the contrast betwe en the girls and the typical cash register watcher. â€Å"A & P† finally turns out to be another story of a character caught in the middle between romance and realism, and beginning to learn the lessons of bittersweet triumph. Updike’s character, Sammy, possesses the power to be deeply moved by the presence of beautiful objects. â€Å"It ... Free Essays on A And P By John Updike Free Essays on A And P By John Updike The Real Sammy Gestures of protest are very normal in our time. They are usually made to protest a wrongdoing or supporting a cause easily labeled. Like so many short stories, John Updike’s â€Å"A & P† is primarily a story of initiation, as a young boy moves from innocence or ignorance to experience or knowledge. â€Å"Updike shows the difference in general between romantic fantasy and tainted reality, leading to an emotional fall† (Saldivar 215). â€Å"We can characterize Sammy as a good-natured average boy with a vague preface for beauty, liberty, youth, and recklessness as against the stultifying cant of a stodgy civilization† (McFarland 96). Since â€Å"A & P† is a story of one individual’s gestures of protest on an issue extremely hard to define with precision, these motives are building as our story unfolds. Sammy is a good natured, average boy not even particularly restless in his boring job. He manages to find amusement in his work by making sarcastic observations of customers, by exchanging irreverent barter with Stokesie, his fellow worker, by ogling girls. When the three girls in bathing suits come into the store, they hook the slack potentials of his character in the most natural way. He is stirred by the beauty of the girl he calls Queenie, by her air of class and by the sweet disorder of her attire, the lowered straps of her bathing suit and exposure of un-tanned skin on her breasts. â€Å"The story calls attention not to the tone of nostalgia but the brashness of his colloquialism† (Greiner 297). Sammy’s sympathy with the teenyboppers is established immediately by the contrast betwe en the girls and the typical cash register watcher. â€Å"A & P† finally turns out to be another story of a character caught in the middle between romance and realism, and beginning to learn the lessons of bittersweet triumph. Updike’s character, Sammy, possesses the power to be deeply moved by the presence of beautiful objects. â€Å"It ...

5 Sentences Saved by Em Dashes

5 Sentences Saved by Em Dashes 5 Sentences Saved by Em Dashes 5 Sentences Saved by Em Dashes By Mark Nichol Sentential adverbs (words such as indeed or namely and phrases like â€Å"that is† and â€Å"of course†), and their close cousins the conjunctive adverbs, or adverbial conjunctions (however, â€Å"on the other hand,† and the like), indicate an interruption of thought, and should themselves appear as interruptions. Because they are parenthetical remarks (the framing sentence would be complete without them), they should be set off by commas: â€Å"You must, after all, admit that it was a good effort.† If they are employed to indicate a new thought, stronger punctuation is called for: â€Å"They are highly skilled; however, they do not possess the level of knowledge you do.† (In each case, the adverb could also appear at the end of the sentence after a comma.) Often, though, the interruption in sentence structure is somewhere between comma country and semicolon stature: The phrase that begins with the adverb is something more than a dependent clause but not quite an independent clause. In these cases, the linking function of an em dash is appropriate: 1. â€Å"I thank them for putting up with this project with such good sportsmanship, indeed with such exuberance.† The phrase beginning with indeed is tacked on to the basic sentence to provide an additional, loosely related thought. Note the shift with an em dash, and follow the adverb with a comma to mark elision of a repetition of the phrase â€Å"for putting up with†: â€Å"I thank them for putting up with this project with such good sportsmanship indeed, with such exuberance.† 2. â€Å"There is a job to be done, namely educating educators how to effectively teach that wildlife conservation addresses quality of life for everyone.† The phrase that follows â€Å"There is a job to be done† is an explanation of what is meant by that phrase. The traditional marker for explanation is a colon, but an em dash does just as well. Again, set the adverb off with a comma: â€Å"There is a job to be done namely, educating educators how to effectively teach that wildlife conservation addresses quality of life for everyone.† (Without the comma, the sentence seems to refer to â€Å"namely educating educators,† but how do you do something in a namely manner?) 3. â€Å"They may also be judicially voided for being unreasonable, that is, unsupported by the evidence claimed to justify them.† A colon is often employed to set off a sentence from a subsequent clarification, but the adverb and the fact that the clarification is an incomplete sentence justifies use of an em dash here: â€Å"They may also be judicially voided for being unreasonable that is, unsupported by the evidence claimed to justify them.† 4. â€Å"Furthermore, a scientific conclusion is based on the past, i.e. previous studies that lead to present conclusions.† The initials i.e. (an abbreviation for id est, Latin for â€Å"that is†) gives you a clue that this sentence can be treated identically to the previous example. Note, however, that just as you follow â€Å"that is† with a comma, set i.e. (and the similar e.g., which means â€Å"for example†) off from the following phrase: â€Å"Furthermore, a scientific conclusion is based on the past i.e., previous studies that lead to present conclusions.† 5. â€Å"Ethics, on the other hand, is future oriented, that is to say a present choice is based on a future desire, intent, or consequence.† This sentence contains two adverbial phrases: â€Å"on the other hand,† and â€Å"that is to say.† The first one, a simple parenthetical phrase, need not concern us, but the latter is an expanded version of â€Å"that is† and needs the same treatment as the short form: â€Å"Ethics, on the other hand, is future oriented that is to say, a present choice is based on a future desire, intent, or consequence.† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Punctuation category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:70 Idioms with HeartTry to vs. Try andStarting a Business Letter with Dear Mr.

Behaviors of customers and Environment Influence on Marketing Essay

Behaviors of customers and Environment Influence on Marketing - Essay Example Attracting customers is an integral part of marketing, but retaining them is even more important. This can be achieved through several means including understanding the behavior of current and future customers and the environment. In addition, recognizing changes in the market environment allows the firms to capitalize on marketing opportunities or prepare for threats in the market. Understanding of the market environment requires the firms to be conversant with current market trends, technology developments and competitors’ strategies. Therefore, this paper seeks to analyze customers’ current and potential behaviors and the market environment, as well as they affect marketing strategies. In order to successfully market their products firms need to understand both the behavior of current and potential customers and the influence of the marketing environment. In understanding the current customers’ behavior, marketers are able to do an analysis of their buying trends. This also helps to recognize the prevailing needs of the customer and hence produce products that satisfy target customers’ needs. It is also very important to be aware of the consumer buying process so as to influence the choice of the consumer. In doing so, it is paramount to understand that the buying process consists of several stages, all of which are of great interest to marketers (Thomas, 1995, p.248).

Production and Operations Management (Case Study on Renewable Energy Essay

Production and Operations Management (Case Study on Renewable Energy Technologies Implementation) - Essay Example Energy development closely associated with the development of the economy and thus, the efficiency of energy use needs to be increased to reach moderate energy growth. Renewable energy is one of the ways aimed at meeting increased challenges of energy use and environmental concerns. This offers an alternative of traditional sources of energy for developing countries. Alternative sources of energy help in meeting the needs of customers like the use of solar heaters to produce hot water and even small-scale industries of agro-processing plants. Renewable energy use is promoted around the globe and by studying this case; the researchers will gain knowledge and understanding on how to reduce carbon dioxide and green house gases emission. For this case study, several issues that need addressing include schemes of financing the project, technical testing, and appraisal, transfer of technology, creation of the job and manufacturing of the products. The establishment of this project will bri ng into light the implementation of renewable energy projects by analyzing the causes for the failure or success of technologies and or projects. This case study aims at identifying the possibility of eradicating existing barriers. Hence, promotes the implementation process of Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs). The benefit of implementation of this project bears sanitation or environmental and agricultural profits that will address rural needs of drinking water. The case study project will be able to improve skills, knowledge and confidence of the NGOs in identifying instances in which, renewable energy technologies contributes to the energy needs of developing countries. Secondly, it aims at strengthening the capacity of NGOs for implementation and analysis of RET project. Lastly, it will generalize the experiences and disseminate findings in an international way for other groups to benefit from gained knowledge. From this research, it is evident that, some of the common barrier s hindering the implementation process include market, institutional, information awareness, and financial, technical, social, economic, environmental, capacity and political issues of the country. The greatest problem contributing to the implementation process is associated with the lack of information, skilled manpower and facilities of training respondents. These same respondents also refuse to give this technology a chance to be incorporated into the society. Thus, their lack of social acceptance and participation in local levels is a hindrance to RETs implementation. In order for this process of implementation to be successful, a company needs to identify all barriers and remove them. Some of the actions needed include changing of policies, mechanical institution setting for upgrade and availability of technology, financing, making skilled personnel available, and designing and implementing a framework that accommodate law changes. By critically examining and evaluating existin g problems, the company was able to make the necessary changes and implement renewable energy technologies. The case study also evaluated both direct and indirect effects by using a qualitative assessment approach. Social, environmental, political and other effects comprise the direct impacts of implementation

Koalas Essay Example for Free

Koalas Essay Obamacare, or what is formally known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, is federal legislation that was signed into law on March 23, 2010 by present Barak Obama. The act aims to reform national healthcare and give more people than before access to affordable healthcare. The overall goal of the act is to cover all persons regardless of their conditions or other factors. The passing of Obamacare has led to much conflict in the government and throughout the nation. In particular, recently the act has been the root of heated disagreements and government unrest among the Democrats and Republicans. Obamacare, or the concept of a nation or statewide healthcare program, is not the first of its kind. The idea dates as far back as 1989 when it was proposed to Congress. Bill and Hillary Clinton had a similar objective in the 1990’s and Mitt Romney made similar reforms in 2006 while the governor of Massachusetts. The Clinton’s health care plan was similar to Obama’s in that they were national campaigns to provide universal healthcare. Also similar was the amount of controversy both drew up in the House as well as with the American people. The newly imposed ACA has many areas in which it aims to help those who cannot afford healthcare as well as better the healthcare system in the country as a whole. The main point of Obamacare is guaranteed issue of healthcare to all people and prohibits the denial of healthcare based on prior conditions. One benefit of Obamacare is allowing children to stay on their parents’ healthcare plan until age 26. Along with guaranteed coverage, Obamacare will institute an exchange so individuals can compare prices of private insurances and purchase insurance. It is estimated that over 15 million men and women will be eligible for purchase of healthcare. Families that fall within a certain distance to the poverty line will be compensated for choosing a policy using this exchange. This is an incentive for people to utilize this plan and purchase healthcare. On the business side of things, Obamacare also pushes towards the nationalizing of healthcare. There are penalties for businesses who employ over 5o employees and do not provide healthcare. Overall there are several efforts made in many areas of the country to push for healthcare for everyone in the United States. There are many areas in which families and individuals can benefit from the Affordable Care Act. According to ObamacareFacts, Americans making less than $45,960 or families making under $94,200 are eligible for free or low-cost insurance. Also, as a result of  Obamacare 24 million people will be exempt from the Individual Mandate which requires the purchase of health insurance. It is noted that anyone who feels they cannot afford healthcare will be covered under Obamacare and granted low-cost or free insurance. Dating back to 2008 the Democrats and Republicans had been on different sides of the national healthcare debate. The senate was close to passing the bill to reform healthcare in 2009. The Democrats needed 60 votes to pass, but due to a series of events leading to some members not supporting the bill or not voting, the act was not passed. After further delegation, what previously was a disagreement of terms and conditions had Republicans and Democrats in stark opposition to one another. All Democrats were strong supports of the bill and Republicans adamantly opposed. Now, it is clear the side the Democrats take on the Affordable Care Act. The real question is, why do Republicans oppose what appears to be such a proactive and achievable goal? The topic is an intriguing one, and one that does not have one definite answer. The Republicans themselves say nothing more than that Obamacare will destroy the country. Such a powerful accusation yet no real explanation or further comments lead only to more questions than answers on their true position. There are arguments that say the ACA is detrimental to the economy, and that businesses cannot afford to spend any more money on healthcare. Another claim was that Obamacare was unconstitutional, although the Supreme Court overruled this idea. Sources outside the Republican Party see the Republicans’ dislike of Obamacare solely because they dislike Obama himself. They appear to be against Obamacare simply just to be again st Obama. Another theory is the tax increases that would come along with Obamacare. One New York Times article highlights the â€Å"real reason† as to why Republicans are opposed to the Affordable Care Act. Eduardo Porter claims that Republicans are actually afraid that the American people will like Obamacare. They do not want the US population to realize that it will not actually destroy the economy and it can actually improve the lives of many people, many Republicans to be more specific. They are fearful of the positive impacts it could have on supporters of the Republican Party. One common problem many Americans admit to having with Obamacare. The nickname Obamacare is a point many people cannot get past, and when asked if they support it or not many say they do not. But the overwhelming majority of Americans agree with the actual terms  of the ACA and the steps it takes to better healthcare in the US. It could be that the simple concept of a nickname could be the main problem people have with an overall positive proposal. Although Obamacare itself has been spread out to institute new laws and regulations over the next 5-10 years, the effects of some of the early plans have already been present. ACA has already impacted the number of insured Americans and that amount is expected to continue to rise. Another change that has already been made is regarding dropping policy holders. No longer are insurance firms allowed to drop policy holders due to sickness or injury. Perhaps the most noticed and controversial part to date is the increase in healthcare costs and its effects on the national budget. The national debt limit has been a very sensitive topic and the affect Obamacare will have on it is not helping the problem. It needs to be determine the lengths necessary to go in order to make healthcare nationally available yet not impact the national debt in a way as to cause economic unrest. With a plan that has stirred up so much unrest in its early days, the future does not bode well for Obamacare. Johnathan Oberlander of the New England Journal of Medicine argues that many of the problems that the Affordable care act faces today will not be present once the act is more establis hed in several years. Once the disagreements on the actual passing of the bill fade, in come the disputes about what the act does and does not do and the boundaries of the laws. â€Å"Perhaps the most difficult long-term challenge facing Obamacare is cost control† (Oberlander, New England Journal of Medicine). Cost control is a serious issue that is seen to be a point of major contention in the future due to the lack of limits on spending. Another negative aspect of Obamacare is the affect it will have on our country in the global scheme of things. The spending on healthcare in the United States makes up 35% of the national spending, a whopping $1.38 trillion (Boot, Wall Street Journal). Much different than a time when the majority of spending was allocated to war or national security, many Americans now worry about the extent of healthcare costs in relation to other costs. Globally we are seen as a significant power, but with so much of our money dedicated to healthcare people are concerned for th e safety and protection of our nation. Along with the healthcare protection of Obamacare comes the increase in government spending, and with that comes the alarming reality of less and less spending on our national  security. In my opinion Obamacare is a very beneficial planned instituted by the government that receives an unnecessary and unfair amount of criticism. The Kaiser Health Tracker poll asked Americans whether or not they supported Obamacare and the majority were against it. However, the poll also showed that 88% were in support of tax credits, 76% in favor of expanding the coverage age of children to 26, and 71% and 66% in favor of expanding Medicaid and banning exclusions for preexisting conditions respectively. This shows that people are unfairly judging Obamacare, whether that be because of the nickname given to it or because it is President Obama’s plan. I feel that the overall objective of the plan is one that should not be so vehemently disputed and put down by Americans and other political parties. The goal of achieving a nationally supported healthcare is a very positive one that should be supported by anyone who is in favor of the well-being of our country.

Essay on Identity in Song of Solomon -- Song Solomon essays

Searching for Identity in Song of Solomon      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Abstract: Whether Africans really fly or just escape a monumental burden, perhaps only through death, is a decision Toni Morrison has apparently left to her readers. Never the less, no matter what you believe, within Song of Solomon, the suggestion is, that in order to "fly" you must go back to the beginning, back to your roots. You must learn the "art" from the old messages.    O Sugarman done fly away Sugarman done gone Sugarman cut across the sky Sugarman gone home... (6)1    Milkman was born to fly. Perhaps not! Maybe, he was just doomed to a life of flight. Toni Morrison seemingly presents her readers a choice. Milkman is born under a paradoxical cloud. His life seems to be destined for controversy. Toni Morrison eventually leaves the reader with a "choose your own ending" configuration. As in Beloved, Morrison's unique style of ending a novel with no finalization, only enhances the content and tickles the imagination. Evidence of the influence of Zora Neale Hurston is sprinkled liberally throughout the story. In addition to folklore and mythology, Song of Solomon is also rife with the cold, hard facts of reality. Did Milkman actually become airborne or was he merely a man, consistently trying to escape reality?    Toni Morrison's, Song of Solomon, was inspired in part, by All God's Chillun Had Wings (Andrews et al 103). According to this folk tale, at one time all Africans could fly. Through transgressions, they lost the ability of flight. On occasion, someone would shake off the weight of their burdens and be able to fly. Only a select few held onto remnants of the memory of flight. According to a legend in Hurston, the transgression, ... ...to converge in the distance. Soon they begin to twine and twist together. At the core, is a solid rope, with each strand braided neatly with the others to form a tightly woven story. With its many parts, but only one beginning, Song of Solomon is absolutely, the "perfect soft-boiled egg" (40).    Works Cited Andrews, William L., et al. The Norton Anthology of African American Literature. New York: W.W. Norton & Co., 1997. 103 Barnhart, C.L., et al. The American College Dictionary. New York: Random House, 1970. 919 Heinze, Denise. The Dilemma of "Double-Consciousness": Toni Morrison's Novels. Athens: The University of Georgia Press, 1993. 14 Hurston, Zora Neale. Hurston: Folklore, Memoirs, & other Writings. Ed. Cheryl A. Wall. New York: Penguin Books,1995. 315, 581, 597, 618 Morrison, Toni. Song of Solomon. New York: Penguin Books, 1977.

Merck and River Blindness

Onchocerciasis, known as river blindness, is caused by parasitic worms that live in the small black flies that breed in and about fast-moving rivers in developing countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. The disease, if untreated causes extreme discomfort and eventually, blindness. In 1978, the World Health Organization estimated that over 300,000 people were blind because of the disease and another 18 million were infected. At the time, there was no safe cure (Trevino, & Nelson, 2011).In 1978, Merck, while testing invermectin (a parasite killing drug for animals), found that invermectin killed a parasite similar to the one that caused river blindness. The problem for Merck was that river blindness generally only affects people in very poor areas and there was very little chance to recoup their financial investment by selling the drug.The ethical dilemma represented by this situation is focused on what course of action Merck should take. Does Merck invest precious res ources (both time and money) into testing and developing a drug that will not increase their profits? Or should Merck invest the resources knowing that their work, while not profitable, has the potential to save millions of lives and end the suffering of tens of millions more?On the Merck website, I found this listed first among their Values: Our business is preserving and improving human life. We also work to improve animal health. All of our actions must be measured by our success in achieving these goals. We value, above all, our ability to serve everyone who can benefit from the appropriate use of our products and services, thereby providing lasting consumer satisfaction (Our values, 2008). Corporate success (profit) vs. Corporate philosophy, while it is easy to  talk about ethics and charity, the river blindness scenario was a huge test of Merck’s corporate character.Section 2: StakeholdersAfter reading the case in our textbook and going out to read about this river bl indness issue, I have changed my opinion on who the stakeholders are in this situation (compared to what I wrote in the weekly discussions). The stakeholders, in my opinion are:1)Merck shareholders and investors 2)Merck employees 3)Merck management 4)People affected by (or potentially threatened by) river blindness This list is not a ranking of stakeholder importance as that is truly a subjective measure based on your view of the situation.Merck shareholders and investors may or may not share the company’s â€Å"people first† vision. For this group, the impact must be looked at in light of how the development of a drug (that will most likely be given away for free) affects the return on their investment. We have to remember that not all investors are rich billionaires like Warren Buffet, some are average, working class folks who rely on their investment income to help them survive. People invest in Merck because they expect a certain reasonable return on their investme nts and Merck has a responsibility to act in the best interest of their shareholders. If Merck decides to spend time and money on a philanthropic endeavor, how does the investment of time and manpower affect their other drug trials?Merck employees are stakeholders because their livelihood depends on Merck making enough profits to continue paying them. A few years ago I would not have viewed employees in this light but the more I learn about the company/employee dynamic, I begin to understand that employees, whether or not they have some financial interest in the company (other than salary), have a vested interest in the success of the company. Like the shareholders, employees make a choice to invest in a company. In their case, it is an investment of time and their investment is tied to  professional growth. Merck must make decisions that do not recklessly jeopardize the future of their employees.Merck management’s stake in this is similar to that of the employees. The diff erence is that not only are they invested professionally; the management team has been given stewardship over the Merck brand and corporate identity. They must make the decisions that set the company’s path so that the brand is financially successful while being true to the corporate vision that was discussed earlier.Last, but certainly not least, we get to the people who are affected by the river blindness disease. These people have voice in what Merck chooses to do but at the same time they are the reason that Merck is in business in the first place. As of 2006, estimates are that 37 million are infected with, and up to 100 million people are at risk of contracting, river blindness (Hearney, 2007). For a company like Merck that claims to be more concerned with people than profits, these people are definitely stakeholders in Merck’s decision to move forward with invermectin trials.Section 3: Analysis Based on Ethical TheoriesCultural relativism means that any decision is right (or wrong) depending on whose side you are taking at the moment. Because the United States doesn’t have a single, ethical baseline that guides our actions, each individual view holds equal weight and there is no absolute right or wrong. For this case, Merck could decide to cut the research on invermectin, order it’s scientists to not discuss the issue, and sit back while millions of people suffer through a horrible existence without a second thought. People who oppose Merck’s decision would have no standing to say anything about the decision because it is the right decision for the business culture in which Merck operates.For the suffering masses, this decision could be viewed as something akin to the Nazi decision to kill millions of Jews but based on the cultural relativistic school of thought, their view would not be any more important or morally superior than Merck’s. Part of the problem with this theory is that we are forced to accept barba ric actions as acceptable (burning people at the stake, cannibalism, beheading, â€Å"honor† killings,  stoning, etc.) because it is accepted by another culture. I find it ironic that there would have been a huge public outcry (from the very people who support cultural relativism) if Merck had decided to stop testing and not develop the drug. In general, these â€Å"liberal and enlightened† folks are only tolerant of the cultures and people with whom they agree.The teleological approach to this dilemma would require an examination of the issue and a breakdown of all the possible consequences of the various options presented.StakeholderDevelop – HarmsDevelop – BenefitsDon’t develop – HarmsDon’t develop – Benefits Merck ShareholdersCosts of development causes delays in other projects. Lost revenues cause stock price to drop. People on fixed incomes lose dividend money and are forced to live in poverty.Positive public reaction t o charitable act. More investments, higher stock prices.NoneFocus resources on other drug lines could result in higher profits, increasing stock prices. Investors make more money and their standard of living increases.Merck EmployeesCompany loses money, loss of profits forces layoffs.Chance to contribute to a worthwhile cause. Work on invermectin could lead to breakthroughs in other drugs.Loss of respect for Merck leadership. Perception that values are overshadowed by financial considerations.Focus on more lucrative products, increasing profits and salaries/benefits. Merck ManagementLoss of time/resources forces delays in other projects/products. Delays cause stock to drop.Loss of job.Public confidence spikes, stock price goes up. Influx of cash allows us to expand other projects.Public confidence crashes. Backlash forces investors to pull out. Jobs lost due to loss of capital. Focus on more lucrative products, increasing profits and salaries/benefits. People affected by river blind nessPossible fatal side effects (similar to other drugs).Cure for disease increases standard of living.Continued suffering from disease.None.Using the chart above, we would look at how the benefits and harms balance out to maximize the benefit for society. Obviously, using this method, we can see that the benefits of continuing the research and development of this drug has the potential to save millions of lives while the potential harms  are restricted to the loss of some profits and the possible delay of some other drugs. This approach isn’t about right or wrong; as long as the maximum societal benefit is reached, the actions taken to get to that point are not part of the equation.The deontological approach removes the harm/benefit comparison and focuses on the duty and obligation of Merck to do the right thing once they discovered that there was a possible cure for this disease. Merck’s corporate values statements show that this is the approach they choose to take in their daily operations. Profits are not the prime motivator, helping people is what they are all about. In this case, Merck decided to continue the research and help the people regardless of the consequences involved.According to the Merck website, since 1987, Merck has donated more than 2.5 billion tablets of MECTIZAN ® (ivermectin) in more than 30 countries worldwide. According to some deontological approaches, certain moral principles are binding, regardless of the consequences. Merck’s stance now matches up with what George W. Merck said in 1950, â€Å"We try never to forget that medicine is for people. It is not for profits. The profits follow, and if we have remembered that, they have never failed to appear. The better we have remembered that, the larger they have been.†As someone who follows the deontological approach myself, I can appreciate how difficult it can be to remain committed to this principle. Merck is a business and as such it doesn’t ex ist to give money away. I have argued that the people who invest in Merck have a huge stake in what the company does but part of the investment process is doing due diligence and research to make sure you are comfortable with how a company operates.Merck devotes an entire section of their website to Corporate Responsibility and they have detailed information on the initiatives they support. Part of the culture at Merck is one of giving back to the community and helping others so for Merck, the decision to develop invermectin was an easy one. Having a strong moral and ethical foundation makes it easy to make the right decision when faced with â€Å"easy† decisions that fall into the ethical gray area.The virtue ethics approach would looks at the motivations and intentions of  the decision maker as opposed to the results of his or her actions. In this case, if Merck had decided not to pursue the research and the CEO stood up and explained that the reason was because they had an obligation to their shareholders to focus on developing products that would be profitable, he would have been right due to the professional expectations of his office. CEO’s are supposed to make companies profitable, period.As long as Merck was operating legally, the moral questions about the results of the decision are not relevant to the virtue ethics approach. If the board announced that Merck, based on their stated corporate values, was going to continue to expend time and resources on a cure for river blindness even though it wasn’t a profitable project, their motivation for action would be guided by Merck’s established values and the sense of corporate responsibility that is important to them. Neither position would be wrong regardless of the outcomes because both courses of action were guided by the best intentions of their leadership.Section 4: Conclusion and RecommendationsIn this case, I feel that Merck made the proper decision based on their core c orporate values and the deontological approach to ethical decision-making. While I might have gone a different direction if I was making decisions for Merck, it is obvious from all my research that this program is helping millions of people each year. I was wrong about the river blindness issue in my original discussion post, this isn’t just about philanthropy or looking good for the public, this program (and the many other like it) run by Merck is all about being true to their core values.Even when they could not get financial backing for this project, they did what they felt was right regardless of the cost. The success of the river blindness campaign led Merck to begin providing ivermectin to treat lymphatic filariasis (Elephantitis) in Africa (Voelker, 1998). I am not so naà ¯ve as to think that Merck isn’t reaping some benefits from these programs but whatever small reward they are getting is well deserved when measured against the lives they have touched.There a re no recommendations I could make for Merck in the way they handle these situations. Merck’s actions are consistent with their stated policies  and they have managed to thrive while ensuring that the original intent of their founders (people before profits) is not lost in the rush to be commercially successful.

The Significance of Minor Characters in A&P

Minor characters are crucial to a reader’s understanding of any story. In John Updike’s short story, â€Å"A&P† this idea is very apparent. In this short story, two of the minor characters are quite important. These two minor characters are Queenie, a young women shopper and Lengel, the manager of the A&P. Qeenie and Lengel are vital minor characters, as Updike uses them for the reader’s understanding of the young adult main character, Sammy, including his personality and motivations, which provides further understanding of the story. In John Updike’s â€Å"A&P† Queenie is the lead girl if a group of girls who walk into the A&P. â€Å"She kind of led them† (17), as Updike puts it. These girls, including Queenie, are all wearing bathing suits, which at the time the story was written, was considered quite risque. Sammy refers to this girl as Queenie because as he puts it, â€Å"- and then the third one, that wasn’t so tall. â€Å"She was the queen† (17). Based on how much Sammy talks about her and the way he does it, Queenie is his favorite girl of the group. Lengel is the manager of the A&P. According to Sammy, â€Å"Lengel’s pretty dreary, teaches Sunday school and the rest, but he doesn’t miss much. † (19) He’s a quiet man, â€Å"as I say, he doesn’t say much† (19), but he starts the controversy that eventually leads to Sammy quitting his job. The way Sammy thinks of and talks about Queenie reveals parts of his personality and motivations. As for Lengel, the manor which Sammy interacts and when Sammy interacts with him reveals parts of Sammy’s personality and motivations, as it does with Queenie. Throughout â€Å"A&P,† Queenie and Lengel enlighten the reader’s understanding of Sammy’s personality. Queenie, as the lead girl, has Sammy’s hormones raging throughout the story and shows the reader how Sammy is quite fond of women, but also disrespectfully defaces them by analyzing every part of their body’s as pieces of meat, not as respectful young woman. Updike reveals this when Sammy refers to Queenie by saying, â€Å"She just walked straight on slowly, on these long white prima-donna legs† (17). Sammy also illustrates this idea when he says, â€Å"You never know how girls work (do you think it’s a mind in there or just a little buzz like a bee in a glass jar? )† (17). The fact that Sammy is has no respect for women is undoubtedly true. Author, Patrick W. Shaw explains this in his short story criticism, â€Å"Checking Out Faith and Lust: Hawthorne’s ‘Young Goodman Brown’ and Updike’s ‘A & P’†. Shaw states, â€Å"He punctuates his juvenile thoughts with chauvinistic asides and double entendres† (1). When Sammy talks about his manager, Lengel, he does not seem to respect him, which is another reason why Sammy is disrespectful and not only towards women. An example of this is when Lengel comes in from the outside lot, Sammy says, â€Å"is about to scuttle into that door marked manager  behind which he hides all day when the girls touch his eye† (19). For a regular employee to talk about his manager in such a way suggests that Sammy does not have much respect for Lengel. That quote also illustrates that Sammy also is a jokingly juvenile young man. The way in which Sammy talks to and about Queenie and Lengel shows very little respect. The fact that Lengel is Sammy’s boss and Queenie is a woman who he doesn’t know says to the reader, Sammy does not feel obligated to show respect for anyone, regardless of who they are or what their status is. This is another large piece of Sammy’s personality, revealed by these two minor characters. Queenie and Lengel also enlighten the reader’s understanding of Sammy’s motivations, which are to stand up to Lengel in order to be a hero to these girls. Sammy shows this after Queenie and Lengel have an altercation, regarding her and her friend’s bathing suits and how the suits aren’t appropriate attire for a food market. This leaves Queenie feeling pretty embarrassed. As Queenie leaves the store, Sammy says, â€Å"The girls, and who’d blame them, are in a hurry to get out, so I say, I quit to Lengel quick enough for them to hear, hoping they’ll stop and watch me, their unsuspected hero† (20). This is a clear example of how Queenie brings out that Sammy really sticks up for the girls as an attempt to get their attention and come across as a sort of hero to them. This reason for Sammy sticking up for the girls shows, that is his real motivation. During the same situation, Lengel also brings out Sammy’s motivation, as his words are the reason the girls feel embarrassed and leave. Lengel’s conversation with Queenie was about the girl’s attire in the store. Lengel starts by saying to the girls’, â€Å"Girls, this isn’t the beach† (19). He then explains how they should be dressed more decently in the store because it is the policy. After the girls leave and Sammy says, â€Å"I quit† (20). Lengel addresses Sammy and tells him not to do that again. Sammy still refuses; he puts his apron on the counter and walks out. When he gets outside to the lot, he is still motivated to find the girls as he says, â€Å"I look around for my girls, but they’re gone, of course† (20). The fact that Queenie is who Sammy sticks up for, along with the fact that Lengel is the reason Sammy feels as if he has to stick up for Queenie show Sammy motivation. This motivation is to be a sort of hero to Queenie by confronting Lengel and even quitting his job, in hopes that Queenie and her friends will recognize his efforts and appreciate him. The idea that Sammy wants to be a sort of hero to the Queenie and the girls, also is felt by Harriet Blodgett as in her critical essay in The Explicator. Blodgett writes, â€Å"Sammy plays a mythic role, too, seeing himself as the distressed damsels’ proverbial knight in shining armor† (1). In addition, in the book â€Å"John Updike Revisited†, by James A. Schiff, the idea that Sammy is a hero like character is also present. Schiff writes, â€Å"Updike’s apparent intention was to cast his protagonist heroically, via Sammy’s hope that the girls might at some point materialize† (116-117). Minor characters are a very important part of any story, as they provide a lot of information about others things such as, the main character. In John Updike’s â€Å"A&P,† this remains true. Throughout the story, two minor characters, Queenie and Lengel, reveal Sammy’s personality and motivations. Qeenie and Lengel are vital minor characters, as Updike uses them for the reader’s understanding of the main character, Sammy, including his personality and motivations, which provides further understanding of the story.

Similes in the Purgatorio Essays

Similes in the Purgatorio Essays Similes in the Purgatorio Essay Similes in the Purgatorio Essay Essay Topic: The Aeneid The concept of a plainness held back hints at an absolute meaning: behind the veil of rhetorical language lies a potential exposition. The composer of ornamented rhyme chooses to cover his meaning with ornamentation, but a translation, or an illumination, must be available upon request for the obscurity to have any worth. Dante veils his grief at Beatrices death, in part, by placing it at a linguistic remove: in a book written solamente volgare there is no place for a letter earlier composed in Latin to tell of the worlds new condition. Because of this determined linguistic consistency, the words, Dante pleads, may not be quoted in full (the word he uses for quote, . allegare, also means plead, and this plea replaces the quotation he refuses to make) but a full translation into the vernacular is not raised as a possibility. The excuse is deliberately flimsy, sustaining a sense of the potential for a fuller understanding alongside its being withheld. Videmus nunc per speculum in enigmate tunc autem facie ad faciem nunc cognosco ex parte tunc autem cognoscam sicut et cognitus sum (1 Cor 13, 12). Christianity involves the conviction that all human knowledge is partial, but this requires that a whole be understood to exist. La Vita Nuova dismisses as stupid in their practice those who cannot divest their words of covering, to show the object rather than its reflection. Writing of God involves the difficulty that God may not be unveiled fully, but also the faith that there is a true meaning which might be divested of its veil. It seems crucial that Dante conceive this exposition would be made on being asked: a series of pressing questions, driven by the urgent desire to comprehend more fully, mark Dantes progress through the Purgatorio, so that there are degrees of partial knowledge. It is not enough to wait until you enter into the state of knowing as you are known by God, despite the fact that entering Purgatory secures the knowledge that such knowledge will be enjoyed in a matter of time. Yet God may not be unveiled, and writing about God means that the words may not be stripped of their covering upon demand: faith is required, by the reader as well as the writer, that the ornamentation does not disguise further confusions. Comfort, for the writer, lies in the word Dante uses for meaning in the passage from the Vita Nuova: intendimento is both meaning and intention, so that a full exposition is not demanded of the writer, but only his aim for the shape and plan of the work, the truth as far as it goes. Exposition, in human terms, is conceived as a further stage of rhetorical engagement, recalling Socratic dialogue. TS Eliot wrote of the Commedia that it is not necessary that the allegory or the almost unintelligible astronomy should be understood only that its presence should be justified. (The Sacred Wood). Justification may be a persuasive action, yet Eliots choice of tense allows this suggestion to be sustained alongside an alternative, that something is justified in a set way, and not that the process of justification need take place on a rhetorical level. God need not justify, because he is just. It is the provision of a structure which matters, perhaps, not the confusion of those lost in it. Being lost, or in discomfort, in the Purgatorio may be urgent because of the intensely temporal nature of its activities, and yet it is a place, in its upper slopes, safe from sub-lunar decay, a place which changes without itself being changed. Salvation lies at the end, so any sense of confusion is curiously unthreatening; blanks are deliberately left to be filled in. Often, they are filled in silently by Dante, part of the growth of an understanding partially withheld accio che tu per te ne cerchi (C17) but nonetheless attained. It is a way of conveying the experience, without revealing it, offering points of entry which involve further thought. Dante often tells Virgil he is satisfied with the reply to a question; the reader can only take his word for it, and attempt to make the same leap, confronted with the same explanation, leading to generations glossing passages like the following. e se pensassi come al vostro guizzo guizza dentro allo specchio vostra image, cio che par duro ti parrebbe vizzo People being like something. They were like people who were weary etc etc. Are they it, or like it? Word is God and is with God etc. Relates to thin spirits. Inner and outer stuff: when youre concentrating on something the outside world disappears/ is changed, and your experience of time changes, as a metaphor, being digressive, changes the fabric of the poem by taking up lines. In Canto XVII Dante discusses how the imagination works without any outward stimulus from the senses, having just shown how it may do so. A metaphor is such a stimulus, calling upon memory (ricorditi, lettor ) of a natural event, a common experience brought into relation with the poem, in order to illuminate the situation of Purgatory. Seeing the sun in mountain mist is the conceivable shadow of the experience of emerging from the Purgatorial veil, less a metaphor than an instruction as to how the experience may be glimpsed. Ricorditi, lettor e fia la tua imagine leggera in giugnere a veder There is strikingly little contrast between tenor and vehicle, so that although this passage recalls Classical epic similes in its reference to domestic experience and its sudden transport of the reader from the remote and heroic into the everyday, its appeal to the everyday is to show that everyday things may be imperfect impressions of exalted things. The common experience of seeing the moon in cloud is a conceivable glimpse of what it is like to see the sun through the acrid smoke of Purgatory. Its likeness projects a partial understanding, its unlikeness hints at a whole unencompassed by the span of the comparison, yet it is the same kind of thing, a pattern of the same experience in a different way from that in which Classical comparisons and similes often work, or even others in Dante, people huddling like sheep. It is a way of thinking relatively which recalls the medieval belief that passages from the Old Testament foreshadowed passages in the New Testament, often in obscure and subtle ways. An Old Testament passage is enriched by its relation to the New, just as this close relation of experience, seeing the moon and seeing the Purgatorial sun, enriches the readers appreciation of the everyday sight, as well as unlocking understanding of the purgatorial experience. This quality, a sense of the ways in which texts, and experiences, may illuminate each other, informs Dantes use of Classical sources, rendering his consciousness of the influence of Virgils epic similes one aspect of the workings of an imagined divine love. Canto XV, in its model for love, builds upon similes from the Aeneid, recalling especially the simile of reflected light used in Book 8 to describe the movement of Aeneas agitated mind. There, the hero is alone, with the burden of his race upon his solitary shoulders. Dante recalls this solitude while creating a vision of infinite sharing: the hero responsible for bringing a chosen race into the promised land of Italy is replaced by a wider covenant, of which an infinite number of people may come into possession. In his awareness of his own writing at this point, Dantes Virgil makes a mirror which, in describing how love between people works like an intensifying series of reflections and refractions, also shows that texts may be illuminated, not diminished, by their interrelation. It is a vision which balances the recognition, in the humility of Purgatory, that earthly fame will be swept away, that the renown of one artist will swiftly be usurped by another. Purgatory is a place which exists, in geographical and other terms, in relation to Italy; it is almost a mirror image, familiar constellations moving in unexpected directions in its sky. It is particularly apt that Dante should include such a comparison (between moon and sun) at this point, one which indicates the understanding that the shadows on the walls of a cave are only shadows of the real thing. The infliction of blindness upon the angry in Purgatory is not only the physical manifestation of the effect of their sin, but also a handicap to aid better understanding, complete knowledge reached through the very process of recognising that their knowledge is partial. The seven wounds are healed per esser dolente, another appeal to experience; wounds sting when they are healing. The disk of the sun is more easily seen through the dissipating smoke than in its unveiled dazzle.

Examples of Physical Properties of Matter - Comprehensive List

Examples of Physical Properties of Matter - Comprehensive List This is an extensive list of physical properties of matter. These are characteristics that you can observe and measure without altering a sample. Unlike chemical properties, you do not need to change the nature of a substance to measure any physical property  it might have.   You may find this alphabetical list to be especially useful if you need to cite examples of physical properties. A-C AbsorptionAlbedoAreaBrittlenessBoiling pointCapacitanceColorConcentration D-F DensityDielectric constantDuctilityDistributionEfficacyElectric chargeElectrical conductivityelectrical impedanceElectrical resistivityElectric fieldElectric potentialEmissionFlexibilityFlow rateFluidityFrequency I-M InductanceIntrinsic impedanceIntensityIrradianceLengthLocationLuminanceLusterMalleabilityMagnetic fieldMagnetic fluxMassMelting pointMomentMomentum P-W PermeabilityPermittivityPressureRadianceResistivityReflectivitySolubilitySpecific  heatSpinStrengthTemperatureTensionThermal conductivityVelocityViscosityVolumeWave impedance Physical vs. Chemical Properties Chemical and physical properties are related to chemical and physical changes. A physical change only alters the shape or appearance of a sample and not its chemical identity. A chemical change is a chemical reaction, which rearranges a sample on a molecular level. Chemical properties encompass those characteristics of matter that can only be observed by changing the chemical identity of a sample, which is to say by examining its behavior in a chemical reaction. Examples of chemical properties include flammability (observed from combustion), reactivity (measured by readiness to participate in a reaction), and toxicity (demonstrated by exposing an organism to a chemical).

Film theory, Third Cinema, First Cinema Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Film theory, Third Cinema, First Cinema - Essay Example The film contained many symbolisms, which, according to Loomba are necessary in imagining nationhood and building nations (215). In the film, the British were depicted as the savior, keeping Africans from destruction and keeping the colonies from descending in chaos and savagery. The scenes of chaos, savagery and the wilderness of Africa, for instance, all supported the rationalization of Britain's imperialism. The narrative also sought to rewrite many African emblems and history in order to suit what Stam and Shohat called the colonialist norms. The rewriting of Bosambo from a tribal leader and good friend to a good servant in the film is a case in point. It reinforced the notion that blacks are incapable of self-determination. Gender bias was also present. The filmmaker insinuated that the deeply parochial Commissioner Sanders, who considered women as a distraction in his mission, was the ideal character to effectively lead the imperialist agenda in Africa. In Indochine, the imperi alist tone is less pronounced. Its biases were more subtle, perhaps owing to the period it was made. Racist discourses are not overt or contained in the actual language: the roles and visual language insinuated them instead. For instance, while the protagonist – the Frenchwoman Eliane – was strong, independent and capable, such commendable gender treatment was not true in her Indochinese counterparts. It reinforced the suggestion of inferiority. This is also true n the contrast between the visual representation of the French and Indochinese societies as punctuated in sweeping cinematography wherein one basks in a scene of grandeur and the other in desolation. It showed the Eurocentrism, which imply that an being or becoming European is the only way to begin the onward march to reason or an elevation towards better values (Stam and Shohat, 15-16). 2. It is important to highlight first that the Third Cinema differentiates itself from the Hollywood (First Cinema) and the European films (Second Cinema). It focuses on a political position, particularly those about independence, decolonization and imperialism as opposed to cinema as a capitalist product or as an art (Alea, 112-113). The Battle of Algiers is an important example of this tradition. In the depiction of the Algerian struggle for independence from France, three important characteristics of Third Cinema were prominent. First there was the use of cinematic devices to present truth instead of fiction. For instance, there were no embellishments with regards to presenting the story. Although the film was sympathetic to the revolutionaries it also included the atrocities that they committed. There were also no heroes to romanticize. The film gave importance to the contribution of the ordinary people in the success of the revolution. In one scene, there were Arab women dressed in European clothes in a mission to plant bombs. Secondly, the filmmaker presented the film in such a way that created a s ocial experience. As it depicted a social upheaval, the emphasis was given on the masses and their actions. For example, the actions of the main players in the film were often composed in populous places like the Casbah and Algiers. Then, instead of using popular actors, the filmmaker did not hire stars (with the exception of Jean Martin) or professional actors

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Answering three questions - Essay Example Natural law is the pivot upon which man attain all these goals. It disputes validity requirement of law on the basis of social facts. Legal positivism is a set of legal theories postulating that law refers to rules enacted within the jurisdiction of a state provided it is legitimately imposed on subjects and it is outside the sphere of moral content. Legal positivism treats law as a mechanism of well-defined rules, which acknowledges some norms as laws. Natural law theory supposes that an interconnection exists between law and morality. According to natural law theory, the moral content of law asserts its validity. Law is not law if it is unjust. Therefore, law is not necessarily what is enacted in the statutes and that legislation is not law if it is deficient of morality, thus lacks authority. On the other hand, Legal positivism emphasizes the on delinking law from morality. According to legal positivism, there is a line between law and morality. Legal positivism is built on two theses: separation and social theses. The social thesis emphasizes law as a social phenomenon whose soundness is determined by social facts, which are crucial sources of law. On the contrary, separation thesis holds that a separation exists between law and morality. Natural law theory is not without problems. First, it makes too ambitious claims on morality’s behalf. Finnis does not supply a convincing argument to back up his claims on the values and principles. He also does not explicitly demonstrate that these values and principles have the potential to provide reasonable law criticism (Taekema 213). Natural law also appears to as anarchism plea as well as conservatism plea. These accusations point at the indeterminacy of the principles of natural law legal theory. The other problem with natural law legal theory is the manner in which its objective ethics deal with conflict. According to Taekema, â€Å"Jeremy Waldron argues

Supreme court cases Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Supreme court cases - Case Study Example The victims are twelve Nigerians who have appealed to use the law recognized as Alien Statue in a civil case filed against companies that produce oil and were held responsible for being involved in the atrocities that took place during 1992 and 1995. Another major case that has been highlighted and is to be reviewed by the Supreme Court on tenth of October is Fisher v. University of Texas At Austin case, the case focuses upon racial discrimination in admission conducted at the undergraduate level. The case focuses on whether it is constitutionally acceptable to use such means while providing admission. The third major case is Florida v. Jardines and Florida v. Harris which will be heard by the judge on October 31st, this case is regarding the fourth amendment rights related to illegal searches done by law enforcement officers. In this case it is to be decided whether the Fourth Amendment right of the home owner was violated when a dog trained for narcotics detection purposes sniffed drugs outside the home. Another major case related to business that is to be reviewed by the Supreme Court on November 5th is Comcast Corp v. Behrend, in this case the judges have to decided whether Comcast Corp should be decertified or not for charging more than normal prices for providing cable TV service as it is the company enjoys monopoly in the area of Philadelphia. On November 26th the Supreme Court is going to review the case of Vance v. Ball State University, in this it is to be decided whether an employer is to be held responsible for the harassing activities conducted by his/her supervisor within the organization. The situation is such that the supervisor had limited power over the employee and the task of promoting, hiring and firing the employee was handed over o the supervisor. One case that the Supreme Court has accepted to review during the period of 2012

African Americans History As Slaves And Contemporary Poverty History Essay

African Americans History As Slaves And Contemporary Poverty History Essay It is often argued that the main cause of Africas poverty rates is mainly related to the lack of pro-growth derived from either the colonial system or the period of slavery. (Jerven, p.77) This argument has recently been applied to the United States social scene in order to explain the existent and continuing problems of income and economic inequality especially within the African American race. In fact, the phenomenon is so troubling that several campaigns have been recently launched to combat the problem. Among these is the Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America whose aim is to accomplish a decrease of 50% in poverty rates by 2020. (Catholic Charities USA) The problem of poverty is thus present and confirmed in the high rates of unemployment, the social disparities and the various and different attempts to deal with the problem whether by private, religious or governmental organizations. However, what is especially interesting to analyze further in this discussion are the causes of this social and economic problem. The origins of poverty are for example drawn upon by Gunja SenGupta in his book From Slavery to Poverty: The Racial Origins of Welfare in New York, 1840-1918, in which he argues that the historic roots of the problem run deeper than the present which consequentially implies the need to reflect on historic events that could be a determinant and influential factor in the continuance of contemporary social dilemmas. (NYU Press) This author is not the only person who perceived a link between poverty and historical problems such as slavery. In fact, although slavery was abolished over a hundred and forty years ago many people believe that the enslavement of humans has continued in the less direct but similarly hash and cruel form of poverty; a belief that challenges the notions of slavery itself. In short, the current problem of African American poverty is intrinsically related to the long history of subjugation, oppression and racial segregation that we re in their turn caused by the slavery system. Poverty is indeed a reality in America, a country that is considered to be among the richest and most progressed nations in the world. According to the US Census Bureau, 35.9 million people live below the poverty line in America, a number that includes also around 12.9 million children. The statistics are in fact shocking when gathered together. For example, according to the Bread for the World Institute, 3.5% of U.S households experience hunger which means that some members within these families skip meals or eat less than required to sustain a healthy lifestyle. (Siddiqi) The facts are more troubling when applied to the African American community. In a country where 12 percent of the population is black it is also noted that approximately a quarter of African Americans are classified as poor, a problem that has been part of the American social scene for many years. Poverty is thus very common among the members of this particular race. Poverty among African Americans is deeply conne cted to many issues among which is the lack of proper education that many African American children still do not receive. This decreases the chances of good employment and increases the possibility of experiencing poverty. There are other reasons through which to understand the problem of poverty among African Americans. However, what is interesting to reflect on further is the relationship between these high rates of poverty among African Americans and the problems of race and inequality that are still found socially and do impact the quality of life of the blacks in America. As Jonathan Alter, a writer for Newsweek, pointed out: Poverty is caused by a tangle of financial and personal pain that often goes beyond insufficient resources and lack of training, wage stagnation, social isolation, and a more subtle form of class-based racism. (Green) This quote affirms the existence of deeper rooted cause as an explanation of African American poverty. The link between racism and lesser op portunities and chances to advance are clear and hardly require any further elaboration. Since racism is related to the institutionalized system of slavery it is hence important to draw further on the significance of this system in the continued existence of poverty among African Americans. One of the most famous statements in the Declaration of Independence that has come to be part of what being an American means is: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. This sentence is one that stipulates the basic human rights of every American citizen which is freedom, equality, safety and equal chances to realize their dreams of economic prosperity. This sentence has been quoted during the era of the Civil War and the Civil Rights movements to argue against the injustice of slavery that the black people were subjected to. However, equality for all was never part of the social reality even after the abolition of slavery. The perception of white people regarding the blacks was one of superiority that minimized and trivialized the importance of any contribution that could be possibly made by African Americans. For this reason, blacks were denied the same education opportunities as white people which only added to the poverty rates. The fact is that African Americans still lag behind in education attainment compared to white or other minority groups such as Asian Americans. African Americans attend college at half the rate of white citizens. (Kozol, p.26) The historic problem of segregation is deeply linked to these current statistics. Since education empowers an individual to compete in the work force it is hence evident why over a quarter of African Americans continue to experience poverty. Slavery expanded quickly from the time of is introduction until the beginning of the Civil War that lasted from 1861 to 1865. By the time the war started, nearly 4 million slaves were part of the southern society. Their work was diverse but was founded mainly on the principle of sustaining and enhancing the agricultural economy. They picked or planted cotton. Some other blacks worked within the house. There were slaves trained in the art of blacksmiths or carpentry among others. Slavery was a diverse system that was spread across different sectors of society in the South. Yet, what all types of work had in common is the deprivation of all black people from their rights of choice and ability to earn anything dignifying, materialistically or emotionally, from their work. Slavery is one of the most well-documented, well-known yet not most pride igniting phases of American history. It has effectively managed to leave its impacts on society, racial integration and ethnic tolerance throughout the centuries since its abolishment and up to the present day. African Americans were enslaved for centuries beginning with the time the United States came into existence in the 17th century until after the Civil War when slavery was officially declared to be unconstitutional. The War itself was mainly caused as a result of the differences in opinion about the issue between the Northern states, the abolitionists, and the Southern states, that depended on the slave system for the maintenance and growth of their agricultural economy. The history of slavery in the United States is however more complicated than a simple time line can serve to shed light on. The institution did not simply start for one obvious reason at one specific time and the same thing can be said ab out the way it came to an end after the Civil War. Though the wars purpose was the liberation of slaves and the provision of equal rights for all, slavery did not stop right after the war and continued to be part of the social picture, though to a lesser extent, especially in certain Southern regions. Southern states did especially not desire to completely eliminate the institution of slavery, which was an integral part of their economy, leading with that to the development of a complicated pattern in how the issue came to be dealt with right before, during and after the Civil War. All this implies that slavery was based on the exploitation of individuals for profit; an aspect of the system that served to dehumanize the black population to grave extents. This dehumanizing dimension of slavery served to complicate the integration of African Americans and led to problems of racism and deep-rooted rejection of their integration in American society. This rejection has on the other hand impacted the economic conditions of the blacks as it extended over all areas of life including work and education. It is no secret that there was a sharp division historically between the Southern and Northern states about the subject of slavery. What is however pertinent in this fact is its application to the economic conditions of blacks in the North versus the South during the 19th century. Racism was more prevalent in the South where many states refused to loosen their harsh racial policies that restricted African Americans to working mainly working in the fields. Though racism was also present in the northern states it was less severe and allowed the black population the opportunity to prosper culturally and intellectually; a growth that is for example evident in the Harlem Renaissance. However, despite these periods of flourishing, the history of African Americans is especially characterized by inequality; an inequality whose main cause is directly related to the centuries of enslavement. As noted before, racism is one of the main causes of the continued economic disadvantage of many Africa n Americans. When slavery was ended, notions as natural rights were socially introduced and impacted the perception of blacks of their own role in society. Blacks started becoming aware of the extremely suffocating environment that they were part of and which desperately attempted to keep them in the dark about their rights a human beings and citizens of a nation based on the principles of equality for all. (Mcpherson, p.39) It are these aspects and perceptions of oppression, cruelty and savageness of treatment for the mere promotion of selfish economical gain that continue to generate feelings of freedom and oppression which has managed , and continues, to make the greatest difference nowadays in the interaction of black and white people. Though theoretically slaves were no longer slaves after the Civil War, they continued to be treated as an extremely inferior race. This was of course different from area to another. In the south, ex-slaves were treated with the same attitude as before the Civil War while in northern states, where the bitterness was more directed towards white southern Americans rather than African-Americans, ex-slaves were treated better than slaves yet not fully as citizens. Emancipation had become a reality with the end of the war but it remains obvious that the place of African-Americans in society was far from being either resolved or clear. The questions that arose consequentially about race served to define the discourse and the relationships between the two different races and are still traceable in the many sensitive taboos that characterize certain racial subjects and words. In the aftermath of the Civil War, practical problems arose in the south in regard to the manner of integrating slaves within society. Whether the freedmen ought to be regarded as citizen and be granted rights as the ability to possess property was central to the debate. Voting rights were another concern as they gave significant importance to the freedmen enabling them to contribute and impact society and their level of prosperity within it. The most important question of all seemed however to revolve around the possibility or impossibility of the peaceful co-existence of blacks and whites together which is a question history has managed to answer so far. (Tallant, p.5) The rise of intolerance, the problem of segregation and the prevention of blacks from voicing their economic or political needs through the democratic voting system have all led to the enhancement of sentiments of antagonism among both sides which led to the blacks desire to create their own defensive and distinct identity that was at the core resentful of white peoples influence, and led the white population to adopt on the other hand a segregated and superior outlook. This shows how the history of slavery and the subsequent rise of the problems of racism distanced the two groups from interacting and mutually benefitting from the same opportunities. In short, because of slavery and racism many blacks did not and do not get the chance to benefit from the same opportunities as white people which complicates the chances of finding a good job later on and increases as a result the chances of poverty. Blacks continued to work mostly on lands owned by white farmers due to the aforementioned complications that arose when they desired to purchase a piece of land for themselves. Neither the federal government nor the local people seemed to support that and the final choice they were left with in the post war era was to keep working for the white planters. There was of course a difference in the way they lived compared to the period before the war. The freedmen exercised now more control over their lives and could not be treated with the same inhumanity as before. They did not have to work before sunrise and continue until after sunset. They could determine their workload more favorably compared to their previous working conditions. They could also determine whom of their family members they wished to be part of the plantation work. Previously, their children were forced at an early age to do the work and this could be prevented with the choices they had after he Civil War. This does o f course not mean that the situation changed dramatically to the better including complete freedom and equal rights. To claim that is to dismiss the fundamental aspect about social change: it happens gradually. The living conditions had simply significantly improved from the completely intolerable to the harsh and challenging. Overcoming the social challenges caused by their racial status proved to be a long and trying process that spanned over many years and continues until the present day in the form of the continued attempt to decrease the problems of the black community such as a high level of crime, poverty and a lower rate of educational degrees among the youth. The fact is that blacks have been perceived to be inferior for a long time in America which is a prejudice that affected the opportunities available for this particular race and hence impacted their current economic social position. It is thus undeniable that slavery had an extremely malignant and negative influence on the development of African- American culture and identity. Being regarded as an inferior race, especially in the South where the idea was the main justification provided to legitimize the slavery institution, was detrimental to the enhancement of any sense of pride in ones heritage. The change towards that began only slowly. The way they were treated, the destruction of any sense of belonging and attachment to their African heritage during the years of enslavement, the restriction of simple communication between slaves are all facets of slavery that significantly influenced the emancipation process and the development of the African-American culture in addition to complicating the nature of relationships and the form of interaction between whites and blacks. Slavery disrupted thus the sense of belonging to the African heritage and led to the emergence of a defensive attitude among blacks. Even aft er emancipation, slavery continued to play a role on African Americans future and chances of progress. This is evident in the themes of their music and art whether written or visual. These themes deal often with the idea of social inequality, oppression and economic disadvantage as a direct consequence of racial history. Slavery made blacks without doubt socially disadvantaged and led to the subsequent rise of the Civil Rights Movement in the 20th century. The racism and harassment that African Americans have had to deal with is still part of the races consciousness until the present day. This is nowhere signified but in the multitude of subjects that continue to rise a sense of sensitivity when brought up. It is thus no exaggeration to conclude that slavery has left a tremendous impact on the African-Americans as a whole. The resolution of such a problem had to be done, and continues to be struggled with, over the period of two centuries. Overcoming the past completely has proven t o be impossible. The history of enslavement is part of what defines every African-American up to the present despite many peoples refusal to admit this. Though most blacks do not reflect on the period of enslavement, the impacts of it, in the form of social disadvantages still experienced through work and educational chances, are not easily dismissible and serve as a harsh reminder.(Healey, p.175) The removal of their culture, the limitation of their freedom, the oppression of their most fundamental basic rights for centuries, and the final negative development of social distinctions between blacks and whites in the period after emancipation, have all managed to impact the culture the African-American ethnic group has since then created a culture whose characteristics include for example less favorable economic conditions for millions of African Americans. Slavery has thus proven to be a very powerful institution whose impacts are hard to erase. The discussion of poverty among African Americans in the present day is thus incomplete without an analysis of their historic journey that is characterized by a long period of oppression and segregation which impacted both white and black peoples attitude towards the other race. The fact that millions of African Americans live in poverty is hardly a random fact but is deeply rooted in the historical experience of this race. The historical experience of African Americans has already been drawn upon in detail. What merits however further analysis is the consequent question that rises in regard to the future. If slavery and the long history of racism and unequal opportunities in education and work, are among the main factors in the current high rates of poverty among African Americans then what is the solution? Does this conclusion imply that African Americans are destined for poverty? Regardless of the present and continued rates of poverty and inequality, it is undeniable to note that African Americans went through different stages of progress that were not as successful or as fast as desired at all times but made the necessary advancement that enabled the country to be led by a black president for the first time in the countrys history. What was essential to the assurance of advancement was persistence and endurance, two characteristics of the African American long struggle for rights as freedom, dignity, respect and equality. The period from 1976 until the present marked the growing representation of African Americans in politics, arts and entertainment and academic disciplines among others. The larger opportunities enabled African Americans to be elected to legislative positions and work in the executive and judicial branch. This does clearly not mean that the situation is ideal in the present. Regardless of the election of the first black president and the in creasing influence of this race in the United States, full equality is still a subject of heated debate and controversy. As noted, many African Americans continue to live in poverty and the ruling elite of the US is still predominantly white. While school segregation is officially over, facts point to the dominance of the continuance of the phenomenon in several public white schools where the presentation of white student exceeds 99%. (essay-911.com) However, regardless of these points that affirm the need for more progress despite the positive accomplishments obtained, the fact is that African Americans have endured a long history of oppression, pain and segregation and managed to rise above the many challenges to their current position. While the present situation requires progress advancement has been and will continue to be made while racial tension will continue to decrease. Affirming that the black race is destined for poverty seems therefore to be an implausible and pessimist ic outlook on the future and history alike. In conclusion, the history of African Americans has thus been long and complex in the United States. It is this experience that led to the formation of the present African American identity with all that that encompasses in terms of culture, art and literature. As mentioned before, blacks were largely denied opportunities for education and personal advancement until after the Civil Rights Movement. The fact that many blacks live still in poverty does however not mean that this movement was unsuccessful or that no advancement has been achieved. Continuous social change needs to be still made since the rates of unemployment among blacks compared to whites is relatively the same as it was in the early 1960s. Employment opportunities are still hard to obtain for black men while neighborhood segregation is still present in many areas in the United States. Research confirms also that blacks continue to be victims in the real estate market. (Friedlander) This all proves that blacks are stil l socially disadvantaged. However, as has been noted, racial segregation in public has been ended and more African Americans have come to contribute in elective politics signifying the slow but existent rise of this race from the dark impacts of slavery.