Christmas and Women Essay

â€Å"It was not the hard work which he hated, nor the punishment and injustice. He was used to that before he ever saw either of them. He expected no less, and so he was neither outraged nor surprised. It was the woman: that soft kindness which he believed himself doomed to be forever victim of and which he hated worse than he did the hard and ruthless justice of men. † (Faulkner 158) In William Faulkner’s Light in August, Joe Christmas’s misogynistic view towards women has reason behind it, based on his negative past with significant female characters. The above quote emphasizes his feelings towards women, describing how Joe is able to handle the harshness of a man, but cannot stand the weak and nurturing nature of a woman. Moreover, he believes women are only out to make him cry, as we see with his attitude towards the dietitian and Mrs. McEachern. Over the course of his life, beginning with the absence of a mother, Joe has been impacted by several female influences, from a brief stint with an orphan girl, Alice, up to his lack of a relationship with his mother, Millie. These women have led to Joe’s distrust and pure hate of femininity. Alice, a twelve year-old girl from the orphanage, is his first encounter with a maternal figure. Joe relies on Alice as a supportive comfort, as he does not have a mother or any adult figure to turn to, for that matter. â€Å"He had liked her, enough to let her mother him a little; perhaps because of it. And so to him she was as mature, almost as large in size, as the adult women who ordered his eating and washing and sleeping, with the difference she was not and never would be his enemy. One night she waked him. She was telling him goodbye but he did not know it. He was sleepy and a little annoyed, never full awake, suffering her because she had always tried to be good to him. He didn’t know that she was crying because he did not know that grown people cried, and by the time he learned that, memory had forgotten her. He went back into sleep while still suffering her, and the next morning she was gone. Vanished, no trace of her left, not even a garment, the very bed in which she had slept already occupied by a new boy. He never did know where she went to. † (Faulkner 127-8) When Alice leaves, Joe is confused and feels lost. He then has no one to rely on, learn from, or be close to, in such a setting. With this experience, he feels as if women are unpredictable and will leave at any given point. There is not consistency in relationships with them and, therefore, they cannot be trusted. â€Å"The incident speaks volumes of what the child at the orphanage had lacked, the lack that was to warp him away from womankind† (Brooks xxiii). It is understandable that this â€Å"abandonment† could have such an impression on a young mind with no real stability in his life. The Freudian theory applies here, with the idea that childhood experiences mold an individual most significantly and they determine the attitudes and perceptions of said individuals in their futures. (Hamblin and Peek 303) Also at the orphanage is the dietitian, who is another female influence, contributing to Christmas’s misogynistic attitude. After Joe has been caught consuming pink toothpaste, he expects punishment. However, she does not reprimand him immediately and he agonizes over the anticipation. â€Å"It never occurred to her that he believed that he was the one who had been taken in sin and was being tortured with punishment deferred and that he was putting himself in her way in order to get it over with, get his whipping and strike the balance and write it off† (Faulkner 115). This is when he first gets the idea that women are only out to make him cry. He believes that the dietitian is intentionally torturing him by not immediately carrying through with a punishment for his wrongdoings. The action which â€Å"adds salt to the wound† is when the dietitian, believing that the boy will convey his knowledge of her amorous actions to an orphanage authority, tries to bribe him with money. Therefore, Joe becomes confused and unsure of what to do. This only emphasizes the notion that women are unpredictable and hard to read, and that they possibly represent temptation. When Joe leaves the orphanage, he moves into the country with Mr. and Mrs. McEachern. It is possible that he would have responded positively to Mrs.  McEachern’s nurturing manner had he not dealt with those negative incidents with female figures at the orphanage. However, whenever Mrs. McEachern tries to show kindness towards Joe, he retaliates with acts of cruelty, such as when she offers him food and he dumps it on the floor angrily. Later, Joe says to himself: â€Å"‘She is trying to make me cry,’ he thought, lying cold and rigid in his bed, his hands beneath his head and the moonlight falling across his body, hearing the steady murmur of the man’s voice as it mounted the stairway on its first heavenward stage; ‘She was trying to make me cry. Then she thinks that they would have had me’† (Faulkner 158). By relying on her, Joe thinks that he would show weakness. He can handle McEachern’s harsh ways, but the weakness of Mrs. McEachern disgusts him. He fears displaying weakness, perhaps because he is weak in not knowing his past and not understanding who he is through his adolescence. Because he does not know his parentage, he struggles not only with his racial identity, but his personal identity as well. And, â€Å"the more Mrs. McEachern attempts to mother Christmas, the further her pushes her away† (Schisler 2008). Throughout Joe’s young adult years, he has relationships with several women, namely prostitutes (or â€Å"waitresses†). He routinely tells them of his racial status, either to shock or disgust them or to test their feelings toward him. With these reactions, he travels from woman to woman to find his identity. However, his first real love is with the waitress, Bobbie Allen. Joe’s initial attraction is to her manly features, such as her masculine hands. He tells her that he is part Negro to test her love for him. He sincerely opens up to her often, but when she ultimately rejects him, he is crushed. She could have been the one to â€Å"save† him from his hatred of women and his hateful past. A contribution to their relationship is Joe’s distance from nature. He is far from nature, the natural representation of femininity (Brooks xvii), and he does not accept the natural processes of life. Thus, he gets frightened and frustrated and runs away. â€Å"In the notseeing and hardknowing as though in a cave he seemed to see a diminishing row of suavely shaped urns in moonlight, blanched. And not one was perfect. Each one was cracked and from each crack there issued some liquid, death-colored, and foul. He touched a tree, leaning his propped arms against it, seeing the ranked and moonlight urns. He vomited† (Faulkner 208-9). These urns are a metaphor for women and femininity, in relation to Greek literature and the Bible (Bleikasten 286). Their cracked state and oozing liquid represents that Bobbie is no longer alluring and it shows Joe’s perception of women and how he expects them to be perfect, when he subconsciously knows that they are not. The feminine atmosphere has caused him to vomit, as he is disgusted by Bobbie and the natural processes of life. Furthermore, there is probably the most influential female role in the novel, Miss Joanna Burden. Miss Burden is Joe’s strongest lover emotionally. Again, he is attracted to her masculine qualities, not only physically, but personality-wise. During her first encounter with Joe, she takes her rape â€Å"like a man† and does not struggle or put emotion into it. She is predictable and follows a routine, much like a man, which Joe admires. Burden’s struggling betrays â€Å"no feminine vacillation, no coyness of obvious desire and intention to succumb at last. It was as if he struggled physically with another man for an object of no actual value to either, and for which they struggled on principle alone. † Also, she is a social outcast and is a pariah from the community, sharing a man’s alienation, much like Joe Christmas (Brooks xvi). In Burden, Joe could have stability to support his shaky lifestyle and troublesome past. However, their relationship is ruined because they both believe the only way it can end is in murder. Hence, Joe must kill Joanna in self-defense, fear, and love. This is the end of Joe’s amorous relationships for the rest of his life. Furthermore, Joe has been impacted by a woman who was not even there throughout the course of his life. His mother, Millie, influenced his heritage by having relations with his father. This determines his entire struggle for identity and the issues with his race in the novel and his complete lifetime. In addition, her absence as he grows up gives him no maternal love or comfort as a young child. Perhaps if she had shown him that he could have healthy relationships with women, he could see that many females can be beautiful and trustworthy people. Overall, Joe’s misogynistic attitude has been shaped by years of emotional abuse and love lost. His absence of a maternal figure when he was young and the abandonment of Alice, the only person he ever truly trusted and went to for comfort, taught him that women were unpredictable. His amorous relationships with Bobbie and Joanna taught him that, while a woman may appear attractive with masculine and predictable qualities, she is ultimately still a woman, and, therefore, untrustworthy and weak. All of these elements combine Joe and who he is, his outlooks of life, and the course his life takes.

Physician-Assisted Suicide (PAS)

Why would anyone consider Physician-Assisted Suicide (PAS)? It’s a scenario that’s seen all too often—a chronically ill woman is suffering in severe excruciating pain daily and feels like she’s become a burden to her family, a lonely man is suffering with a life-limiting illness and has no family to offer any care or support to him. These individuals have lost their independence and feel like they have no quality of life left to live. Great strides have been made to improve end-of-life care through palliative care and hospice programs, but sometimes that’s just not enough. In America, the care that is offered to the elderly and the chronically ill is less than ideal. Statistics show that an estimated 40-70% of patients die in pain and another 50-60% die feeling shortness of breath. Ninety percent of the nursing homes where patients go to receive 24-hour nursing care are seriously understaffed. Patients who are home and have care provided by family o ften feel like they are a burden on their caregivers. The cost of hiring in-home caregivers support is not covered by Medicare or state and federal Medicaid systems. Caregivers often suffer from physical, emotional, financial, psychological and social strain. A person may feel as if they have lost all control of their life when they suffer from chronic and life-limiting illnesses. The body isn’t doing what it should and there is no way to stop it.Therefore, a person my feel like they can regain some control through Physician-Assisted Suicide (PAS). If they can’t control the illness, they can at least control the way they die. Suffering has always been a part of human existence. Since the beginning of medicine there have been requests made to end this suffering by means of physician-assisted suicide.Physician-assisted suicide is when a patient voluntarily choses to terminate their own life by the administration of a legal substance with the assistance of a physician eit her directly or indirectly. The patient is provided a medical means and/or knowledge to commit suicide by a physician. The life-ending act is performed by the patient and not the physician. Recent studies show that approximately 57% of physicians practicing today have received a request for physician-assisted suicide in some form or  another.There are many alternatives to PAS that exist. Unrelieved physical suffering may have been greater in the past, but now modern medicine has more knowledge and skills to relieve suffering than ever before. If all patients had access to careful assessment and optimal symptom control and supportive care, palliative care specialists believe that most patients with life-threatening illnesses suffering could be sufficiently reduced to eliminate their desire for a quick death. When the patient’s desire prevails, there are other available avenues to relieve the suffering and avoid prolonging life against their wishes. The driving force behind p atients seeking physician-assisted suicide is quality of life.In October 1997, physician-assisted suicide became legal in the state of Oregon. By the end of the year 2000, approximately 70 people had utilized the physician-assisted suicide law to end their lives. One hundred percent of these cases reported that individuals were not able to take care for themselves and make their own decisions and loss of autonomy. Eighty-six percent of these cases reported that individuals were suffering from loss of dignity and the ability to participate in enjoyable activities.Currently, physician-assisted suicide is legal in Oregon, Washington, Vermont and Montana. Oregon was the first to pass the Death with Dignity Act in 1997. The requirements for attending/prescribing or consulting with a physician to write a prescription are listed in the following table. Washington followed suit passing the Death with Dignity Act in 2008, and Montana passed the Rights of Terminally III Act in 2009.Table 1. S afeguards and Guidelines in the Oregon Act1. Requires the patient give a fully informed, voluntary decision. 2. Applies only to the last 6 months of the patient’s life. 3. Makes it mandatory that a second opinion by a qualified physician be given that the patient has fewer than 6 months to live. 4. Requires two oral requests by the patient.5. Requires a written request by the patient. 6. Allows cancellation of the request at any time. 7. Makes it mandatory that a 15-day waiting period occurs after the first oral request. 8. Makes it mandatory that 48-hours (2 days) elapse after the patient makes a written request to receive the medication. 9. Punishes anyone who uses coercion on a patient to use the Act. 10. Provides for psychological counseling if either of the patient’s physicians thinks the patient needs counseling. 11. Recommends the patient inform his/her next of kin.12. Excludes nonresidents of Oregon from taking part. 13. Mandates participating physicians are li censed in Oregon. 14. Mandates Health Division Review. 15. Does not authorize mercy killing or active euthanasia. Source: Compassion & Choices of Oregon, 2009b.Physician-assisted suicide is illegal in Canada. In the Netherlands, it is legal under certain circumstances, and the right to choose physician-assisted suicide remains highly favored. Physician-assisted suicide is also illegal in the United Kingdom. They currently focus on palliative care. Under strictly defined regulations, physician-assisted suicide is legal in the following countries: Australia, Columbia, and Japan. The legalization of physician-assisted suicide remains controversial.The topic periodically comes up for intense attention. Organized medicine agrees on two principles: 1. Physicians have an obligation to relieve pain and suffering and to promote the dignity of dying patients in their care. 2. The principle of patient bodily integrity requires that physicians must respect patients’ competent decisions t o forgo life-sustaining treatment. There are four main points argued against the acceptance and legalization of physician-assisted suicide along with their counter argument. Improved Access to Hospice and Palliative CareWith quality end-of-life care being made available through hospice and palliative care programs, there is no reason for anyone to seek physician-assisted suicide. In the United States, there are over 4,500 hospice agencies. Millions of people don’t have access to the hospice agencies because of the restrictions on funding and the inflexibility of the Medicare Hospice Benefit requiring patients to have a life expectancy of six  months or less. Counter argument: Rare cases of persistent and untreatable suffering will still exist even with improved access to quality end-of-life care. Hospice and palliative care aren’t always sufficient to treat severe suffering. Limits on Patient AutonomyPhysician-assisted suicide requires the assistance of another perso n. In the opinion of Bouvia vs. Superior Court, â€Å"the right to dies is an integral part of our right to control our own destinies so long as the rights of others are not affected,† was determined. Our society threatens physician-assisted suicide by worsening the value of human life. The sanctity of life is the responsibility of society to preserve it. Counter argument: Physicians who are requested to help to end a patients’ life have the right to decline on the basis of conscientious objection. The â€Å"Slippery Slope† to Social DepravityThere is concern to the opposition to physician-assisted suicide being allowed with euthanasia not too far behind. Without the consent of individuals in physical handicap, the elderly, the demented, the individuals with mental illness, and the homeless, there is a slippery slope toward euthanasia without the consent of the individuals is deemed â€Å"useless† by society. Counter argument: The â€Å"slippery slopeâ⠂¬  would not be allowed to happen within our highly cultured societies. Violation of the Hippocratic OathThe Hippocratic Oath states that a physician’s obligation is primum non nocere, â€Å"first, do no harm.† The direct contrast to that is physician-assisted suicide, where killing a patient is deliberately regarded as harm. Counter argument: According to an individual patient’s needs, the Hippocratic Oath should not be interpreted. Alternatives to Physician-Assisted SuicideThose opposing to physician-assisted suicide argue that there are legal and morally ethical alternatives to assisted death. Patients have the right to refuse any further medical treatments that may prolong the death, including the medications. Counter argument: Life-sustaining measures to live and  still suffer are not relied on by some patients. Withholding life-sustaining treatments would only prolong suffering for these patients. Another argument is that patients can, and often do, de cide to stop eating and drinking to speed up their death. Within one to three weeks afterwards, the death will usually occur, and it would be reported as a â€Å"good death.†Counter argument: One to three weeks of intense suffering is too much for any one person to have to put up with. This debate has yet to see any final resolution. Physician-assisted suicide may become more of a reality in our society because of the undercurrent of public support. The United States Supreme Court handed down two cases central to physician-assisted suicide in 1997: Vacco vs. Quill and Gregoire vs. Glucksberg. In both case, it was determined that there was no constitutional right on the grounds of equal protection or personal liberty to the physician-assisted suicide. Both constitutional history and the Western Civilization trends were argued by the court and generally worked against reading the Constitution that way.The court was sensitive in its decision to the prospect of unintended and unw anted consequences that might follow the recognition of a Constitutional right to physician-assisted suicide. However, it was never said that physician-assisted suicide would ever be legitimate. It was concluded that the states of the Union could decide the matter for themselves. Requests for physician-assisted suicide should be taken very seriously. Responses to these requests should be compassionate and immediate. There are six steps that should physicians should take when responding to requests for physician-assisted suicides: Step 1: Clarify the RequestStep 2: Determine the Root Causes Step 3: Affirm Your Commitment to Care for the Patient Step 4: Address the Root Causes of the Request Step 5: Educate the Patient About Legal Alternatives for Comfort and Control Step 6: Seek Counseling from Trusted Colleagues and AdvisorsStep 1: Clarify the RequestThe physician should talk to the patient about what suffering means to them. Determine if their point of view can be defined. Listen c arefully to their request paying specific attention to the nature of the request. Calmly ask questions to extract the specifics of their request and why they’re  requesting such help. Ask directed and detailed questions to learn whether the patient is imagining an unlikely or preventable future. Listen to the patient’s answers with sympathy but not as if you’re endorsing their request to their perception of what they consider to be a worthless life. The physician must be fully aware of his or her own biases in order to effectively respond to the patient’s needs. If the idea of suicide is offensive to the physician, the patient may feel his or her disapprobation and worry about abandonment.Step 2: Determine the Root CausesThe physician needs to assess the patient’s underlying causes for requesting physician-assisted suicide. The patient’s request may be a failure of the physician in addressing the needs of the patient. The attributes of suf fering should be focused on: physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and practical concerns. The physician should evaluate to see if the patient is having some type of clinical depression or common fear about their future outlook. The patient may be worrying about suffering with pain or other symptoms, loss of control or independence, a sense of abandonment, loneliness, indignity, a loss of their self-image, or being a burden to someone.Step 3: Affirm Your Commitment to Care for the PatientThe fear of abandonment is often felt in patients as they face the end-of-life. They want to be assured that someone will be with them at this time in their life. The physician should listen to and acknowledge the feelings and fears that the patient may express. They should commit to helping the patient find answers to their concerns. The physician should commit to the patient as well as the patient’s family and anyone who is close to the patient that they will continue to be the patien t’s physician until their life has ended.Step 4: Address the Root Causes of the RequestA patient’s request for a quick death is caused by some type of suffering on their behalf. They physician should discuss with the patient their health care preferences and goals. Alternative approaches or services should be discussed at this time with the patient. The physician should be able to determine if supportive counseling is needed for the patient.Step 5: Educate the Patient about Legal Alternatives for Control and ComfortPatients often have misconceptions about the benefits of requesting physician-assisted suicide. They may not be aware of the emotional effort that goes into planning for physician-assisted suicide. They also may not be aware of the emotional strain on family and friends. The physician should discuss the legal alternatives to physician-assisted suicide.The legal alternatives include refusal of treatment, withdrawal of treatment, declining oral intake, and end -of-life sedation. The patient should be made aware that they have a right to decline or consent to any treatment or hospitalization, but that their declining of treatment will not affect their ability to receive high quality end-of-life care. The patient should also be made aware that they have the right to stop any treatment at any time including the stopping of any fluids or nutrition.Patients suffering with unbearable and unmanageable pain may be approaching their last days or hours of life, and the only option available to them is end-of-life sedation. Before the end-of-life sedation should be considered for a patient, the attending physician and members of the health care team should know that all available therapies were tried. This option has to be agreed upon with the patient and their families with the patient have the final say so if they are capable of making the decision for themselves.Step 6: Consult with ColleaguesPhysician-assisted suicide requests are the most chall enging situations that physicians have to face in their practice of medicine. The physicians often hesitate to involve others in these situations for reasons about personal issues being raised, convictions about the inappropriateness of talking about death and concerns about the legal implications of the situation. The personal, ethical and legal ramifications for physician-assisted suicides should be supported by a trusted colleague or advisor of the physician. The trusted colleague could be a mentor, peer, religious advisor, or ethics consultants.Support may also come from nurses, social workers, chaplains, or other members involved in the care of the patient. Physician-assisted suicide requests should be a sign to the physician that a patient’s needs are not being met and that further evaluation is needed to identify the elements contributing to the patient’s suffering. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to the question of physician-assisted suicide. Patients ha ve  the right to withhold and withdraw life-sustaining procedures. Patients also have the right to receive powerful medication for pain relief and sedation. Physicians who oppose physician-assisted suicide do not always have to prescribe lethal medication.

Risks Facing Financial Insitutions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Risks Facing Financial Insitutions - Essay Example alth and wealth of such financial institutions. (Aharony, 1986) Its 1988 Basel Accord deals with credit risk and has extensively guided international banks in their risk management.Similarly the Basel II(International Convergence of Capital Measurement and Capital Standards) deals with the problem of operational ,legal and strategic as well as those arising out of the loss of goodwill. ( Hsaio 2008) , This paper therefore discusses the risks faced by modern financial institutions,international efforts to resolve such risks as well as the techniques used by banks to calculate interest risks. The past two decades have indeed seen an increased banking response to the systemic risks in the financial system which emerged in response to the 1930's banking crises of the 1930s.Banks and other financial institutions perform the functions of financial intermediaries that distinguish them from other businesses. They intermediate liquidity between economic subjects and in this process face a number of risk atypical of non-financial firms. (Aharony, 1986)This financial risk measurement and management becomes very important for banks than for other companies.The modern financial institutions are very complex as they increasingly offer fee-based financial services and relatively new financial instruments and this has led to the creation of a number of new risks.Essentially the riskier the bank's business, the more capital it should hold to be able to cover future fiscal losses. Although various banks face different risks (with regards to their category) some risks are common to most banks like Credit risk , Liquidity risk , Solvency risk , Operational risk , Market risk and Interest rate risk. (Aharony, 1986) In the above paragraph a number of risks have been identified and while many of them have been overcome by regulation many still sting the face of financial prudence as unresolved dilemmas. (Aharony, 1986) These are risks like operational risks (which have been defined by the Basel Committee(Basel II) as arising from 'inadequate or failed processes, people and systems or from external events'. ( Hsaio 2008) , Operational Risks cover a wide category of risks which pertain to human error or technical deficiencies.(Black,1972) and are related to all other types of risk such as capital needs, inflation, concentration of revenues (by customers, products, geographies, etc.) new competitive conditions and environmental remediation obligations(reinforced by the new concept of Corporate Social Responsibility).(Black,1972). Operational risk is the newest area of focus in the the arena of the financial institutions but there are theoretical and practical difficulties involved in it's assessment as well as statistical irregularities in the data available. ( Hsaio 2008) , However more serious risks pertain to losses which arise due to the failure of the obligator to perform(Credit Risk) and such losses are reported to be responsible for more

Sociology paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Sociology paper - Essay Example Because of their physical strength of men believe that they are more competent than women. This attitude has been persistent in world history and religion and culture have always tried to reinforce this belief. The female sex is perceived to be weak and feeble, and this becomes the cornerstone of sexism. For this reason women face more domestic violence than men (Brinkerhoff, Lynn, Suzanne & Rose, 2008). The belief is so ubiquitous that from childhood the same attitudes are inculcated in children and this is how it has become a social problem. It is very important to identify sexism as a problem and only then a solution can be prescribed. The education system can play a key role in it. Children should be taught at a very early age that men and women are equal. Role play exercises can be sued to break the stigma about particular jobs being more ‘female’. Also gender discrimination laws should be made stronger so that punitive action can repel sexist practices from

History of Automobile Industry in Michigan Essay

History of Automobile Industry in Michigan - Essay Example South-east Michigan comprises the population of 4.9 million people with the economic footprint extending well beyond the geographical parameter of south-east Michigan and the city of Detroit. Automobile production including the production of its components has spread beyond the geographical boundaries of Michigan encompassing southern state and southern Ontario. The automobile industry has the rich history embedded in the growth of the industrial organization and syndicalism, having a closed link with the history of the United Auto Workers. The versatility and socio-politic dynamism and the organized labor movements had been responsible for laying the grounds for the development of the strong automobile industry. The transport itself had its most crucial role in the growth of the automobile industry. Michigan’s location towards the Western frontier without the flow of the natural rivers and the need to reach the potential markets of fur, iron and copper ore, lumber, and agricu ltural products without natural rivers gave the impetus to develop the cheap and best transportation alternatives. Earlier the only means of transportation were ships across â€Å"Lakes Huran and Erie to eastern markets and from the Upper Peninsula via Lakes Michigan and Superior.† The shipping was greatly developed over the Great Lakes, which was connected to Michigan’s hardwood forests, which in turn led to the building of the shipbuilding firms. The increase in the growth of the lumbering also led to the expansion of the railroad network throughout Michigan. Helped by the federal and land grants, this network was completed by the late nineteenth century and by the year 1900, approximately more than 6,900 miles of track crossed Michigan.

Women in the Second World War Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Women in the Second World War - Essay Example This essay will compare and contrast the wartime experiences of these three great women. Therese Bonney achieved world fame as a photo journalist during the Second World War. She is greatly popular for her work which revealed the havocs of war on an innocent group of people. She initially acquired attention for her revelation of the war between Russia and Finland. Being the only correspondent who was there, she had the whole account to herself and was honored with the White Rose of Finland for her courage. Throughout the Second World War she toured all over western Europe capturing the miseries of the affected children in her photographs which she soon after included in her master work ‘Europe’s Children’. It was her objective to aid in building international ties between European populations, specifically the Americans and French. She also joined the Red Cross campaigns throughout France. She was grandly celebrated in the United States and Europe. Just like Bonney, Toni Frissell became a major female figure in photo journalism during the World War II. She voluntarily shared her photographic talents to the American Red Cross in 1941. Afterward she served the Eight Army Air Force and became the certified photo journalist of the Women’s Army Corps. She photographed a vast number of images of soldiers, nurses, and abandoned children for the services of the aforementioned organizations. Her moving pictures of African American air fighters and military women were employed to promote public support and sympathy for African-American and women in the service. Her only difference with Bonney is the extent of her fame. She is widely known locally but she did not achieve the same international fame that Bonney achieved. Meanwhile, a remarkable woman who became renowned during World War II, Janet Flanner, raised her name to the pedestal through writing. Janet

Summarize Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Summarize - Research Paper Example It claims to be an eco-friendly option of transportation, and factually as having reduced the harmful greenhouse gas emissions by more than 1 tonne on average (cited in Tecsult Inc., 2006). Communauto Car-sharing Service: Useful or Not? Before concluding anything about the usefulness of Communauto service for the people, an analysis has been done in the further part of the paper. The usefulness of this service is largely dependent on the response of its users, benefits that car-sharing provides, the target group of people being wide or narrow, the USP (unique selling proposition) of the Communauto service and the market competitors. About Communauto Car-Sharing Service. It involves multiple users using fewer vehicles. It leads to reduction in congestion, pollution-level, number of vehicles per household and reduction of money spent on individual transportation. Communauto Users. The corporate usage of Communauto is more as compared to individual car-sharing, people who drive less and youth associating with ‘Green’ keeping in consideration style and comfort also can be included among the general users of Communauto vehicle service. The usefulness of Communauto lies in the information that its vehicles are eco-friendly through zero-emission cars, low per family car-expenses, lot of stations for Communauto car pick-up, 24 hours availability and low rent.

Discuss South Africas apartheid policy of 1948. How was it initiated Essay

Discuss South Africas apartheid policy of 1948. How was it initiated Provide historical information of the time from the passing of this policy until gaining independence in 1979 - Essay Example In 1948 the National Party, which represented primarily the interests of Afrikaners, used the idea of ​​apartheid as their program and won the elections (Black South Africans already did not have the right to vote). All South Africans were divided by race into White, Colored, Black and Indians (Asians). Different groups had different rights; of course most of them belonged to Whites. Government introduced separate education and health care, transport, social and recreational facilities, churches; mixed marriages were banned. Even shops and beaches were â€Å"for whites only† and â€Å"for others.† Development of the policy of apartheid led to creation of Bantustans (Bantoestans in Afrikaans), the areas densely populated by indigenous Black South Africans; in fact those were reservations. The South African government created ten Bantustans in South Africa and ten in the South-West Africa (Namibia), which was under the control of South Africa. In fact, Bantustans were totally dependent on South Africa, their independence was not recognized by any country in the world. South Africa’s black population was forcibly resettled in the Bantustans. South Africa’s policy openly declared that the ultimate goal of creating Bantustans would be a situation in which no man with black skin color could be a citizen of South Africa and, accordingly, would not have any rights in this country. Due to condemnation and rejection of apartheid by the countries members of the British Commonwealth in 1961 South Africa left the Commonwealth and became an independent republic of South Africa. In 1994, after the end of apartheid South Africa’s Commonwealth membership was restored. Apartheid caused a strong resistance in South Africa itself. A number of organizations, primarily the ANC (African National Congress), organized numerous protests.

Analyse the Factor That Might Inhibit London' s Status as a Essay

Analyse the Factor That Might Inhibit London' s Status as a Pre-eminent Global Financial Centre In the Next Decade - Essay Example The paper starts off by plying a brief illustration on the London’s position as the pre-eminent global financial centre and then moves on to the illumination of the study’s central concern being the menaces that are more likely to affect its ‘pre-eminent’ position. This report makes a cocnlusion that London is undoubtedly one of the most significant financial centres of the world. However, despite its dominating position in the global financial market it confronts with certain threats that can impair its significance among other international cities. London alone accounted for about 37% and 31% income more than the whole UK average for men and women respectively in the year 2002 (LSE, London’s Place In The UK’s economy, 2003). But along with that, London also sustains the highest unemployment level, greatest rich and poor income differences, the ever-rising property costs and insufficient provision of public health and utility services than other countries in the UK region. Apart from that, London’s ability to pull in abounding foreign investments has also led to the disappearance and re-shifting of its domestic firms. All these and the other factors sum up to the concerns and apprehensions that are faced by international b usinesses in London. Its high time the government needs to take considerable actions to curtail the dreadful factors while improving the city’s condition as a favourable financial centre for the whole world. Otherwise, these can greatly hamper the growth of London as a pre-eminent global financial centre.

The Formation of Florida as a New State Research Paper

The Formation of Florida as a New State - Research Paper Example Unification of Florida and the USA is a significant event in American history. It is reflected in the fact that formation of Florida as a new state proved its beneficial effect for safety and development of American lands, as well as harmonious life of their residents. Being the territory actively inhabited by the Seminole tribe of Indians, which caused serious troubles to the US Army, Florida received necessary assistance of American Government regarding the issue of the Seminoles’ outrage. In particular, such acute factors as safety matter and an issue of slavery appear to be the main aspects of Florida’s formation as a new state of America. Safety Matter as a Reason for Florida’s Becoming the US State The first condition, which caused unification of Florida and America, is a consequence of active migration of the Seminoles from north to Florida after weakening of Spanish positions on the peninsula. Actually, it was the beginning of long-lasting opposition between the Seminoles and American Army, as a result of Indians’ aggression towards Americans, resulted in three Seminole wars. Actually, Indians motivated their actions as a desire to protect their territory. Despite this fact, American government was aware of another one, that is, the Seminoles constantly made devastating raids on neighboring Georgia (Florida Becomes a Territory). All in all, the outrage of the Seminoles became a threat to peace of Americans and their harmonious development.

Activation Of T Lymphocytes Essay Example for Free

Activation Of T Lymphocytes Essay Different types of T lymphocytes exist and each type performs a specialized function.   Helper T cells, also known as TH cells, serve as messengers of the immune system.   When helper T cells are activated, these cells proliferate and produce cytokines, which are small proteins that control the extent of immune response that a biological organism will express.   Several types of cytokines exist and each cytokine triggers the maturation of helper T cells into specific subtypes such as helper T cell subtype 1, 2 and 17 (Balandina et al. , 2005). Another type of T lymphocyte is the cytotoxic T cell (CTL), which is also known as the TC cell.   Cytotoxic T cells are responsible for the destruction of cells that were infected by viruses, as well as for the annihilation of tumor cells.   These cells also play a major role in determining whether a cell is normally part of the system or a foreign cell.   Cytotoxic T cells are known to be the first in line to react and reject if an organ transplanted into a recipient is not compatible in terms of tissue compatibility. The cytotoxic T cells that are associated with tissue rejection are designated at CD8+ T cells, based on the idea that these cytotoxic T cells produce a specific CD8 glycoprotein that is displayed on its cell membrane.   These CD8 glycoproteins interact with helper T lymphocytes, of which may trigger its transformation into regulatory T cells.   The major role of regulatory T cells is to inhibit the onset of an autoimmune disorder within the system of the organism. Another type of T lymphocyte is the memory T cell which is produced as soon as an infection occurs in an individual.   These specific T cells continue to circulate in the blood system for several months even when the infection has been stopped.   Memory T cells further differentiate into effector T cells when they find the same antigen that was associated with the previous infection, hence the term memory is appropriate to apply to this type of function.   Two general types of memory T cells include the central and effector cells.  Ã‚   Memory T cells are known to carry either the CD4 or the CD8 glycoprotein on its plasma membrane (Wildin et al., 2001). Regulatory T cells are another type of T lymphocytes that play a crucial role in sustaining the tolerance of the immune system (Khattri et al., 2003).   These T cells were earlier called suppressor T cells and their primary role is to prevent immunity that is caused by other T cells during the later stages of an immune response (Fontenot et al., 2003).   Regulatory T cells are also responsible for inhibiting the immune reaction towards other cells of the body or self cells because this is important in maintaining the stability of the entire immunological system. Specific conditions result in the immune response towards self cells and this is usually observed when the thymus experiences difficulty in distinguishing self cells from non-self or foreign cells.   There are two major types of CD4+ regulatory T cells that have been characterized.   Naturally occurring regulatory T cells originate from the thymus and are sometimes referred to as CD4/CD25/ForP3 T regulatory cells. The other major type of CD4+ regulatory T cell is the adaptive T regulatory cell which is produced when an innate immune response occurs.   This type of cell is also called Tr1 or Th3 cell (Hori et al., 2003).   A distinguishing feature that facilitates is the differentiation of naturally occurring T regulatory cells from the rest of types of T lymphocytes is the occurrence of the FoxP3 molecule that is situated within the cytoplasm.   Research has shown that mutations incurred in the FOXP3 gene results in the inability of regulatory T cells to differentiate, which in turn influences the onset of the lethal condition of autoimmunity. Another type of T lymphocyte is the natural killer T cell which is serves as the communicator between the adaptive and the innate immune systems.   Different from the standard T lymphocyte that identifies protein antigens that are harbored by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), the natural killer T lymphocytes distinguish glycolipid antigens that are shown by the protein molecule CD1d.   The natural killer T lymphocyte is then activated and subsequently acquires the ability to execute specific functions that are related to Th and Tc cells, including the secretion of cytokines and the expression of cytolytic molecules that are responsible for the destruction of foreign cells that have invaded the body. Gamma-delta T lymphocytes represent a small subtype of T cells that carry a unique receptor on their plasma membrane.   Most of the T lymphocytes carry a receptor that is comprised by two strings of alpha and beta glycoproteins.   In gamma-delta T lymphocytes, the receptor is composed of a gamma and a delta glycoprotein string.   Gamma-delta T lymphocytes are quite rare, comprising only approximately 5% of the entire T lymphocyte population but are found in high concentrations in the epithelial lining of the stomach, as part of population of intraepithelial lymphocytes. Protein antigens that trigger a response from gamma-delta T cells have still yet to be determined.   It is interesting to know that gamma-delta T lymphocytes are not exclusively assigned to carry major histocompatibility complex molecules and are actually capable of identifying entire proteins than simply perceiving short protein chains carried by the major histocompatibility complex molecules on lymphocytes that harbor antigens. There are particular gamma-delta T cells that have the capacity to identify a specific type of major histocompatibility complex molecules, specifically class IB.   In the human immune system, the Vgamma9/Vdelta2 T lymphocyte makes up the majority of the gamma-delta T lymphocyte population that is circulating in the bloodstream.   These specific T lymphocytes have the function of quickly reacting to a tiny metabolite that originates from microorganisms, known as the isopentenyl pyrophosphate precursor.   Another type of T lymphocyte is the autoaggressive T cell which is highly specialized based on its ability to secrete the CD40 protein molecule (Miura et al., 2004).   CD40 is generally linked to T lymphocytes that present fragments of an antigen and this protein molecule is commonly produced by a subtype of T helper lymphocytes. Th40 cells are present in all human beings but the levels of this specific type of cells quickly increase during conditions of autoimmunity.   In patients diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus, the Th40 cells usually react to self-antigens.   In the case of patients diagnosed with non-autoimmune individuals, the Th40 lymphocytes do not react with these antigens.   An important function of the CD40 protein molecule on T lymphocytes is to trigger the recombinase proteins RAG1 and RAG2 in directing the receptor of a T lymphocyte. The receptor of a T lymphocyte serves as the route through which a T lymphocyte is able to identify a specific antigen.   It has been determined that the two recombinase proteins be produced exclusively in the thymus during the development of T lymphocytes.   It was, however, observed that the RAG proteins were secreted again by the T lymphocytes that were circulating in the bloodstream.   In addition, it was also observed that the CD40 protein associated with Th40 lymphocytes, resulting in the production of RAG proteins.   Subsequent to the expression of the RAG proteins, modifications in the receptor of the T cells take place, suggesting that the Th40 lymphocytes carry the ability to adapt for the entire duration of an individual’s life. The procedure of modifying the expression of the receptors of T cells that are circulating in the bloodstream has been names as TDR revision.   Research has reported that TCR revision influences the expansion of the repertoire of T lymphocytes, as well as generates T lymphocytes that are autoaggressive.   This observation therefore shows that the revision of the receptors of T cells is another method of T lymphocyte tolerance. THE DEVELOPMENT OF T LYMPHOCYTES IN THE THYMUS T lymphocytes are developed from the stem cells of the hematopoietic system which is located in the bone marrow.   These stem cells migrate from the bone marrow to the thymus, where they are expected to proliferate through the process of cell division and generate immature thymocytes.   Young thymocytes generally do not secrete any CD4 or CD8 proteins hence these cells have been described as CD4-CD8- cells. During their course of development, the young thymocytes acquire the capability of secreting CD4 and CD8 molecules and these thymocytes are now classified as CD4+CD8+ (Sakaguchi, 2000).   Further maturation of these cells involves the specific secretion of only one protein, either the CD4 or the CD8 molecule.   Once this has been determined in each thymocytes, these cells are then expelled by the thymus in order for them to circulate to the rest of the body.   Approximately 98% of the thymocytes produced by the thymus are expected to disintegrate during its maturation, resulting in only 2% of the thymocytes reaching maturity and categorically expelled by the thymus as immunocompetent T lymphocytes. Immature thymocytes that harbor the two types of antigens, CD4 and CD8, migrate into the core of the thymus in order to associate with antigens that are generated by the T lymphocyte.   These thymocytes interact with the major histocompatibility complex molecules that are present of the plasma membrane of the cells of the epithelium.   Only a specific fraction of thymocytes will be able to completely bind with the major histocompatibility complex molecules thus resulting in a signal that indicates the survival of the thymocyte. The rest of the thymocytes that were not able to achieve a complete association with the major histocompatibility complex molecules are thus classified as incapable of performing immune functions or even illicit an immune response.   This specific group of thymocytes thus undergoes the process of apoptosis, which involved the disintegration of the nucleus which eventually leads to cell death.   The cellular debris that results from the apoptotic pathway are enveloped and eaten by macrophages.   The entire process of differentiating immuno-competent from immuno-incompetent thymocytes based on the ability to illicit an immune reaction is known as positive selection. Thymocytes that endure positive selection travel towards the perimeter of the cortical and middle regions of the thymus. While situated in the middle region of the thymus, the thymocytes are presented with an antigen of its self in association with the major histocompatibility complex molecules on antigen-presenting cells (APCs), including the dendritic cells and macrophages.   Thymocytes that intensely associate with the antigen are sent a signal that induces their programmed death and the rest of the thymocytes that were first generated are trigger to disintegrate during this selection process in the thymus. A small fraction of the cells that survived is induced to develop regulatory T cells.   The other cells subsequently depart the thymus as differentiation naive T lymphocytes.   This mechanism is designated as negative selection, an essential process of immunological tolerance that controls the development of T lymphocytes that react to self cells and are able of to cause an autoimmune disease in the body of an individual (Shevach, 2000). Although the specific mechanisms of activation vary slightly between different types of T cells, the two-signal model in CD4+ T cells holds true for most. Activation of CD4+ T cells occurs through the engagement of both the T cell receptor and CD28 on the T cell by the Major histocompatibility complex peptide and B7 family members on the APC respectively. Both are required for production of an effective immune response; in the absence of CD28 co-stimulation, T cell receptor signalling alone results in anergy. The signalling pathways downstream from both CD28 and the T cell receptor involve many proteins. The first signal is provided by binding of the T cell receptor to a short peptide presented by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on another cell. This ensures that only a T cell with a TCR specific to that peptide is activated. The partner cell is usually a professional antigen presenting cell (APC), usually a dendritic cell in the case of naà ¯ve responses, although B cells and macrophages can be important APCs. The peptides presented to CD8+ T cells by MHC class I molecules are 8-9 amino acids in length; the peptides presented to CD4+ cells by MHC class II molecules are longer, as the ends of the binding cleft of the MHC class II molecule are open. The second signal comes from co-stimulation, in which surface receptors on the APC are induced by a relatively small number of stimuli, usually products of pathogens, but sometimes breakdown products of cells, such as necrotic-bodies or heat-shock proteins (Brunkow et al., 2001). The only co-stimulatory receptor expressed constitutively by naà ¯ve T cells is CD28, so co-stimulation for these cells comes from the CD80 and CD86 proteins on the APC. Other receptors are expressed upon activation of the T cell, such as OX40 and ICOS, but these largely depend upon CD28 for their expression. The second signal licenses the T cell to respond to an antigen. Without it, the T cell becomes anergic and it becomes more difficult for it to activate in future. This mechanism prevents inappropriate responses to self, as self-peptides will not usually be presented with suitable co-stimulation. The T cell receptor exists as a complex of several proteins. The actual T cell receptor is composed of two separate peptide chains which are produced from the independent T cell receptor alpha and beta (TCR? and TCR?) genes. The other proteins in the complex are the CD3 proteins; CD3 and CD3 heterodimers and most importantly a CD3? homodimer which has a total of six ITAM motifs. The ITAM motifs on the CD3? can be phosphorylated by Lck and in turn recruit ZAP-70. Lck and/or ZAP-70 can also phosphorylate the tyrosines on many other molecules, not least CD28, Trim, LAT and SLP-76, which allows the aggregation of signalling complexes around these proteins. Phosphorylated LAT recruits SLP-76 to the membrane, where it can then bring in PLC?, VAV1, Itk and potentially PI3K. Both PLC? and PI3K act on PI(4,5)P2 on the inner leaflet of the membrane to create the active intermediaries di-acyl glycerol (DAG), inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and phosphatidlyinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3). DAG binds and activates some PKCs, most importantly in T cells PKC?, which is important for activating the transcription factors NF-?B and AP-1. IP3 is released from the membrane by PLC? and diffuses rapidly to activate receptors on the ER which induce the release of calcium. The released calcium then activates calcineurin, and calcineurin activates NFAT, which then translocates to the nucleus. NFAT is a transcription factor which activates the transcription of a pleiotropic set of genes, most notably IL-2, a cytokine which promotes long term proliferation of activated T cells. Overview of interactions between T cells and APCs T cells are a subset of lymphocytes that play a large role in the cell-mediated immune response of adaptive immunity. T lymphocytes are divided into 2 major classes distinguished by the expression of the cell surface molecules CD4 or CD8. CD8 cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) primarily destroy virus-infected cells whereasCD4 helper T lymphocytes are involved in activating B cells and macrophages. The response of both classes of T lymphocytes is dependent on interactions through the T cell receptor (TCR) and coreceptors (CD4 or CD8) with target APCs that present peptides in the context of MHC class I or class II molecules. MHC class I and class II molecules are structurally similar but differ in their source of antigenic peptide and in the transport mechanisms for their peptides. Class I MHC molecules present self peptides or viral products from the cytosol to CD8 T lymphocytes, whereas MHC class II molecules present peptides from pathogens that either reside or were endocytosed into intracellular compartments (Fontenot and Rudensky, 2005). T cells are activated on encountering antigen, which results in either lysis of target cells by CD8 T lymphocytes or recruitment of other effector cells by CD4 cells.   Modulation of the plasma membrane alters the T cell Ca2+ response.   A series of studies from showedthat unsaturated free fatty acids (FFAs) could inhibit specific aspects of cytotoxic T cell function by perturbing membranes.   Initially, it was shown that short-term exposure of murine allogeneic effector T cells to low levels of unsaturated FFAs (10 mol/L), including PUFAs, inhibited lysis of target APCs. The change in lysis of target cells was a direct consequence of the FFA added to the CTLs, because lysis could be inhibited by extracting the unsaturated FFA with bovine serum albumin before CTL-target conjugation. Specific aspects of T cell function inhibited by unsaturated lipids included the initial rise in intracellular [Ca2+] on conjugate formation, protein phosphorylation events and subsequent CTL esterase release.   On the other hand, release of inositol phosphates and binding to target cells were unaffected. Because the inhibition in CTL calcium release linearly correlated with the decrease in membrane acyl chain order induced by the presence of increasing unsaturation in the plasma membrane , it was hypothesized that modulation of membrane structure affected T cell Ca2+ signaling. References Balandina A, Lecart S, Dartevelle P, Saoudi A and Berrih-Aknin S (2005):   Functional defect of regulatory CD4( )CD25 T cells in the thymus of patients with autoimmune myasthenia gravis. Blood   105:735–741. Brunkow ME, Jeffery EW, Hjerrild KA, Paeper B, Clark LB, Yasayko SA, Wilkinson JE, Galas D, Ziegler SF and Ramsdell F (2001):   Disruption of a new forkhead/winged-helix protein, scurfin, results in the fatal lymphoproliferative disorder of the scurfy mouse. Nat. Genet.   27:68–73. Fontenot JD, Gavin MA and Rudensky AY (2003):   Foxp3 programs the development and function of CD4-CD25 regulatory T cells. Nat. Immunol.   4:330–336. Fontenot JD and Rudensky AY (2005):   A well adapted regulatory contrivance:   Regulatory T cell development and the forkhead family transcription factor Foxp3. Nat. Immunol. 6:331–337. Hori S, Nomura T and Sakaguchi S (2003):   Control of regulatory T cell development by the transcription factor Foxp3. Science 299:1057–1061 Khattri R, Cox T, Yasayko SA and Ramsdell F (2003):   An essential role for Scurfin in CD4-CD25 T regulatory cells. Nat. Immunol.   4:337–342. Miura Y, Thoburn CJ, Bright EC, Phelps ML, Shin T, Matsui EC, Matsui WH, Arai S, Fuchs EJ and Vogelsang GB (2004):   Association of Foxp3 regulatory gene expression with graft-versus-host disease. Blood   104:2187–2193. Sakaguchi S (2000):   Regulatory T cells: key controllers of immunologic self-tolerance.   Cell 101:455–458. Shevach EM (2000): Regulatory T cells in autoimmmunity. Annu. Rev. Immunol.   18:423–449. Wildin RS, Ramsdell F, Peake J, Faravelli F, Casanova JL, Buist N, Levy-Lahad E, Mazzella M, Goulet O and Perroni L (2001): X-linked neonatal diabetes mellitus, enteropathy and endocrinopathy syndrome is the human equivalent of mouse scurfy. Nat. Genet.   27:18–20.

Truth and Lies Essay Example for Free

Truth and Lies Essay There are different types of lies. Distorted views and fabricated truths are two of them. Misunderstanding, on the other hand, is not a lie. Misunderstanding is a when we fail to understand something correctly and accurately. This happens a lot in our daily lives. A lot of conflicts and hard feelings are caused by this mistake. In order to avoid it, we should be more careful about the way we express our opinions and feelings. Simultaneously, we should listen to what people say and understand what they mean carefully. Sometimes, we misunderstand a fact. We can correct by asking others about that or study about it. C. G. Lichtenberg once said: â€Å"The most dangerous of all falsehoods is a slightly distorted truth†. When we see the reality through distorted eyes, it can have an extreme effect on our emotions, thoughts and our interactions with other people. Imagine you want to drive to school today. Surprisingly, you see the green lights red and the red lights green. Needless to say, you stop at green lights and pass the red lights. You will be shouted at both times. You wonder why people are shouting at you without any reason, and after a while you get anxious and angry. You decide not to pay attention to traffic lights anymore. The reason is obvious: accident. This is what happens in our lives when have distorted views toward facts and reality. We had better change our views and try to solve this problem. Fabricated truths are the lies that are used to mislead people for centuries. These are so-called truths that are invented in order to deceive. We can see them in all aspects of life from religion to science and politics. Telling these lies is not limited to authorities, scientist or religious people in power. Ordinary people produce lies everyday to achieve what they want. We can’t fight these lies. All we can do is to research and seek the truth ourselves or at least don’t accept them easily and without proof. The truth is hard to find for different reasons. First of all, all people want others to have a positive picture of them in mind. They don’t want their lies to be revealed and they try hard to maintain that positive image of themselves. This is why people try to show that they are not responsible when something negative happens. So they lie about it. When something positive happens, people want to take credit for it. They lie again! This is also the case for different groups, organizations, religions, etc. who claim to have the â€Å"truth†. They don’t have the complete truth. This is what gets people in trouble. These groups don’t want their followers to find out their weaknesses and stop their support. So they tell people a lot of lies and try to sustain them. In addition, lying is a part of human nature. Sometimes people say the same lie so often that they forget the real truth and start believing their own lies. Furthermore, people don’t want to hear the truth. We prefer a good story rather than the fact. We actually don’t like to deal with truth. We want to believe something, so we assume that it’s the truth. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said: â€Å"We are never deceived; we deceive ourselves. † Another reason is that lies spread faster than truth, especially in the internet and other media. As Mark Twain said: â€Å"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes. † Sometimes, there is enough so-called evidence to support both sides of the conflict, the falsehood and the truth. So people are actually sitting on the fences when facing them. So the truth won’t be revealed. Sometimes, the truth is out there, but we don’t seek for it and we expect others to provide it for us. These might be the reasons of most hidden truths. Whatever the reason is, people don’t want their lies and dishonest behavior to be revealed. When someone exposes the truth, their positive image is ruined. So they attack that person. People don’t try to disclose the truth when they are attacked. So some truths are not revealed because of this. Sometimes, the truths is easy to find, but hard to accept. We are lied to a lot and some of our beliefs are shaped according to those lies. When we find the truth, it seems like a vague idea that doesn’t fit the lies. So we can’t accept it and it’s like we have never found the truth. The complete truth is not told most of the time. Thomas Sowell said: â€Å"There are only two ways of telling the complete truth: anonymously and posthumously†.

Music industry and effect of digital world

Music industry and effect of digital world The marketing department of a record label plays a large part in portraying an artists image to its fan base and the music industry. Once an artist has produced their music and is ready to be made public, it is up to the marketing department to make sure that it is made available in all media formats. This is done solely through a range of distribution and promotion campaigns. This case will look at the current situation of the music industry and analyse the effect the new technologies and the digital world are having on record labels and artists. Firstly by looking at a micro and macro environmental view point using various analysis models a better understanding can be made of the music industry in its current state. Once establishing the fundamentals areas by which record labels can advance objectives will be set and followed by promoting and distributing an up and coming artist to her target audience. This record label is called Mystical Records and currently manages one, up and coming artists called Thallie. Thallie is originally from Mauritius, however is now based in the UK and is looking for her big break. Back at home in Mauritius she has be compared with the likes of Shakira and Whitney Houston due to her singing style. Thallie is an urban artist, producing songs in a range of genres from RB to Dancehall. She has made a name for her self back in Mauritius, and now feels that is time to tackle the international markets in particular to the UK and US music markets. 2.0 Analysis The music industry will be analysed through both a macro and micro environmental aspect. The macro environment will be analysed using a PEST analysis, therefore determining all external factors of the music industry. Examining legal factors concerning illegal downloaders which are affecting record label sales, and to establish any government action taken to tackle this problem. Economic factors will be analysed in terms of income and revenue of artists and record labels. The most important element being the technological factors which are also heavily influencing social factors within the music industry, through recent developments in social and mobile networks. Secondly by looking at the micro environment using Porters (1979) five forces model a better understanding of the industries levels profitability. This model shows how customers, competitors, suppliers, distributors and dealers are all affected with the recent changes in the music industry. A major factor towards recent changes of power and relationships has been due to advances in technology over recent years. The internet has affected many industries, however with the surge in social networks and peer-to-peer (P2P) sharing systems the market share of major record labels has been hit hard. 2.1 PEST Analysis 2.1.1 Political / Legal Factors Major record labels are being turned against obtaining information on customer communications from telecom companies by European American Parliaments. This is due to the greater risk of terrorism occurring. (Appendix 2). This information could be also be used to gain access to private information by the music industry. (Appendix 2). Many cases have been held against illegal downloaders by the music industry. (Now over 150 cases in the UK, according to the British Phonographic Industry.) (Appendix 2). A large majority of illegal downloaders obtain music through peer-to-peer (P2P) sharing software; therefore by taking legal action against P2P operators, there can be a step forward in tackling a large number of illegal downloaders. (Appendix 3). Kazaa (large P2P sharing software company) paid $115 million to record labels in compensation due to a case by the Australian Federal Court. (This has been the largest case of its kind.) (Appendix 3). Similar cases have taken place under courts of law in Denmark, Netherlands, Russia, Taiwan. (Appendix 3). By signing agreements with record labels to become legal, P2P sharing software operators can escape being prosecuted. (Appendix 3). As technology evolves so does the level of crime. For example the evolution of digital radio stations (Digital Audio Broadcasters (DAB)) has lead to the evolution of DAB ripping. (Appendix 3). The likes of Apple are being restricted by having their music offerings only available on iPod players, and therefore believe by having copyright protection removed by record labels, there can be a better turnover for all parties involved. (Appendix 13). The current traditional method of record labels is that they keep the copyrights of artists recordings, which generally leads to the record label being profitable and the artists breaking even. (Appendix 7). A new possible method of keeping the music industry profitable may be by legalising file sharing and giving artists / bands control over their own music. (Therefore working with a collapsed copyright system.) (Appendix 7). 2.1.2 Economic Factors There are more methods of opportunities for artists / bands to both increase revenue and exposure, through CDs, digital downloads ringtones, concerts, TV shows, and video games. (Appendix 7). Concert ticket sales have increased immensely over recent years and have become major events in an artists / bands diary. (Appendix 7). A recent revision by the American President of the tax code has made it easier for intellectual property to be sold in the US, which therefore means that another possible method of development for the music industry can be through making artists / bands their own public company. As profits are taxed with low rates and intellectual property being fully accessible, their can be the possibility of artists / bands being invested in via the stock market. (Appendix 7). Due to the slow take up by the music industry of the digital world, there were slumps in sales by up to 7% in 2002 and 2003, by 2006 this figure had decreased to 4% and the music industry was showing signs of competing in new markets. (Appendix 17). Within a year in 2006 there has been an increase in sale of singles by 78% in the UK, therefore showing the change in trend of purchasing and obtaining music. This is due to this new digital age operating in full force. (Appendix 11). In Europe from 2005 to 2006 alone, there was an increase in single downloads of 80%, up to 111 million single tracks downloads. In the US during the same period there was an increase of 65% up to 583 million single tracks downloads. A calculation of the entire worlds single track download was made during the same time and was shown to have increased from 420 million in 2005, to 795 million in 2006 which is an 89% change. (Appendix 12). Music charts were traditionally accounted for through sales of singles and albums, now with recent changes the Top 40 charts are now calculated including downloads. (Conducted by the Entertainment Retailers Association, (ERA)) (Appendix 11). Digital music sales increased by $0.9 billion within a year from 2005, which includes both downloads to computers and mobile phones. (Calculated to be a tenth of all music sales.) (Appendix 17). Radio has been one of the most important formats by which new music is promoted, and in recent years there have been many mergers within the radio industry. With there only being a handful of companies left covering the majority of the national network, there has been a large homogenisation of the airwaves. This has meant that it is now even more difficult for artists / bands to get their music on to radio and promote the singles and albums. (Appendix 14). 2.1.3 Social Factors The increase in social networks has lead to artists having the opportunity to get the first major breaks in the industry. The popularity of social networks has lead to there being awards for the most number of friends for artists on social networks like MySpace. (Appendix 5). Fans are given the opportunity to share their interests in music, artists / bands and send/receive pictures from concerts, interviews etc. via discussion blogs and forums. These various applications are all being recognized within the music industry leading there to be a range of awards for artists. (Appendix 5). In addition to this many fans socialize on websites such as YouTube, where various video clips are shared and commented on, therefore giving many up and coming artists with small budgets an opportunity to be made aware. (Appendix 8). The innovation of music online has lead their to be sites such as Last.fm which makes it possible to connect fans through similar music tastes which aids the awareness of artists and fan groups. (Appendix 5). The rise in social networks has lead to the phenomenon of making fans into marketers indirectly. As fans communicate and get involved with their favourite artists online offerings they are said to be in the process of online word of mouth. (Appendix 7). The changes in chart rules, allow up and coming artists to make their big break, this is through including online downloads to be which is allowing fans to have more control and influence over music. (Appendix 9). As selling CDs is no longer enough to generate revenue, many other formats have been given better consideration, such as ringtones, concerts and video games. Each of these formats plays a part in influencing social groups and fans. For example ringtones can portray a persons music taste which in turn can relate to that persons social group. Concerts are a more traditional format where fans gather in a social aspect to see their favourite artists perform. (Appendix 7). The 20th Century showed a mass growth in the music industry, which linked music with intellect and in turn with social status. With classical and jazz music being linked with those who are intellectually elite, while pop and rock seemed to be linked with the general population. As the 20th Century developed, so did music in terms of their being more variations of genres. For example in the 1970s the emergence of progressive rock. (Appendix 7). Through developments across the world, in particular with technology and communications there have been changes in the style and influence of music. With musical influences coming from African, Jamaican, Latin American and Asian music through various means of media coverage all effecting social changes. Through increases in the number of university students there has also been a huge surge within the clubbing industry. This social activity has therefore lead there to be a direct link with music. Larger clubs offer a range of music genres each in separate rooms; where as smaller clubs play certain genres of music catering to the crowds tastes. 2.1.4 Technological Factors Technology has changed dramatically in recent years and has taken the world by storm, in particular within the music industry. An example of this was the introduction of online software called Napster, which was the first P2P sharing system. The recent developments in online social networks has allowed for there to be an added communication method between record labels and their artists fans. Every EMI artist now has a MySpace page allowing fans to swap news and post stories, share their video clips taken live from their mobile handsets. (Appendix 4). Digital technology specifically has grown at alarming rates; video directors now have to create their productions so that they play well with mobile devices with 2 inch screens. (Appendix 4). There are increasing range of formats by which music sold in this new digital era, for example USB singles and mobile packages. (Appendix 4). The advance of new technology is making is easier for record company marketers to target large portions of the youth and adult markets, through mediums such as social and mobile networks. (Appendix 5). The number of mp3 player inventions has also surged in recent years with market introductions of the Apple iPod and the Sony iRiver. In this case a large majority of the music is downloaded via P2P networks. There are increasingly becoming more and more formats where music can be applied to. (Appendix 7). New technologies have influenced relationships in the music industry greatly, as artists become more independent the major record labels are loosing out, and the fans are dictating what they want from music and having more communication with artists. (Appendix 8). Music downloaded to computers, mobile phones and any other digital device are all now calculated when establishing music charts due to their large presence in this modern era. Information and communication technology has created a new platform for music. (Appendix 11 12). The digital era has largely affected the methods by which music is created and performed. It is possible to a produce a single track or album simply with using a home computer giving opportunities to thousands of artists looking for their big break, where previously they would not have been able to. Buyer Power (HIGH) Buyers power is strong therefore influencing the industry. Developments in technology and resources mean a range of choices are available by which music can be purchased by customers. Instead of just CDs, music is available online, on mobile phones and other digital devices. Rivalry/Competitive Environment (HIGH) For a long time the five major record labels have profited from economies of scale, however the digital era has affected revenues. As more artists produce under their own record companies, the market share for each company consequently falls. The industry is becoming competitive at an alarming rate. Threat of Substitutes (HIGH) The internet has provided fans and customers with opportunity to purchase music from a number of locations therefore making record companies work hard at delivering the product at the right price and formats. As technology develops so does the number locations by which music can be applied. Threat of New Entrants (MEDIUM/LOW) The internet has lead there to be lower barriers to entry, allowing artists to set up their own record companies and to sell music themselves through new online channels. If new laws were to be put in place then there could be a possibility for the large record labels to regain some control. Supplier Power (MEDIUM/LOW) Previously record labels had a large influence on an artists career. However now in this digital era artists have more control of the distribution of their music and the record labels have less control over the artist. However as record labels come with large financial resources they have the opportunity to exploit all media formats professionally. 2.2 Five Forces Model of the Music Industry (Porter, 1979) 2.3 SWOT Analysis Below is a SWOT analysis of Mystical Records showing its the present assets and offerings and all future possibilities. STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES Low overheads such as staff. Talented artist roster. Thallie has a good reputation in Mauritius. Good product range. Access to a larger target market with online outputs. First to initiate online concerts. The ability to sell music at low prices therefore enticing new fans to engage in Thallies music. Difficult to establish on traditional formats like primetime radio. Lack of financial resources could still hinder the process, but less so with online outputs. Lots of risk due to some lack of expertise and staff. Possibly the same media outputs as competitor record companies therefore making the market hard to become established in. OPPORTUNITIES THREATS As technology develops more opportunities to apply music. To establish a larger fan base for artist roster at a quicker rate. To make artist roster internationally recognised. New sources of revenue e.g. ringtones and video games. Sell single tracks that are performing well in local markets to major record labels to market yet receiving royalties and retaining intellectual property rights. Lots of competition, with many artists creating their own record companies. Lack of piracy control. Major record labels re-establishing market share through new innovations. New legislations could cause problems in terms of artist awareness. Consumer tastes are ever changing. 3.0 Aims Objectives When developing the objectives many were discarded taking budget and resources in to consideration. The above objectives are a good indication as to what Mystical Records could achieve once various marketing tools and strategies have been implemented. Corporate Mission / Aim To become an established company both online and offline, that solely signs, promotes and manages up and coming artists. Key Objectives To raise the bulk of revenues though the online activities. To establish up to 8 digital communications of music for each artist. To establish a range of promotional activities in order to increase awareness of the artist roster. To establish a fan base of at least 8000 people through online social networks in 12 months. 4.0 Segmentation Mystical Records is a record company that manages artists under urban music style, therefore covering music genres such as RB, Hip Hop, Dancehall and related styles. Therefore automatically segmenting the entire population to those only interested in urban music. Further segmenting is derived through geographic, demographic and psychographic variables. 4.1 Geographic Geographic Segmentation defines customers according to their location (Brassington Pettitt, 2002). As a company based in the UK the large majority of current and potential fans will be from surrounding areas. Due to the majority of media outputs being online the potential fan base extends to a global field. As Thallie has a big background in Mauritius, the population there is part of the potential fan base. 4.2 Demographic According to Brassington and Pettitt (2002), demographic segmentation tells you a little more about the customer and the customer household on measurable criteria that are largely descriptive, such as age, gender, race, income, and occupation. Music in general has been almost equally shared between genders over the last 10 years. (Appendix 15). Though urban music originates from black African Americans, our offerings are for those of all races. The large majority of the population that engages in music via the internet are those aged between 16 to 25 years old. (Appendix 5). Urban music within the American markets only consists of roughly 22% of all music, however with digital innovations giving the ability to remix music into other genres the majority of the youth to adult market are potential fans. (15 to 29 years old) (Appendix 15). This age range concentrates on those who are students to working professionals; however the music on offer is available to all, especially due to low prices. 4.3 Psychographic Psychographic bases for segmentation centre on perceptual issues. (West et al, 2006). This element of segmentation considers those who listen and live urban music. Therefore including those who listen to specific radio stations and shows, those who attend specific night club events (both clubbers DJs), those who are involved with online networks, blogs and forums, and all related fields to urban music outputs. In particular our online offerings will be directed towards internet users and online social networkers. With music videos being placed on site such as YouTube to raise awareness and let fans comment on. YouTube carries more than 100 million videos a day (Appendix 8). 5.0 Targeting Now that the market segments have been established, strategies must be put in place in order to target each segment. Due to the majority of outputs being through online mediums, it is possible to apply music to more entities with both lower costs and lower risk. There are 3 general strategies by which targeting can occur (Dibb Simkin, 1996): Mass Marketing Strategy: This is where one marketing strategy is applied to the entire market, which leads to low production costs but carries this disadvantage that all customer seek different benefits. Multi Marketing Strategy: This is where the one large market is broken down to smaller markets and all offered different marketing strategies. This method caters for all however in some circumstances can require large financial resources. Single Marketing Strategy: This strategy is sometimes known as a niche strategy, where all marketing efforts are concentrated on one particular market. This can be very risky however if successful can be profitable. For Mystical Records the most viable targeting strategy would be a mixture of both multi and mass marketing strategy. As there will be a range of media outputs used, where there will be slightly different marketing strategies for each, there will be an element of a multi marketing strategy; therefore each media output will relate to a particular segment. Other segments that will be targeted differently include offline segments, such a night clubbers, DJs, and other media outputs. However in general for online segments there will be one mass marketing strategy and for offline segments there will be a mass marketing strategy therefore making it a more effective and competitive method for such a company. 6.0 Positioning As the music industry becomes increasingly competitive, in particular with more and more artists producing music under their own record labels it is important to be established as a recognised and positive company. According to Fill (2006) all products and all organisations have a position. In terms of Mystical Records becoming recognised within the industry and having more artists to sign with us, the marketing message of being a fun and innovative company will be sung. In particular our offering of online concerts will be the main focal point. In terms of Thallie, she will be marketed as a new up and coming artist with an exotic international background, proving to have some competitive advantage over other artists in similar situations. 7.0 Product Portfolio The product portfolio consists of the distribution of music, produced and marketed in a number of formats, such as CDs, music videos, events, live stream shows and digital downloads. The record labels main feature and source of revenue is the artist roster, which currently consists of one performer called Thallie. Thallie This artist is our first signing and therefore will be given maximum attention in making her a great musician. Thallie is an up and coming artist, originally from Mauritius but now looking to tackle the international market, and is now based in the UK. She is a singer with an urban style, producing music in a range of related genes music such as RB, Hip Hop, Dancehall. Back at home she has been known as the prospering version of Shakira (a world famous artist). CDs This media format will primarily be used as a promotional tool. In order to raise awareness of Thallie and her music, CDs will be distributed to radio stations, and at all events and gigs at which Thallie will perform at. There will be a small number of CDs available to purchase as a support to revenue. Music Videos Music videos of Thallies songs will be produced in order to be placed in a number of outputs. Like CDs, these music videos will be used to promote the artist to her current and potential fan base. The music videos will be uploaded online on social networks such as YouTube, Facebook, and MySpace, therefore allowing and encouraging fans to comment and discuss the artists music and create a following. This method will also be an ideal approach to launching new single tracks and other material. The music videos will also be made available for music television and other related outputs. Events (Offline) In order to raise awareness directly to current and potential fans, there will be a number of events, ranging from concerts, night club events and press releases. This element of the product portfolio will be one of the main sources of revenue, with fans having to pay for concert tickets and night club promoters having to pay a hiring fee for Thallie. Press releases will be the support activity in terms of promotions, however will be used a method to be recognised throughout the entire music industry. Live Stream Shows (Online) In recent years there have been many changes in the music industry, and new concept that has yet to be fully utilized is online concerts. As concerts have been a major source of revenue and as the internet has been the most popular means of obtaining music, putting the two together may possibly be another method by which record labels can prosper. Therefore by hosting live regular online concerts to Thallies global online fan base at a relatively low price a new income source can be created. Digital Downloads To support the live stream shows, digital downloads will be available to purchase at a variety of online locations. Fans and others interested in music will have the opportunity to purchase single tracks, albums, and short video clips. These downloads will be made available via the artists website and P2P sharing programmes, such as iTunes. Figure 1: BCG Matrix of Mystical Records Product Portfolio Music videos, events and digital downloads have all been placed as star products, as they all to have high potential growth and high market share. Music videos and digital downloads in recent years have been increasingly popular formats by which music is distributed and acquired and is therefore seen as a profitable source of revenue. Therefore the primary objective is to maintain and hold their current status and use it as a strategy to only develop and diminish. Thallie and live stream shows have both been placed under question marks, as they both have potentially high levels of growth, however they both currently have low market share. With changes within the industry and with technology as a whole both of these products are under building strategies and are projected to become star products and features. CDs have been placed in cash cows, as they are now seen as a traditional format by which music is distributed, however they will still be used for mostly promotional campaigns with the support of some sales. There will not be any major efforts made to sell physical CDs, but will be an ongoing production in order to maintain some regular income. 8.0 Place Strategies One of the most important processes of a record label is deciding where and how to deliver the artists music to the fans and other end users. By carefully implementing solid place strategies there can be an effective method by which the online arena can make an artists career. As a small record label there are limited budgets available, and therefore any chosen method of distribution must be carried out with due diligence. For Thallie, there will be a range of direct and indirect channels of distribution in order to market and sell her singles, albums and other material. The main location for this will be via the online arena, through her website and the record labels website. However there will be a number of channel intermediaries which will also be used to distribute and sell music to the fans and customers. In support there will be promotions and distribution through offline outlets such as local record stores and at events. The model below shows the various methods of distribution, with both direct and indirect channels. Thallies website can sometimes be seen as an indirect channel; however the same method will be used for future signings, and therefore is a direct link between the record label and the end users. = Indirect = Direct MYSTICAL RECORDS FAN BASE / CUSTOMERS / END USERS Record Stores P2P Sharing Systems Social Networks Thallies Website Figure 2: Channels of distribution 9.0 Promotional Strategies The selection of promotional activities to be used by Mystical Records will be a big challenge. They must suit the companys framework and budget, as well as be executed in a timely and efficient manner in order to achieve maximum results. The promotional campaign will hopefully lead to attracting a larger fan base, increased purchases, and establishing Thallie and Mystical Records within the music industry. A promotional mix will be implemented in order to promote the various musical productions by Thallie to her current and potential fan base. The mix consists of the following elements; advertising, direct marketing, personal selling, sales promotion, and public relations, however areas such as viral marketing, sponsorship and networking can also be included. 9.1 Advertising The first element of the promotional mix is advertising, this is where paid for messages and ideas are published to the public in order to inform, remind and persuade them. In the case of Mystical Records, advertising will be used to promote Thallies musical releases both online and offline. However more focused will be placed on offline advertisements due to their being many free advertising opportunities online. As a large portion of our target audiences are the youth market, advertising on global music websites can be an effective method to both reach and inform them of new offerings and events. Though traditional media formats are decreasing in popularity there are still opportunities to advertise in magazines and newspapers about new releases. However due to financial resources being lower advertising will be selective in terms of placing and regularity. 9.2 Sales Promotions / Incentives One of the most important aspects of the use of promotional tools is the incentives used to attract fans and customers to purchase Thallies music. For new customers registering their details via Thallies website or the record labels website, they will be offered free 10 minute viewing of upcoming live online concerts. This will both engage customers in purchasing the full showing of the concert and attract their friends and family to also register. Additionally monthly draws will be held giving selected customers free viewings of entire live online concerts or the chance to win tickets to regular live concerts or other freebies. For dedicated fans there will be further incentives of receiving free signed posters and CDs or even being chosen to feature in music videos. 9.3 Direct Marketing Once fans and customers have registered their details, information can be sent on a regular basis. For example details about special offers, events and new releases can be sent out through regular monthly emails to fans and customers. Information can be sent in a customised manner, making the communications with fans more personal. Traditional formats of direct marketing can be used a support tool, however due to this method costing a lot to be effective, an eCommerce (online channels) and mCommerce (mobile channels) channels of marketing is preferred. 9.4 Personal S

A Study Of Wordsworths Poetry Essays -- essays research papers

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