Saturday, August 31, 2019

Eli Liily

1. Discuss Eli Lilly’s practices from the perspectives of utilitarianism and rights. The utilitarian principle affirms that, â€Å"an action is right from an ethical point of view if and only if the sum total of utilities produced by that act is greater than the sum total of utilities produced by any other act the agent could have performed in its place.† (Velasquez, 61) When Lilly began using homeless alcoholic subjects for phase 1 testing, they met the requirements set forth by Congress and the FDA. These subjects came forward, regardless of their personal motivation, to perform a service that would benefit the greater good. This act exemplifies utilitarianism. (Utilitarianism Principle, 63) To oppose this principle we would argue the two moral issues of rights and justice simultaneously. Some actions are morally right even if they are unjust (Utilitarianism Principle). An example of this would be a decision to steal food for your family or to let them go hungry. A person would need to decide between â€Å"legal good† versus â€Å"greater good† of feeding your family. The basic notion that separates justice from morality and suggests that one need only consider morality. (Rule-utilitarianism, 69) 2. In your judgment, is the policy of using homeless alcoholics for the test subjects morally appropriate? Why or Why not?  I believe that it is morally appropriate to use homeless alcoholics for test subjects if you consider this, an action is morally right if carrying out the action the agent exercises, exhibits or develops a morally virtuous character, and is morally wrong to the extent that by carrying out the action the agent exercises, exhibits, or develops a morally vicious character. (Virtue theory, 112) To oppose this principle we would argue the two moral issues of rights and justice simultaneously. Some actions are morally right even if they are unjust (Utilitarianism Principle). An example of this would be a decision to steal food for your family or to let them go hungry. A person would need to decide between â€Å"legal good† versus â€Å"greater good† of feeding your family. The basic notion that separates justice from morality and suggests that one need only consider morality. (Rule-utilitarianism, 69) The sacrifices these men are making are for the ultimate good of society. (Utilitarianism theory)

Friday, August 30, 2019

Posthumus and Innogene Essay

The following passage is from Shakespeare’s ‘Cymbeline’ Act 4 Scene 2. In the quoted lines Innogen identifies Clotens to be Posthumus due to Posthumus’ garment worn by Clotens. Innogen looks at Clotens’ body and his garments and says â€Å"I know the shape of`s leg; this is his hand†. According to her, his foot is ‘Mercurial’ and thighs â€Å"Marcial’. From the first act the audience is accustomed to see a chaste Innogen who is attracted only to her husband, Postumus. However in this passage Innogene is made to speak admiring words about Clotens which is ironic to the audience. Her instant decision based on the garment is a kind of an amusement to the audience who is aware of the identity of the corpse. Innogene believes that she know Posthumus well enough to identify him without the head or the ‘jovial face’. The audience may expect better judgment from Innogene who till then did show good judgment in choosing Postumus to Clotens. This passage shows that Postumus and Clotens were more similar looking than Innogene would want to believe. These similarities are mentioned by Clotens in â€Å"I mean, the lines of my body are as well drawn as his;† in Act 4, Scene 1(9-10). She tries to see some logical reason for the gruesome murder of her husband. The first possibility that comes to her mind is Pisanio’s involvement. She suspects him to have revealed the details about Posthumous to Clotens. Everyone except Innogene knows that Pisanio has got nothing to do with this murder. Moreover Innogene is unable to think logically, for, if Pisanio was the culprit he may not have helped and sent her in pursuit of Posthumus. She concludes that Pisanio has joined with Clotens to kill Posthumus. In the passage Innogene call Clotens, â€Å"irregulous devil Clotens†. Clotens is interested in marrying Innogen. When he found out that this was not possible because she chose to be the wife of Posthumus, Clotens decided to murder Posthumus and rape her. He goes to the wilderness in search of Posthumous with pure hatred in his heart. Nevertheless he wears Posthumus’ garments while seeking out Posthumus and Innogene. This is ironic that he chose to wear the dress of his opponent in subduing him. He may have thought this would be a nice way to torture Innogene with the thoughts of her dead husband when he uses force on her. This may heighten the misery. This however goes a long way to show the cruel nature of Clotens. On the other hand the audience sees that Posthumus is aggrieved for ordering the death of his wife. He is repentant and tries to seek his own punishment by surrendering as a Roman soldier in to the hand of British troops. During the battle he takes the side of his motherland and protects it from the enemy attack, fulfilling the duty of the son of the soil. Deception in costume plays its part here again when he dresses as an Englishman and fights with Iachimo. Posthumus and Clotens are two opposite forces juxtaposed to bring out their contrasting natures to intensify the final good over evil concept. However Innogenes’ misunderstanding in identifying the corpse is the climax of this parallelism. This is an important scene in this play due to the death of Clotens and his misidentification as Postumous. Clotens has been the shadow of Posthumus throughout the play. At every mention of Posthumus there is a direct comparison drawn with Clotens as both are interested in noble Innogene. Death of Clotens signifies the death of evil and victory of good. However at this stage not all threads in the play are brought to a conclusive end. Moreover the difference between both is so strong that it needs to have a lingering effect for some time until alls well. Hence this scene is a good device to conclude the play in a progressive gradation.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Tranexamic acid and it's uses in pre-hospital an emergency medicine Research Paper

Tranexamic acid and it's uses in pre-hospital an emergency medicine - Research Paper Example The acid should not be used because it works against clots and hence activates intravascular coagulation and platelet usage. If a person with DIC is administered with the acid they end up having end-organ damage due to microvascular pathologies. The unwanted effects of the drug include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension and disturbances in vision. Tranexamic acid is used topically. The acid is excreted in the urine (Twycross et al, 2002). Tranexamic acid has lately been used in emergency medical scenarios. Even though hemostatic dressings and tourniquets have prevented conditions such as hemorrhagic shock, the usage of tranexamic acid can have the same effect. This drug has been used for a long time in cardiac surgeries and bleeding disorders such as hemophilia. Now it is being used in taking care of hemodynamic conditions. A study by the name of Clinical Randomization of an Antifibrinolytic in Significant Hemmorrhage 2 (CRASH-2) tested 20000 patients with tranexamic acid across various countries. The results of the study showed that in an emergency trauma center where patients had serious bleeding, tachycardia and hypotension were given tranexamic acid. The recipients of TXA had a mortality of 14.5 %. Hence patients receiving TXA were at benefit. Another study is the Military Application of Tranexamic Acid in Trauma Emergency Resuscitation (MATTERs) was carried out which involved TXA infusion in an out-patient hospi tal. Tranexamic acid was administered in patients in which hemorrhagic shock was suspected. The results of the MATTERs study showed that individuals who received TXA had a mortality of 17.4% (Goodloe, 2013). Annually more than 500000 women lose their lives to postpartum events such as childbirth. Obstetric hemorrhage cause increased rates of maternal mortality. Hence systemic fibrinolytic agents are used in surgeries to prevent fibrinolysis to avoid blood loss after surgeries. A study

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Foreign Policy in Libya Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Foreign Policy in Libya - Assignment Example So far, the United States has engaged her Air and Naval Forces in the Libyan war. The involvement of the United States in the Libyan War has been a subject of intense debate between the United States Congress and the President Obama Administration. Indeed, the United States operation in the Libya has attracted mixed reactions within the American political landscape with the Republicans challenging the Obama administration of unconstitutionally dragging the United States to a foreign war and the White House countering the criticisms by arguing that the United States military campaign in Libya â€Å"fell short of full-blown hostilities† (Savage A1). In fact, Republican John A. Boehner, House Speaker, requested the Obama administration to provide a legal justification for engaging the United States in a foreign war beyond 60 or 90 days without notifying Congress. Even some Democrats such as Dennis J. Kucinich, has join side with Republicans to file a lawsuit to order Obama to pul l out of Libya (Steinhauer A16). These oppositions, notwithstanding, Mr. Obama enjoys the support of some Republicans and Democrats. For instance, Senator John MaCain, a Republican, teamed up with Senator John Kerry, a Democrat to support the Obama involvement in Libyan War by sponsoring legislation that will officially authorize the Libyan operation (Smith).

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Company Law. Case Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Company Law. Case Study - Essay Example Background: Alison Belfield (AB) is a minority shareholder in Commercial Chemical Applications Limited (CCA). Based on AB’s concerns regarding the activities of directors of CCA and the company operations the following facts have come to light. Tom Stockley is a director in CCA who also owns 3% of the shares in Amalgamated Property Holdings Ltd (APH). He introduced the transaction to CCA and is helping in negotiations to buy out APH. AB feels that CCA is not faring well commercially, being burdened with an overdraft of  £3 million, excessive capacity and the need to close down five smaller plants around the country. Any move to acquire APH could push CCA into insolvency. AB, having a financial and property background also feels that the proposed price of APH is too high and in her opinion the financial director, Rachel Nash has over-estimated the worth of APH by  £500,000 to  £600,000. But since Rachel is a chartered accountant by profession, all other directors, who do not have a financial background, rely upon her judgement. APH also has a poor track record of environmental issues, already having being convicted twice for allowing chemicals to leak into the nearby river and under close scrutiny of environmental authorities. The factory too is fairly old and requiring substantial expenditure for its refurbishment which may never happen. The acquisition of APH will inevitably result in the closure of the CCA’s other small plants located in rural areas thereby causing loss of several hundred jobs with very little possibility of being re-employed.

Monday, August 26, 2019

Quantitative 1 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Quantitative 1 - Assignment Example research study will be based where the aim of the study is to determine the extent to which quantitative research is appropriate and robust in its application to the human and social context. There are different reasons that have been postulated for the conclusion that quantitative research is appropriate and robust when applied to human and social context including the nature of quantitative research (Fassinger & Morrow, 2013, 70). This is the use of models and a scientific methodology that ensures the data or results from the research are objective and there is no personal relation or biasness by the researcher attributed to the lack of association of the researcher to the participants. This is different from qualitative researcher where objectivity is lost from the high association of the researcher with the participants. This allows quantitative research to be preferred and appropriate for human and social sciences research. The ability of getting the one truth that exists in the human perception under investigation is the main reason for the preference of quantitative research as it maintains this objectivity. The other reason for the assertion is the possibility of replicating the results of quantitative research when conducted by different personnel (Bless et al., 2006). Different researchers can be able to come up with the same results as a measure of confirming the results made by previous research is consistent. This is due to the making of the same assumptions in the research and the use of a predetermined format and well laid out methodology in carrying out sampling, data collection, and analysis. This is not possible in qualitative research due to the possibility of different researchers making different assumptions and using different analysis or being biased. There is a clear specification of the dependent and independent variables in quantitative research study of social and human context. This allows for the better understanding of causality

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Knowledge Management Enablers Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 7500 words

Knowledge Management Enablers - Article Example This cost them their exile out of the Garden of Eden and onto a life of suffering. Such is the value of knowledge that in its pursuit, it wields its power to drive people to do things unexpected of them. Nonaka and Takeuchi (1995) make the distinction between two types of knowledge: explicit knowledge and tacit knowledge. Discussions of this concept are abundant in the KM literature (Bollinger and Smith, 2001). Explicit knowledge is defined as structured and codified knowledge. It is formal and systematic and is easily expressed in the production specifications, scientific formulae or computer programs (Nonaka and Konno, 1998), thus it can be easily communicated and shared. Tacit knowledge, in contrast, is unconsciously understood and applied, difficult to articulate, and developed directly from experience, and action (Zack, 1999). Tacit knowledge is highly personal, hard to formalize, difficult to communicate or share with others. The adage that â€Å"Knowledge is Power† has been adhered to by many people as a rule of strategy in achieving personal or professional empowerment and advantage, or as a protective measure against the uncertainties and unstable conditions of life’s situations. ... It is as arbitrary and shallow as its premises imply. So, like money and time, knowledge needs to be managed well so it is used for the best outcomes. Knowledge management has been getting much attention due to its accorded importance in organizations. O’Dell and Grayson (1998) defines it as â€Å"a conscious strategy of getting the right knowledge to the right people at the right time and helping people share and put information into action in ways that strive to improve organizational performance† (p.6) In addition, Nakra (2000) contends, â€Å"Knowledge management refers to the ability to develop, share, deposit, extract, and deliver knowledge such that it may be retrieved and used to make decisions or to support the processes† (p. 54). Magnier-Watanabe and Senoo (2008) defines it as â€Å"the process for acquiring, storing/sharing, diffusing and implementing both tacit and explicit knowledge inside and outside the organization’s boundaries with the pu rpose of achieving corporate objectives in the most efficient manner† (cited in Magnier-Watanabe & Senoo, 2010, p. 216). It should be noted that the common characteristics of knowledge management in the definitions is that it is something that is movable from one person to another for the purpose of achieving organizational goals. However, it is not as simple as it seems as there are several considerations in order for knowledge management to be successful in working for the whole organization and not just for a few individuals. Dissecting Magnier-Watanabe & Senoo’s definition further, the processes involved in knowledge management are likewise described. Knowledge acquisition is gaining new knowledge from whatever source and although knowledge already

Saturday, August 24, 2019

My opinion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 3

My opinion - Essay Example Such technological intelligence has enabled them to be the leaders in some of the most cherished brands of automobiles and machinery in the world. So dedicated in their work, the Germans always believe in perfection and competence in anything they do (Detlev 78).Interestingly, Germans are a people who talk with a lot of specificity and precision. The culture of beating around the bush and hiding the truth is totally news to them. Wrong a German anywhere and they shall reprimand you on the spot! It is common to see most people in several countries proud to be associated with the histories of their countries. In America for instance, the history of the United States is something every American cherishes. On the contrary, the most Germans do not generally feel obligated to associate with the history of their country. Perhaps this is a result of the turbulent nature of the German history. I feel a great learning opportunity exists in the analysis of the German cultural context and how the Germans have managed to hold their country together amid the turbulent nature of the present age. In any case, the whole course was a rich inundating

The Israel-Palestine Conflict Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Israel-Palestine Conflict - Research Paper Example Generations upon generations of civilians have lived and died amidst this protracted war, victims of and witnesses to the seemingly limitless capacity of human beings for violence. The struggle for peace is indeed an aspiration that the whole world shares – and yet, history is rich with examples that tell us that peace without justice is an unsustainable project. The atrocities perpetrated in the context of the conflict must be accounted for, and there must be redress for the injustices wrought to the nameless and faceless victims. However, justice is not a one-size thing that fits all propositions. Efforts towards its introduction in a region as divided ethnically as Kosovo need to include clear-cut and streamlined efforts to address horizontal inequalities – defined by Stewart (137) as â€Å"inequalities among groups with shared identities – identities formed by religion, ethnic ties or racial affiliations, or other salient ways that bind groups of people toge ther†. Certainly, this includes looking at the broad and multiplex power dynamics that underlie these identities and become the basis for the conferral or denial of economic, political or social privilege. This is of course exacerbated when set against the backdrop of a conflict economy. Kamphuis (185) describes a conflict economy as one â€Å"that leads to the breakup of administrative and social institutions, the flight of human capital through migration, and the destruction of infrastructure for education and health care† – the clear contextual backdrop of the Israel-Palestine crisis. There are also political complexities that come into play. Writers like Danny Rubinstein write that Palestinian nationalism is on the wane and that â€Å"about twelve thousand Palestinians from East Jerusalem have received Israeli citizenship† (1). But almost on a daily basis, we are besieged by news report on intensified â€Å"terrorist† attacks by Palestinian figh ters. Indeed, it is hard to make a clinical assessment of the situation. I argue that investigating the extent to which horizontal inequalities were addressed may be done using the multiple dimensions of justice enumerated by Hellsten (79) as analytical tools or criteria – (1) justice as the establishment of public safety and individual security, securing the lives of civilians from acts of violence; (2) justice as reconciliation and redress for past grievances, embracing the concept of restorative justice; (3) distributive and social justice, which focuses on social and economic well-being on a more long term period, and (4) political justice, involving participation and inclusion is governance. This means that all these imperatives must be addressed and dealt with, rather than one criterion alone and sacrificing the rest, e.g. reconciliation at the expense of resource redistribution, economic growth at the expense of political participation, governance, without rectifying i ndividual criminal responsibility. In countries fraught with sharply-drawn ethnic lines where political and economic privileges are denied or granted on the basis of ethnicity, satisfaction of the requirements of these dimensions of justice cannot take place without addressing horizontal inequalities. In a similar vein, aspiring to address horizontal inequa

Friday, August 23, 2019

Economics of Warfare Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Economics of Warfare - Essay Example For instance, some numbers only include civilians and does not count those who are in the military and those who are in the militia groups that have been resisting the government. In all, the number of deaths is very high (Atassi, 2013). Children have not been left behind have hundreds of them have faced death as a result of the attack. What is even more unfortunate is that some of these children have died from attacked from the government. However, the government has denied any of these allegations. However, it is clear that both the government and the militias have caused deaths of non-resisting civilians (Rabil, 2003). The Syrian economy has also been affected badly from the war. Like many wars, the Syrian war has affected the ability of the country to produce economically. Syrian exports have been reduced by over 75 percent, and the country is no longer able to export the exports it used to export which development agencies valued at $2.73 billion in 2010. These losses have brought many problems to the country, including illnesses that have been caused mainly by the lack of adequate proper basic amenities such as sanitation services. Syria is one example of how war can affect the economy. As Reynolds (2003) says, most non-economists tend to think that the major economic cost of a war is the money used to manufacture the equipment for war. They also consider the cost of war to involve cost to pay the soldiers to carry out the war. But as has been seen in Syria and indeed in many other wars around the word, there are many other economic issues that come from war (Benet, 2014). However, the economics effect of the Syrian war is only affecting Syria. It is affecting the rest the world, especially Europe. As Lobello (2013) says, even though Syria itself is not a major producer of oil, the conflict in Syria is affecting the prices of oil

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Causation and Correlation Essay Example for Free

Causation and Correlation Essay Causation and Correlation Paper The topic I am going to pick is â€Å"Wealthy people are thin†. This could go both ways I am thinking. Wealthy people have the means to stay thin. They have money, resources, and the means to keep there health in check. If you’re poor or not wealthy you basically have to eat or cook what ever is cheap and some healthy foods are not cheap. For these reasons I think the correlation for this topic could be a good one or a bad one, it just depends on what your economic status is and what you can or can’t afford. I think if I had to pick one or the other out of causation and correlation I think this topic is more causation. The reasoning for my selection is that if you are wealthy you have more options to stay thin. So for this being wealthy can cause one to stay thin. Another reason why wealthy people are more able to stay thin over less wealthier people is because like I have mentioned food is expensive and the foods they might need to get you might have to travel or go to special stores. Another way this is causation is because wealthy people can also afford personal trainers or even a gym membership along with weight loss doctors to stay on track. For all these reasons they cause wealthier people to stay thin. Reference: Causation and Correlation in this weeks materials.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Masafi Was Established In 1976 Commerce Essay

Masafi Was Established In 1976 Commerce Essay The assurance of quality is an essential aspect for any organization wherein stringent measures are implemented for the processes as well as the products of the company. The quality standards for the respective industry are constantly being updated in keeping with environmental changes and the availability of the latest facilities on a global scenario. TQM provides the means for analyzing the effectiveness of the current quality control measures implemented by an organization. Subsequently it also enables the identification of the best possible alternatives for achieving the desired quality standards. Consumer satisfaction is one of the main aspects which is given due emphasis while managing quality at the various levels in the organization. This adherence to the preferences of the consumers is termed as consumer defined quality and this plays a crucial role in the establishment of the quality standards as the needs of the consumers have to be incorporated into the quality modules ( Total Quality Management). Moreover, the consumers have their own perspective of quality which may depend on their income levels or other relevant factors. Organizations are faced with the challenge of identifying and analyzing these changes so as to be able to comply with the current trends in quality perception. Another significant component of quality perception is the presence of consumer services and after-sales services which determine the extent to which the quality of the product or service is retained post sales. This also reflects the efforts of the organization to ensure that the consumers are duly communicated about any queries which they may present. Hence it may be deduced that TQM is a highly significant aspect of any organization by means of which it is provided with the means of managing the highly competitive scenario existing today (Total Quality Management). Company Background: Masafi is one of the leading brands in the UAEs FMCG sector and has been identified with being a leader in the growing range of its innovative product offerings. With respect to bottled mineral water, Masafi has been the most sought after brand in the Gulf and the Middle East for more than 35 years. Even since its establishment, Masafi has always maintained strict emphasis on innovation and business excellence while determining its growth strategy. The adherence to high quality global standards has been the primary reason behind the immense success of the organization. This has also enabled the organization to retain its existing consumer groups while generating new consumers in keeping with its wide range of product offerings (Masafi: The Place). Company History: Masafi was established in 1976 with initial investments being made by a paid up capital of $ 5.5 Million. Further investments made by the company have been in line with the communitys benefit with adequate importance being made on the maintenance of relationship with all the stakeholders of the company, including partners and associates. Over the years, the company has been able to establish a highly effective distribution network by means of which it has been able to ensure adequate supply of its products in keeping with the demands generated in the market. It has also strived to keep its equipments and technological infrastructure updated as per current standards and this has enabled the company to always meet the current expectations of the target consumer segments (Masafi). Vision: The vision of Masafi reflects its adherence to offering premium products for the achievement of better living standards (Masafi). Mission: Masafi strives to provide premium utility products by means of continuous innovation and continual product development, and in turn strengthening its leadership in the FMCG sector (Masafi). Strategic Objectives of the Company: Masafi has defined the following strategic objectives with respect to its performance in the FMCG sector: Becoming a leader in the FMCG industry both domestically as well as globally. Generating adequate awareness about the quality of Masafis products and its CSR initiatives. Emphasizing on the expansion of the product range and being a completely FMCG oriented organization. Gaining access into new markets both domestically as well as globally. Maintaining adequate focus on the communication of the product innovations undertaken by the organization (Masafi). SWOT Analysis: The following is the SWOT analysis of Masafi which presents the strength of its internal and external environment: Strengths: The company has a well established brand in the UAE as well as in the GCC region. The current export of Masafis products stand at 30% to 40% of the companys overall trade. Masafi has gained a massive share of 42% in UAEs bottled water sector which has made it a major player in this region. The company has innovated flavored mineral water which provides a completely new product offering to the consumers (Masafi). Weaknesses: The company has not been able to generate preferences towards the brand in the regions of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. The product offering is limited in terms of food items. The Masafi brand has a greater degree of association with being a mineral water brand rather than being a comprehensive FMCG company (Masafi). Opportunities: There is a huge scope for the expansion of the companys product offerings in keeping with the immense potential in the global FMCG industry. The company could also enter into strategic alliances with other organizations that are in compliance with the business strategy of the company. There is also a scope for obtaining sponsorships for the companys products which would be helpful in creating greater awareness and exposure of the Masafi brand. The stable and viable economic conditions in the target regions provide the company with significant growth possibilities (Masafi). Threats: The FMCG sector is characterized by the presence of various levels of organizations and this has resulted in the increase in the already high competition in the market. The fixed prices of product lines in the FMCG sector prevents any possible attempts from being undertaken to gain leverage in the market with respect to the pricing strategies of the firms. There is a significant possibility of the company being subjected to negative publicity owing to poor output levels. The presence of substitutes has also provided a significant risk to the performance of Masafis products in the market (Masafi). Competitors of the Company: The competitors of Masafi span though the domestic as well as the global scenario with respect to the FMCG products, especially the bottled water segment. Main Local Competitors (Bottled Water Segment): Al Ain Water Company Arwa Oasis Main Global Competitors (Bottled Water Segment): Nestle Volvic Acqua Panna Aquafina Evian Competitors in Other Product Lines: Frito Lays Lacnor Fine Competitive Strategy: The primary competitive strategy of Masafi is to build strong relationships with the consumers as well as the stakeholders to the company. By ensuring the acquisition of feedback from the consumers, the organization strives to develop and maintain a consumer friendly environment in the company. In this regard, Masafi assures the provision of prompt service to the consumers with the presence of a dedicated staff of sales executives (Masafi). Masafi also makes use of the promotional strategy for the consumers of the companys products so as to maximize the scope of awareness in the market. However the companys decision to diversify into flavored mineral water has been the most effective competitive strategy undertaken by the company in order to introduce innovative products in the market (Masafi). Competitive Advantage: Masafis competitive edge has been defined with the introduction of the flavored mineral water products by the company which has broadened this product line to include a wide variety of flavors including jasmine, strawberry, lemon and peach. Also the adherence to high quality standards, latest equipment and effective consumer relations has been beneficial for Masafi with respect to the definition of its competitive advantage (Masafi). Overview of Current TQM Systems: Masafi has been known to adhere to high quality standards and it implements strict quality controls to ensure that only the best products reach the consumers. The TQM currently being practices at Masafi is as follows: Masafi follows a best practice approach in its quality management efforts. It emphasizes on the identification of potential mistakes before they occur in the process and this is highly beneficial in reducing as well as preventing the presence of errors. As part of these measures, the company emphasizes the use of proper documentation of all the processes along with revision control to maintain the accuracy of the data associated with the processes. Such measures are quintessential in cost savings and implementing overall quality control. For this, the company was awarded the ISO 9001:2008 quality certification on 22nd July, 2008 (Quality). The company strives to ensure that the identification, prioritization and management of environmental risks so as to comply with the global standards for environmental good practice. For this, the company was awarded the 14001:2004 quality certifications (Masafi honored with Environmental Performance Certificate 2011, 2012). Masafi has implemented adequate controls for controlling food safety hazards by ensuring that the levels identified are maintained within the acceptable risk limits. Due to this measure, Masafi has been quality certified with HACCP since 15ht February, 2001 (Quality). With respect to the beverage product lines, the company has assured quality in its products by complying with the NSF beverage quality certification programs. This certification is an international accreditation which is recognized by NSF International (Quality). Masafi is a certified member of the Asia Middle East Bottled Water Association (ABWA) which conducts routine tests on the quality of the products, services and systems in accordance with its own model code, FDA, WHO, Codex Alimentarius Standards, and other applicable national norms (Quality). TQM Principles and Quality Philosophies Adopted: Masafi has exhibited a stark adherence to the philosophies of the three gurus of TQM and this is reflected in the high quality levels that have been achieved by the company. The influence of Deeming is seen in the Companys Quality Philosophies pertaining to its products which bear a significant degree of correlation to the needs and preferences of the consumers. Another area where this influence is seen is in the management of relationships with the shareholders which the company maintains at highly effective levels. The evidence of the adoption of Deemings quality philosophies is the provision of prompt service to the consumers with the presence of a dedicated staff of sales executives. This dedication to the consumers and the importance given to their feedback forms an integral component of the practices adopted by Masafi (Quality Gurus). Source: The above diagram depicts the chain reaction process as propounded by Deeming and this reflects fundamental structure behind the processes being undertaken by Masafi (Quality Gurus). Jurans quality philosophy highlights the inception of the Juran Trilogy which comprises of quality planning, quality control and quality improvements. Masafi has been known to effectively adapt to the environmental changes by integrating its technical as well as non technical framework in keeping with the current developments being made in the environment. Moreover the company focuses largely on the utilization of innovation in the processes as well as its products which is a direct outcome of quality control and planning efforts. An apt example of this is the identification, prioritization and management of environmental risks which is done by Masafi to comply with the global standards for environmental good practice. The introduction of the flavored mineral water products by the company has helped the company to broaden its product offerings and has also enabled the company to reach new consumer segments (U.). Crosby highlighted the nonconformance nature of quality measurement where the assurance of quality in the products and / or services should be maintained at zero. There is no scope for minimal defects in Crosbys philosophy. The company strives to achieve this ambitious quality target but it has not been able to achieve zero defects in its processes (Quality Gurus). Masafi has benefited immensely by the adoption of the philosophies and this can be seen in the fact that it had been acknowledged as the top most brands in the beverage segment and the second most popular brand in the non food FMCG category. This accreditation was received in 2010 which further exemplifies the efforts of the organization to maintain high degree of relevancy with the current best practices and standards. It is the adherence to high quality standards and continual innovation which has enabled the company to become a leader in the FMCG sector in the region (Quality Gurus). The barriers faced by Masafi while implementing TQM was the determination of the quality perception of the consumers which is very difficult to comply with on a frequent basis. Moreover the green initiatives undertaken by the Emirati government requires that the products are made in compliance with environmental protection standards. The companys products make use of plastic for their packaging and the minimization of plastic usage was a significant challenge for the implementation of TQM standards. In order to resolve this challenge, Masafi had to establish new standards for environmental sustainability by initiating recycling campaigns and ensuring minimal wastage of packaging material used for its products (Masafi; Quality Gurus). Leadership Status: Masafis leaders have their own leadership style for leading employees and organization towards the growth of enterprise. The company implemented transformational leadership style wherein the leadership was able to influence its employees for the attainment of goals and nurture them by encouraging positive behaviors by the means of sharing organizational vision. The vision and mission of the company has been effectively communicated to all the stakeholders of the company as well as the employees which has enabled them to maintain the required drive for innovating processes and product developments. By inculcating innovative thinking and aligning the processes in keeping with ecological preservation efforts, Masafi has been able to achieve the desired levels of corporate social responsibility and adoption of sustainable business practices. Then impact of the leadership can also be seen in the continual product developments and incorporation of the change elements of the environment whi ch are undertaken in the company. This is not only beneficial for assuring the maintenance and achievement of high performance levels by the organization in the respective market. The leadership has also enabled the company to manage the stiff competition in the market which is a common occurrence in the hugely populated FMCG sector (Masafi). Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair is the chairman of Masafi and he emphasis on the development of the human resources along with the processes of the organization by means of which high levels of excellence may be achieved by the organization. The product mix is also continually updated in keeping with the changes in consumer preferences and the dynamics of the respective target market. The leadership principles of driving change through innovation and sustainable business practices is in line with the principles defined by quality leadership principles. By adhering to strict control measures and quality levels, Masafi has been able to maintain effective relationships with the consumers and this has enabled them to accurately identify the needs of the consumers which in turn has been beneficial in the identification of the current market trends. Hence the efforts of the leadership undertaken by Masafi are reflective of the principles established by quality leaders (Chairmans Message). Masafis leadership is indicative of the following aspects: There is adequate level of awareness with respect to the roles and professional obligations of the employees and this helps the management to devise better strategies. New trends are identified for enabling the organization to achieve new heights in business excellence. A sense of ownership, accountability and ownership is inculcated in the workforce. Adequate training and development measures are provided to the employees by means of which they are enabled to comply with the constantly changing external as well as internal environment of the organization (Chairmans Message). Employee Involvement Status: Masafi exhibits a high level of employee involvement which has enabled the reduction in long term costs being achieved over environmental cost mechanisms. The involvement has also been beneficial in facilitating consistent, effective and efficient internal operations in the company. This adherence to the environmental standards has also enabled the company to sustain favorable working environment which is quintessential in assuring the presence of the required drive in its human resource. This is reflective of the concepts adopted by Masafi for ensuring a highly motivated workforce. The needs of the employees are duly addressed and the policies as well as the changes are duly communicated to the employees, by means of which the employees are able to dedicate their efforts in alignment with the objectives and vision of the company (Masafi). Masafi has employee strength of 1000 employees who are dedicated completely towards the achievement of the desired levels of achievement. The company continuously conducts an evaluation of the needs of the employees by obtaining feedback from the employees by conducting discussions with the employees. The discussions also enable the employees to express their needs in a better manner and this is highly beneficial in designing training and development modules at the organization (Masafi). Based on the findings obtained in the discussion rounds, the company ensures that the employees are provided with adequate opportunities for undertaking training and development with respect to their roles and responsibilities in the organization. The most appropriate evidence of this measure is the adaptation of the company to environmental changes with enhanced performance levels being achieved after every adaptation. Moreover the involvement of the employees in the green campaigns and initiatives is a direct outcome of the companys consideration for the needs of the employees pertaining to empowerment and involvement in the activities of the organization (Masafi). The companys focus on the needs of the employees has a direct impact on the decision process wherein the employees are encouraged to provide their contribution by means of which a comprehensive outcome may be achieved in an effective manner. Given the short time duration for incorporating the environmental changes into the processes of the company, Masafi ensures that these implementations are done in a highly effective manner so as to prevent the loss of leverage in the highly competitive FMCG market (Masafi: The Place). Customer Satisfaction Status: Being an FMCG company, Masafis consumers comprise of all population levels with specific segments being target separately with the companys consumer oriented offerings. The main emphasis made by the company is in the bottled water segment wherein it has differentiated its target segments on the basis of their requirements. For example, people associated with sports and intense physical activity requires more than just plain water to be provided to them. In keeping with this need, the company has devised vitamin enriched water products so as to provide this consumer segment with the require characteristics that are expected from them from a water product (Masafi). For obtaining consumer feedback, Masafi has implemented various communication mechanisms. By ensuring the acquisition of feedback from the consumers, the organization strives to develop and maintain a consumer friendly environment in the company. In this regard, Masafi assures the provision of prompt service to the consumers with the presence of a dedicated staff of sales executives. Apart from this, the company has also provided a toll free number which can be accessed by consumers 24 x 7 for any enquiries or correspondence which they desire to communicate to the company. This number is displayed on the companys website as well. In keeping with the growing ICT infrastructure and capabilities in the region, the company has established a feedback gateway in the form of an email id which can be used by consumers to communicate with the organization. The customers feedback is obtained with different techniques such as On-Line Survey, Social Media and Feedback Forms. (The copy of the fee dback medium is provided in Appendix A) These feedbacks are highly beneficial in implementing changes in the products so that they may be aligned with the needs and preferences of the consumers. It would also enable the company to eliminate possible bottlenecks in the process which would be beneficial in reducing delivery times and ensuring higher quality levels to be maintained in the companys processes (Masafi). Masafi ensures the acquisition of consumer trends by conducting market analyses and evaluating the feedback obtained from the consumers for ensuring that they are in compliance with current standards and practices. Moreover they evaluate new technologies which can be used in the companys infrastructure (Masafi). ISO Certification: ISO ensures the state of art specification for goods practices, services and products which facilitates effective and efficient working environment to industries. Masafi has been provided with ISO certification in keeping with its processes and products. It has been accredited with the following ISO certifications: ISO 9001:2008 quality certifications awarded on 22nd July, 2008. 14001:2004 quality certifications The steps for obtaining and ISO certification are as follows: Establish Implementation Team Start ISO awareness Programs Provide Training Conduct Initial Status Survey Create a Documented Implementation Plan Develop Quality Management System Documentation Document Control Implementation Internal Quality Audit Management Review Continual Improvement Certification and Registration Pre-Assessment Audit Source: (14 Steps to Implementing ISO 9001 Quality Management System) The following are the benefits gained from ISO 9001 certification: The needs of the consumers are met effectively and in keeping with current standards. Adequate opportunities are provided for increasing revenue generation. Quality of the products / services is enhanced. Customer satisfaction levels with products are increased. It offers adequate possibilities to understand, document and communicate company process. It enhances the development and maintenance of professional culture in the organization and also develops employees morale. The uniformity of organizational operations is enhanced substantially. Emphasis is maintained on the recognition of quality at international level and the achievement of business excellence. It enables cost savings due to minimization of waste, optimization of the resources and increase in the efficiency of the overall processes (Top 10 Reasons Why You Need ISO 9001 Certification). Continuous Process Involvement: Continual process improvement is the key to ensuring the survival of an organization in the competitive market. Products and services change with time in order to successfully meet the needs of the consumers and to be in compliance with the market dynamics. Masafi applies three tools of quality management tools: Six Sigma: The six sigma tool provides the means to minimize errors in the production process by ensuring the existence of 1 defect per million units produced by the company. By using this tool, the company has been able achieve greater market share and has been able to achieve higher quality standards in the products. It is this aspect that has enabled the company to achieve the top most position among the organizations in the FMCG sector. This tool also enabled the introduction and maintenance of green concepts in the production process (Lean Six Sigma: An Overview). The following diagram represents the six sigma process adopted by Masafi: http://csqa.info/files/six-sigma-dmaic.gif Source: http://csqa.info/files/six-sigma-dmaic.gif Statistical Process Control: Statistical Process Control is the quality control method which uses a statistical method for the monitoring and controlling process. These ensure that minimal wastage is incurred in the process. The benefit obtained by the company from this tool can be seen in the recycling efforts of the company by means of which the packaging material of its products are retrieved from the market and reused to prepare new packaging utilities. This has enabled continuous process improvement in keeping with the quality specifications required to be adhered (Introduction to Statistical Process Control Techniques). The following is a representation of the SPC process followed by Masafi: http://www.moresteam.com/toolbox/pics/28.gif Source: http://www.moresteam.com/toolbox/pics/28.gif Total Quality Management Guide: Total Quality Management is a set of practices put in place throughout a company that are geared to ensure the organization consistently meets or exceeds customer requirements. It enables the company to implement quality measures not only in the processes but it are also applied to the management of productivity in the workplace. The benefit of this tool can be seen in the manner in which the human resources are provided with adequate involvement opportunities which not only serve as a viable motivation tool but it also enables better quality to be maintained (Total Quality Management). The following is a representation of the TQM followed by Masafi: http://www.transtutors.com/Uploadfile/CMS_Images/24944_Quality%20Improvement%20Flowchart%20in%20TQM.JPG Source: http://www.transtutors.com/Uploadfile/CMS_Images/24944_Quality%20Improvement%20Flowchart%20in%20TQM.JPG Masafi uses SPC as the quality measurement tool to reduce the wastage of packaging materials and for ensuring optimal utilization of the available resources, and in turn contributing to ecological preservation. It uses statistical methods for the monitoring and controlling process (Introduction to Statistical Process Control Techniques). The barriers faced with respect to the implementation of this tool are: The lack of availability of adequate information on quality is one of the main barriers to the implementation of the tool. The tracking of the packaging material and the extent of recycling of the materials is an exhaustive process marked by the possibility of errors in the data obtained (Introduction to Statistical Process Control Techniques). Conclusion: Masafis adherence to high quality global standards has been the primary reason behind the immense success of the organization. This has also enabled the organization to retain its existing consumer groups while generating new consumers in keeping with its wide range of product offerings. The efforts of the company to continually develop and improve its processes is one of the most significant undertakings of the company to ensure the maintenance of high levels of quality not only in its products but also in its services. Recommendations: Masafi should adopt new programs for the improvement of quality with utilization of existing tools, system, terms and conditions. There should be a provision for the sustenance of an improvement framework for the sustainability of which would inculcate the continuous processes and encourage new ideas. Data collection should be done by an exclusive team developed by the management of the company for ensuring that the quality measures are monitored in an effective manner. Employee participation should be encouraged in order to assure that the productivity levels are maintained relatively high as this would enable high quality standards to be implemented. The quality should also be implemented in the supply chain network so as to ensure faster delivery times of the products to the market. The company should devise new standards when introducing innovative products in the market in keeping with the exact specifications of the product. The company should ensure the maintenance of an unbiased feedback mechanism as these feedbacks are crucial for the improvement process undertaken Masafi. The data collection, evaluation and monitoring system should be automated in order to minimize the incurrence of human errors in the quality verification process. The strategies pertaining to the quality implementations should be revised in such a manner so that the current policies are not drastically affected by it. The company should ensure that the quality inspections are conducted by third part accreditation units as it would reveal a clearer perspective of the scenario.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Media Portrayal of Gender Roles in the Household

Media Portrayal of Gender Roles in the Household The Right Man for the Job She suddenly snaps. Her infant accidentally bursts open her bottle and floods the car with milk, she jams on her brakes and parks her car in the middle of the bridge, blocking traffic. The police try to convince her to move her car, to no avail. The news reports An overworked and underappreciated housewife has parked on the bridge, refusing to budge. A crowd has gathered to observe the scene, some extend their sympathies: Sweetheart, whats the matter? and Not getting enough of the good stuff? Finally, her husband arrives and convinces her to get out of the car, and she is promptly arrested by the police. Theres a debate between the Mayor and the police chief on if the city should press charges or not. The Mayor, concerned about the optics of the situation, flatly states I can kiss the chick vote good-bye and if I go down, youre breaking my fall! This is the opening for Homer Alone, an episode of the Simpsons in which Marge, the quintessential housewife suffers a nervous breakdown and takes some time away from the chaos of family life, leaving Homer in the role of caretaker for the house and their infant daughter. In their investigation into the topic of masculinity in the media, Ronald Jackson and Jamie Moshin find that shows like The Simpsons can function as witty satires regarding American myths of normalcy and desirability in the public and private spheres. (184) The medias portrayal of the masculine role in the household has evolved over the decades, much of the time keeping pace with the general social trends. The post war show Father Knows Best, described by TV Guide as a normal, intelligent businessman controlling his family sensibly, even wisely and as a classic example of American Pop Culture at its best an idealized nuclear family with the patriarch providing for his stay at home wife, teaching their children to play catch, but if a situation required emotions, it was go talk to your mother. These tropes in the gave way to more multicultural families such as The Cosby show as the Reagan years approached. In the 90s, we had Roseanne a glance into the lower middle class, blue collar duel income familys struggles. These TV fathers roles became less of the father-knows-best stereotype and more involved roles as caregivers, taking active roles in their childrens lives and being equal partners in the decisions of the household. Despite this progress the media has made in showing men to be at least capable of sharing childcare burdens, men depicted in the media are showing to be essentially domestically-illiterate. The everyday activities, such as cooking, washing, cleaning, shopping for own household, caring for the elderly, the sick, and the disabled are still shown to be primarily womens work. The US Department of Labor, Womens Bureau reports that since 1940, the percent of women participating in the labor force the increased from just 24.3 percent 47 percent of the total U.S. labor force, and are projected to account for 51 percent of the increase in total labor force growth by 2018. Similarly, the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics tells us that In 1967, 49 percent of mothers were stay-at-home mothers. That proportion steadily dropped through the decades until 1999, when only 23 percent of moms stayed at home. The fight for Womens equality in political, economic, and social spheres has made great progress, however the division of household labor remains virtually unchanged. Domestic work and childcare are still seen as primary responsibilities of the women. After their shifts at work are completed, women are expected to complete chores and childcare. This double-burden was dubbed the second shift by American sociologist and academic Arlie Russell Hochschi ld in her book The Second Shift, written in 1989. Hochschild found that working women averaged three hours a day on housework while men averaged 15 minutes (259) Though nearly 20 years has passed since the publication, there has been little change in the balance of housework between male and female households. Theodore Greenstines 2005 study found that In general, regardless of income, education, ideology, or extent of paid employment, women tend to do far more domestic labor than their male partners (1039). Medias portrayal of the working mother has rarely been accurate, as Hotchschild describes an advertisement she presented to working mothers during interviews: She is not the same women in each magazine advertisement, but she is the same idea. She has that working mother look as she strides forward, briefcase in one hand, smiling child in the other. Literally and figuratively, she is moving ahead. Her hair, if long, tosses behind her; if it is short, it sweeps back at the sides, suggesting mobility and progress. There is nothing shy or passive about her. She is confident, active, liberated. She wears a dark tailored suit, but with a sick bow or colorful frill that says, Im really feminine underneath. She has made it in a mans world without sacrificing her femininity. And she has done this on her own. (258) Its not only advertisements that sell the idea of a Super-mom, but the stories of Celebrity Moms that dominate tabloid magazines, television, movies, and now social media that not only delegitimize the labor involved in housework, but also reinforce both the gendered stereotypes of who is responsible for the work, and the ease in which the work is completed. Women as consumers is not a new idea. PG productions, producers of the soap opera As the World Turns, spanned for 72 years and over 10,000 episodes, chiefly marketed towards women. PG productions is a subsidiary of Procter Gamble, an American multinational consumer goods company and makers of Swiffer, Tide and Bounce, who spend nearly $10 billion per year advertising budget. Product placement in womens media isnt just a happy coincidence, PQ Media, a media research company found that Product placements were worth $6.01 billion, up 12.8% from the previous year, the fifth straight year of growth. PQ Media projects that product placement revenue will reach $11.44 billion in 2019. Globally, women account for $20 trillion in annual consumer spending. Most of the income growth in the U.S. during the past 15 to 20 years is attributed to women, per the television consumer specialist firm Nielsen. The media doesnt only focus on the perceived stereotypical womens role as housekeeper, but often puts its female characters into traditionally feminine roles. In TV Guides list of best TV shows for the past year, the trend continues. The Walking Dead shows us that even in the zombie post apocalypse, women are the ones performing the childcare, nursing, preparation of food and forming community ties. Additionally, theres Penny in The Big Bang Theory. Penny, a waitress (typical female job) is shown to be living in a one bedroom apartment in LA, near a prestigious college. Most of her role in the series to function as a catalyst for the lead characters lack of social lives. As the show progressed, the other characters girlfriends are seen in having successful, professional careers, but are still expected to fill the emotive role in the relationship. An egregious example of this is Carrie Bradshaw of Sex the City. A struggling journalist is seen living an extravagant life, living in the upper east side of New York City. These women shown living above their means perpetuate what is considered an ideal life, contributing to the feminization of poverty. This phenomenon is described in United Nation reports revealing that there are 1.5 billion people living on 1 dollar a day or less, the majority of which are women. In addition, the gap between women and men caught in the cycle of poverty has continued to widen in the past decade. While women earn on average seventy-seven cents for every dollar earned by men, they are disproportionately concentrated in the lowest-paying fields. Furthermore, most the pay gap between men and women actually comes from differences within occupations, not between them and this gap widens in the highest-paying occupations such as business, law, and medicine (S. Pressman, The Shriver Report) One might think that such a significant economic impact would lead to more progressive representations in the media, however this does not seem to be the case. Advertisements, both televised and otherwise, very rarely show housewives or mothers outside of their stereotypical gender roles. The pick them back up add, produced by our friends at PG productions, was heavily broadcast during the 2014 Sochi Olympic Winter Games. Mya Frazier observes that Men are unmentioned, even if their breadwinner status is implicit: What working mother could devote herself solely to the making of an Olympian without substantial financial support? (Frazier). The question of where is dad? can be answered by considering other media. A meta-analysis shows that the odds of women being depicted at home (vs. at work) are approximately 3.5 times higher than for men (qtd. in JÃ ¶rg et. al). These gender stereotypes are nearly ubiquitous across not only American media, but society in general. Webster dictionary defines our idea of gender as the role or behavior learned by a person as appropriate to their gender are determined by the prevailing cultural norms. The perceived femininity or masculinity of a task is equally as culturally subjective. The hegemonic frame tends to constitute a good father as the responsible breadwinner/provider and protector gender identity for men has traditionally been associated with the competitive rationality of work rather than the intimate emotionality of family. (J. Gentry and R. Harrison, 77). This hegemony is reinforced by our real-life experiences, mass media exposure, and the ever-present social media feeds. Traditionally feminine tasks such as cooking, laundry, and cleaning are overwhelmingly performed by women; traditionally masculine tasks such as yard work and auto maintenance tend to be done by men (T. Greenstein, 1039). With the Simpsons family, the fault of the self-destructive pragmatic Family First idea that sends Marge over the edge. The husband and forever needy kids who will never appreciate her were hardly subtle ideas, even in a comedic or satirical format. In media, when the gender roles are reversed, how often is it successful? We often see the TV dad portrayed as inept, typically uninvolved or uncaring, unless the situation calls for a sardonic wit, then TV dad is your man. Among the worst offenders, we have Al Bundy of Married with Children, a blue-collar-everyman who either by laziness or ineptitude is completely absent from any domestic labor or parenting duties, unless they call for violence or a punchline. While satirical, the presentation of the masculine role in the family is to provide the paycheck, grumble, and be the butt of the joke. The inability or failure when gender roles are reversed is also a common trope. The Tim Taylors (Home Improvement) and to a lesser extent Phil Dunphy (Modern Family) all reflect the masculine breadwinner who may find themselves in an occasional feminized role, only to learn that they woefully under equipped to deal with the task at hand. While Marge Simpson was relaxing in a resort after her nervous breakdown, Homer struggled with even the most basic of household chores, inevitably getting drunk with his bar-fly best buddy Barnie and losing Maggie in the process. (Homer Alone) Even in the TV homes where there was a closer semblance to equality when it came to social, political or economic issues, we would rarely any flexibility or male housewifization (househusbandization?). Dan Conner (Roseanne) was shown in a more active role in the parenting of his children -but the shows namesake was the primary housekeeper, child raiser, and do-it-all blue-collar mom a much better representation of the second shift idea. Cliff Huxtable (The Cosby Show) and his wife Clair were equals, but the gender roles were never questioned. Despite the forward progression and increased airtime of a less oafish and more, helpful father, research has consistently indicated that husbands are not doing much more housework than they ever did (although they are on a relative basis, as wives are doing much less; (qtd. Robinson and Godbey, 1997) Typically, its only representations of single fathers like Danny Tanner (Full House) that are not only shown in the house husband role, but are not failing at it. Only by not having a wife or mother in the house to fall back on, would the male take on the traditionally feminine tasks. In James Gentry and Robert Harrisons study of gender portrayals in the media, they found that single fathers needed to redefine their masculinity as they become involved parents. Traditionally (or at least in the 20th century), only one form of masculinity was conceived; this masculinity is non-feminine (or anti-feminine), independent, heterosexual (or anti-homosexual), tough, and takes risks (qtd, 79). The persistence of gendered labor inequality within the home is caused in part by the reluctance of men to participate in the lesser-valued roles that women perform and to avoid being emasculated by performing womens work. For example, in The Second Shift, Hochschild describes the division of household labor between Nancy and Evan, married parents of one child who both worked full-time. Evan refused to share the housework equally with his wife, feeling that this was not his responsibility as a man and that he was entitled to refuse to participate in tasks that he saw as his wifes (261). This suggests that at their core, men are psychologically predisposed to reject housework due to its apparent femininity, an idea that mass media has all but reflected and marketed back to consumers. The difference being that in the media examples, there is rarely a cost to only one parent working the second shift. When it comes to duel income families, Rebecca J. Rosen of The Atlantic writes The statistics on this are a bit of a mess, as moms and dads report different household divisions of labor, both when it comes to chores and parenting. Dads are more likely to see the division as equal, and it can be tricky business to sort out whos right. While its unlikely that there is a shadowy cabal of men and fathers looking to shrug off their housework to their presumably exhausted wives by influencing mass media outlets, the perception of inequality at home is a tricky subject. Greenstein explores this idea: Just as differences in gender ideology (at the individual level) have been found to lead women to different choices of comparative referents and consequently to reach different conclusions about the fairness of the division of household labor, national context provides a comparative referent for married women from which they might form their perceptions of justice relevant to the division of household labor. I propose that women not only compare themselves to other individuals when making determinations of fairness or justice but that they also compare themselves to the more generalized conception of the level of support for gender equity in their nation. That is, women who perceive a high level of support for gender equity in their generalized comparative referent- for example, their perception of the beliefs of the people in their nation or society-are more likely to perceive microlevel inequalities as inequities (1040). If ideals of fairness or inequality are founded in the perception of what is happening in others lives, then what we see in the media must be included in that. If there were more Rosannes and less Peg Bundys, would women feel more shortchanged by the division of household labor. If the they (the media, or shadowy cabal of lazy men) could show men performing reproductive labor without appearing emasculated, would that change things? Its not as if the advertising and entertainment is completely bereft of positive household-male examples. After the Pick Them Back Up ad ran during the Sochi Olympic, they produced a similar ad directed towards males. Unfortunately, it was a social media non-starter. Consider the forgettable 2013 Power of Dads Oral-B spot. It offers a succession of heartwarming clips of dads joyfully engaged with their children, but didnt exactly burn up the viral charts. An ad about a stay-at-home dad doing laundry for Tide? A measly 60,000 views on YouTube. (M. Frazier) We can plainly see that it was ingratitude and an unequal share of work that led to Marge Simpson breaking down on a bridge, going ballistic was a cry for help that could resonate with anybody whos work has been chronically underappreciated, even the police woman taking Marges mug shot gives her the sisterly empathy, Off the record, maam. All the girls on the force knew just how you felt (Homer Alone). If the lesson was to show how we underappreciate the women in our lives, the return to normalcy at the end of sitcoms is the undoing of any lesson or basis for comparative basis. Ronald Jackson and Jamie Moshin quote In these spaces, however, the critiques of dominant norms fall short when the characters return to their traditional roles at the conclusion of the episodes. (qtd. 184). Without the continuity of lessons learned, there is no real impact. In the next episode, Homer and the kids are right back to their scheming, lazy, and unappreciative selves. Marges breakdown, subsequent c atharsis has meant nothing. Its not all hopeless, the gap in the division of household labor is slowly closing. The status quo has protected male privilege, but its not permeant. The ultra-masculine western cowboy is now seen as nothing more than a cultural relic (J. Gentry and R. Harrison, 98). Fathers depicted in Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 80s was killing entire private militias in the movie Commando then in the 90s he was performing literal reproductive labor in Junior. Our views of what emotional value labor holds and if our ideas about masculine and feminine work can change. If Homer Simpson can, even for a short while, perhaps the rest of us can too. Works CitedHochschild, Arlie Russell, and Anne Machung. The Second Shift. New York, Penguin Books, 2003. Web. Frazier, Mya. Honor Your Mother: Dont Watch That Patronizing Viral Ad. New Republic, 8 May 2014, newrepublic.com/article/117693/mothers-advertising-regressive-stereotypes-dominate-pg-and-others. Greenstein, Theodore N. National Context, Family Satisfaction, and Fairness in the Division of Household Labor. Journal of Marriage and Family 71.4 (2009): 1039-051. Web. Lafayette, Jon . Product Placement Revenue Climbing 13.2% This Year. Product Placement Revenue Climbing 13.2% This Year | Broadcasting Cable. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2017. Paek, Hye-Jin, Michelle R. Nelson, and Alexandra M. Vilela. Examination of Gender-role Portrayals in Television Advertising across Seven Countries. Sex Roles 64.3-4 (2010): 192-207. Web. 1 Feb. 2017. Pressman, Sonja. Top 18 Issues Challenging Women Today. The Shriver Report. N.p., 21 May 2014. Web. 04 Feb. 2017. Gentry, J., and R. Harrison. Is advertising a barrier to male movement toward gender change? Marketing Theory 10.1 (2010): 74-96. Web. 2 Feb. 2017. Rosen, Rebecca J. Money-Rich and Time-Poor: Life in Two-Income Households. The Atlantic. Atlantic Media Company, n.d. Web. 02 Feb. 2017. Matthes, JÃ ¶rg, Michael Prieler, and Karoline Adam. Gender-Role Portrayals in Television Advertising Across the Globe. Sex Roles 75.7-8 (2016): 314-27. Web. 1 Feb. 2017. Jackson, Ronald L., and Jamie E. Moshin. Communicating marginalized masculinities: identity politics in TV, film, and new media. New York: Routledge, 2013. Print. Homer Alone. The Simpsons. Fox, 6 Feb. 1992

Monday, August 19, 2019

Einleitung :: essays research papers

Einleitung Unser Zeitalter ist das eigentliche Zeitalter der Kritik, der sich alles unterwerfen muss. Religion, durch ihre Heiligkeit und Gesetzgebung durch ihre Majestà ¤t, wollen sich gemeiniglich derselben entziehen. Aber alsdann erregen sie gerechten Verdacht wider sich und kà ¶nnen auf unverstellte Achtung nicht Einspruch machen, die die Vernunft nur demjenigen bewillt, was ihre freie und à ¶ffentliche Prà ¼fung hat halten mà ¼ssen.â€Å" (Hermes, S. 12). Diese Worte Kants fallen in eine Zeit in der die evangelisch-lutherische Kirche und der absolutistische Staat durch das Landeskirchentum ein enges Bà ¼ndnis geschlossen hatten und so nur schwer angreifbar waren. Das musste auch Gotthold Ephraim Lessing feststellen. Er wurde am 22.1. 1729 im Kamenz geboren und wuchs in der christlichen Tradition des và ¤terlichen evangelisch- lutherischen Pfarrhauses und der Fà ¼rstenschule St. Afra in Meißen auf. Obwohl er das vom Vater gewà ¼nschte Theologiestudium schon nach einem Jahr abbr ach, durchziehen theologische Fragen doch große Teile seines Werkes, was besonders im letzen Jahrzehnt seines Lebens sichtbar wurde: Er fà ¼hrte nicht nur erbitterte theologische Diskussionen, er verà ¶ffentlichte auch „Nathan den Weisenâ€Å", „Die Freimaurerâ€Å" und die Erziehung des Menschengeschlechtsâ€Å". Auf eben erwà ¤hnte theologische Diskussion, auch Fragmentenstreit gennant, bei der Lessing die Macht der anfangs genannten theologisch-staatlichen Allianz zu spà ¼ren bekommt, und auf den darauffolgenden „Nathanâ€Å" mà ¶chte ich in dieser Arbeit eingehen. Da mein Augenmerk dabei speziell auf dem Thema „Entstehungsgeschichte des Nathanâ€Å" liegt, werde ich allgemein beleuchten, was Lessing zum Nathan inspiriert hat, und das war eben nicht nur der Fragmentenstreit, sondern auch andere literarische, historische und biographische Quellen. Nathan als 12 Anti-Goetze 1767- 69 arbeitet Lessing am hamburgischen Nationaltheater als Dramaturg. Zu dieser Zeit ist Johann Albert Hinrich nicht nur sein Arzt, er darf auch seine Bibliothek benà ¼tzen, außerdem ist er mit Hinrichs Schwester Elise Reimarus gut befreundet. Durch diese beiden Geschwister gelangt Lessing an die „Apologie oder Schutzschrift fà ¼r die vernà ¼nftigen Verehrer Gottesâ€Å", die deren Vater Herman Samuel Reimarus geschrieben hat. Reimarus ist ein angesehener hamburger Bà ¼rger, der eine Professur fà ¼r hebrà ¤isch und orientalisch am Akademischen Gymnasium bekleidet. In seiner Apologie à ¼bte der Deist Reimarus eine radikale Bibel-und Dogmenkritik, er ging dabei soweit die Offenbarungslehren zu bezweifeln. Seiner Meinung nach enthalte die reine Lehre Christi „eine vernà ¼nftige praktische Religionâ€Å". Nur durch die Apostel, die Wundergeschichten in ihre Berichte eingefà ¼hrt hà ¤tten, sei diese Lehre zu dem gemacht worden was sie heute ist, nà ¤mlich e ine Religion die sich mit der Vernunft nicht vereinbaren là ¤sst. Z.B. behauptet er anhand von Widersprà ¼chen in der Auferstehungsgeschichte schlussfolgern zu dà ¼rfen, dass die Jesu Jà ¼nger die Leiche des gekreuzigten Jesu selbst haben verschwinden lassen, um durch die Osterpredigt Anhà ¤nger zu gewinnen und sich somit selbst zu Aposteln aufwerten zu kà ¶nnen.

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Digital Art and its Market :: Technology Essays

Digital Art and its Market missing works cited The future of digital art promises many new alternatives to traditional artwork. Digital art offers a whole new perspective on the way people see and perceive art. For this reason, people across the globe have varying opinions on whether or not digital art should be accepted into society. This technological based art allows people to express themselves through art created using a computer. People who can’t draw traditionally can turn to digital art as a way to convey their inner thoughts and feelings. Likewise, more advanced artist can sell their extremely realistic pieces from hundreds to thousands of dollars each. New and exciting advances are coming about when it comes to displaying digital art, and this may strengthen its market it the long run. Digital art although extremely controversial, provides a new way of expression and allows for a whole new market to evolve. The value of digital art pieces is steadily increasing throughout the years. In 1998 the value of the digital fine art prints reached over 170 million dollars, and by 2003 the number was predicting to be at 249 million (Williams). This figure is only based on work produced by artists, and there are many at amateur levels creating art at home. This is a huge amount of money that is being invested into this new form of art. Digital art is still at its early years, and like a young child it still will mature more and more. Digital Art still remains experimental too in many ways. It’s taught in art schools, but no one really has a firm grasp of what it actually is (qtd. in Jesdanun). As long as technology plays a stronger role in our lives, artists will continue to use it to help them come up with new ideas for their artwork. Golan Levin, a man who works artistically with computers often says that â€Å"The computer is just as much a medium of art,† contrary to those who believe the computer is not. It may not be panting, carving or sculpting the old-fashioned way, but it takes just as much knowledge and intelligence to be able to work with the computer to create a finished product. Artists have been exploring digital art since the 1960s, but only in the past few years has it become widely practical because of better technology and prices (qtd.

steroids :: essays research papers

Twenty years ago, when I was a competing professional athlete, I spoke publicly of the frustration of feeling pressured to use anabolic steroids. I felt pressured to compete in an environment where I and many others believed there was an unbridled problem. I mentioned the prevalence of use in adolescents and commented on the training advantage using these drugs gave competitors. At that time, NFL management denied the extent of the problem and little was done. The NFL, to its credit, in 1987 started its non-punitive testing program and proclaimed it was considering random testing. In 1988, in a Sports Illustrated commentary, I predicted the failure of random testing, citing obvious loopholes, and questioned the overall concern of the fans. I solicited the ire of some in the sports media when I suggested medical supervision as an alternative to faulty drug testing. However, you can't monitor a drug problem medically that society wants to pretend doesn't exist. Another issue I wanted to bring forward was urging people to keep the health effects of these drugs in perspective, as well as the sports world's tendency to define this as primarily a public relations issue. I still wonder why some of the reporting of my situation either ignored or minimized some of my known lifestyle heart risk factors (alcohol abuse, for example) in preference to highlighting steroids. Happily, the severity of my health issues and my former addictions are a thing of the past. In the wake of the BALCO scandal and the revelations in Major League Baseball, do any of these issues ring familiar? None of the BALCO athletes (clients of the Bay Area Laboratory Cooperative) have ever flunked a drug test. Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig is citing drops in numbers of positive tests in "announced" testing as reasons for optimism. After 20 years of researching this issue, I have earned my pessimism. Has he earned his optimism? For those paying attention at all, the BALCO investigation has reinforced the reality that athletes are using undetectable drugs. Perhaps the optimism in testing is because there is no plan B and Selig is tired of the drug allegations. In 1989, the NFL initiated random testing. This was a smart move for two reasons. First, it showed media and the public that they implemented the strongest policy that technology and the law would allow. Second, it was prior to impending legislation (the 1990 Steroid Anti-Trafficking Act) that re-classified anabolic steroids under Schedule III of the Controlled Substance Act.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Leadership Learning Journal Essay

As I reflect upon the readings of our text book and the leadership self-assessments I have learned a great deal about myself in regards to leadership. I have a lot of leadership experience but there are some areas I need to work on and improve. I’m not as resilient as I thought I was because one of the outcomes of the tests was that like most people I cope well with some type of adversity, but not others. Naturally I don’t agree with that outcome because I feel I handle almost everything but as I dig deeper into it and keep an open mind I can kind of see that. According to DuBrin (2010) most of my leaders have been transformational leaders based on the definition and the self-assessment results (p. 77). I’m a participative leader, with average situational perspective, have a high quality leader-member exchange, and works well by myself but also works well with others. Another trait that I learned I need to work on is I’m only average when it comes to the knowledge and skill to motivate others whereas I thought I excelled and continually motivated others. While reading the chapters we have so far and the various discussion boards I have learned that there are many ways to be an outstanding leader and that there isn’t really one style that works for everyone and all of the time. As a leader you have to consider the people your leading and what their abilities are when choosing the best style because a style that might have worked at your last company might not work at your next one. One of the biggest eye openers so far was when we had the discussion assignment on path-goal theory. I thought that there was no way that method would work. Boy was I dead wrong because when it was stated by Vandegrift & Matusitz (2011) that they conducted an analysis that applied the principles of path-goal theory to a renowned music recording company, Columbia Records and that this theory was used by them and was credited to their success I knew then that I had to stay open to any and all theory’s (p. 350). I don’t typically like to read other then article on sports but so far this course has been very informative and will help me in the future to hone my leadership skills.

Friday, August 16, 2019

Differences Between Inquiry and Investigation Essay

According to sec-4(k) of CrPC,1898-Inquiry includes every inquiry other than a trial conducted under this Code by a Magistrate or Court. Section 159 of the Code empowers a Magistrate on receipt of a police report under Section 157, Cr.P.C. to hold a preliminary inquiry in order to ascertain whether an offence has been committed and, if so, whether any persons should be put upon their trial. In cases triable by the court of sessions and proceedings take place before a Magistrate, which are in the nature of an inquiry preparatory to sending the accused to take his trial before the Court of Session ; the Magistrate in such cases is bound either to discharge the accused or commit him for trial, but he has no power to declare an accused either guilty or innocent of the offence with which he is charged. An inquiry is also done by a Magistrate in cases triable by himself under S. 202 of the Code. On a complaint being filed before a Magistrate, he examines the complainant and the witnesses on oath in order to find out whether there is any matter which calls for investigation by a criminal court. The Magistrate may not act on the complaint and dismiss it if he distrusts the statements of the complainant and the witnesses and the result of the inquiry does not establish sufficient ground for proceeding. All these proceedings are in the nature of inquiry. Investigation: According to sec-4(i) of CrPC,1898- Investigation includes all the proceedings under this Code for the Collection of evidence conducted by a police-officer or by any person other than a Magistrate who is authorised by Magistrate in this behalf: Investigation consists of steps taken by a police officer other than a Magistrate to ascertain whether any offence has been committed at all and, if so, by whom and what is the evidence on which the prosecution can be based. Investigation can also be made by a person specially authorized by a Magistrate to do so. The case is only started if investigation by the police reveals that an offence has been committed by the accused, otherwise not. Differences between inquiry and investigation Provsion Inquiry Investigation According to sec-4(k) of CrPC,1898-Inquiry According to sec-4(i) of CrPC,1898- includes every inquiry other than a trial Investigation includes all the proceedings conducted under this Code by a Magistrate or Court. under this Code for the Collection of evidence conducted by a police officer or any person authorized by a magistrate.

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Maru: Love and Yellow Daisies Essay

Introduction Maru is a book that reflects on the life of an orphaned young girl of Basarwa tribe who gets an opportunity of teaching and she is sent to teach in a remote village in Botswana where her own people are kept as slaves. Her existence separates a community which does not recognise Basarwa people as human beings thus condemn her to the lonely life of an outcast. This Book Maru in a way reflects on the life of its writer Bessie Head who is recognised as one of the best African writers, she also went through traumatising life experiences of racial prejudice in the late South-African government. She fled South Africa seeking refuge in Botswana where she settled in a small village which was filled with tribalism and people of her tribe were in slaved Part One That year the rains were so late, though the atmosphere was mysterious and threatening with menacing dark clouds, the summer season climatically was hot and dry. The clouds brought confusion in people’s minds as each evening roaring sounds of thunders and lightning would be heard only to live people with empty promises of rain. The man was fully equipped with necessary tools planning for the seasonal ploughing ground breaking was done for easy sowing two brand new tanks were installed on the nearby houses waiting for the rains to fall so they catch and contain the storm water. He wanted to plough something that will signify his wife’s beauty and resemble his true love for her and for that he prepared a flower garden of yellow daisies. The man’s desire was to fulfil his destinies no matter how many he had; though he knew life was short he was a born leader with an affection of pleasing and archiving his goals no matter the consequences, even if attain his goals th reatened his position as a leader he will still go for the execution as planned. â€Å"I’ll be going now (Head, 1971)† quietly said Maru to a group of three working man who were building vegetable beds. He took his time as he was nervous to speak. The three men were not ordinary farm boys but close friends of Maru who shielded and have always been there for him through his entire life, he said some harsh words to them which annoyed them but because he was their leader they said â€Å"Maru is always impossible!† they spoke in a low voice out of respect behind him, fearing being heard. â€Å"Ranko† said Maru in a deep sharp voice of annoyance. ‘Didn’t I tell you not to break the up the clods? They are for conserving moisture in the soil’. (Head, 1971) Ranko stirred up the skies like he wished God will see his sorrows or he could see answers in the skies of what exactly his leader wants him to do, he wiped his nose with one arm out of confusion. In Setswana Ranko meant a person with a big nose, since when had people not had their vegetable garden raked in a decorated fancy way. Each and every new idea no matter how impossible it looked it had to be put into practise, making no allowance for preju dice. This to him was too much and painful like his big nose, the three men knew no other life but the one of serving and pleasing their leader Maru. Without him they were lost souls wuthering around with nowhere to go and this on its own inflicted fear into their lives. Maru was their king whom loathed the kingship like a husband who hated his annoying, most demanding ever complaining wife from the deep bottom of his heart, they knew he wanted to give up his leadership seat and it was a scary shocking secret to them which brought confusion and fear which they couldn’t be at peace with. The secret was kept among him and them, they knew it has to circulate around them only though they didn’t know the verdict none the less had answers to the outcome of events when the time comes only their leader who was planning to abandon them knew what he was doing. They knew when time comes they will just pretend as if their leader passed away. Maru paused for some time and looked up the skies, where the storm looked mysterious and threatening with dark clouds. The shrubs always looked and turned black in the evening when darkness was falling and sudden breeze swerved the very dry white grass. He was in his zone where he could communicate freely with his thoughts with less or total absence of distraction and interruption from his people. The place was filled with cemetery silence. His mind, body, soul and heart communicated freely with beautifully much appreciated desired feedback. He knew that people hated him though they thought they hid it so well behind their fake smiles towards him, he could tell of their evil deeds planned for him he could feel it in their blood running up and down their veins, only if they knew what he knew wouldn’t they have ripped, torn him to pieces a long time ago, just to keep their secrets and their evil safe where bad and darkness is the ruler and possesses all things? It was an anticip ated vision that slowly accepted or permitted one dream to rule and dominate his life. The small little brown, filled with dust walk path, turned a blind eye on the noisy fast highways of life. Alongside the dusty footpath grew the yellow daisies which always danced in the sun and wind, the sight and the beautiful rhythm of dancing movements of the yellow daisies will eventually dominate his fantasies, an overwhelming feeling, filled with joyful moments. So much it made his heart beat pound with everlasting joy. He promised himself that as soon as the first rain fell he will sow those yellow daisies alongside the walking path that leads to his house as he was reflecting and joyfully feasting on his dreams on which he brought to life for that peaceful moment, at least the present and the on-going moment was simple to interpret, though he kept a deep secret of things to happen which only him was holding like those black clouds which knew what they kept beneath them which no man could interpret but hope for the best out of them, he had that cloud coiled in him, waiting to be unleashed like clouds filled with plenty of water that will cause a storm so strong and heavy it will cleanse and wash away all those ugly undesirable bad things that he forever despised and bring forth happiness which was hindered by all those things he hated. As he walked on tortoise pace walking on a path that will land him at his house he was doing so with his eyes leaned towards the sky on which a clear display of beautiful fantastic vision of things to come were set resembling a beautiful tale. As he silently entered the house his wife fearfully gazed at him from the dinner table she was preparing. He sometimes had an angry and hurtful mood whereas every word he said was verbally abusive and repeatedly hurt one’s feelings. Most certainly she never kept into her heart all past experiences of pain and suffering. Most often she felt full of joy and hallucinated by happiness it was not an everyday thing for her to parade around the whole day with a very excited smile drown on her face, because the days of being deliberately been hurt and pain inflicted on her were few thus were over shadowed by the days of deeply showered and expressed love. The darkest days may have been there as to balance the situation. Maybe Maru had to face an d experience reality to know how bad man can be to one. He moved with confidence. He never took a second thought over his Godly conscious. The major threat in his life was Moleka. He was afraid that one day his anger will get the best of him and drive him to kill Moleka one way or the other. His wife’s heart had two rooms filled with love for both men Moleka and Maru. Maru feared and dreamt that his room of love in his wife’s heart would eventually be over taken on by Moleka. This fearful dream continuously occurred. He dreamt Moleka with a broken leg and bleeding from a wound that was from his mouth and heart. His wife always cried with pain whenever Maru had these dreadful dreams. He usually woke up to his wife’s tears pouring on him as her eyes were closed. ‘Why are you crying?’ asked Maru, in pretence that he did not know. She would see the tears but feared to account to them as to what they were for when she woke up as she was not aware of them when she was sleeping, except the tears she cried for Maru. He had no power over destroying the love his wife had for Moleka. He seemed to have no control over his wife’s affair as much as the raging jealousy he had that drove him crazy as much as it did on Moleka. No one else was. Maru allowed Maleka to do and as he pleased to avoid any further fights. He did not care about other people’s judgments. He allowed Moleka to have his most desired and best woman, his wife. She had all the good attributes of a real lady, intelligent, eye catching and caught everyone’s attention. These entire things seemed to have caught Moleka interests, as he also caught people’s eye. What did he want with a woman who did not suit people’s interest? In fact, after he married her she had turned into an infidelity woman of the village, well enticing men of her interest. Moleka did not want to live his life as a joke and anger and could have avoided exposing her wrong doings. The community was always around. A well-known man tried to please the people. When he decided to take charge he thought twice on what he thought would suit both him and Moleka. He thought hard about this. Perhaps he had under estimated Moleka’s power, That Moleka beard more quality than him who he had no control over .Was he loved the most? Or did he just have more power? He believed in love but not the power as power can change into anything. He would cry too, over that Moleka could have stronger love than him. His heart interpreted that Moleka had more power than him, and he felt no guilt over what he had done to his wife as Moleka beard feelings for her to. The intense thoughts and confusion made him have so much anger and hatred. Maybe his heart had forsaken him and one day he would end up giving up his wife to Moleka, as he had concluded that Moleka’s love was stronger than his. If this feeling was within him, he would go up to his wife and tell her that ‘I only married you because you were the only woman in the world who did not want to be important. But you are not at all important to me, as I sometimes say you are’. This could destroy the world. The worlds turned to darkness as his words were all coming to action. That night he was so jolly. The yellow daisies. As he walked through the door and said, softly ‘My sweetheart.’ Those were very beautiful words, if only one had the knowledge of what damage could the human heart. ; Horrible danger that seemed very dangerous because the main causers of it were so tender. Children adopted this behaviour from their parents. Parents spat on the ground to show belittlement and disgust, Low nation passed by. Children took over from the ir parents. They disrespected one. They hurt you. They danced very hard. Introduction Maru is a book that reflects on the life of an orphaned young girl of Basarwa tribe who gets an opportunity of teaching and she is sent to teach in a remote village in Botswana where her own people are kept as slaves. Her existence separates a community which does not recognise Basarwa people as human beings thus condemn her to the lonely life of an outcast. This Book Maru in a way reflects on the life of its writer Bessie Head who is recognised as one of the best African writers, she also went through traumatising life experiences of racial prejudice in the late South-African government. She fled South Africa seeking refuge in Botswana where she settled in a small village which was filled with tribalism and people of her tribe were in slaved Part One That year the rains were so late, though the atmosphere was mysterious and threatening with menacing dark clouds, the summer season climatically was hot and dry. The clouds brought confusion in people’s minds as each evening roaring sounds of thunders and lightning would be heard only to live people with empty promises of rain. The man was fully equipped with necessary tools planning for the seasonal ploughing ground breaking was done for easy sowing two brand new tanks were installed on the nearby houses waiting for the rains to fall so they catch and contain the storm water. He wanted to plough something that will signify his wife’s beauty and resemble his true love for her and for that he prepared a flower garden of yellow daisies. The man’s desire was to fulfil his destinies no matter how many he had; though he knew life was short he was a born leader with an affection of pleasing and archiving his goals no matter the consequences, even if attain his goals th reatened his position as a leader he will still go for the execution as planned. â€Å"I’ll be going now (Head, 1971)† quietly said Maru to a group of three working man who were building vegetable beds. He took his time as he was nervous to speak. The three men were not ordinary farm boys but close friends of Maru who shielded and have always been there for him through his entire life, he said some harsh words to them which annoyed them but because he was their leader they said â€Å"Maru is always impossible!† they spoke in a low voice out of respect behind him, fearing being heard. â€Å"Ranko† said Maru in a deep sharp voice of annoyance. ‘Didn’t I tell you not to break the up the clods? They are for conserving moisture in the soil’. (Head, 1971) Ranko stirred up the skies like he wished God will see his sorrows or he could see answers in the skies of what exactly his leader wants him to do, he wiped his nose with one arm out of confusion. In Setswana Ranko meant a person with a big nose, since when had people not had their vegetable garden raked in a decorated fancy way. Each and every new idea no matter how impossible it looked it had to be put into practise, making no allowance for prejudice. This to him was too much and painful like his big nose, the three men knew no other life but the one of serving and pleasing their leader Maru. Without him they were lost souls wuthering around with nowhere to go and this on its own inflicted fear into their lives. Maru was their king whom loathed the kingship like a husband who hated his annoying, most demanding ever complaining wife from the deep bottom of his heart, they knew he wanted to give up his leadership seat and it was a scary shocking secret to them which brought confusion and fear which they couldn’t be at peace with. The secret was kept among him and them, they knew it has to circulate around them only though they didn’t know the verdict none the less had answers to the outcome of events when the time comes only their leader who was planning to abandon them knew what he was doing. They knew when time comes they will just pretend as if their leader passed away. Maru paused for some time and looked up the skies, where the storm looked mysterious and threatening with dark clouds. The shrubs always looked and turned black in the evening when darkness was falling and sudden breeze swerved the very dry white grass. He was in his zone where he could communicate freely with his thoughts with less or total absence of distraction and interruption from his people. The place was filled with cemetery silence. His mind, body, soul and heart communicated freely with beautifully much appreciated desired feedback. He knew that people hated him though they thought they hid it so well behind their fake smiles towards him, he could tell of their evil deeds planned for him he could feel it in their blood running up and down their veins, only if they knew what he knew wouldn’t they have ripped, torn him to pieces a long time ago, just to keep their secrets and their evil safe where bad and darkness is the ruler and possesses all things? It was an anticipated vision that slowly accepted or permitted one dream to rule and dominate his life. The small little brown, filled with dust walk path, turned a blind eye on the noisy fast highways of life. Alongside the dusty footpath grew the yellow daisies which always danced in the sun and wind, the sight and the beautiful rhythm of dancing movements of the yellow daisies will eventually dominate his fantasies, an overwhelming feeling, filled with jo yful moments. So much it made his heart beat pound with everlasting joy. He promised himself that as soon as the first rain fell he will sow those yellow daisies alongside the walking path that leads to his house as he was reflecting and joyfully feasting on his dreams on which he brought to life for that peaceful moment, at least the present and the on-going moment was simple to interpret, though he kept a deep secret of things to happen which only him was holding like those black clouds which knew what they kept beneath them which no man could interpret but hope for the best out of them, he had that cloud coiled in him, waiting to be unleashed like clouds filled with plenty of water that will cause a storm so strong and heavy it will cleanse and wash away all those ugly undesirable bad things that he forever despised and bring forth happiness which was hindered by all those things he hated. As he walked on tortoise pace walking on a path that will land him at his house he was doing so with his eyes leaned towards the sky on which a clear display of beau tiful fantastic vision of things to come were set resembling a beautiful tale. As he silently entered the house his wife fearfully gazed at him from the dinner table she was preparing. He sometimes had an angry and hurtful mood whereas every word he said was verbally abusive and repeatedly hurt one’s feelings. Most certainly she never kept into her heart all past experiences of pain and suffering. Most often she felt full of joy and hallucinated by happiness it was not an everyday thing for her to parade around the whole day with a very excited smile drown on her face, because the days of being deliberately been hurt and pain inflicted on her were few thus were over shadowed by the days of deeply showered and expressed love. The darkest days may have been there as to balance the situation. Maybe Maru had to face and experience reality to know how bad man can be to one. He moved with confidence. He never took a second thought over his Godly conscious. The major threat in his life was Moleka. He was afraid that one day his anger will get the best of him an d drive him to kill Moleka one way or the other. His wife’s heart had two rooms filled with love for both men Moleka and Maru. Maru feared and dreamt that his room of love in his wife’s heart would eventually be over taken on by Moleka. This fearful dream continuously occurred. He dreamt Moleka with a broken leg and bleeding from a wound that was from his mouth and heart. His wife always cried with pain whenever Maru had these dreadful dreams. He usually woke up to his wife’s tears pouring on him as her eyes were closed. ‘Why are you crying?’ asked Maru, in pretence that he did not know. She would see the tears but feared to account to them as to what they were for when she woke up as she was not aware of them when she was sleeping, except the tears she cried for Maru. He had no power over destroying the love his wife had for Moleka. He seemed to have no control over his wife’s affair as much as the raging jealousy he had that drove him crazy as much as it did on Moleka. No one else was. Maru allowed Maleka to do and as he pleased to avoid any further fights. He did not care about other people’s judgments. He allowed Moleka to have his most desired and best woman, his wife. She had all the good attributes of a real lady, intelligent, eye catching and caught everyone’s attention. These entire things seemed to have caught Moleka interests, as he also caught people’s eye. What did he want with a woman who did not suit people’s interest? In fact, after he married her she had turned into an infidelity woman of the village, well enticing men of her interest. Moleka did not want to live his life as a joke and anger and could have avoided exposing her wrong doings. The community was always around. A well-known man tried to please the people. When he decided to take charge he thought twice on what he thought would suit both him and Moleka. He thought hard about this. Perhaps he had under estimated Moleka’s power, That Moleka beard more quality than him who he had no control over .Was he loved the most? Or did he just have more power? He believed in love but not the power as power can change into anything. He would cry too, over that Moleka could have stronger love than him. His heart interpreted that Moleka had more power than him, and he felt no guilt over what he had done to his wife as Moleka beard feelings for her to. The intense thoughts and confusion made him have so much anger and hatred. Maybe his heart had forsaken him and one day he would end up giving up his wife to Moleka, as he had concluded that Moleka’s love was stronger than his. If this feeling was within him, he would go up to his wife and tell her that ‘I only married you because you were the only woman in the world who did not want to be important. But you are not at all important to me, as I sometimes say you are’. This could destroy the world. The worlds turned to darkness as his words were all coming to action. That night he was so jolly. The yellow daisies. As he walked through the door and said, softly ‘My sweetheart.’ Those were very beautiful words, if only one had the knowledge of what damage could the human heart. ; Horrible danger that seemed very dangerous because the main causers of it were so tender. Children adopted this behaviour from their parents. Parents spat on the ground to show belittlement and disgust, Low nation passed by. Children took over from their parents. They disrespected one. They hurt you. They danced very hard.