Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Free Essays on George Orwell

George Orwell has two very conflicting feelings towards the Burmese people throughout his essay. He writes â€Å"I thought that the greatest joy in the world would be to drive a bayonet into a Buddhist priest’s guts†(Pg.680), and then he turns around and says â€Å"Theoretically- and secretly, of course- -I was all for the Burmese and all against their oppressors, the British.†(Pg.680). George Orwell then goes on to say that feelings like this were not unusual side effects of imperialism. George Orwell was torn between two sides of himself. The sympathetic, guilty side of his inner self and the side of him that was just trying to get his job done and do it properly. George Orwell was suffering from an internal identity conflict, which was resolved by him shooting the elephant and leaving Burma to take a new job. George knew many hated him and that made him feel bad about who he was, the Burmese people treated him very poorly and that made him mad at them. George saw what went on in prisons. â€Å"The wretched prisoners huddling over stinking cages of the lock-ups, the grey, cowed faces of the long-term convicts, the scarred buttocks of the men who had been flogged with bamboo- all these oppressed me with an intolerable sense of guilt.†(pg.680) George Orwell’s ambivalence came from many mixed feelings and emotions that he was unable to share and communicate with others. â€Å"I was young and ill-educated and I had had to think out my problems in the utter silence that is imposed on every Englishman in the East. He was very unaware of things going around him and unsure of his own life and his thoughts. All he knew was that he was â€Å"stuck between my hatred of the empire I served and my rage against the evil-spirited little beasts who tried to make my job impossible.†(pg.680). He was obviously torn due to what was expected of him by the British empire and by what his conscience and heart expected and want him to do.... Free Essays on George Orwell Free Essays on George Orwell Eric Arthur Blair was born in 1903 at Motihari in British-occupied India. While growin up, he attended private schools in Sussex, Wellington and Eton. He worked at the Imperial Indian Police untill 1927 when he went to London to study the poverty stricken. He then moved to Paris where he wrote two lost novels. After he moved back to England he wrote Down and Out in Paris and London, Burmese Days, A Clergyman’s Daughter and Keep the Apidistra Flying. He published all four under the psuedonym George Orwell. He then married Eileen O’Shaughnessy and wrote The Road to Wigan Pier. Orwell then joined the Army and fought in the Spanish civil war. He became a socialist revolutionary and wrote Homage to Catalonia, Coming Up for Air, and in 1943, he wrote Animal Farm. It’s success ended Orwell’s financial troubles forever. In 1947 and 48 despite Tuberculosis, he wrote Nineteen Eighty-Four. He died in 1950 (Williams 7-15). This essay will show and prove to you that George Orwell’s life has influenced modern society a great deal. BIOGRAPHY In 1903, Eric Arthur Blair was born. Living in India until he was four, Blair and his family then moved to England and settled at Henley. At the age of eight, Blair was sent to a private school in Sussex, and he lived there, except on holidays, until he was thirteen. He went to two private secondary schools: Wellington(for one term) and Eton (for four and a half years). After Eton, Blair joined the Imperial Indian Police and was trained in Burma. He served there for nearly five years and then in 1927, while hom on leave, decided not to return. He later wrote that he had come to understand and reject the imperialism he was serving. He was struck...between hatred of the empire and rage against the native people who opposed it, and made his immediate job more difficult. Blair, on his first six months of release, traveled to the East End to research the English poor. In Spri... Free Essays on George Orwell George Orwell has two very conflicting feelings towards the Burmese people throughout his essay. He writes â€Å"I thought that the greatest joy in the world would be to drive a bayonet into a Buddhist priest’s guts†(Pg.680), and then he turns around and says â€Å"Theoretically- and secretly, of course- -I was all for the Burmese and all against their oppressors, the British.†(Pg.680). George Orwell then goes on to say that feelings like this were not unusual side effects of imperialism. George Orwell was torn between two sides of himself. The sympathetic, guilty side of his inner self and the side of him that was just trying to get his job done and do it properly. George Orwell was suffering from an internal identity conflict, which was resolved by him shooting the elephant and leaving Burma to take a new job. George knew many hated him and that made him feel bad about who he was, the Burmese people treated him very poorly and that made him mad at them. George saw what went on in prisons. â€Å"The wretched prisoners huddling over stinking cages of the lock-ups, the grey, cowed faces of the long-term convicts, the scarred buttocks of the men who had been flogged with bamboo- all these oppressed me with an intolerable sense of guilt.†(pg.680) George Orwell’s ambivalence came from many mixed feelings and emotions that he was unable to share and communicate with others. â€Å"I was young and ill-educated and I had had to think out my problems in the utter silence that is imposed on every Englishman in the East. He was very unaware of things going around him and unsure of his own life and his thoughts. All he knew was that he was â€Å"stuck between my hatred of the empire I served and my rage against the evil-spirited little beasts who tried to make my job impossible.†(pg.680). He was obviously torn due to what was expected of him by the British empire and by what his conscience and heart expected and want him to do.... Free Essays on George Orwell The commentary, â€Å" Down And Out In Paris And London† by George Orwell is quite interesting. In this commentary, Orwell explores the life of the disenfranchised poor, the underemployed, and the flat broke. Orwell not only wrote about this lifestyle, he explored and spent quite some time living amongst the poor. He spent some time working as a plongeur in the hotels of Paris. He also spent time living amongst the tramps and the poor in London. Throughout the book, Orwell explores in detail the life of the poor through the people he met along the way; of course, changing their names to keep their identity. Orwell explores what goes on behind the scenes. He also gives the readers a detailed look at both the poor side and the common wealth side. He is able to do this because he has lived both sides of life. Therefore, Orwell has the qualifications to inform the reader about poverty, without looking down on it. â€Å"Poverty is what I’m writing about,†(p.5), is Or well’s thesis, which is relevant throughout the book. What makes this commentary fascinating is that Orwell does not offer a solution for poverty, in fact he offers insight for poverty. Orwell’s explorations amongst the poor, has influenced the intended audience he is writing for, the major theme he is writing about, and the purpose in writing â€Å"Down And Out In Paris And London†. Orwell’s explorations amongst the poor have influenced who his intended audience is. His book was written in the first person narrative, which is powerful at getting a message across. â€Å"Down And Out In Paris And London† was intended for a specific audience, an audience who does not know about poverty. Orwell’s first encounter with poverty is the same typical encounter that people who do not know what poverty is like might expect. Orwell places himself in the audience’s perspective and explains that, â€Å"you thought it would be quite simple; it is extraordinarily complicated. You...

Friday, November 22, 2019

Expert Interview with Rita Friedman on Revitalizing Your Career

Expert Interview with Rita Friedman on Revitalizing Your Career If you’re at a dead end in your career, Rita Friedman can help. As a job coach and career expert, she helps job hunters find the career right for them at Philly Career Coach. She spoke with us about finding a job and keeping it. What form does career coaching take?Career coaching can take a range of forms, and career coaches use varied techniques, but it’s basically a worker / job seeker and a coach working together to develop career plans. Typical topics can include trying to figure out which jobs to target, how to navigate job boards, what to say (and not say) on a resume, interview prep, salary negotiation, managing the transition to a new role, establishing career milestones and strategizing for longer term growth.Why are career coaches more important than ever in the current job market?The job market has become increasingly complex – sometimes a job seeker doesn’t even know how to look for good information or opportunities; sometimes there’s ju st so much to sift through†¦. But even an experienced person can use an objective third party to create a sense of accountability and provide support.How have changes in the economy affected job seekers? What do you find people are looking for in a job?The recession really shook things up in a lot of ways. Of course, a lot of people lost their jobs; others who survived layoffs often had to assume additional responsibilities – that instability created a lot of fear, and I think it also decreased employee loyalty. But it also showed people there are other ways to work, including holding multiple positions concurrently or taking on some freelance work. I see more people looking for work they find meaningful, maybe in part because if the idea of stability is shattered, people feel they might as well go after what they really want to be doing anyway. I also see job seekers evaluating potential employers’ stability and shying away from companies they think are likely to restructure.What can job boards do to better find the job seekers they need?Job boards have gotten more sophisticated recently, and a lot of them have gotten pretty good at organizing information so job seekers can sort through a high volume of postings. Niche boards hold a certain appeal and can create a loyal base. In terms of functionality, it absolutely has to work across all platforms – a lot of people want to apply from their phones or iPads. Transparency is always a big turn-on for job seekers who like knowing who posted a job, how long it’s been listed, how many people are in the running and if a job posting appears because it’s sponsored. Providing links to actually relevant info – not just filler content – and serving as a knowledge bank can attract and keep visitors. And a good job board is easy on the eyes – sleek and instantly navigable. And each job board should have its own flavor – it’s not enough just to look good; there has to be some reason why it stands out.How can employers write postings to attract the applicants they’re looking for?Be specific. If something is really non-negotiable, make that clear in the posting. If there’s a definite salary attached to the role, including it in the job posting can help filter out the wrong candidates. Including mention of any special perks – such as the ability to work remotely, flexible hours, a generous vacation policy – can make even a boring job sound exciting. Be sure to include keywords so that job seekers can find the listing from searching beyond job titles. Do show some personality or company culture, but don’t write a flashy or sassy job posting if it’s not in line with the actual work environment.How are careers changing? What will employment be like in the future?One of the biggest changes we’ve seen in the employment landscape is a broader range of ages in any given workplace – from college students completing mandatory internships to workers retiring later in life, or even coming out of retirement to return to the workforce. And with people working for so long, we’re going to continue to see people who switch careers multiple times during their professional lives. There’s also a move towards portfolio careers, where an employee is likely to have a couple of part-time jobs instead of one full-time position. Finally, employees want flexibility more than ever, and even though most people still want to be part of a great team, autonomy seems to be especially valued by workers right now. People want to use web-based technologies to work on their own terms – and companies are starting to realize they actually get more out of their people as a result.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Benchmarking Research Paper for Streamlining the Budgeting and

Benchmarking for Streamlining the Budgeting and Purchasing process of Public Safety Departments - Research Paper Example This aids public sector departments to challenge the way they do things and utilize their finite resources better, which may have significant impacts on public sector outcomes. The paper explores key institutional drivers that may contribute to enhancing public sector efficiency on aspects such as benchmarking (performance information) and its role in the budget process. Benchmarking Research Paper Introduction Benchmarking infers the process of gauging one’s business processes and performance metrics to other industry bests or best practices. The term refers to the incessant process for monitoring and learning from the work processes, products, or services of other organizations appreciated as representing the best practices, in the effort of process improvement. Benchmarking is a tool that aids to enhance the efficiency of business processes or to minimize the output costs. The benchmarking of processes, such as budgeting and purchasing, avails organizations with the necessa ry information regarding how competently the services are provided to the community. Benchmarking avails a prospect to discover the best practices for service delivery within the public sector departments (Zairi, 2001). ... This facilitates learning on how well the targets perform and the business processes that explain why the target firms are successful. Public administration literature prominently cites three general approaches to benchmarking applicable to the public sector. These approaches include process-improvement benchmarking, strategic benchmarking, and target benchmarking. Benchmarking avails a tool for public sector managers to cope with the changing needs of their constituents. Process improvement benchmarking (corporate-style benchmarking) equates to looking at industry best practices and replicating or adapting them to fit one’s own organization (Curristine, Lonti & Journard, 2007). Targeting infers the process of the setting of goals and objectives to be attained via strategic planning actions. In this form of benchmarking, the present conditions are analyzed and then compared to a certain target (vision) or condition in the future that is desired. The Benchmarking Process The be nchmarking process can be conceived as a four-phase process; plan, collect, analyze, and adapt. Benchmarking involves a number of activities, which include discovering the problem, establishing criteria for solutions, searching for promising practices, implementing promising practices and monitoring progress. Prior to engaging in benchmarking, it is crucial for managers to highlight the problem or activities that need to be benchmarked. The core activities identified may be essential to giving the organization a competitive edge (Stapenhurst, 2009). Establishing the criteria for solutions aid the organization to minimize omissions and errors and obtain a boost on its strategic goals, its primary business processes, and critical success

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Financial Issues, Marketing Function and Human Resources in Management Essay

Financial Issues, Marketing Function and Human Resources in Management - Essay Example Organizing: Organising refers to the process of grouping the related activities and assigning them to a manager with authority to supervise it, organizing is an essential function that makes the plans operational by identifying and classifying necessary activities. 3. Staffing: Ascertain how many positions are there in the organization and at what level. Once this information is available, the next task is to collect details such as what type of candidates is required for each position, and accordingly, fill up these positions with the right people. Staffing is a process which includes recruitment, selection, training, placement, appraisal, promotion, and career planning. 4. Directing: After filling the positions in the organization with the right kind of people, the next task is to guide and enable them to achieve the common goals. It Includes;(a). Leading: It is a decisive function of the management in which the worker's employees are led and directed so that the objectives of the organization will be successfully achieved. (b). Motivating: It is one of the most important processes which are stimulating the employees to perform more effectively using their abilities and full potential. (c). Communicating: It is a process of creating, transmitting, and interpreting messages, ideas, facts, options, and feelings.(d). Coordinating: It is a process of measuring the current performance of the employee and assesses whether the given objectives are achieved or not.Now we shall discuss the issues in the management.... successfully achieved. (b). Motivating: It is one of the most important processes which are stimulating the employees to perform more effectively using their abilities and full potential. (c). Communicating: It is a process of creating, transmitting, and interpreting messages, ideas, facts, options and feelings. (d). Coordinating: It is a process of measuring the current performance of the employee and assess whether the given objectives are achieved or not. Now we shall discuss about the issues in the management which a manager should consider and study deeply when planning development, we will begin with the financial issue which should be considered first as no firm can run nicely without enough finance. Financial management is a service activity which is associated with providing quantitative information, of financial nature and that this may be needed for making economic decision regarding the choice among alternative course of actions. Financial management is that specialized function of a general management which is related to the procurement of financial and its effective Utilization for the achievement of the goal of the organization.In the past few years financial management has undergone significant changes as regards its scope and coverage. As such the role of finance manager has also undergone fundamental changes over the years. Profit maximization is not considered as basic idea for making investment and financing decision. The financial management of a firm has to make three important decisions. (1) Investment decision i.e., where the invest funds and in what amount. (2) Financing

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Soil Erosion and Public Health in Nigeria Essay Example for Free

Soil Erosion and Public Health in Nigeria Essay Soil Erosion and Public Health in Nigeria Introduction            Soil erosion and environmental degradation are some of the mainly severe public health and environmental problems affecting or facing human kind /society. Statics show that, human beings obtain 99.7 percent of their food from the land and the rest is obtained aquatic bodies such as oceans and other water ecosystems. However, each year more than 10 million hectares of crop land are lost through soil erosion and in turn this reduces the cropland that is available for human kind to produce his food. This loss of cropland has turned to be a serious problem as according to the world health organization, more than 3.6 billion human beings are affected by malnourishment globally (Showers, 2005). Generally, soil is being lost from land areas 10 to 40 times faster than the rate of soil renewal imperiling future human food security and environmental quality. This paper critically examines the impact of soil erosion towards public health in developing countries specifically Nigeria (Showers, 2005). Soil erosion is one of the key environmental degradation problems in the developing world. Despite the enormous existence of literature on causes, and impacts of soil erosion a concrete understanding of this complex problem is lacking in the developing countries. The analysis discusses the negative impacts of soil erosion towards the public health care (Cornell University, 2006).            Loss of soil from the land surfaces through the process of soil erosion is spreading globally and negatively affects the production of almost all natural ecosystems as well as agricultural. Together with the escalating human population worldwide, soil erosion, energy and water availability, and loss of biodiversity are ranked as the prime environmental problems all over the world (Beinart, 2008). The change that is inflicted on the soil through human induced erosion over the years is significant and has in turn resulted in valuable land becoming unproductive and eventually it is abandoned. Soil erosion reduces soil quality and hence reducing soil productivity as well that of natural, agricultural and other elated ecosystems. Public health can be summarized as the art and science of avoiding disease as well prolonging and promoting life and health respectively. Soil erosion has been one of the major threats to public globally as its effects have threatened the healt h system in communities (African Development Foundation, 1994).            Public Healthcare in NigeriaThe country’s national government is and has been responsible for the provision of effective health care upon its people. The Nigerian government is the one responsible for providing adequate health care to its people. Health care provision in Nigeria is a simultaneous duty done by the three tiers of administration in the country (Vanlauwe et al, 2005). Its structure is such in a way that, the Federal governments role is limited to coordinating the dealings of the University Teaching Hospitals, Federal Medical Centers. On the other hand, the state management focuses its responsibility for managing various general hospitals, while the local government focuses on dispensaries. In addition, private providers of health care significantly contribute to health care delivery. Even though the spending on health in Nigeria has risen from Naira’s 12.48 million in 1970 to 120.98 million in 2010, health care structure remains ineffecti ve and plays a key role in the poverty status of the country. Over the last two decades, Nigerias public health care system has deteriorated in large partly because of a lack of resources and a brain drain† syndrome of Nigerian doctors as well as skilled health workers to other countries. This as well has been accelerated by the industrial processes which have seen the vast usage of the land, in addition to increased farming practices to cater for the food demand. This, however, has along with natural disasters such as soil erosion brought along a hitch in provision of effective public health care (Orisakwe et al, 2004). Soil erosion            This is a natural process that involves dislodgement and removal of soil particles from one place to the other. There are different factors that contribute to susceptibility of soil to erosion as well as the rate at which it occurs. There are different types of soil erosion such as water and wind erosion. In other terms, Soil erosion entails breaking down, detaching, transporting, and redistributing of soil constituents. This can be through numerous forces such as water, wind, or gravity. Globally soil erosion has been a thing of concern and interest, especially its impact on cropland. This is because of its impacts on crop productivity and soil quality as well as its off-site effects on water quality and quantity, air quality, and biological activity. Cropland includes cultivated and non-cultivated cropland.            Soil Erosion in NigeriaNigeria is one of the African countries with high population, which is around over 170 million people with more than 400 ethnic groups. More than 80 % of Nigeria’s population rely entirely on farming for their upkeep and economic gains. Since the early 20th century, soil erosion in Nigeria has been earmarked as a key problem in the country, not only a threat to the agricultural sector, but as well as a threat to the public health through the process of environmental degradation. One of the major negative points to note is that, the current rate of soil erosion is higher than the rate of production. This has in turn threatened the current practices in agriculture. The high rate of soil erosion suggests that, agricultural practices are unsustainable under prevailing geological conditions. The process of accepting and managing these processes has significant long term repercussion for cropland sustainability, natural resource state and he alth, not forgetting the environmental quality (Berkhout et al, 2011).            Soil erosion is a major problem which is confronting health and land resources in Nigeria. Previous researches in the country have indicated that, more than 70% of the country’s surface has been affected by different types of soil erosion and of different intensities. Despite the process being a natural process, human activities such as overgrazing and clearing of vegetation accelerates it. Degradation of land is the loss of topsoil and in turn reducing its productivity. Moreover, it leads to sedimentation of water bodies which increases suspended sediment concentration in streams, with consequent effects on ecosystem health (Iwegbue et al, 2012).            Fig. 1.0 Gully Erosion Site at Urualla Imo State, Nigeria (Agbenin, 2002)            Impact of soil erosion on public health in NigeriaOne of the major concerns about soil erosion in SA is the pollution effects caused by the soil erosion. Soil erosion has greatly led to the loss of vegetation, leaving the land bare. This leads to accumulation of dust in the air. This in turn impacts air quality in the country and mostly the greatly affected regions such as Camperdown and Greytown districts. Soil erosion has been one of the catalysts of the deforestation process in Nigeria. Deforestation is the loss of trees which are essential in the support of human activity as well as protecting the environment. Deforestation makes people’s life harder as it destroys the habitats of numerous creatures and contributes to desertification. Poor air quality poses a public health to the Nigerian community as it leads to asthmatic problems as well as other airborne diseases. In summary, soil erosion leads to an increase the amount of dust carried by wind. Does t his not only at as an air pollutant and an abrasive, but also carries along about more than 20 human infectious disease organisms such as tuberculosis and anthrax (Agbenin, 2002).            Soil erosion leads to numerous soil contamination which also impacts on human health. Over the time, there has been a significant pollutant in the air as well as water, which contributes to poor health among the citizens. Through the process of soil erosion, the pollutants in the air and on the earth’s surface are washed into the water bodies through soil erosion. Industrialization on the other hand, has resulted in soil pollution with heavy metals which have posed a health problem to the Nigerian communities. Some of the harmful elements washed into water bodies include mercury, lead, arsenic, fluoride, Asbestos, cadmium, benzene and hazardous pesticides which all of them are chemicals of public concern. These ‘heavy metals’ are frequently washed into water bodies and in turn contaminating the fresh water consumed by people in Nigeria. Metals such as arsenic are termed as carcinogenic as well as causing bone marrow and blood diseases when taken for a long period of time. Asbestos on the other hand causes lung carcinoma, liver and kidney damage. Many of these elements have negatively impacted the provision of effective public health services (Salami et al, 2003).            Mining has been one of the economic activities in Nigeria, however, this has not been for the benefit of the farming and environment protections as it had been a health risk to the community. When water erosion (which is the prominent agent of erosion in Nigeria) sweeps across the mining fields much of the minerals are swept into the water bodies. Some of the elements are toxic and a risk to human health. In addition, the gases released from the mining areas are carried as dust through wind erosion and in turn posing a health problem to the Nigerians especially the community living near the mining areas. For example, sulphur dioxide causes damage of the respiratory system. In addition, the sulphur compounds also affect visibility, reduction of sunlight, unpleasant smells, irritation and smarting in the eyes, nose and throat which is a health concern to the community around the mining areas (Salami et al, 2003).            Acidity in the soil and water bodies has been a public health to the Nigerian community. Soil erosion leads to the accumulation of solid waste in water bodies. This has become a serious environmental problem facing Nigeria. The consequence of these solid wastes is pollution of water, land and air not forgetting to mention is hazardous to women’s health as well as their social well being. With the increased urbanization in the country as well as high population, the amount of solid waste being generated has greatly increased. At the moment, virtually all the major cities in Nigeria are faced with the menace of solid waste management. The wastes are in one way or another swept into rivers and other water bodies. Due to their daily involvement with farming and house chores, women are exposed to numerous communicable diseases such as typhoid, dysentery, cholera, yaw; malaria, yellow fever, and relapsing fever that affect women are associated with improper dispos al of wastes (Oladapo et al, 2009).            Soil erosion has drastically reduced land productivity, especially the southern parts of Nigeria. In addition, soil erosion has also led to essential nutrient depletion as a form of land degradation. This has brought along severe economic impact in Nigeria. Reduced land production has severely affected food production in the country. The result of this is a shortage of food in the communities. Reduced food production in the community has increased the impact of drought to the residents. With reduced food production, the community cannot be able to sustain their people and in turn when the dry season comes along, the communities are largely hit by drought. Over the last 30 years, soil erosion in Nigeria has rendered more that 32% of arable land unproductive, this has in turn led to severe food shortage as well as food related diseases such as kwashiorkor among the children in Nigerian farming communities (Sotona Adesodun, 2014).            Soil erosion on the other hand has contributed to flooding occurs throughout Nigeria in three main forms which are urban, river and coastal flooding. For example, urban flooding such as the Ogunpa disaster which claimed over 200 lives and damaged property worth millions of Naira in Ibadan, are common occurrences. Flooding and accumulation of waste product has as well posed a public health concern to the Nigerians, especially the communities living along rivers and coastal lines. About 60 % of the soil that is swept away by the erosion process ends up in rivers, lakes and streams. This makes waterways more prone to flooding as well as contamination from soil, pesticides and fertilizers which are harmful to human health not only in Nigeria but also globally. Soil erosion is believed to have severe and adverse effect on the developing countries economic stability. Nigeria is termed as a developing country and it has suffered economically as a result of soil erosion. L arge sums of funds have been deployed in the fight against the menace and it’s especially the impact to the country’s health care system (Ehigiator Anyata, 2011).            The stubborn persistence of soil erosion in Nigeria as well as its threat to public health has raised numerous ethical questions recent times. Freeing humanity from health menace caused by soil erosion is a moral obligation that weighs on the Nigerian government more heavily as the capabilities and technology advance continues to be experienced. The world and Nigeria in particular, undoubtedly has the productive capacity to produce adequate quality health care and facilities not to mention their ability to control or prevent soil erosion and in turn eradicate health risks to the people. In recent years, rapid technology advances have led to better environmental management, however soil erosion management or prevention in Nigeria has not been fully achieved and in turn hindering good public health (Edosomwan, 2013).            The value of enhancing the well being of the Nigerians, today almost all the nations recognizes the need to enhance the well being of its people. While charity necessary might be necessary to respond to pressing issues in the community, it can not, however, provide for long-term solutions such as the case of soil erosion menace. Long term reversal of such cases can only be achieved through providing the Nigerians with skills, capital, employment, education and opportunities. In addition, for sustainable agriculture and rural development to flourish, as well as a valuable rural infrastructure must be in place as well as policy that will promote effective farming methods as well as soil erosion prevention measures (Adedipe, 1992). Measures to reduce negative effects of soil erosion in Nigeria            The Nigerian government together with World Health Organization has embarked on education, strategy for the farmers on how to improve their farming practices as well as how to prevent soil erosion in their farms. Effective farming practices within the communities are estimated to reduce the extent of soil erosion by 40 %. This would in turn reduce the amount of harmful elements being swept through soil erosion into water bodies. Moreover, farmers are encouraged to plant trees to reduce the desertification process as well as arrest the deforestation process. For example, the World Bank has financed the rehabilitation of land in Enugu, a region with massive gullies caused by erosion in order to prevent loss of life and property (Adeniyi, 1986).            The government has also embarked on landscaping and building of dykes in order to reduce the problem of flooding. The issue of uncontrolled floods from regions such as Osina and Akokwa has raised the concern of flood control. Residents of the Urualla community, for example, had themselves committed towards finding a lasting solution to the problem especially their financial contribution to the cost of the engineering design for the site and urged them to sustain the momentum. Through the arrest of soil erosion, the government has managed to somewhat control the menace of soil erosion and especially its negative effect to the health sector. The fight against the malaria epidemic in African countries has been a success which is one of diseases caused by flooding as a result of soil erosion. Lastly, the government and NGOs have embarked on educating the community members on healthy living such as ways to avoid water borne diseases. As well as providing adequate medica l attention when needed (Ananda Herath, 2003). Conclusions            Nigeria is subject to soil erosion, due to deprived farming practices, together with erodible soils. When considered across all land-use types, it is clear that soil degradation is perceived as more of a problem in Agulu-Nanka (Plate 1), Obioma, Nsuka, and less of a problem in Borno, Kaduna, Kano and Sokoto. This has in turn turned to be a massive public health menace to the community not only in Nigeria but globally as well. It is clear that the process of soil erosion has brought along complicated health problems. The measure has been implemented to reduce the menace of soil erosion and in turn minimize the negative impact on public health.            Despite the dedicated collaborative efforts of both the concerned parties such as the Nigerian government, NGOs, donor agencies provide an effective and efficient health care delivery in the county, confronting problems renders these efforts much less than desired. Some of the problems include poor farming practices, poor waste disposal, deforestation, which is believed to be a catalyst to soil erosion, re-emergence of HIV/AIDS pandemic, poor quality care as well as irrational appointments of health workers has not done the sector any good. Lack of information on prevention of soil erosion as well as the weight of these problems, is further compounded by insufficient budget allocation, lack of strategic plan and prepare for epidemics/pandemics. References Adedipe, N.O. (1992) â€Å"The African Environment: A changing and Scary Scenario† Adeniyi E.O. (1986) â€Å"Environmental Management and Development in Nigeria† A paper presented at the proceedings of a National Conference on Development and the Environment, Rosprint Industrial Press Ltd. African Development Foundation (U.S.). (1994).  Participatory development: ADF, funded projects, 1993. Washington, DC (1400 Eye St., NW, Washington 20005: The Foundation. Agbenin, J. (2002). The impact of long-term cultivation and management history on the status and dynamics of cobalt in a savanna Alfisol in Nigeria.  European Journal Of Soil Science,  53(2), 169-174. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2389.2002.00433.x Ananda, J., Herath, G. (2003). Soil erosion in developing countries: a socio-economic appraisal.  Journal Of Environmental Management,  68(4), 343. doi:10.1016/S0301- Berkhout, E. D., Schipper, R. A., Van Keulen, H. H., Coulibaly, O. O. (2011). Heterogeneity in farmers’ production decisions and its impact on soil nutrient use: Results and implications from northern Nigeria.  Agricultural Systems,  104(1), 63-74. doi:10.1016/j.agsy.2010.09.006 Beinart, W. (2008).  The rise of conservation in Nigeria: Settlers, livestock, and the environment, 1770-1950. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Cornell University. (2006, March 23). Soil Erosion Threatens Environment and Human Health, Study Reports. ScienceDaily. Retrieved June 26, 2014 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/03/060322141021.htmEdosomwan, N. L., Obazuaye, E. E., Edosomwan, E. U. (2013). Impacts Of Dam On Characteristics Of Tropical Rainforest Soils And Sediments In South Central Nigeria.  Indian Journal Of Agricultural Research,  47(1), 73-77.4797(03)00082-3 Ehigiator, O. A., Anyata, B. U. (2011). Effects of land clearing techniques and tillage systems on runoff and soil erosion in a tropical rain forest in Nigeria.  Journal Of Environmental Management,  92(11), 2875-2880. doi:10.1016/j.jenvman.2011.06.015 Iwegbue, C. A., Nwajei, G. E., Eguavoen, O. I. (2012). Impact of Land-Use Patterns on Chemical Properties of Trace Elements in Soils of Rural, Semi-Urban, and Urban Zones of the Niger Delta, Nigeria.  Soil Sediment Contamination,  21(1), 19-30. doi:10.1080/15320383.2012.636772 Oladapo, O. T., Adetoro, O. O., Fakeye, O., Ekele, B. A., Fawole, A. O., Abasiattai, A., Dada, O. A. (2009). National data system on near miss and maternal death: shifting from maternal risk to public health impact in Nigeria.  Reproductive Health,  68-18. Orisakwe, O., Asomugha, R., Afonne, O., Anisi, C. N., Obi, E., Dioka, C. (2004). Impact of Effluents from a Car Battery Manufacturing Plant in Nigeria on Water, Soil, and Food Qualities.  Archives Of Environmental Health,  59(1), 31-36. Pretty, J. N. (1995).  Regenerating agriculture: Policies and practice for sustainability and self-reliance. Washington, D.C: Joseph Henry Press. Salami, A., Jimoh, M. A., Muoghalu, J. I. (2003). Impact Of Gold, Mining On Vegetation And Soil In Southwestern Nigeria.  International Journal Of Environmental Studies,  60(4), 343-352. Showers, K. B. (2005).  Imperial gullies: Soil erosion and conservation in Lesotho. Athens (Ohio: Ohio University Press.Smil, V. (2001).  Feeding the world: A challenge for the twenty-first century. Cambridge, Mass: MIT Pres Sotona, T., Salako, F., Adesodun, J. (2014). Soil physical properties of selected soil series in relation to compaction and erosion on farmers’ fields at Abeokuta, southwestern Nigeria.  Archives Of Agronomy Soil Science,  60(6), 841-857. doi:10.1080/03650340.2013.844334 Vanlauwe, B. B., Diels, J. J., Sanginga, N. N., Merckx, R. R. (2005). Long-term integrated soil fertility management in South-western Nigeria: Crop performance and impact on the soil fertility status.  Plant Soil,  273(1/2), 337-354. doi:10.1007/s11104-005-0194-2 Source document

Thursday, November 14, 2019

An Analysis of Peter van Inwagen’s The Magnitude, Duration, and Distri

An Analysis of Peter van Inwagen’s The Magnitude, Duration, and Distribution of Evil: a Theodicy In his essay, "The Magnitude, Duration, and Distribution of Evil: a Theodicy," Peter van Inwagen alleges a set of reasons that God may have for allowing evil to exist on earth. Inwagen proposes the following story – throughout which there is an implicit assumption that God is all-good (perfectly benevolent, omnipotent, and omniscient) and deserving of all our love. God created humans in his own likeness and fit for His love. In order to enable humans to return this love, He had to give them the ability to freely choose. That is, Inwagen holds that the ability to love implies free will. By giving humans free will, God was taking a risk. As Inwagen argues, not even an omnipotent being can ensure that "a creature who has a free choice between x and y choose x rather than y" (197)1. (X in Inwagen’s story is ‘to turn its love to God’ and y is ‘to turn its love away from God,’ towards itself or other things.) So it happened that humans did in fact rebel and turn away from God. The first instance of this turning away is referred to as "the Fall." The ruin of the Fall was inherited by all humans to follow and is the source of evil in the world. But God did not leave humans without hope. He has a plan "whose working will one day eventuate in the Atonement (at-one-ment) of His human creatures with Himself," or at least some of His human creatures (198). This plan somehow involves humans realizing the wretchedness of a world without God and turning to God for help. The telling of this story provokes many questions. Why didn’t God, being all-good and benevolent, "immediately restore His fallen creatures to their original union with... ... passage to suggest the essential role natural evils play in this story: "People who do not believe in God do not, of course, see our living to ourselves as a result of a prehistoric separation from God. But they can be aware – and it is a part of God’s plan of Atonement that they should be aware – that something is pretty wrong and that this wrongness is a consequence of the intrinsic inability of human beings to devise a manner of life that is anything but hideous" (203). Nowhere does experience prove this inability of human beings to escape the hideousness of the world more than in the case of natural disasters. They have existed as long as the human race, and though it may be possible for a person to delude him or herself into believing he or she is living a good life in a seemingly good world, no one can deny the horrible dangers that natural disasters present.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Problems Facing United States Today Essay

It is now year 2008, and after Bush administration’s destructive decisions to humanity, America is now facing tremendous problems at home and abroad.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I consider moral standard as the problem which should be taken most seriously. Why? Because it has been in question since the Bush administration declared war against Iraq and violated not just the human rights but also the rights of the country and the rules of war. Justice was not given. Though there were a number of Americans that opposed these attacks, the effects violence has resulted to confusion on moral standards of most Americans.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Next is, the problem arising now in medical and social security aspects. It is a problem that should be dealt with as soon as possible for the reason that the government is spending large amount of money and that health is considered a high priority for the benefits of the citizens. There are also issues regarding the inequalities in the medicare system. The government should protect its citizens through improving this type of services. The third problem I consider to be taken with high importance are issues between the Republicans and the Democrats which constitutes the political controversies covering all other problems America is facing. There are far more important issues than the rivalries between the two parties. With this, the politicians tend to focus on such issues and controversies, rather than solving the state’s problems regarding the government’s inefficient services. Following this is the failing value of dollar. As a result of this, the economy of US is under a critical condition. If not solved, this may affect their domestic and international trades. The prices of services and goods may also increase, that may result to revolutions or the failure of the standard of living of the Americans. When this happens, it may cause the less competitiveness of their market to foreign trade.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The fifth problem I considered is the lack of preparedness and actions for natural disasters. The whole planet is under climate change and the people are not aware of what is it all about. The natural disasters now and stronger and are not detected and reported accurately. One example is the typhoon that hit a state in US wherein hundreds of people died and the government was unprepared, so the rescue operation and the services were of low quality. Not only that, the spread of information and educating the people about natural disasters is very minimal. Next is the poor control of government spending. Like the war in Iraq which cost them millions of dollars, but they failed to give justice to both sides. Also the funds they provide for space exploration in order to compete with other countries that are advancing in that field like Russia. Another is the fund for war weapons which are not rationally used, and gives high risk to the citizens security and health.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The seventh problem on my list is the human rights violation abroad brought by the wars launched during Bush’ administration. The war violated the human rights of almost all the population consisting Iraq. Its effects are long term because it has caused and American citizens residing in Middle East can be in danger for attacks as the result of the war.   Next is the lack of help in restoring the environment which is I think is connected with the issue on lack of preparedness. This is a problem because the whole planet is experiencing climate change, and given that US is a first world country and has a high contribution in the world’s pollution, I think they should launch programs and lead other countries in restoring mother nature. The ninth on my list is the problem within family relations. There is an increase in the number of partners getting a divorce, though they have institutions to help these families, still it makes their moral standards low since children of broken families are the victims. The last problem is the illegal aliens inside their territory that may cheat taxes and commit crimes causing another set of problems to the nation. References The Real Problem Facing America. January 18, 2008 retrieved from http://gopublius.com/the-  Ã‚   real-problem-facing-america/ Some More Information on the National Healthcare Plan– How It Can Be Done. January 18, 2008 retrieved from http://www.blogs4me.com/johnnyangel/ Importance of Your Family History to Your Marriage. January 18, 2008 retrieved from http://marriage.about.com/od/familyoforigin/a/familyhistory.htm Top Ten US Natural Disasters. January 18, 2008 retrieved from http://www.livescience.com/environment/top10_naturaldisasterthreats_us.html

Saturday, November 9, 2019

”Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens, and ”Jayne Eyre” by Charlotte Bront Essay

In ‘Great Expectations’ by Charles Dickens, and ‘Jayne Eyre’ by Charlotte Bronte, there is a description of a room. In this essay, I will compare the similarities and differences of the two rooms. The two stories were written thirteen years apart, in the 19th century. In ‘Jayne Eyre’, the red room is decorated in bright colours, in comparison to ‘Great Expectations’, which is a faded white room. They are both large, and ornately furnished. In ‘Great Expectations’, the little boy is narrating (first person narrator), ‘I answered, more in shyness than politeness’, this quote supports two facts, one that it is a first person narrative, and that the feelings of the boy are quite uncomfortable and slightly timid about the situation he’s in. ‘Don’t be ridiculous, boy’, this shows that the first person is in fact a boy, therefore suggesting a young naà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ve nature in the story’s narrator. This reflecting the reader’s view on the happening’s in the story, but more precisely the extract on this particular subject. Like ‘Great Expectations’, ‘Jayne Eyre’, has a first person narrative, Jayne, herself. The narrator in ‘Jayne Eyre’, is actually older than the narrator in ‘Great Expectations’. The narrator seems less anxious than the boy in ‘Great Expectations’, there seems to be no signs of nervousness or anxiety in the passage of ‘Jayne Eyre’ from the narrator. Both the rooms in the two stories are parts of rich, wealthy, large houses. ‘One of the largest and stateliest chambers in the mansion’, and ‘massive pillars of mahogany’ support my statement for ‘Jayne Eyre’. In ‘Great Expectations’, ‘large room’ and ‘a fine lady’s dressing table’ also strengthen my statement. Both the rooms in the two stories have been kept as almost museums, as if time stood still at one point and never restarted. In ‘Great Expectations’, the room creates this impression from remarks from the boy (the narrator), such as, ‘No glimpse of daylight was to be seen in it’, this suggests how no light has entered Miss Havesham’s dressing-room since whatever happened when time effectively ‘stood still’. ‘She had not quite finished dressing’, as if she had started but then suddenly frozen half way through, forgetting about it and everything else in her world. ‘Half packed trunks, were scattered’, this also suggests the ‘stopping of time’. It says in the passage about how everything used to white, but had no faded and was a pale yellow colour, ‘had been white long ago’, ‘was faded and yellow’. ‘No brightness left’, this also suggests that time has stopped. In ‘Jayne Eyre’, ‘Very seldom slept in’, this suggests loneliness to the room, where nothing breathes in it, like it’s also been frozen in time. ‘Blinds always drawn down’, this suggests that no light is allowed into the room, therefore leaving it in darkness, like Miss Havesham’s dressing room. ‘This room was chill’, this suggests loneliness in the room, expressing lack of happenings in the chamber. Words used to describe the room such as, ‘silent’, and ‘solemn’, also show that the room has effectively been frozen in time. These words are also reflected in ‘Great Expectations’, as the boy enters the room, he is greeted with utter silence and a solemn atmosphere. The sense of a ‘chill’ is also reflected in a way in Miss Havesham’s dressing-room, with all the bland, cold, faded, white colours, you also interpret a cold atmosphere. The use of colour and light in the two passages are also very effective on the affect it’s having on the reader. In the red room, it is filled with deep reds and whites (hence ‘the red room’). These colours offer warmth and maybe innocence. In Miss Havesham’s dressing-room, the whole room is that of a faded white colour, showing maybe faded innocence, or purity which has lost it’s initial form. The mentioning of people in the paragraphs helps to create certain atmospheres within the rooms. In ‘Great Expectations’, Miss Havesham, makes a strong impression on the room. She is wearing all white, (suggesting that she was a bride-to-be when ‘time froze’) although the white is faded, turning to a pale yellowy colour. Expressing the room’s coldness and staleness. When the boy describes her as a ‘waxwork and skeleton’ that had eyes that moved and looked at him’, this is also expressing the feelings of Miss Havesham reflecting on the room’s atmosphere aswell. In the red-room, there isn’t actually a person physically present in the room as such as Jayne is describing it to you (the reader), although it does mention certain people. Mr. Reed is a man that had ‘breathed his last’ in this room. This sends an eerie feeling into the room, a very uncomfortable feeling wraps itself around the room. The fact that nobody actually enters the room often at all gives you an idea of the room’s loneliness aswell. ‘A sense of dreary consecration had guarded it from frequent intrusion’, this also supports my statement of the room’s lack of feeling or love. A very lonely room is felt by the fact that nobody wants to enter the room. This is obviously given through the fact of Mr. Reed’s death. I think my response was stronger to ‘Great Expectations’, as I found it more intriguing. One of the main causes of this would be that there was actually a person present in the room as it was being narrated. A very interesting person aswell, somebody that can capture your attention. I would imagine so because I simple don’t hear of people who lock themselves up like that, although it is a fictitious character. I didn’t get into ‘Jayne Eyre’ as much, it seemed to float past me as I went through it without making much of an impact. As I said a few moments ago, it is probably as there isn’t a person in the room as I’m reading the story to interest me as such. I felt that the writing in both stories conjured up a respectful amount of imagery in my mind, but in all I think my preference has swayed towards ‘Great Expectations’.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Changing Trends Of Hospitality Industry In India Tourism Essays

Changing Trends Of Hospitality Industry In India Tourism Essays Changing Trends Of Hospitality Industry In India Tourism Essay Changing Trends Of Hospitality Industry In India Tourism Essay Vol. 18 No. 6, 2006 ) . In add-on, there has been an addition in the use of engineering as a manner of doing on-line reserves through several distribution channels. These channels can be interpreted as an organized and serviced system that is paid for, out of the selling budget and is used to supply an entree to the clients, who are off from the location of production and ingestion ( Middleton and Clark, Selling in Travel and Tourism, 2001 ) . Normally in India, clients would do a reserve by either straight nearing the hotel or by booking through a travel agent. However, now the electronic distribution channels like the Global Distribution System ( GDS ) and the cyberspace have been steadily deriving popularity. ( Dabas and Manakt. , Vol. 19 No. 5, 2007 ) . Because of the perishable nature of the stock lists, its really important for the hotel to hold an economical distribution. ( OConnor, Vol. 4. pg 1-15, 2002 ) . RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Every research methodological analysis includes a research design which may be defined as the set of conditions organized hypothetically for the aggregation and analysis of informations that aims to incorporate relevancy to the research procedure with economic system in process Research Problem: Understanding the development in cordial reception industry along with the current tendencies and, how the companies have been affected the demand for their consumers every bit good as their perceptual experience. Research Question: The altering tendencies of the Hospitality Industry in India Research Aims: 1. The public presentation of Hospitality industry in India. 2. How has the tendency transformed in the past few old ages. 3. Analyzing the demand and supply of adjustment and turning monetary values in different Indian cordial reception industry? 4. How has the perceptual experience about the restaurants/hotels and bars changed in the heads of consumers? 5. Who are the main participants in the Indian market every bit good as the 1s that have branched outside India? Approach: Since there is no relationship between the Hospitality Industry and the decision, the research would be to the full prelusive so that the decision, which is being analysed utilizing different methods of study and survey, would back up the research. Scheme: The scheme that will be followed for the research work will be Surveys. Surveys will be taken from either the Hotels or Resto-Bars in India and besides from the clients of different cordial reception sections. DATA COLLECTION My informations aggregation processes for this research would dwell of series of processs, which would be farther branched into primary and secondary informations aggregation. PRIMARY DATA COLLECTION The chief procedures that I would be trusting on while utilizing my primary informations aggregation would be through questionnaire based on the information, that will be done by personally run intoing the clients and by directing them stations and by run intoing the staff of the hotel in individual. The questionnaire I would be working on, would be divided in a manner that would be most efficient in managing them and by maintaining the clip factor into consideration, the most applicable system would be applied to the best suited group. While using a incorrect procedure in garnering information would ensue in detaining the whole operation. The research subject requires a Qualitative method to measure the findings aimed for. A well framed questionnaire will be given in individual. The appropriate tool for my research proposal would be a type of a study, because the best manner to obtain the needed informations, in order to happen replies for my research inquiries, would be inquiring a set of inquiries. Every methods of informations aggregation have its ain advantages every bit good as disadvantages. For illustration: Internet study: Survey done through electronic mails and file sharing. The advantages of Internet as a manner of study are: 1. Survey can be set up faster. 2. Survey consequences are faster. 3. Response can be administered by leting pre and station inquiries. 4. The skip-pattern inquiries can be used to extinguish interviewer mistake. 5. Respondent can reply at their ain convenience. 6. Cost of interview in minimum. Although, Internet study has many advantages, it might non be the most appropriate method of appraising for this thesis. The ground behind this is the namelessness of the web, which makes any type of avowal hard, if non impossible. Postal Questionnaire is yet another type of study which has the undermentioned advantages and disadvantages: Advantages Their costs are comparatively low. Datas can be obtained from big sample countries. Can avoid interview prejudice. Privacy scenes can be enhanced for the respondents. Rating graduated tables can be flexible. Disadvantages Poor response rates. Respondents may misinterpret inquiries. The intended individual may non be the 1 who completed questionnaire. The comparative nature of the inquiries to be posted is supposed to hold confidential information, has made me to make up ones mind that postal questionnaire might be the most appropriate signifier for roll uping information. The methods for informations aggregation scope from the simple usage of postal questionnaire to face-to-face interviews, where an interviewer uses tape recording equipment and note taking as their tools for roll uping information. Few of the methods are expensive but they certainly guarantee a good response rate, while others being inexpensive to administrate but are most likely to bring forth a hapless response ( Les Oakshott, 2001 ) SECONDARY DATA COLLECTION: The secondary informations are the type of informations that are made by others for their ain intents. The secondary information for my research proposal would be gathered from the companies own informations archives and from their one-year fiscal studies. In add-on, the findings of former research surveies on outsourcing an accounting procedure would give an ample sum of historical informations or decision-making forms. I would besides be utilizing Internet to acquire some more information about the industry and usage diaries for acquiring direction from the past researches on this subject. TOOLS FOR DATA ANALYSIS The informations collected from the questionnaire would be analyzed through the SPSS text analysis. Different manner of SPSS analysis will be used in analysing the information from the questionnaire. Research: NEW AND RELEVANT? Recently this subject has been quiet popular, with a roar in the cordial reception industry at that place have been a batch of research worker working on this subject in order to understand the demands and behavior of the people, so that they could propose stairss to better and assist turn the industry. The subject for this research is besides a hot topic as the touristry industry is besides connected with the cordial reception industry and the touristry industry has progressed alot.

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Understanding Critical Theory

Understanding Critical Theory Critical theory is a social theory oriented toward critiquing and changing society as a whole, in contrast to traditional theory oriented only to understanding or explaining it.  Critical theories  aim to dig beneath the surface of social life and uncover the assumptions that keep us from a full and true understanding of how the world works. Critical  theory emerged out of the Marxist tradition and it was developed by a group of sociologists at the University of Frankfurt in Germany who referred to themselves as  The Frankfurt School. History and Overview Critical theory as it is known today can be traced to Marxs critique of the economy and society put forth in his many works. It is inspired greatly by Marxs theoretical formulation of the relationship between economic base and ideological superstructure and tends to focus on how power and domination operate, in particular, in the realm of the superstructure. Following in Marxs critical footsteps, Hungarian Gyà ¶rgy Lukcs and Italian Antonio Gramsci developed theories that explored the cultural and ideological sides of power and domination. Both  Lukcs and Gramsci focused their critique on the social forces that prevent people from seeing and understanding the forms of power and domination that exist in society and affect their lives. Shortly following the period when  Lukcs and Gramsci developed and published their ideas, The Institute for Social Research was founded at the University of Frankfurt, and the Frankfurt School of critical theorists took shape. It is the work of those associated with the Frankfurt School, including Max Horkheimer, Theodor Adorno,  Erich Fromm, Walter Benjamin, Jà ¼rgen Habermas,  and Herbert Marcuse, that is considered the definition and heart of critical theory. Like  Lukcs and Gramsci, these theorists focused on ideology and cultural forces as facilitators of domination and barriers to true freedom. The contemporary politics and economic structures of the time greatly influenced their thought and writing, as they existed within the rise of national socialism, including the rise of the Nazi regime, state capitalism, and the rise and spread of mass-produced culture. Max Horkheimer defined critical theory  in the book  Traditional and Critical Theory.  In this work, Horkheimer asserted that a critical theory must do two important things: it must account for the whole of society within a historical context, and it should seek to offer a robust and holistic critique by incorporating insights from all social sciences. Further, Horkheimer stated that a theory can only be considered a true critical theory if it is explanatory, practical, and normative, meaning that the theory must adequately explain the social problems that exist, it must offer practical solutions for how to respond to them and make change, and it must clearly abide by the norms of criticism established by the field. With this formulation Horkheimer condemned traditional theorists for producing works that fail to question power, domination, and the status quo, thus building on Gramscis critique of the role of intellectuals in processes of domination. Key Texts Texts associated with the Frankfurt School focused their critique on the centralization of  economic, social, and political control that was transpiring around them. Key texts from this period include: Critical and Traditional Theory  (Horkheimer)Dialectic of the Enlightenment  (Adorno and Horkheimer)Knowledge and Human Interests  (Habermas)The Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere  (Habermas)One-Dimensional Man  (Marcuse)The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction  (Benjamin) Critical Theory Today Over the years, the goals and tenets of critical theory have been adopted by many social scientists and philosophers who have come after the Frankfurt School. We can recognize critical theory today in many feminist theories  and feminist approaches to conducting social science, in critical race theory, cultural theory, in gender and queer theory, and in media theory and media studies. Updated by Nicki Lisa Cole, Ph.D.

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Legalization of marijuana Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Legalization of marijuana - Research Paper Example Decriminalizing the drug will present myriad economic and legal positive implications as the discussion below portrays. Possession of marijuana is a criminal offense in the country with law enforcement agencies mandated with containing the use of drugs arresting thousands of peddlers. Such arrests have myriad effects thus slowing the rate of dispensing justice in the society. The law courts and police stations are arguably crowded with thousands of young people charged with being in possession and using marijuana. Congestion in American jails is a major social problem that the government strives to solve. The government uses millions of dollars in maintaining the prison facilities most of which also serve as remands while suspects await their trials. The legal process further slows owing to the huge pile up of cases a feature that makes such processes not only slow but also equally expensive for suspects, their families and the government. As explained earlier, marijuana is one of the most common drug that millions of Americans use for varied reasons including medicinal. This makes the drug a menace that the government continues to invest millions of dollars to contain. Most of the peddlers serving jail terms in American prisons are serving such terms owing to either possessing or using marijuana. Decriminalizing the drug will therefore free up the state facilities thereby cutting the amount of money the government invests in managing such facilities as the courts and prisons. Additionally, this will offer a natural solution to the overcrowding problem in most of the correctional facilities in the country. This will expedite the legislation process thereby making the management of both the courts and the prisons easier. The government has strived to achieve this in the past by investing more money into the departments despite the ailing economy. By legalizing