F. Scott Fitzgerald s The Great Gatsby - 1720 Words

The American Dream is defined as the idea that all citizens of the United States of America are able to have an equal chance to gain success, and to prosper through hard work and determination. The American Dream is the driving force of evolution in humanity. It allows the aspiration of being able to do astonishing things, and proffers them prosperity in life. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald delves into the American Dream and it’s demise. Fitzgerald focuses on the character of Jay Gatsby to materialize the false image that the American Dream created in the 1920’s. Gatsby is the protagonist of the novel, and is famous for throwing massive parties regardless of the secret life that he lives. The narrator, Nick Carraway, dives into†¦show more content†¦After losing Daisy, Gatsby begins his search for the American Dream. Fitzgerald states that, The truth was that Jay Gatsby, of West Egg, Long Island, sprang from his Platonic conception of himself. He was a son of God—a phrase which, if it means anything, means just that—and he must be about His Father’s business, the service of a vast, vulgar, and meretricious beauty. So he invented just the sort of Jay Gatsby that a seventeen year old boy would be likely to invent, and to this conception he was faithful to the end (98). Nick uses a comparison between Gatsby and Jesus to highlight Gatsby’s recreation of himself. Gatsby transforms himself into what he envisions his life to be, creating a false persona in his chase of the American Dream. He hides behind Jay Gatsby, because James Gatz will not be able to achieve the American dream if he tries due to his background. Fitzgerald uses words like â€Å"truth†, â€Å"God†, â€Å"vulgar†, â€Å"meretricious†, and â€Å"faithful† to prove the lengths that Gatsby goes through to try to meet the American Dream. The initial time that Jay Gatsby is seen is when Nick Carraway spots him at the end of his dock. Nick watched Gatsby as, ...he stretched out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way, and, far as I was from him, I could have sworn he was trembling. Involuntarily I glanced seaward—and distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far away, that might have been the end of a dock (21). As Gatsby reaches out

Proposing a solution for global warming Free Essays

INTRODUCTION. The occurrence of increased average temperature in the earth’s surface air and water bodies in the recent decades and its projected continuation constitutes global warming.  These increments in temperatures are due to higher amounts of green gas concentrations, which warm the surface and lower atmosphere thereby increasing the green house effects  On the other hand, natural phenomena such as volcanoes and solar variation have also impacted on global warming(1). We will write a custom essay sample on Proposing a solution for global warming or any similar topic only for you Order Now Increased global temperatures results into other changes such as sea level rise, changes in precipitation patterns that result in floods, droughts and glacier retreat. These adverse effects of global warming have sparked off serious debate especially after Intergovernmental Panel on Climatic change (IPCC) projected climatic models that global surface temperatures are likely to increase to 6.40C (2.0 TO 110F) between 1990 and 2100.(2)The debate focuses on world scale regarding, what, if any, action should be taken to adapt to expected consequences or reduce future warming.  There is however a general agreement that affirmative action should be taken to avert further crisis.(3) To this effect, most governments have signed and ratified the Kyoto Protocol aimed at reducing the green gas emissions, which cause global warming. The major challenge to this process is that industrialized nations who are the major contributors of green house gases such as America are reluctant to make this worthy commitment(4).  The main aim of Kyoto protocol is to reduce â€Å"Anthropogenic Climatic Change†(Human induced changes).It is believed that implementation of the Kyoto protocol will plummet these climatic changes. However, thermal inertia of the earth’s ocean and slow responses of other indirect effects would still cause further warming but at drastically reduced levels that are not very harmful (at 0.90f) as indicated by climatic changes studies.(5) The scientific consensus indicates levels of green house gases due to human activity. In 1824, Joseph Fourier discovered the green gas effect, and Svante Arrhenius investigated it quantitatively in 1896.Green house effect is the process by which absorption and emission by infrared radiation by atmospheric gases warms a planet’s atmosphere and its surface(6). The green house gases include natural ones such as water vapor, carbondioxide, methane, ozone and nitrous oxide. Atmospheric concentrations of carbon and methane have increased by 31% and 149% above pre-industrial revolution times since 1970.This occurrence has been attributed to fossil fuel burning and other anthropogenic causes such as deforestation.(7)Further, carbon dioxide levels are expected to increase due to ongoing fossil fuel burning processes around the globe. And land use change. This will depend on uncertain economic, technological and natural developments.(8) IPCC projected increase of methane from melting permafrost peat bogs in Siberia may lead to significant additional sources of green gas emissions.(9)  Thus, the effect of global warming including sea level rise, extreme weather events, stream flows, and change in rainfall patterns, increased deaths, displacements and increased economic losses projected due to extreme weather may even be exacerbated by increased population densities.(10) There is also expected reduction of ozone layer, intensity and frequency of hurricanes and worse, spread of diseases such as malaria and other epidemiological related ailments. A typical example is the current heavy rains experienced in Britain, which scientists have attributed to be, and effect of global warming.(11) The scientists, lead by Peter Stott at Hadley center, have used computer models in finding evidence to predict the course of global warming which all show heavy rainfall as it is documented in the local daily, The Independent. The effects of these rains have been disastrous with many Britons fleeing their homes.(12) Britain is currently making headlines in the world media; only because of the destructive results its citizens are experiencing from the heavy rains. The new Prime Minister called a crisis meeting with the top leadership of his government in response to this crisis.(13)  The rains have left many Britons desperate and in dire need of humanitarian assistance. Droughts attributed to global warming currents witnessed in several parts of the world such as Sub-Saharan Africa has left their citizens in famine and utter penury,(14) malnourished only to depend on aid. Surely the world cannot continue like this, it is only prudent, affirmative action is taken to avert this situation THE   Ã‚  SOLUTIONS. Just as it is called Global warming, it needs global solution, which calls for nothing other than global input. Participation of the whole globe is necessary without exclusion of any particular state or individual.  Efficiency in the use of energy (Use of renewable energy) is a major step to reduce global warming to reduce dependenc4 on oil and other fossil fuels that cause global warming. Currently, over 70% of USA electricity comes from fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas and oil in contrast to only 2% from renewable energy sources(15). We should therefore focus on sources such as wind, solar, georthermal and bioenergy to generate our electricity instead of fossil fuel sources that increase global warming emissions. It is indeed true that these measures need radical step. Fortunately, we have the solutions, and the energy to implement them(16). What we lack is the will. The steps we make will in most cases save consumer’s money. Radical measures include total overhaul of our practices, where instead of Deforestration, we should plant trees in bare lands. Deforestation accounts for 20% of global warming. We should therefore protect threatened forests(17).  Most scientists believe postponing these measures would require much more input once severe consequences occur than if we had implemented them today. Pollution of the atmosphere needs to stop forthwill, it will become an irreversible damage and we had better stopped the practice. Carboon dioxide remains in the atmosphere for about 100 years.(18) Pollution practice would require more duration to reverse its effects on global warming, we better prevent this. Waste damping particularly in water bodies such as rivers needs to be addressed to avoid decomposition and subsequent release of carbon dioxide that would increase the green house effect in the atmosphere.(19) We must also strive to reduce the production of Chlorofluorocarbons that are powerful green house gases and ozone depleters .(20) For such a radical course, legislation control from the central government in different democracies and even globally is apparent. However, individual citizens must institute in themselves the required environmental standards to make it their own initiative to act on this end. For instance it would be wiser to use a push mower to cut your lawn instead of a power mower(21). Or have a low water-use machine. It is also wise to reduce the water heater thermostat heating degree. Buying energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs for most used lights in the house is also important. A solar water heater system instead of electric or other fuel use is wiser move. In addition, an individual should drive a fuel-efficient car or a new hybrid gasoline electric vehicle. Insulating homes, installing energy efficient showerheads and even tuning up of the furnace are some of the basic steps individuals should implement to reduce global warming(22). Wise and committed person (not necessarily an environmentalist) should also contact his or her utility company for a home energy audit check for poor insulations or energy-inefficient places in the home. Other credible moves to reduce global warming by individuals include wrapping up the heater in an insulating jacket. Workers should also consider leaving their cars at home for some days and then walking to work or alternatively using public means of transport. Recycling of wastes newsprint, cardboard, glass and metals are also better alternatives to using non-renewable that emit green gases after use.(23) People should also consider buying food and other products with less packaging or reusable packaging instead of those in non-recyclable packaging. I believe most measures outlined above are but mere common sence, very achievable if we introduce discipline amongst ourselves.(24) Drastic reduction of global warming will have much more benefits that would outweigh possible risks involved in its implementation. We as humans must entitle ourselves to tackle the anthropogenic causes of global warming to treat the world we live in(25). The world’s leading scientific authority on global warming documents that the warming of the last 50 years has been due to anthropogenic (human caused) green house gases. The panel, after monitoring current trend of human approach to the envoiroment, further says the rise could be by 50C this century.(26) This would represent twice the entire warming after the last ice age 12000 years ago and it would take place in 100 years. Shocking! More confirmation to human destructive trends on the atmosphere were detailed in the recent statement by the American Geophysical Union that there is no known geological precedent for the transfer of Carbon from the Earth crust to the atmospheric carbon dioxide. Inequalities comparable to the burning of fossil fuels, without simultaneous changes in other parts of the carbon cycle and climate system( 27). We must therefore strive to achieve our aim through all means including institutionalization of global warming reduction programs such as developing systems to clean our electric power plants, currently using coal to produce electricity. This should be converted into plants that burn cleaner natural gas.(27) In addition, harnessing clean, abundant energy of the sun and wind is a viable measure to solving the global warming problem.  We have what it takes to make the globe a better place to live in. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The havoc global warming has caused the earth is perhaps the greatest. From its effects such as floods, droughts we have seen, read and understood the implications of destroying our atmosphere.(28) Millions of lives have been lost through its related effects.  Implementation of the possible solutions outlined in this essay, provides the framework for improving our livelihood in the globe.  For this worthy course, every single individual or nation on the globe must play an active role through involvement in the pragmatic measures aimed at alleviating global warming from the world.This should be done today. REFERENCES 1,2,3 .Revkin, Andrew C, Rise in Gases Unmatched by a history in ancient ice, The New York times, 2005-11-05 4-9Tans, Peter, Trends in Atmospheric carbon dioxide, Mauna Loa.National oceanicand Atmospheric Administration. 10-14Hansen, James; et al (2006-09-26) Global temperature Change PNAS 103 14288-14293 15-23Purse, Betham V, Philips (Feb 2005) Climate change and the recent emergence of bluetongue in Europe (2) 171-181 24-28Harte, John, et al, Shifts in Plant Dominance Control Carbon Cycle Response To Experimental Warming and widespread drought environmental research letters How to cite Proposing a solution for global warming, Essay examples

Jury Nullification and Its Effects on Black Americ Essay Example For Students

Jury Nullification and Its Effects on Black Americ Essay aIt is obvious that significant improvements have been made in the way that the criminal justice system deals with Blacks during the history of the United States. Blacks have not always been afforded a right to trial, not to mention a fair one. Additionally, for years, Blacks were unable to serve on juries, clearly affecting the way both Blacks and whites were tried. Much of this improvement has been achieved through various court decisions, and other improvements have been made through federal and state legislatures. Despite these facts, the development of the legal system with regard to race seems to have become stagnant. Few in this country would argue with the fact that the United States criminal justice system possesses discrepancies which adversely affect Blacks in this country. Numerous studies and articles have been composed on the many facets in which discrimination, or at least disparity, is obvious. Even whites are forced to admit that statistics indicate that the Black co mmunity is disproportionately affected by the American legal system. Controversy arises when the issue of possible causes of, and also solutions to, these variations are discussed. Although numerous articles and books have been published devising means by which to reduce variance within the system, the most recent, and probably most contentious, is that of Paul Butler, Associate Professor of Law, George Washington University Law School, and former Special Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Columbia. Butlers thesis, published in an article in the Yale Law Journal, is that for pragmatic and political reasons, the black community is better off when some nonviolent lawbreakers remain in the community rather than go to prison. The decision as to what kind of conduct by African-Americans ought to be punished is better made by African-Americans themselves.1 The means by which Butler proposes for Blacks to implement these decisions is termed jury nullification. By placing the race of the defendant above the facts of the case, and thus producing either an acquittal or a hung jury, Butler hopes that Blacks will be able to keep a large portion of Black ma les out of prison. Although several commentators have voiced criticisms with the ideas of Professor Butler, most of these criticisms focus on what is best for the American legal system, what legal precedents dictate, or as is most often the case, on what is right. It is, however, negligent to simply focus on these issues when examining the proposal of Professor Butler. Instead criticism and analysis must be based upon what is best for the Black community in this country. From this perspective it becomes clear that although race-based jury nullification has many attractive features, it must be modified to be truly beneficial. The first step in analyzing Butlers conception of jury nullification is to examine problems which Butler claims cause a need for a solution. These problems are flaws in the criminal justice system, intrinsic or otherwise, which present themselves as disparities in treatment of whites and Blacks. In any policy discussion, formulation of a plausible and effective solution clearly mus t be based upon the nature of the problem. Butler lists many examples of racism in the criminal justice system, but many are simply specific cases meant to illustrate his point. Although these cases are important, they are nearly impossible to discuss in a general examination of discrimination in the justice system because specific cases do not necessarily entail widespread discrimination. However, Butler does cite past and contemporary administration of the death penalty, disparities between punishments for white-collar crimes and punishments for other crimes, more severe penalties for crack cocaine users than for powder cocaine users, and the high rate of incarceration of African-American men.2 All arguments regarding Butlers thesis must be framed within the context of these problems, if not directly addressing them. Although Butler lists it last, he does note that the problem of high incarceration rates among Black males is the one noted most frequently. This problem is one which is essential to the discussion of jury nullification, and should be explored specifically for a number of reasons. First, whatever the reason, the number of Black men in prison is frighteningly high. One out of every twelve black males in their 20s is in prison or jail. Additionally, there are seven Black males in prison for every one white male.3 More than half of all black males are under the supervision of the justice system in some way.4 These two factors indicate a very important trend. A high number of black males are in prison, and many more black males are in prison than white males. This would definitely lead a reasonable person to assume at least some measure of discrimination within the criminal justice system. Secondly, and perhaps more significantly, the high rate of incarceration, upon further examination, leads to conclusions about its causes which then shed light on the discussion of jury nullification. The first step in examining this phenomenon is to examine what role racism plays in the high rate. There are several levels within the system at which discrimination could occur.The initial contact which anyone has with the justice system is with the police. The police are the institution which serve as a gateway to the legal system, and thus it is only logical to look here first. First, in 1984 almost 46% of those arrested for violent crimes were Black, while Blacks constitute only about 12% of the national population on the whole. 5 Overall, Blacks are twice as likely to be arrested when compared to whites.6 This data could be construed to mean simply that Blacks commit more crimes than whites. Although this may be true, the argument that police behavior is undistorted by racial discrimination flatly contradicts most studies, which reveal what many police officers freely admit: that police use race as an independently significant, if not determinative, factor in deciding whom to fo llow, detain, search, or arrest.7Despite the fact that discrimination may exist among police, the arrest figures still do not account for the vast disparity in incarceration rates. So other aspects of the criminal justice system must be examined. Another level in which discrimination can be claimed is that of the prosecutor. Because prosecutors have such enormous discretion when deciding which charges to file, which penalties to seek, and which cases to prosecute, there are many instances in which a prosecutors racism can be turned into discrimination against a defendant. Indeed, statistical studies indicate that prosecutors are more likely to pursue full prosecution, file more severe charges, and seek more stringent penalties in cases involving minority defendants than in cases involving nonminority defendants.8This discrimination becomes even more evident, and disturbing, when examining the death penalty. A study in Georgia found that in matched cases, prosecutors sought the death penalty in 70 percent of the cases in which a Black killed a white, and 15 percent of the cases in which a white killed a Black.9 Although these numbers cannot be extrapolated to indict the entire nations prosecutors, other figures do indicate vast disparity. In McCleskey v. Kemp, the defendant introduced a comprehensive, multiple regression analysis of the death penalty, done by Professor David Baldus. The study controlled for 230 independent variables, and indicated that race is by far the most important factor in whether a defendant receives the death penalty. It also found that Black killers of white victims are far more likely than white killers of Black victims to receive the death penalty.10 Although the Court upheld the death penalty, it only did so because of precedent which states that discrimination must be proved through demonstration of intent, and not just results.This disparity is reflected in the number of Black death row inmates. The NAACP Legal Defense fund report s that nearly 39 percent of the inmates on death row in the 35 states in which the death penalty is used. It also found that of all federal death row inmates, 67 percent are Black.11Despite the fact that these statistics are startling and important, they are insufficient to justify race-based jury nullification at face value. First, the studies of Dean Alfred Blumstein of Carnegie-Mellon and of Joan Petersilia of the RAND Corporation conclude that about 80 percent of the black overrepresentation in prison can be explained by differential involvement in crime and about 20 percent by subsequent racially discriminatory processes.12 Twenty percent is definitely significant and does deserve action, but it is not as high of a number as some might speculate, and therefore might dictate a more moderate solution. This will be discussed further later. Second, the crime and delinquency rates of incarceration, and rates of arrest and of victimization of those who move away from these slums are indistinguishable from whites of the same social class.13 This fact suggests that socioeconomic factors are very important in the existence of crime. Butler argues that the this fact is simply more impetus for the implementation of his plan. He asserts that discrimination and segregation deprive Blacks of adequate opportunity to improve their social and economic standing. He describes a radical critique, by which he states he is persuaded, in which the radical critic deduces that but for the (racist) environment, the African-American criminal would not be a criminal.14 Certainly this is a compelling argument. It is not clear, however, exactly how economic inequalities cause crime. Logic would certainly support the idea that Blacks, faced with stark living conditions, would commit crime either to strike back at whites or to attain more wealth. There are several problems with this idea, however. First, many crimes are unrelated, if not contrary, to acquisition of wealth. Not all murde rs are committed over material goods, and assuredly drug use in no way is helpful to the attainment of financial security. Second, to assume that crime is dictated by social or psychological purposes is to ignore that fact that in most cases commission of criminal acts is governed by the proximity, ease, and convenience of reward. In short, crime is an ill-conceived mechanism for the redistribution of wealth or for the extraction of revenge on ones oppressors, and no racial or ethnic group believes otherwise.15 Once again, the merits of jury nullification in alleviating these problems will be discussed, as will other solutions, later. The True Tragic Hero in Sophocles Antigone EssayThe question, then, is how can progress be made? One significant omission on Butlers part is a set of goals or requests which would make Butlers intentions clearly known. The only goal which Butler discusses is the release of Black males into the community. He even neglects analysis of possible changes which he would hope to instigate through jury nullification. Inclusion of specific reforms which would be desired would have two positive effects. First, it would help to avoid white backlash. By demonstrating that jury nullification had specific purposes, Butler would deflect criticism that the plan is simply a racially selfish scheme to keep Blacks from receiving punishment. Explicit goals would also make it clear to the public that there are discriminatory practices which Butler wishes to end. Second, only by explaining what jury nullification is meant to accomplish can the government be expected to reform the criminal justice system . This is especially true if the goals include public policy changes not directly related to the legal system, such as the elimination of discriminatory housing practices or augmentation of job training programs. Then, if jury nullification proves effective, and the government is forced to some concessions, Blacks will benefit much more than just from the release of Black males. Clearly, Blacks have much more to expect from public policy and the criminal justice system than they currently experience. Discrimination, to at least some extent, occurs at almost every level of the system. Although there is no way to be sure whether racism, socioeconomics, or some other mysterious factor is to blame for the high level of Black incarceration, clearly something ought to change. Jury nullification, despite some gaps in Butlers explanation and justification, is one of the only methods by which Blacks can hope to affect change. Even if Paul Butler accomplishes nothing else, he can reasonably expect to achieve one goal: raising awareness of race in criminal justice. As Butler states in the conclusion of his article, Perhaps, when policy makers acknowledge that race matters in criminal justice, the criminal law can benefit from the successes and failures of race consciousness in other areas of the law To get criminal justice past the middlepoint, I hope that the Essay wi ll facilitate a dialogue among all Americans in which the significance of race will not be dismissed or feared, but addressed.271 See Paul Butler, Racially Based Jury Nullification: Black Power in the Criminal Justice System, 105 Yale Law Review No. 3. This article was retrieved using LEXIS, thus no specific page numbers are available. The page range of the article was originally 677-725. 2 Id. 3 See Norval Morris, Race and Crime: What evidence is There That Race Influences Results in the Criminal Justice System?, 72 Judicature No.2, (1988) at 112. 4 Butler, supra note 1. 5 See Bureau of the Census, Statistical Abstract of the United States 25 (106th edition, 1986). 6 Morris, supra note 3. 7 See 101 Harvard Law Review (1988)at 1472. 8 See Harvard Law Review at 1520. 9 Morris, supra note 3. 10 See McCleskey v. Kemp, 107 Supreme Court (1987). 11 See Coramae Richey Mann, Unequal Justice (1993) at 202-3. 12 Morris, supra note 3. 13 Morris, supra note 3. 14 Butler, supra note 1. 15 Michael R. Gottfredson and Travis Hirschi, A General Theory of Crime (1990), at 152. 16 Butler, supra note 1. 17 See William Julius Wilson, The Truly Disadvantaged: the inner city, the underclass, and public policy (1990), at 91. 18 See Kate Stith, The Government Interest in Criminal Law: Whose Interest Is It, Anyway?, Public Values in Constitutional Law (Stephen E. Gottlieb ed., 1993), at 137, 15819 Randall Kennedy, The State, Criminal Law, and Racial Discrimination: A Comment, 107 Harvard Law Review (1994), at 1262. 20 Morris, supra note 3. 21 Morris, supra note 3. 22 See Douglas S. Massey, Americas Apartheid and the Urban Underclass, Social Service Review (December 1994), at 480. 23 Butler, supra note 1. 24 Michael Vitiello, Reconsidering Rehabilitation, 65 Tulane Law Review (1991). 25 Benjamin A. Holden, Laurie P. Cohen, and Eleena De Lisser, Does Race Affect Juries? Injustice with Verdicts, Chicago Sun-Times (October 8, 1995) at 28. 26 Butler, supra note 1. 27 Butler, supra note 1. 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Truman CapoteS In Cold Blood Essay Example For Students

Truman CapoteS In Cold Blood Essay Truman CapoteS In Cold BloodTruman Capote was first introduced to the story of the brutal killing of the Clutter family â€Å"†¦one morning in November of 1959, while flicking through The New York Times, I encountered on a deep inside page, this headline: Wealthy Farmer, 3 of Family Slain† (Capote, 3). He decided to write about the crime committed in Kansas, because â€Å"murder was a theme not likely to darken and yellow with time† (Capote, 3). Capote promptly headed for Kansas, where he spent six years researching, solving, and writing about the unforgivable act. Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood, the final product of his years of research, is a masterfully written account of the cold-blooded murder of the Clutter family in Holcomb, Kansas in 1959. We will write a custom essay on Truman CapoteS In Cold Blood specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now In writing In Cold Blood, Capote presents the blood-curdling story of the brutal killing of the Clutter family in a journalistic style, and is able to exclude his point of view on all of the events; â€Å"The most difficult thing in In Cold Blood is that I never appear in it, but I solved it†¦The whole thing was done from Al Dewey’s point of view† (Newsweek, 60). Because of Capote’s immeasurable talent for writing, he is able to present factual events, just as in a journalistic article, in a style that seems similar to a fiction novel. His focus in In Cold Blood is on the facts of the events which occur before, during, and after the murder of Mr. Clutter; Kenyon, his fifteen year old son; Nancy, his 16 year old daughter; and, Bonnie, his wife. Capote’s emphasis on the facts can be seen through his thorough account of what the murderers, Perry Smith and Dick Hickock, took from the Clutter’s house, which was about thirty dollars from Mr. Clutterà ¢â‚¬â„¢s billfold, â€Å"†¦some change and a dollar or two† (239) from Mrs. Clutter, a silver dollar from Nancy, and a radio. Added up, Perry and Dick gained â€Å"between forty and fifty dollars† (246) from their visit to the Clutter’s house. As well as being written in a journalistic style, In Cold Blood is written in a documentary style, which switches â€Å"†¦back and forth from the worlds of the Clutter family, and later of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, to the terrible half-world in which the two murderers live† (McCabe, 561). By writing in the documentary style, Capote is able to be specific about the thoughts, feelings, and actions of all of the characters separately, making each character’s situation and point of view clear to the reader. Throughout In Cold Blood, Perry Smith is presented to the reader as a heartless and savage murderer, but during his confession, he says, â€Å"I didn’t want to harm the man. I thoug ht he was a very nice gentleman. Soft-spoken. I thought so right up to the moment that I cut his throat† (302), which makes the readers realize that it is not his savage nature that drives him to murder; it is Smith’s mental condition that does not allow him to feel that his actions are wrong. Along with being a journalistic and documentary piece of literature, In Cold Blood can also be classified as a detective story, because of all of the research and detective work that Capote, himself, did in order to write this extraordinary work, and because of all of the detective work incorporated into the plot. Al Dewey is the chief detective in solving the murders and figuring out the murderers. In actuality, Capote’s detective work and research on the Clutter murders parallels Al Dewey’s work in the non-fiction novel. The combination of the journalistic, documentary, and detective styles of writing in In Cold Blood is what makes this work brilliant and masterful ly written. Through the use of these three styles of writing, Capote is able to present the factual account of the detective work on solving the murders; the events before, during, and after the murders; and personal accounts of all of the characters involved. This combination of styles not only presents all of the possible accounts of the murders, but it also presents the events as a story, such as a fictional novel would present its plot. The unification of journalistic, documentary, and detective styles of writing proves to compose an unsurpassed form of non-fiction. .u89b347ecd70fb0546c82258d5cee342a , .u89b347ecd70fb0546c82258d5cee342a .postImageUrl , .u89b347ecd70fb0546c82258d5cee342a .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u89b347ecd70fb0546c82258d5cee342a , .u89b347ecd70fb0546c82258d5cee342a:hover , .u89b347ecd70fb0546c82258d5cee342a:visited , .u89b347ecd70fb0546c82258d5cee342a:active { border:0!important; } .u89b347ecd70fb0546c82258d5cee342a .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u89b347ecd70fb0546c82258d5cee342a { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u89b347ecd70fb0546c82258d5cee342a:active , .u89b347ecd70fb0546c82258d5cee342a:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u89b347ecd70fb0546c82258d5cee342a .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u89b347ecd70fb0546c82258d5cee342a .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u89b347ecd70fb0546c82258d5cee342a .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u89b347ecd70fb0546c82258d5cee342a .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u89b347ecd70fb0546c82258d5cee342a:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u89b347ecd70fb0546c82258d5cee342a .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u89b347ecd70fb0546c82258d5cee342a .u89b347ecd70fb0546c82258d5cee342a-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u89b347ecd70fb0546c82258d5cee342a:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Martin Heidegger EssayEnglish Essays

Differences in Chinese and American Cultures Essays

Differences in Chinese and American Cultures Essays Differences in Chinese and American Cultures Essay Differences in Chinese and American Cultures Essay The differences in Chinese culture and American culture are many. Language and dialects, the importance of family, a hierarchy, and traditions are pillars in Chinese culture. American culture is more , we can classify the different social things and human behaviors into three categories, depending upon the moral value system of a particular society: first, the good, these kinds of social things or behaviors demonstrate or conform to the moral ideal of the society; second, the appropriate, they conform to the basic moral norms of the society; third, the evil, they deviate from the basic moral norms of the society.Of which, both the first and second are acknowledged by the moral value system of a particular society and hence deemed as moral, and only they may be at different levels in the moral value system; whereas the third is regarded as immoral and necessarily prohibited by the moral value system of a particular society.In fact, among the social things or be haviors that are acknowledged by the moral value system of any society, there are always only very few that demonstrate or conform to the moral ideal, the majority of the social things or behaviors is merely appropriate. When the evil prevails over the appropriate, it means a collapse or dissolution of the societys moral value system, or even the entire social life.Should we ignore or deny the extremity in evaluating the good and evil, or amount the good and evil to the entire moral value attribute of social things and peoples behaviors, and then simply regard them as either good or evil with a dichotomy, we could end up either making the good condescend to the appropriate, or putting the things that should have belonged to the appropriate into the evil category, consequently, weakening the normalizing function during the evaluation through the good or evil, obscuring or watering down the significance of removing evil in favor of good, and even blocking the normal development of so cial life.The INTRODUCTION What does culture have to do with business? Many business majors and practitioners immersed in questions of financial forecasting, market studies, and management models have turned aside from the question of culture and how it affects business. But more and more organizations are finding themselves involved in communication across cultures, between cultures, among cultures; because they are doing business in foreign countries, perhaps, or because they are sourcing from another country, seeking financing from another country, or have an increasingly multicultural workforce.The globalization of the world economy, on one hand, has created tremendous opportunities for global collaboration among different countries; on the other hand, however, it has also created a unique set of problems and issues relating to the effective management of partnerships with different cultures. It can also be observed that most of the failures faced by cross-national companies are caused by neglect of cultural differences. With the increasing importance of the China market in the world economy, many businessmen rushed to enter China to explore business opportunities.It was reported that the great barriers caused by cultural differences like difficulty of communication, higher potential transaction costs, different objectives and means of cooperation and operating methods, have led to the failure of many Sino-foreign cooperation projects. Here is how arise some issues on â€Å"how to understand China† and â€Å"how to settle business† with Chinese people. Predominantly motivated by the quest for material inputs (oil and other primary commodities) required for its infrastructural investments and booming manufacturing sector, Chinese presence in Africa is rapidly growing.The rapid growth and significance of enhanced Chinese participation in Africa has important implications while talking about cultural aspects. To clarify the differences between C hina and Africa, I will focus on Hofstedes four cultural dimensions: power distance, individualism/collectivism, masculinity/femininity, and uncertainty avoidance and Bonds dimension about long-term/short-term orientation also called â€Å"Confucian Dynamism†. Hofstede is one of the first to adopt a pragmatic problem-solving approach in the field and relates culture to management.He defines culture as a kind of collective programming of the mind, which distinguishes the members of one category of people from another (Hofstede, 1980). He explained that culturally-based values systems comprised four dimensions: power distance, individualism/collectivism, masculinity/femininity, and uncertainty avoidance. Michael Bond (1989) in a further research discovered another dimension called long-term/short-term orientation. China and Africa differ greatly with regard to their economic systems, political systems, social values, and laws, despite the substantial changes that have occurred in China during recent years.Some differences can be found according to Hofstede studies on culture differences. First, in terms of power distance, China is centralized (though it has shown some tendency toward decentralized power) while Africa is relatively decentralized. In high power distance cultures, authority is inherent in one’s position within a hierarchy. There are strong dependency relationships between parents and children, bosses and subordinates and a significant social distance between superior and subordinate.In low power distance or power tolerance cultures, individuals assess authority in view of its perceived rightness. Second, we notice in both cases that contrary to western countries which have a strong individualism, China and Africa have a strong collectivism. Individualism-collectivism refers to the relative importance of the interests of the individual versus the interests of the group. In collectivistic societies, the interests of the group take prece dence over individual interests. People see themselves as part of in-groups and the in-groups look after them in exchange for their loyalty.In individualistic cultures, the interest of the individual takes precedence over the group’s interest. Third, Africa has higher value than China in masculinity, which indicates that Africa is medium masculinity while China is medium femininity. Masculinity-femininity or goal orientation pertains to the extent to which â€Å"traditional† male orientations of ambition and achievement are emphasized over â€Å"traditional† female orientations of nurturance and interpersonal harmony. Cultures differ on what motivates people to achieve different goals.Cultures of the aggressive goal behavior type (masculinity) value material possessions, money, and assertiveness whereas cultures of the passive goal behavior type (femininity) value social relevance, quality of life and welfare of others. Fourth, China and Africa have higher value s for uncertainty avoidance the West. This shows that in both sides, people are relatively risk-avoiding while western people are relatively risk-taking. Uncertainty avoidance captures the degree to which individuals in a culture feel threatened by ambiguous, uncertain, or new situations.Cultures are characterized as either high or low on uncertainty avoidance. Whereas low uncertainty avoidance cultures prefer positive response to change and new opportunities, high uncertainty avoidance cultures prefer structure and consistent routine. Last, Africa has a short-term orientation while China has a long-term orientation. Also called â€Å"Confucian dynamism†, this last dimension assesses a society’s capacity for patience and delayed gratification. Long-term oriented cultures (China and Hong Kong) tend to save more money and exhibit more patience in reaping the results of their actions.Short-term oriented cultures (African countries) want to maximize the present rewards and are relatively less prone to saving or anticipating long term rewards. It has been widely accepted that cultural differences greatly affect human thinking and behavior and thus business organizations in which people interact on the basis of shared values. Management is embedded in a wider societal setting, and is heavily influenced by local historical and cultural norms (DiMaggio and Powell, 1983). The significant ifferences between Africa and China seem to affect some aspects of their business management practice. Cultural Differences in business Strategies Because entrepreneurs mature within a societal context, their attitudes toward cooperation are likely to be influenced by the underlying values of their society (Weaver, 2000). As discussed above, Africa and China have a strong collectivism. People depend more on groups or institutions to determine what they should do and emphasize loyalty to the group.They are more likely to cooperate with others to avoid risks and reduce resp onsibilities. However due to the medium masculinity, Africans sometimes are reluctant to cooperate because their masculine culture view cooperation in general as a sign of weakness and place a high value on independence and control. In the process of cooperation, Chinese tend to pay more attention to relationships. I have to mention that the term â€Å"guanxi† which in English means relation or connection is at the center of businesses in China.In Weaver’s studies (2000), I found that entrepreneurs from societies that are masculine and individualistic have a lower appreciation for cooperative strategies as compared to entrepreneurs from societies that are feminine and collectivist in nature. Cultural Differences in Conflict Management In order to solve conflicts, Chinese and Africans have different ways. For Chinese where harmony and personal relationship are very important, they don’t like open conflict; therefore they use indirect ways to work out problems.Any time there is conflict, they use the authority to end up with it or settle things in private. Negotiation and compromise are determinant for them in this case. Contrary to them, Africans managers like Europeans or Americans, will directly confront problems and bring them out in the open. To resolve problems, everybody is involved in order to bring rational arguments and ideas to suggest solutions. We can notice that Chinese avoid this method because for them that will create disagreement which is very undesirable.African managers are reluctant to devote their time and efforts together in solving business conflicts. Other people’s help is needed. In contrast, according to Bond (1991), the strong collective orientation and uncertainty avoidance values in China encourage Chinese managers to use indirect forms of influence that involve the assistance of a third party. Indirect forms are used by Chinese managers to deal with a difficult or controversial request. In this way, they avoid losing face or damaging â€Å"guanxi†.Cultural Differences in Decision-making Risk-taking/Risk-avoiding Chinese and African managers differ from in the attitudes toward risks when they make decisions for their different values in uncertainty avoidance. Chinese managers with a high uncertainty-avoidance have a lack adventurous spirit and the sense of risks. Immediate decisions which make them lose the opportunity to compete in a market are avoided in the case they feel the circumstance is uncertain. Most of the time, they want to be safe by taking less risky decisions. For African managers, it is almost the same.Middle and lower level supervisors are less willing to make decisions without deference to superiors. The result is that decision-making takes much longer than anticipated and requires more input from players at various social and professional levels. Uncertainty Avoidance measures for Africa indicate low risk taking and a resistance to change which can further d elay projects which encounter problems mid-cycle. Levels of Participation in Decision-making The decision-making process involves making sense of ambiguity and taking risks (Jackson, 1993).The decision maker is working on the information available about what has already happened, what is assumed to have happened or is happening. The second aspect is future oriented (Brady, 1990). A risk is being taken because one is applying a perspective based on (often assumed) knowledge of the past, and projecting this to what might happen in the future if a certain course of action is followed. Chinese managers or African managers have different level of participation in decision- making. In China, decisions are participatory.Employees accept decisions handed down by their supervisors. Because of their unquestioning attitudes towards their supervisors, they resist participation in decision-making. In Africa, managers make individual decisions. They don’t consult with others but can defer to their supervisors. They value personal equality. To summarize, I can say that Chinese managers adopt the no participatory approach to decision-making. The decisions come from the higher superiors to the subordinates. However, since the reforms in China, things are changing.More and more, participatory decision-making is starting to be used in a certain number of companies. Cultural Differences in Work-group Characteristics The first difference about the work-group characteristics is the concept of â€Å"brotherhood, network, family feeling† which is at the heart of all Chinese interactions. In African business style which is quasi the western business style, managers focus on the deal, the possibilities, the risks and so on. There is less focus on the people they are doing business with.They may encourage their group members to learn from each other, to focus on task rather than on social and interpersonal relations, and to build the confidence required for superior perfor mance. They make difference between personal relationship and work. In China, it is the opposite. Chinese managers may initially focus more effort on building social and interpersonal relations (guanxi) before entering into business or contractual relationship. They would like to spend time developing and maintaining guanxi during the process of interaction and consider it as a prerequisite to do business.What sort of person you are is more important than what you do. A good deal of time is spent exploring peoples characters. People want to know your background, your family situation, your likes and dislikes. A good deal of business is conducted in banqueting halls. Chinese believe a persons true character comes out during these moments. The only purpose during these meetings is to see people’s other side, the human side. If they are comfortable with you, and if they think they can trust you, that you can be invited to â€Å"join the family†, you and your business are made.Chinese managers are not interested in short term; they want long, life-long business relations. However, as the economy has become increasingly marketized, privatized and competitive, the value and effectiveness of the Guanxi system has greatly deteriorated. In industries that have been substantially deregulated or privatized, or where there is vigorous competition, business is business, and Guanxi has been neutralized or marginalized. Relationships or connections now resemble that which we find elsewhere. Cultural Differences in Motivation SystemsIn business contexts, the motivations of employees, partners, superiors, contractees, social associates, and members of a society spring from cultural values, or what people think is important. In order to understand how to do business with members of another culture, it is necessary to understand what motivates them, to know where to begin and what you need to cover all necessary bases. According to Aguinis (2002), employees can be rewarded according to their performance (principle of equity), equally (principle of equality), or based on their needs (principle of need).In general, the equity principle is common in individualistic cultures while the equality principle is widely used in collectivistic cultures. Pay for performance and pay equity are the two main differences in motivation systems. From the 1950s until the 1980s, every aspect of Chinas economic activity was planned, controlled and operated by the government. There was no private ownership of any property or asset, and, consequently, no profit motive for individuals or enterprises. The government would allocate everyone a pre-defined slice of the â€Å"big pie. If anyone wanted more than what was allocated to him/her, it meant circumventing that system and getting someone in that allocation chain to provide a special favor. People were obliged to sacrifice their individual interests for those of the society. Cooperation, interdependence, group goa ls that create group harmony are applied in China. The sense of belonging and devoting to the group are important for Chinese people. Focusing on the view that one’s success is mainly based on group work; they believe that one cannot claim the reward just for oneself.Contrary to what some Chinese researchers argued on this part, I can say while setting salaries Chinese managers will not pay more attention to the working experience and academic qualifications of employees. In that case, the equality principle is reflected in the motivation system. For African managers, individual achievement is important. They are expected to achieve success only by their individual efforts. Value competition, achievement and personal goals are their main motivations in order to have plans to recognize their individual contributions.Their success relies on their own efforts. Talents and work performance of the employees will be considered by their superiors for salary increases and promotion. CONCLUSION As a result, understanding other cultures is more important than ever. If we consider that people from the same economic, political, and cultural background have problems communicating effectively; we can appreciate the difficulties and challenges that people from diverse cultures face when trying to communicate. Misunderstandings will always be a part of cultural aspects.The objective of this topic is more or less to minimize misunderstandings through an awareness of the priorities and expectations of business partners. In this period of Globalization, examination of cultural factors and the subtle ways in which culture affects business practices and patterns of market behavior should command increased attention from businessmen. Companies need to think outside the proverbial box when formulating their business strategies and when collaborating and forming business partnerships.As sometimes companies move to do business in other countries, a greater sensitivity to cultur e will be required and an understanding of cultural realities should facilitate business transactions. Knowing another culture is a legitimate concern of businesses. More than that, it is essential. Those who make effort the effort to understand another culture gain knowledge about how to behave in that culture. Otherwise, if you know what people value and understand their attitudes, you won’t unintentionally do something that offends and diminishes your chances for business success.In today’s global businesses’ context, the winners are not those who study the markets they deal with even if it’s important but those who study people they deal with. REFERENCES Adler, N. (1991), â€Å"Cultural Dimensions of Organizational Behavior†, Thomson Publishing Company Adler, N. (2001), â€Å"International Dimensions of Organizational Behavior†, South-Western Pub, 4th Edition Blunt, P; and Jones, M. L (1992), â€Å"Managing Organizations in South Africa †, Berlin:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Walter de Gruyter. Beamer L. and Varner Iris, (1998) â€Å"Intercontinental Communication in the Global Workplace†, New York: John Wiley ; Sons Beamer L. 2003, â€Å"Directness, Context and Facework in Chinese Business communication†, Journal of Business and Technical communication, Vol. 17, No. 2, 201-237 Beamer L. (1998) â€Å"Bridging Cultural Barriers†, China Business Review 5-6 1998, pp. 54-58 Boon, M. (1996), â€Å"The African Way: The Power of Interactive Leadership†, Zebra Press, Stanton Cohen R. , (1991) â€Å"Negotiating across cultures: International Communication in an Interdependent World†, Raymond Cohen Dia, M. (1991), â€Å"Development and cultural values in sub-Saharan Africa†, Finance and Development Hofstede, G. 1997), â€Å"Cultures and Organizations†, McGraw Hill Hofstede, G. (1984) â€Å"Culture’s consequences†, Sage, London and Beverly Hills Hofstede, G. (1991) †Å"Cultures and Organizations†, New York: McGraw-Hill International Hofstede, G. (1980), â€Å"Culture’s Consequences: International Differences in Work Related Values†, Newbury Park, CA: Sage Kalafatis, S. P. (2000), â€Å"Buyer-seller relationships along channels of distribution†, Industrial Marketing Management, Vol. 31 No. 3, pp. 215-28. Koopman, A. (1991), â€Å"Transcultural Management†, Oxford: Blackwell. Kovach K.A. (1987), â€Å"What motivates employees: workers and supervisors give different answers†, Business Horizons Vol. 30 No. 5, pp. 58-65. Levitt, T. (1983), â€Å"The globalization of markets†, Harvard Business Review, May-June, pp. 92-102. McCoy, F. (1995), â€Å"Doing Business in South Africa†, Black Enterprise, May, pp. 58-68. McLeod R. (1988), â€Å"China Inc. : Doing Business with the Chinese†, New York Bantam Books Mbigi, L. (1994), â€Å"The Spirit of African Management†, in P. Christie, R. les sem ; L. Mbigi (eds), â€Å"African Management, Knowledge Resources†, pp. 7-92. Mitchell C. (1999), â€Å"International business culture: building your international business through cultural awareness†, World Trade Press Prime, N. (1994), â€Å"Culture, temps et negociation commerciale†, Ph. D Thesis in Business Administration, Universite Pierre Mendes France, Ecole Superieure des Affaires, Grenoble Richmond, Y. ; Gestrin P. (1998), â€Å"Into Africa: Intercultural Insights† Intercultural Press. Robert Y. (2004), â€Å"What is Culture in Organizations†? Project Management Community Industry Article 3/2/2004 Storey J. 2000), â€Å"Cultural theory and popular culture: An Introduction†, Prentice Hall 3rd Edition Song Li (2004), â€Å"Gateway to Intercultural Communication†, Harbin University of Industry Press Victor D. (1993), â€Å"International business communication†, Harper-Collins Retrieved from articlesbase. com/internatio nal-business-articles/culture-differences-in-business-relationsthe-case-of-china-and-africa-1483226. html (ArticlesBase SC #1483226) Read more: articlesbase. com/international-business-articles/culture-differenc

Americans Getting Taller, Bigger, Fatter, Says CDC

Americans Getting Taller, Bigger, Fatter, Says CDC Average adult Americans are about one inch taller, but nearly a whopping 25 pounds heavier than they were in 1960, according to a 2002 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The bad news, says CDC is that average BMI (body mass index, a weight-for-height formula used to measure obesity) has increased among adults from approximately 25 in 1960 to 28 in 2002. The report, Mean Body Weight, Height, and Body Mass Index (BMI) 1960-2002: United States, shows that the average height of a men aged 20-74 years increased from just over 58 in 1960 to 59 and 1/2 in 2002, while the average height of a woman the same age increased from slightly over 53 1960 to 54 in 2002. Meanwhile, the average weight for men aged 20-74 years rose dramatically from 166.3 pounds in 1960 to 191 pounds in 2002, while the average weight for women the same age increased from 140.2 pounds in 1960 to 164.3 pounds in 2002. Though the average weight for men aged 20-39 years increased by nearly 20 pounds over the last four decades, the increase was greater among older men: Men between the ages of 40 and 49 were nearly 27 pounds heavier on average in 2002 compared to 1960.Men between the ages of 50 and 59 were nearly 28 pounds heavier on average in 2002 compared to 1960.Men between the ages of 60 and 74 were almost 33 pounds heavier on average in 2002 compared to 1960. As to the average weights for women: Women aged 20-29 were nearly 29 pounds heavier on average in 2002 compared to 1960.Women aged 40-49 were about 25 ½ pounds heavier on average in 2002 compared to 1960.Women aged 60-74 were about 17 ½ pounds heavier on average in 2002 compared to 1960. Meanwhile, the report documented that average weights for children are increasing as well: The average weight for a 10 year-old-boy in 1963 was 74.2 pounds; by 2002 the average weight was nearly 85 pounds.The average weight for a 10-year-old girl in 1963 was 77.4 pounds; by 2002 the average weight was nearly 88 pounds.A 15-year-old boy weighed 135.5 pounds on average in 1966; by 2002 the average weight of a boy that age increased to 150.3 pounds.A 15-year-old girl weighed 124.2 pounds on average in 1966; by 2002 the average weight for a girl that age was 134.4 pounds According to the report, average heights for children increased as well over the past four decades. For example: The average height of a 10-year-old boy in 1963 was 55.2 inches; by 2002 the average height of a 10-year-old boy had increased to 55.7 inches.The average height of a 10-year-old girl in 1963 was about 55.5 inches; by 2002 the average height of a 10-year-old girl had increased to 56.4 inches.In 1966, the average height of a 15-year-old boy was 67.5 inches or almost 57 ½; by 2002 the average height of a 15-year-old boy was 68.4 or almost 58 and 1/2.In 1996, the average height of a 15-year-old girl was 63.9 inches; by 2002 the average height of a 15-year-old girl had not changed significantly (63.8 inches). Average Body Mass Index (BMI) for children and teens has increased as well: In 1963, the average BMI for a 7-year-old boy was 15.9; in 2002 it was 17.0. For girls the same age, the average BMI increased from 15.8 to 16.6 over the same period.In 1966, the average BMI for a 16-year-old boy was 21.3; in 2002, it was 24.1. For girls the same age, the average BMI increased from 21.9 to 24.0 over the same period. The BMI is a single number that evaluates an individuals weight status in relation to height. BMI is generally used as the first indicator in assessing body fat and has been the most common method of tracking weight problems and obesity among adults. Even Heavier by 2014 In its latest â€Å"tale-of-the-scale† on Americans, the CDC reported that both men and women had, on average, grown even heavier than in 2002. According to the report â€Å"Anthropometric Reference Data for Children and Adults: United States, 2011–2014,†   the average weight for men over age 20 had increased by 4.7 pounds, from 191 pounds in 2002 to 195.7 pounds in 2014. At the same time, the average weight for men over age 20 increased by 4.2 pounds, from 164.3 pounds in 2002 to 168.5 pounds in 2014.

Human Resource Management and Development Case Study

Human Resource Management and Development - Case Study Example Currently, siemens has a staff of more than 400,000 employees. (Siemens Worldwide, n.d) Siemens recognizes that its employees are the key to its success. It thus concentrates on knowledge and learning. "Our corporate culture is defined by diversity, by open dialogue and mutual respect, and by clear goals and decisive leadership." The research on Siemens was done via an interview with the HRM manager of the Riyadh Office of Siemens, Saudi Arabia. He gave informative insight various aspects of HRM including recruitment, training and development, promotions, and salaries and benefits. According to the HRM manager interviewed, Siemens looks for employees who are innovative, and have the capability to come up with new and creative ideas and solutions. Innovation is the key to survival for a company such as this, as it faces fierce competition by numerous firms, e.g. ABB Ltd, General Electric Co., and Schneider Electric SA. (YAHOO Finance, 2008) Siemens carries out workforce planning which is similar to that of National Grid, as outlined in the Case "Developing skills in a large organization through training and development". ... Confidence; to put forward unconventional ideas and have the ability to argue in their favor. Ability to work effectively in a team; the candidate must be an active and productive team player. This can be gauged from past proffesional or academic experience. Leadership qualities Reaction to crisis situations; how will the candidate respond to an unexpected crisis, how fast will he/she take to bounce back, and will he/she be able to effectively lead others through trying times Technical skills; the candidates must be proficient in working with required Information Technology. All these qualities are important as they are believed to contribute to a competive advantage to the firm. Workforce Planning Siemens carries out workforce planning which is similar to that of National Grid, as outlined in the Case "Developing skills in a large organization through training and development". Siemens evaluates its workforce, and on the basis of that evaluation determines whether or not it has the required technical man power to achieve its objectives for a given period of time. If it does not, it either plans out a training program for its existing employees, or recruits new ones. Training Training for new recruits falls into two categories: 1. Fresh graduates with no professiona work experience udergo a training programme with lasts 12 months. 2. New recruits who hace had prior work experience in other organizations for a period of more than a year undergo traning for a period of 6 months. This training method is somewhat similar to the one carried out by Marks and Spencer's, as outlined in the Case "The role of training and development in career progression", in that they, too, have a specific training period

Persuasive Peer Review Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Persuasive Peer Review - Assignment Example It also uses the claim of â€Å"common philosophy,† which does not automatically prove that the thesis is right. The thesis for me can be rewritten into: â€Å"Technology can help people become better parents, because it supports communication needs, it teaches children to be responsible, accountable and trustworthy, and it supports connectivity and family time.† The organization of the essay is clear, but better transitions can be made, where they are connected from one main point to another. Not all paragraphs are related to the thesis. The second paragraph, in particular, does not talk about the role of technology in better parenting, and it is more focused on the role of communication skills for parents. Each paragraph has one topic only and one topic sentence, but sometimes, the paragraphs are too long. Some sentences can be removed, when they no longer contribute to the claims of the writer. The major claims are not supported with outside evidence. The writer uses personal experiences and anecdotes only to support her claims. She should have used the sources she listed at the end of the paper to support her main points. The writer, nevertheless, responds to opposing views, such as concerns for young children having cellular phones and the impact of technology on quality family time. As for citation, MLA citation is not properly used. In-text citation is missing, and the works cited list is not completed and properly organized. The writing style is sometimes too informal, because of the use of contractions, and its excessive conversational style makes the paper less credible in proving its thesis. The paper is appropriate according to the instructions, because it has 6 pages, it is double-spaced, and it has a thesis at the end of the introduction. It also uses five outside sources. The introduction does not provide any hook and it does not end with a thesis. It provides background on some of the technologies used nowadays and some potential effects of

Who Wants to Be Filipino Essay Example for Free

Who Wants to Be Filipino Essay If you were to be reincarnated and given the choice, would you opt to be Filipino again? It was in 1998, at a Forum of students of top schools at the University of Asia and the Pacific, that I raised this question. As expected, everybody, except me, gave a resounding yes for an answer. Hypocrites! I could see from the way they talked, from the clothes they wore, from their ideas of what was good and beautiful, that even in this lifetime they were dying to camouflage their being Filipino. Thanks to Ralph Lauren, a colonial education and a trying-hard American accent. I told them that I want to be European, a Frenchman more specifically. Yes, Europewith its rich history, solid identity, and all the luxury and elegance this world could offer. I have been there once for the world debates in Greece. But being Filipino, I was a disaster then. During socials, I would befriend the Jamaicans so I would stand out. But it was a wrong move because Jamaicans, notwithstanding their darker skin tone, are very secure with themselves. When I and fellow Filipinos were walking in downtown Athens, a young Greek approached our group and casually told us that he intended to go to the Philippines to fk Filipinas. Then he kept on asking us: How much are Filipinas? Did he expect us to adore him because a fine European like him wanted to visit a country whose people they officially defined as Domestic Helpers? Or was he simply being mean? I wish he were just referring to the controversial brown biscuit. Hellish traffic, hellish climate, hell-sent politicians, gangsters in uniform, hoodlums in robe, massive unemployment, inhumane poverty, identity crisis, a tradition of mediocrity. Get real. Who would want to be Filipino? Maybe the Cojuangcos, the Sys, the Tans and the other demigods whose surnames do not sound Filipino at all. But this Yumul, no. My Uncle Jessie is lucky: he and the whole family migrated to the United States in the early 1970s, to graze where the grass is greener and live there as second class citizens but occasionally come home like gods crowned with sparkling dollars. Then there is Me-Ann, one of the tinderas in our small business. She thinks that her main purpose in life is to go to Taiwan and earn money she will never earn in a lifetime of labor in the Philippines. I feel sad to know that Me-Ann and millions of Filipinos have to leave the country just to live decently. Some say though that despite our material poverty, we could take pride in our spirituality since the Philippines is the only predominantly Christian country in Asia. But it continues to puzzle me why this Catholic Nation has only produced two saints so far while Thailand, Japan and Chinaall non-Christian countrieshave more. Maybe, unlike Filipinos, people from those nations have more sensible things to do than creating miracles by desperately looking for images in the stains of tree trunks and forcing statues to shed bloody tears. I have always been pessimistic about the fate of the Filipino. But there was a break. I gave in to the Nationalistic Spirit during the Centennial Celebrations. When fireworks, worth millions of pesos, lit up the skies over the Luneta, I had high hopes that the Philippines would be better and I decided to junk my pessimism. I thought a new era of Filipino pride had dawned. In my college years, I was also influenced by San Bedas thrust of molding young men in the image of a true Filipino like some of its alumni whose ranks include Ninoy Aquino, Rene Saguisag, Ramon Mitra, and Raul Roco, who should have been the president of this country. Yes, for some time, I was deluded into being proud of being Filipino. Thanks to President Erap, I have recovered my senses. His Excellency has betrayed the peoples trust so many times that I need not elaborate. Erap has become for me the symbol of everything that is bad in the Filipino. In his administration, corruption and chaos have become the norm so that writing about it would only bore the reader. Its just too bad for the nation but good for me since I got back my precious pessimism. Now I am firmly convinced that Erap has to resign to save what is left of our dignity as a nation and what is left of my optimism as a young man. But, I guess he will never do that. Congress is dominated by honorable galamays, impeachment is an impossibility. A military coup could save the day for the country, but, in that case, Uncle Sam is sure to defend his friend who handed him the Visiting Forces Agreement. Now, we are left with assassins to play heroes. If one saves the lives of millions, would he not go to heaven? But then Erap need have no fear about an assassination plot. Imelda, despite all the crimes her family committed against the Filipino people, has never been hurt. Not even a strand of her regal hairdo has been touched. But of course, there are always firsts. According to Hindu philosophy, what you sow in this life, you would reap in the next and whatever you are now is a reaction to your past. Could it be that all Filipinos were crooks in their earlier incarnations? If there is any reason why I try to do well in this life, it is in the hope that in my next, I would be a Filipino no more. If it would not be too much to ask, I wish I would be French, or even Jamaican, before Jinggoy Estrada becomes president of this wretched land. Herdy L. Yumul, 21, is a Philosophy and Human Resource Development graduate of San Beda.

Rebecca Nurse: Fact Vs. Fiction :: essays research papers

In his article, â€Å"Why I Wrote The Crucible,† Arthur Miller speaks of the 1950’s â€Å"which nobody seems to remember clearly†- a time of fearful insanity and unrest. Anyone could be accused. Showing excessive opposition ensured prosecution. Most shrunk back from disputing the McCarthy hearings for fear of their safety. Now, this period of panic is viewed as absurd. As Miller describes Hitler as being almost comical to his generation, the modern generation sees the Salem witch trials as foolish scuffles between ignorant people. The actual events were much different as perceived. Just as a feud with a neighbor seems trivial to those not involved but of intense frustration to the embroiled , the trials were not silly and insignificant. The trials were more about personal issues between rivals than witchcraft itself- the witchcraft was a weapon for Salemites to obtain revenge on their enemies. A tool Miller uses to show the reader this emotion is Rebecca Nurse, seventy-year-old grandmother, wife, and respected member of Salem society. Miller modifies her character in his play. Some facts remain true in the play, others are altered, and some have been neglected altogether. What did he change, and what did he regret to? Why did Miller take such liberties with Rebecca’s character in his play? Rebecca Nurse and her husband, Francis, were both well-respected people in the town of Salem Miller describes. They owned about three hundred acres, and after a land dispute with the Putnams, they broke away from Salem and founded Topsfield. Miller mentions that the founding of Topsfield upset the old Salemites. This is true - aberration was resented in Puritan society. The essence of Puritanism is in the intensity of the Puritan's commitment to a morality, a form of worship, and a civil society strictly conforming to God's commandments . Certain Puritans were â€Å"saved† despite their sins, while the remainder of society led lives strictly following the saved clergy’s interpretations of God’s will. Salem’s minister, Mr. Samuel Parris, was God’s man, as unfit for this title as he may have been. Like Proctor, Rebecca and her husband no longer hungered for religion when Parris became their minister. Their disgust for Mr. Parris cut down on their chur ch appearances. In a judgmental, religious town as Salem was, even an unpleasant minister was no excuse to avoid church. A few Salemites resented the Nurses for their rise in social status as their lands stretched through town.

”The Knife Sharpener” by Bonnie Burnard Essay

The Knife Sharpener a short story written by Bonnie Burnard. This story is very interesting you never know that the knife sharpener will appear as a bad person because he appeared as a good old man who just borrowed a knives to sharpening and said â€Å"Maybe you’ve heard from your neighbours. I come around every March. Do mowers as well† as he was offering to do he mower for her in the beginning. Janet is a mother of three children. She do all the work in the house since her kids are still young to do some of the house work. Erin is six years old eldest child of Janet. The Knife Sharpener is an old man who sharpen knives and do mowers. The story happened in Janet’s place. The story happened during the day. The incident started happening when the knife sharpener took Erin’s hand and brought her somewhere. The story gets more intense when Janet starts panicking and decided to go after Erin and look for her. Janet saw Erin’s scarf on the ground stuccoed corner of a garage twenty yard ahead. Janet saw the knife sharpener talking to Erin in a gentle old man’s voice and Janet took Erin’s hand and questioned the knife sharpener. The knife sharpener said â€Å"Please don’t call the police†. The knife Sharpener by Bonnie Burnard is about the family, intense and it tells us not to trust any stranger and reveals the certain personality of some stranger when the old man took Erin away from her home. Why Janet didn’t call the police? And Why Janet having thoughts whether she’s going to tell about it to her husband or just keep it by herself and not to tell to anyone? The Knife Sharpener might have a bad intension to the family of Janet. The knife sharpener appeared to be a good old man who just a knife to use for sharpening and offered to do their mower so he can go inside the house. He even made Janet’s feelings comfortable around with him and he suddenly changed his mood when Janet said that her eldest is going to be home soon for lunch. The knife sharpener waited for Erin to go out again and reached her hand and brought Erin somewhere. I think that the knife sharpener will going to do something bad to Erin or kidnap Erin since he took her twenty yards away from her home. There is only two possible thing he will do it is either the knife sharpener will rape Erin or he will kidnap Erin.

Investment and Selling Price Essay

Turnhilm, Inc. is considering adding a small electric mower to its product line. Management believes that in order to be competitive, the mower cannot be priced above $139. The company requires a minimum return of 25% on its investments. Launching the new product would require an investment of $8,000,000. Sales are expected to be 40,000 units of the mower per year. Required: Compute the target cost of a mower. 57. The management of Hettler Corporation would like to set the selling price on a new product using the absorption costing approach to cost-plus pricing. The company’s accounting department has supplied the following estimates for the new product: Management plans to produce and sell 4,000 units of the new product annually. The new product would require an investment of $643,000 and has a required return on investment of 20%. Required: a. Determine the unit product cost for the new product. b. Determine the markup percentage on absorption cost for the new product. c. Determine the target selling price for the new product using the absorption costing approach. 58. Bourret Corporation is introducing a new product whose direct materials cost is $42 per unit, direct labor cost is $16 per unit, variable manufacturing overhead is $9 per unit, and variable selling and administrative expense is $3 per unit. The annual fixed manufacturing overhead associated with the product is $84,000 and its annual fixed selling and administrative expense is $16,000. Management plans to produce and sell 4,000 units of the new product annually. The new product would require an investment of $1,022,400 and has a required return on investment of 10%. Management would like to set the selling price on a new product using the absorption costing approach to cost-plus pricing. Required: a. Determine the unit product cost for the new product. b. Determine the markup percentage on absorption cost for the new product. c. Determine the target selling price for the new product using the absorption costing approach.

An Inspector Calls by JB Priestly Essay Essay Example

An Inspector Calls by JB Priestly Essay Essay Example An Inspector Calls by JB Priestly Essay Essay An Inspector Calls by JB Priestly Essay Essay Essay Topic: Literature An Inspector Calls was written by J. B Priestly. It is set within an industrial town of Brumley. The play is a mystery drama which explores many kind of themes such as love, responsibility, lies and class and change. Responsibility is the main theme of the play. We see it occurring many times in the play. It shows that all of the characters, except Sheila and Eric, are irresponsible. They do not want to accept their responsibility for Eva Smiths death. An example of responsibility in the play is when Mr Birling says in Act One. Its about time you learned to face a few responsibilities. (Act One). But he, himself and his factory do not accept responsibility for what happens after Eva leaves. He is a hypocrite. His wife, Mrs Birling also does not face responsibility. She denies any responsibility for Evas death. She thinks that the father is to blame. She says in Act One. I blame the young man who was the father of the child. (Act Two). Ironically the father is her son, Eric. Another theme in the play is love. We can find several types of love. The romantic love of Sheila and Gerald, the family love of brothers and sisters and the inspectors love of the truth. There are also other attributes of love shown in the play such as gratitude, affection, loyalty and sexual feeling. All of these types/attributes of love are found in the play because Priestley wanted to show his audience whether or not the characters are sincere. The third theme in the play is lies. They lie to each other, to the inspector and to themselves. The characters try to lie in order to get out of their responsibility. An example of lie in the play is when Sheila says to Gerald. How did you come to know this girl? He then lies to his fianci by saying. I didnt. (Act One). Finally, the last theme is class and status. It is not a major theme like the other themes. It shows us that characters like Arthur Birling, value their position in the society. Towards the end of the play, Mr Birling says to Inspector Goole when he is about to leave. Look, Inspector- Id give thousands- yes thousands. But the Inspector replies. You are offering money at the wrong time. (Act Three). T his shows how much Mr Birling values his status. He does not want to destroy his reputation in the society. The play has bee set in 1912 just two years before World War One happened and before the titanic sank. It shows you that people like Arthur Birling, the ex-Lord Mayor who is arrogant and confident, could still be wrong even though they feel secure with their money and power. At the beginning of the novel, he tells his son and Gerald Croft. And I say there isnt a chance of war. (Referring to world war one). He also says. The Titanic- she sails next week-forty six thousand and eight hundred tons- forty six thousand and eight hundred tons- New York in five days- and every luxury unsinkable, totally unsinkable. (Act One). He felt so secure and confident about his words that two years later, World War One happened and the Titanic sank on its Maiden voyage. This allows the audience that they should not put their fate in him. Most of the actions are focused on Sheilas character, the Inspector and the dead Eva Smith. At the beginning of the play, we get an impression that Sheila is happy , delighted and pleased with her engagement. She acts girlish and spoilt when she receives the engagement ring from Gerald. She says to her mum when she gets the ring. Oh its wonderful! Look mummy-isnt it a beauty. You can tell from this that she is excited and enthusiastic and that is why her actions are like that. At the start of the play, her relationships to the other characters are good. They have love for each other. But as the plays continues, that relationships she had with the other characters at the beginning changes. Her feelings and relationships towards the characters changes as she finds out the truth about them. She gets to know the other side of the characters she never knew about. If we compared Sheila and her fathers actions, you would find lots of difference between them. For example, Geralds fianci e co-operate with the Inspector, all the way throughout the play. But her father, at first co-operates with Inspector Goole, but then becomes ignorant and rude to him due to his feelings that his status within the community may tarnish. Another example is that the ex-Lord Mayor denies any responsibility for the young girls death and thinks he is innocent. But his daughter accepts her responsibility and even thinks she is guilty. So we could now see the difference between the two characters. The Birlings dinner party has a particular impact on the mood and the tone at the beginning of the play. We feel their enjoyment and happiness before the Inspector arrives and every one feels comfortable in the dinning room. However, when Inspector Goole arrives, he interrupts their privacy and enjoyment. The Birling family and Mr Croft start to become awkward and uncomfortable. When the Inspector arrives at the Bilrings house, a new attitude appears in Sheilas character. She becomes more inquisitive and starts asking questions. She is concerned about what is going on. She responds to the Inspectors questions with prompt answers. It is like the Inspector has some kind of influence on her. She changed from being a young girl into a more mature young woman. Priestley uses the Inspector to create lots of tension in the play. One example is towards the end of the evening, the Inspector told us that not only the young girl ended her life, but also her child. this girl was going to have a child. (Act two). This is a shock revelation. This throws the audience and family back and a lot of tension and suspense is built up by Priestley. Mr Birling and Sheila got worried that it could have been Gerald but the Inspector reassures them it is not him. No, no. Nothing to do with him. (Act Two). This has created tension and curiosity in the family and audience about who the father of the child is. Another example is towards the end of the drama, Gerald finds out that the Inspector was a fake, the Birlings are relieved, but moments after, they receive a phone call from the police telling them that a girl has died in the infirmary and a police officer is on his way to ask questions. Mr Birling says to his family and Gerald Croft. That was the police. A girl has just died on her way to the infirmary-after swallowing some disinfectant. And a police officer is on his way here-to ask some-questions. (Act Three). They all look worried and the curtains fall. This has created lots of tension in the family. They thought they got away with it, but this time it is true and not a hoax. When Geralds fianci e hears that her father sacked Eva, she feels even more guilty. She says in Act One miserably. So Im responsible? (Act One). In Act Two, she again blames herself for leading the young girl to suicide. She says. Yes, thats it. And I know I am to blame-and I am desperately sorry-but I cant believe-I wont believe it-its simply my fault that in the end she committed suicide. That would be too horrible. (Act Two. ) Sheila Birling feels guiltier after hearing that she made her jobless after her father already did. J. B. Priestley creates tension and suspension towards the end of Act One and the beginning of Act Two by making Act One end right where the Inspector asks Gerald a question and then the curtain falls. This creates tension. The audience are waiting for Geralds answer in the next act. Sheila reacts very badly after hearing about Geralds summer affair with Daisy Renton. It was supposed to be her engagement night, a happy moment for her and the family but it seemed to have turned bad for the whole family. She fought she found the perfect guy but she hears that he has cheated on her. She says in the play. Were you seeing her last spring and summer, during that time when you hardly came near me and said you was busy? Were you? Yes, of course you were. (Act Two). From this quote, we can tell that she is not pleased after hearing about his summer affair. My impression of her character here to the beginning of the play is that Mr Birling s daughter now knows life is not always how you expect it to be. There are some ups and down. In the beginning of the play, she was happy and excited. It was the best moment of her life, but when the Inspector came, everything changed. Now Sheila is more grown up than she was before. She now knows that everything does not go according to how you want it to be. Sheilas reaction remains the same to the Inspector. She is very co-operative with inspector Goole. When she is asked a question, she answers it. But unlike the other characters, they get annoyed with the Inspectors questions. Her function in the play, in my opinion is to make the other characters confess the truth. When the Inspector asks questions, she warns them sometimes to stop acting so calm and confident nor should they feel that they could lie to the Inspector. She makes the other characters at times speak more than the Inspector. For example, when Inspector Goole is questioning Gerald, Sheila asks more questions because she wants to no more details about Geralds summer affair. My impression of Mr and Mrs Birlings daughter at the end of Act Two is she is feeling sorry for her mother. She says to her mother. Mother-I begged you and begged you to stop- (Act Two). But she refused to listen to her and she became agitated. The mood and atmosphere is much more tense at this point of the play. Sheila and Geralds relationship might break up. Her relationship with her mother and father may also break up. Also everyone wants to know if Eric is the father of Eva Smiths child. They are all waiting for him to enter. The use of photograph also causes tension and suspense in the play. The Inspector shows the picture to one person at a time and the rest wants to see the photograph, so they cannot wait for their turn. They all want to see the picture so therefore this creates more tension and suspense in the drama. We the audience are waiting on tender hooks to see whether or not the individuals have any connection to Eva Smith. As the involvement of each member of the family is progressively established, the structure becomes that of a whodunnit, with the Inspector apparently slowly unravelling the history of the twenty-four years old young woman. The audiences interest is sustained not only by the progressive revelation, but their desire of who is responsible for driving the young working class woman to suicide. Ironically, when the Inspector leaves the Birling family to sort out their family problems, Sheila acts like a parent. She tells her parent about not facing their responsibility. Her reactions compared to Eric are the same. She accepts her responsibility so does Eric. It tells us that the younger generation are willing to accept their responsibility more than the older generation. The ideas of responsibility and changes have developed through Sheilas experiences. For example, we learn that when Sheila realises how much damage she has caused to Eva Smith, therefore she feels responsible and her attitudes and values changes. Through Sheila, we are able to learn the differences in the other characters and we sympathise with her and have hope for a better society through the younger generation of Sheila and Eric.

Job application letter Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Job application letter - Essay Example Some of the courses that I have taken during my Bachelor’s course include Business Skills and Environment, Introduction to Corporate Finance, Investment Management, International Finance, and Risk and Insurance Management. I am qualified in the use of a wide range of softwares and computer programs including MS Power Point, MS Word, MS Excel. I also have an introductory knowledge of the Financial Ratio Analysis Software. During my internship at Masdar, I have been exposed to the Investment Lifecycle Management that acquainted me with the skills of tracking and preparing an investment Due Diligence with the team under the office of the CEO. This experience not only inculcated the necessary knowledge of the design and management of investment, but also provided me with an opportunity to work as part of a team so that I attain the teamwork skills required to excel in a culturally diverse and dynamic workplace. I have been a distinguished student throughout my academic career. This reflects in my GPA which is 3.732, as well as the fact that I received the Distinguished Students Scholarship, by the Scholarship Office- SCO (Abu Dhabi), and the USA-Phi Sigma Theta National Honor Society. In addition to my technical capabilities, I also have myriad of skills that make me an excellent professional. One of my most weighty skills is knowledge of multiple languages. I can communicate both verbally and textually in English, and Arabic, though I also understand French. During the three weeks that I spent as an intern at Masdar, I happened to communicate with coworkers belonging to different ethnicities. Having worked in such a diverse work environment, my confidence that I can adjust well in a challenging environment increased manifolds. Besides, I have also taken a course of Technical Communications at the Ohio State University. I have a strong knowledge of work ethics which enables me to optimize on my potential to deliver my best both as an individual and as part of a

Platos Theory of Knowledge Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Platos Theory of Knowledge - Term Paper Example The final theory that he arrived at was that knowledge is true belief which has been â€Å"given an account of† – which means some kind of an explanation of definition has been provided of it. The theory of knowledge being justified true belief says that if one is to know that some scheme is indeed correct, the person should not just simply think it to be true but he should be having a logical excuse for that. One effect resulting from such an idea is that one would not be gaining knowledge simply because he believes something that was true. Platonic Version Plato’s theory of knowledge has been given in Theaetetus and it proves to be a substitute to the theory that Protagoras had proposed. Plato’s theory depicts reality to be the standard and belief and perception can be measured against it. It is how we perceive reality that leads to the creation of belief. One thing to consider here, before moving ahead, is that Plato’s theory of knowledge happens to be a theory of error as well as there is always a possibility of misperceiving reality and leading to an incorrect belief. Another thing is that there is no similarity between true belief and knowledge, although there could be a true belief merely through luck. For there to be an honest and actual knowledge of reality there is a requirement of there being a correct belief as well as enough proof for that belief. Plato has acknowledged that justification and belief do not have any real relation with each other. There cannot be any perfect way of making sure that the proof we have is enough. The history of philosophy has divulged several struggles undertaken for the correction of this absence. Scientific method is a system of building evidence by testing belief against observation (perception).   This was the account of Plato. Protagorean relativism says: Of all things the measure is Man, of the things that are, that they are, and of the things that are not, that they are not (L loyd and Pellegrin 204) According to Plato a theory by Protagoras was the basis of this statement and it considers that knowledge and perception are one and same (Schmitt 11). Plato pointed out that the implication drawn from this statement is that there is no difference between appearance and truth and a person can never say what he knows is wrong. As a metaphor, someone healthy and fine would find a wine to be sweet but the same person, when unwell, might find the very same wine to taste bitter. The truth of the matter is that the wine is not sweet of bitter in itself; the taste arises just when the person perceives it to be such and such due to certain circumstances. Actually, there is no permanent, immortal, truth at all. The reality comes into being and forms into objects and features when the person acts on it after having perceived it. There is a notion of our minds creating our own reality. This idea is quite popular in the current world and literature and besides this even in the modern accounts of constructivist educational theory. Knowledge as Perception If we bring out a comparison between this concept of knowledge and the one that Plato suggested through his theory we would find them to be extremely different; in fact, they are opposing each other in many ways. Protagorean theory is known as Relativism due to the fact that knowledge and being itself holds its dependency on relations that exist