Islamic Extremists Essay

Nearly everyone has heard about Islam and the Arab world. In addition, many countries have already faced issues with the Muslim believers. Islam has caused problems, terrorist attacks, anti-democracy all over the world. They were also very successful in sending a message of who they truly are. People who are literally obedient to the Islamic faith are called Islamic Extremists. People, who are of the Islamic faith however desire to survive in peace without tribulations are not considered obedient or dutiful to the Islamic faith, these people are called moderate Muslims. Therefore, the Islamic religious extremists are the major group in Islam who follow the Qur’an word for word and create extreme violence that moderate Muslims do not. Islamic extremism started in Egypt in the late 1920s. During the inter-war years, the country was occupied by the British military. The Nationalist Wafd movement, led by Saad Zaghloul, opposed the presence of the British, as would anyone whose cou ntry is being occupied by a foreign military power. (A brief history of Islamic extremism) In 1928, Hassan al-Banna established the term â€Å"The Muslim Brotherhood† which was the first Islamist movement. The British government supported the nascent movement in an attempt to counterbalance the Nationalists. In modern Egyptian politics, the Muslim Brotherhood is the largest opposition party to Hosni Mubarak’s National Democratic Party. Mubarak has been in power since the assassination of Anwar Sadat in 1981. The Muslim Brotherhood has always been illegal, and, over the years, thousands of its members have been imprisoned by the Egyptian government. (A brief history of Islamic extremism) The ideology of the early Brotherhood is very similar to that of Islamist groups today – they denounced the Egyptian government as secular and regarded Egyptian society in terms of â€Å"jahaliya† or a barbaric, pre-Islamic society not based on Islamic shari’a law. Sayyed Qutb, an Egyptian intellectual associated with the Muslim Brotherhood, wrote a book c alled Ma’alim fil Tariq (â€Å"Signposts on the Road†), which proved to be highly influential on the thinking of modern Islamists. Qutb wrote the book in 1964 while in prison; 2 years later he was executed by hanging. (A brief history of Islamic extremism) In the late 1970s, the CIA financed and trained the mujahideen (â€Å"Holy Warriors†) in order to fight a proxy war with the Soviet army, which had invaded Afghanistan in 1979. Training, funding and the provision of arms to the mujahideen was carried out covertly via Pakistan and Saudi Arabia; one of the so-called â€Å"Afghan Arabs† who was trained by the U.S. was a young man called Osama bin Laden. (A brief history of Islamic extremism) In the recent years, Bangladesh was suspected of becoming a haven and breeding ground for Islamic terrorist groups with links to Al-Qaida. Domestic Islamic extremist groups are said to funnel Al-Qaida money, arms, and fighters through the country. In March 1999, IOJ chairman Amini told a public meeting: â€Å"We are for Osama [bin Ladin], we are for the Taliban, and we will be in government in 2000 through an Islamic revolution.† (Zuckerbrot-Finkelstein, B.) Bangladeshi support for Osama bin Ladin and Al-Qaida rose following the September 11 attacks and the subsequent American assault on the Taliban in Afghanistan. The U.S. conveyed its displeasure with Dhaka’s failure to quell anti-American, pro-Osama bin Ladin rallies in the wake of the American attack on Afghanistan. In November 2001, IOJ’s Amini said: â€Å"Osama bin Ladin is loved by the Bangladeshi people. Everyone respects him and considers him to be a leader of Muslims.† (Zuckerbrot-Finkelstein, B.) The political characteristics of Islam are derived from the Qur’an, the Sunna (the sayings and living habits of Muhammad), Muslim history, and sometimes elements of political movements outside Islam. Out of the Muslim Brotherhood, recently derived a group called The Muslim Salafeyeen. The Salafeyeen act ridiculously much worse than the Muslim Brotherhood. They have the same mentality as the Muslim Brotherhood; however, they go even beyond the expectations of the Quran’s teachings. For example the Muslim Brotherhood has the word politics in their dictionary, which means they can have political relationships with the westerners but that is to use their help for their own good, such as Saudi Arabia. They also base and enforce the law of the Qur’an on the people. On the flipside, the Salafeyeen do not have the word politics in their dictionary and the way they communicate is through severe violence even on their own people. For example their rule goes as follows: thieves must have their hands cut off, a curser’s tongue must be cut off, an adulterous must be killed with the edge of the sword, and so on with all the sinners. Their judgments are pretty extreme. They currently have a small group in Egypt. There is no research found about them yet, however information has been spread through word of mouth and people’s experiences in the recent days in Egypt. The Salafeyeen have been around and they are very few still. It is not long until the cancer is spread everywhere. Numerous terrorist tribes have eventually been spread all over the world. The Muslim Brotherhood has created a private group in each country who follow their plan. Therefore, every so often, the nation receives news about occurring devastations they have caused. Since the Muslim Brotherhood considers violence is the only method to spread or impose their religion on many countries, they had specifically chosen the United States of America to perform their violence attacks. The United States is currently considered the most powerful country in the world. If they had specifically chosen the United States, their goal is then revealed. The Muslim Brotherhood’s ambition is to attain the power of the United States and rule it. If they conquer this power, they most likely conquered the world. It is not difficult for anyone to figure this exposition. The terrorist attack that occurred in September eleventh of two thousand and one was mainly the first attack the caught the world’ s awareness. Prior to that, the nation was familiar about Islam and the Muslim Brotherhood; however they did not have enough knowledge in regards of whom they truly are. Throughout the years, the Muslim Brotherhood has determined that terrorism would be the only method used to communicate with the world. They have successfully sent out messages about their goals, which are to limit the world in education, political views, democratic views, etc. For example, the Islamic beliefs strain a woman of her basic rights. A woman is not allowed to go to school for education. According to the Shahih Bukhari 1.6.301, Volume 1, Book 6, Number 301: Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri: Once Allah’s Apostle went out to the Musalla (to offer the prayer) o ‘Id-al-Adha or Al-Fitr prayer. Then he passed by the women and said, â€Å"O women! Give alms, as I have seen that the majority of the dwellers of Hell-fire were you (women).† They asked, â€Å"Why is it so, O Allah’s Apostle?† He repli ed, â€Å"I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and religion than you. A cautious sensible man could be led astray by some of you.† The women asked, â€Å"O Allah’s Apostle! What is deficient in our intelligence and religion?† He said, â€Å"Is not the evidence of two women equal to the witness of one man?† They replied in the affirmative. He said, â€Å"This is the deficiency in her intelligence. Isn’t it true that a woman can neither pray nor fast during her menses?† The women replied in the affirmative. He said, â€Å"This is the deficiency in her religion.† Their mentality is very limited in arguments as well. Their beliefs are against freedom of speech, religion, expression, even the Internet because it allows arguments, knowledge, and education and mostly everything that has to do with the human rights. All of their arguments must go back to the Shari’a (law) of Islam, which prevents all these rights. The Shari’a of Islam calls for men to beat their wives. According to 004.034 YUSUFALI: Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband’s) absence what Allah would have them guard. As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (Next), refuse to share their beds, (And last) beat them; but if they return to obedience, seek not against them Means (of annoyance). This type of mentality creates a violence animalistic society. People develop these violent skills through the enforcement of such laws which leads to terrorism. Imagine there is lack of education, freedom of arguments, speech, expression, religion, anti-democracy etc. how will anyone be able to learn, be fair, balanced in thoughts, unprejudiced or even survive in peace? It is certainly impractical. Therefore, to overcome the mentality of terrorism, the nation must understand what Islam and the Qur’an truly teaches Islamists. Some of the Qur’an’s teachings are mostly about the infidels (unbelievers) and how all of them will end up in Hell. According to the teachings of the Qur’an verses freely and blithely mentions: Do not take unbeli evers as friends; caution is necessary to befriend the unbelievers†¦3:28. It is not honourable to take unbelievers as friends†¦4:139. Do not take unbelievers as friends†¦4:144. Believers are not to take the Jews and Christians as friends and protectors; if any believer (i.e. Muslim) turns to them then he also becomes a Jew or a Christian†¦5:51. Real friends are God, His apostle (Muhammad) and the fellowship of pious and charitable believers†¦5:55. God’s wrath and torments is for befriending the unbelievers†¦5:80. Whoever seeks the friendship of evil people will be lead to the penalty of fire†¦22:3. Cannot be on terms of secret intimacy or be friendly with the enemies of faith †¦60:1. This is the very own words of Qur’an that Islamists follow. Some Islamists who live in the west will even criticize their folks for buying a tiny Christmas tree just for the little children or even for attending Christmas parties. They will even go a step further in declaring that the westerners must learn from them (the Muslim migrants) and not the other way around. At this time, since the Q ur’an never called for peace, it is understandable why those Islamists act the way they do. The supreme rage of the Islamists is reserved for the way the western women dress, work and lives. Many Muslim women are deviously forced to wear hijab just to demonstrate to the infidel women the superior chastity of Muslim women. Ten years ago, it was rare to find a hijabi woman in any streets of Europe or the U.S. The situation is quite different now. Any rail-station, shopping center, eating stall, college, university, etc., will regularly notice a hijabi woman standing nearby. Many Islamists openly declare that all Muslim women must cover themselves in (ugly) hijab and cloak no matter what others may think of them. This is because these Muslim women will become the shining examples or beacon of femininity, chastity, and Islamic beauty to the infidel women and they (the infidel women) will eventually follow the Muslim women and happily wear the Muslim garb. These Islamists are absolutely certain that these infidel women will one day, surely be covered by Islamic hijab. Why? Because, Allah has ordained it-one day the entire world will become an Ummah (Islamic community) of some sort. They have no doubt on this. At this point, it is understandable why Islamic extremists commit their terrorism attacks. Their goal is to spread and enforce Islam in the whole world. Research has proved through the very own words of Qur’an and Hadith, action has proved it through terrorism attacks of the infidels (unbelievers), and their day-to-day routine dressing up in the Muslim garb. Many will argue it is not a problem if their religion inquires their women to dress and look that way. They are partially right, only if their purpose is to dress that way and nothing more. However based on research, even modern Islamists are called Islamists because they believe in Islamic Shari’a and law. They have an idea of what Islam is about and if they still call themselves Muslims, they are considered under the same category of religion. They have partially the same thoughts; they may not be interested in murdering, however they will never take a westerner as a friend, unless the westerner becomes a Muslim. This type of thinking is not in any way beneficial for a modern society. In a modern society, it encourages one to look, act, and think in a certain way. This way is not to enforce negative thoughts, beliefs on anyone. It is to encourage education, positive thoughts, and the acting of professionalism with one another. The best method in reaching a solution for the world is to understand that Islam is now spread in many places. Islam has become a whole mentality that people follow not fairly a religion. Islam currently starts in early stages of humans’ lives. A child is raised up receiving hate and all types of negative thoughts, which later develops in his/her core. Therefore, terrorism is never ending; in fact it improves by the days. At this time, there is no way around to end terrorism, but there are ways to make it less occurring in the world. Educating people, and youth on how terrorism started, and how the world perceives it as a negative act will help them understand the concept of terrorism. Also through education, people will have the need to protect their country and defend it. No one is willing to live in a country that is controlled by terrorists. Neither will anyone be willing to limit their thoughts, expression, education, freedom of worship, or personal decisions. In conclusion, Islamic extremists have attempted to impose their religious beliefs on the world. This happens through their violent attacks almost in every western country. The only method to stop this violence is to allow people to understand the true meaning of Islam. This is to educate people about Islam and Muslim extremists in the early stages of life. It is also essential to help the nation learn how the modern Muslims differ from those extremists. Through education, a solution can come into view on how we can end these bloody violent tribes. Even if it takes time, months and years, it can still take a major affect on the long run. References Bas, N. J. (2004). Wahhabi Islam: From Revival and Reform to Global Jihad. Oxford: Oxford University Press, USA. BukhaÌ„riÌ„, M. i. (1981). Shahih Bukhari. Jakarta: Penerbit Widjaya. Darwish, N. (2006). Now they call me infidel: why I renounced jihad for America, Israel, and the War on Terror. New York, N.Y.: Sentinel. Jonas, G. (2007). Reflections on Islam: ideas, opinions, arguments. Toronto: Key Porter Books. Katel, P. (2010). Homegrown jihadists: can Muslim terrorists in the U.S. mount serious attacks?. Washington, DC: Congressional Quarterly. The Big Think Tank: A brief history of Islamic extremism. (2006, April 25). The Big Think Tank. Retrieved April 6, 2011, from http://thebigthinktank.blogspot.com/2006/04/brief-history-of-islamic-extremism.html Quran Shariff. (1978). S.l.: [s.n.]. Yuan, M. (2005). Women in Islam. Detroit: Greenhaven Press/Thomson-Gale. YouTube – 2 year old Muslim Girl answers Questions on Islam. (n.d.). YouTube – Broadcast Yourself. Retrieved April 20, 2011, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Tfh2PnvTnY&feature=related Zuckerbrot-Finkelstein, B. (2007, January 10). Islamic Extremism and Terrorism in Bangladesh-American Jewish Committee. Home-American Jewish Committee. Retrieved April 7, 2011, from http://www.ajc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=ijITI2PHKoG&b=3133321&ct=

John Proctor Cruicible

The hysteria of witchcraft fills the streets of Salem, Massachusetts with rumors and accusations leading to the hanging of nineteen innocent people. Arthur Miller uses this tragedy to resemble the same stupidity of the accusations of the infiltration of communists in the United States throughout the sass's.To display the absurdness of the accusations, Miller had to create a protagonist with non-conformist views that would defy the Insanity raised by the fictitious experiences of witchcraft. Miller creates the character John Proctor, a fictional character who does not conform to the madness of Salem. At times he may seem like a bad man trying to do a good deed, but, on the contrary, Is quite a good man. Through the actions after his affair with Abigail, by defending his wife, and by standing up for his religious and personal viewpoints, John Proctor proves that he is indeed a good man.It cannot be denied that John Proctor had an affair with Abigail Williams. He did something wrong and his actions haunt him throughout the play. He did break the sixth commandment, but because he is a sinner does not mean he is a terrible man. Everyone has sinned, and they cannot try and change that. It is how they deal with sin that defies who they are. John Proctor shows that he Is not bad by having the feeling of guilt. For without guilt, it would mean that what he did, in his eyes did not feel wrong. This Is not the case because during act one, while Proctor Is Introduced,Abigail tempts him while they are alone. Abigail: Give me a word John. A soft word. Her concentrated desire destroys his smile. John: No, no, Baby. That's done with. (Miller 22) Proctor denies all temptations that would lead to the feeling of guilt later on, showing his good morals as well as his love for Elizabeth still exists. Even though John betrayed Elizabeth, he still loves her and will protect her no matter the circumstances. One Instance that Proctor could easily be ridden of his wife Is let her be tak en and then eventually get with Abigail.It seems a bit preposterous, but is reactions are those of any good man in that he defends his wife. Cheaper asks, Cheaper: Now, woman, will you please to come with me? John: She will not! (73) He defends Elizabeth as well in court by giving up his good name to try and soil Abigail. Even when they tell him that Elizabeth has been given a year for pregnancy to have a baby, this does not stop him because he wants to try and free all of the wrongly accused. Although, even after he confesses to the affair, his wife defends him by not telling the truth.This shows that throughout everything that happens an intelligent woman such as Elizabeth still loves John. She knows that John made a mistake, but he is still the good man that she fell in love with. In loving Elizabeth, John cares for her when she is sick. The care for his wife leads to many absences in church. Only attending â€Å"twenty-six time in seventeen month† (64) can be assumed that it is not only Just because he cared for his wife, but because he did not care for the reverend. John's defiance of Reverend Paris at first seems to Just match Proctor's personality of rebelliousness.On the contrary, his defiance shows the DOD side of him. This shows that he believes that Paris' greed should have nothing to do with the church that he was so involved in before. He also is a strong believer that the place of worship does not matter, it's the quality of worship that usurps the location. This reveals that he truly cares enough about his religious beliefs that when he felt that Paris was not a good religious influence on his children he slowly began to go to church less and less. This ideology is shown during act two. Hale: Mr.. Proctor, your house is not a church; your theology must tell you that.John: It does, sir, it does; and it tells me that a minister may pray to God without he have a golden candlesticks upon the altar. (65) Proctor's first impression on the reade r is one of a flawed man. He slowly has to earn the reader's respect and becomes the good guy of the story. He supports his wife in her times of need. He defies all attempts by Abigail to spark another affair. He risks all he has to try and stand up for what he believes is right. Through his actions in The Crucible, John Proctor earned the respect he deserves and is shown as the good man that he truly is.

Resistance and Conflict Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Resistance and Conflict Management - Essay Example he institutional environment in an organizational and people who are involved in such conflicts try to degrade the other person or party even if it is at the expense of overall cost of the organization. Conflicts reduce productivity and discourage parties involved as their performance level cannot be at the optimal (Katz, and Kahn, 1966). Leaders tend to avoid conflicts that occur in the organization and do not pay much attention to the conflicts (Montana, 2008). However, in avoidance strategy leaders separate the parties involved in the conflict or limit their interaction. Avoiding conflicts might lead them into bigger issues later on therefore it is important to resolve such conflicts at an early stage. At times, leaders or top management of the organization imposes their own decision on the parties involved in the conflict by making use of their power (Montana, 2008).. Such decisions might discourage even both the parties involved in the conflict. Though, such decisions might be in the favour of parties that enjoy dominancy or which is more favourable for the leader or decision maker. It is also one of the strategies used by leaders to resolve organizational conflict in which a resolution which might satisfies at least some part of every party involved in the conflict and therefore every party compromises on something and gains something. So, everyone would be satisfied eventually. In this strategy leaders tend to come up with a resolution with the help of discussions which is in the best interest of one of the groups involved in the conflict but this resolution might be at the cost of other parties involved. The problem with such strategy is that the dominant group might enjoy and would be able to make the decision go in his favour thus the best possible decision for the long term success of the organization might not be taken. As a leader, it is important to first analyze the situation and then take decision however considering the pros and cons of the

Literature review of Fourteen Foorces of Magnetism Essay

Literature review of Fourteen Foorces of Magnetism - Essay Example It was built as a result of a lack of a real hospital in that location which led to the death of many local people with emergency medical conditions. Being the first and best hospital on the area, St. Luke’s has one of the biggest positive images in that society and its respect surpasses all. It is with this image that made it be accredited as an inpatient rehabilitation unit (the only national one in that area) by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Most of the forces of magnetism in this organization are consistent with their intent. Some however have inconsistencies which according to research may be as a result of the organization being alone and of its kind for a long time and hence had enjoyed market monopoly and even when another hospital was unveiled, no changes were made and no one seems to notice these inconsistencies. One of the inconsistencies is in the fourth force about personnel policies and programs which advocated for competitive salaries and benefits. In the organization, this is not the case and most nurses especially are underpaid compared to the work they perform daily. Even though the organization strives to achieve force thirteen about interdisciplinary relationships being valued and upheld, doctors still look down upon other members of the health care team due to their differences in qualifications. This however does not seem to affect the overall quality of the health care being provided by the organization (Malloch and O’Grady, 2010). The consistencies in force of magnetism have made the organization gain a lot of support from the surrounding community and this has improved the image of not only the hospital in general but also of its medical personnel. The fact that the hospital puts the needs of the community first at all times and even forgets about the needs of its own staff especially on

Knowledge Management and Organisational Learning Essay

Knowledge Management and Organisational Learning - Essay Example The fundamental role of knowledge management is to extract tacit knowledge and make it available for others to use2. Explicit knowledge exists in the form of words, documents, data, computer programs or software and other explicit forms. Knowledge management involves planning, organizing, motivating and controlling of workers and arrangements in the firm to make sure that knowledge related assets are improved and effectively employed. By motivating the creation, dissemination and application of knowledge, KM initiatives help organizations embed knowledge and learning into organizational processes so that it can improve its practices and behaviors to achieve its goals. Organizational learning helps the organization sustainably improve its utilization of knowledge. OL is the capability that enables organizations to practice the most suitable and precise management practices, structures and actions to facilitate and encourage learning. Recruitment and Selection Recruitment is the proces s of hiring a pool of people who are capable of working in an organization. Selection involves the use of specific instruments to choose from a pool of applicants the persons who are most likely to excel in a job relative to the management’s goals and legal requirements3. ... When organizations hire workers who possess relevant knowledge, skills and aptitudes, the process plays a pivotal role in shaping an organizations effectiveness and performance. The organization recruitment process should be modified to accommodate knowledge management practices. The most innovative organizations in knowledge management select individuals with the appropriate skills and attitudes as such employees have the ability to assimilate knowledge from various sources.4 Traditional approaches to selection may be revised to capture unpredictable knowledge flows especially in innovation projects. This is because it may be difficult to specify the requisite knowledge and expertise in advance for such projects. The social process model of recruitment and selection derived from social psychology has been adopted by different firms. This model assumes that people change constantly in the course of their careers and that subjective self-perceptions are critical to their work motivati on and performance. Self-perceptions are influenced by assessment selection procedures, and that modern jobs involve interaction, negotiation and mutual influence, which take place in multi-skilled, flexible and self-directed work teams.5 Firms use the social model to recruit persons who are most likely to share and acquire knowledge. Some researchers have argued that traditional recruitment and selection practices obstruct knowledge sharing among groups or departments in firms organized in accordance to the functional principle. For instance, in one pharmaceutical company, the assessment centers for selection of graduates were functionally focused with sales assessment centers and marketing assessment

On book ( ideas and opinions) by Albert einstein Essay

On book ( ideas and opinions) by Albert einstein - Essay Example Religion is the endeavor of mankind to be thoroughly and clearly conscious of religious values and goals and expand their influence (Einstein 46). There has been an argument over the last century that conflict between knowledge and belief cannot be reconciled. Belief that does not depend on knowledge should be opposed. The school has played a significant role in providing knowledge to open ones way of thinking. Through clear thinking and understanding, we can be able to support convictions. Science teaches us how facts relate to each other or how they condition one another. One should use knowledge in the most complete and transparent approach to achieve goals of human aspirations. Intelligent thoughts play a role in the formulation of goals and moral judgments. It makes interrelation of ends means clear thus leading to fundamental and ultimate ends. Religion plays an extremely vital role in making clear the essential ends and valuations and setting them in the emotional life of a person. Authority of fundamental ends exists as powerful traditions in a healthy society. They come into existence through revelation via the medium of powerful personalities (Einstein 49). The Jewish-Christian religious tradition gives us the principles for ones judgments and aspirations. The tradition gives a firm basis of ones valuations and aspirations. Unfortunately, we can only get it inadequately with ones weak powers. The function of education is to promote a young person develop with fundament principles of science and religion. This will help them look for substance and not the form (Einstein 51). When we compare the above principles with life and spirit of ones times, we realize that we civilized are in danger. This has arises since the rulers are the ones striving to crush the spirit of humanity. Oppression of individuals, nationalism, and intolerance are the one that threaten to choke the cherished traditions (Einstein

Thought Paper on On Huntington Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 From Page 3 to Essay

Thought Paper on On Huntington Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 From Page 3 to page 108 - Essay Example Democracies have become intricate, multi-layered systems that no longer truly function as purely representative entities through which the people wield true power. The constant push-pull between lawmakers and external actors who influence the legislative process has, particularly in the U.S., often blurred the line between the elected and non-elected. The resultant deal-making is undemocratic because it plays out behind the scenes, far from the political arena, and often places non-elected power brokers in a position of control over elected representatives. â€Å"If these democratically elected decision makers become, however, simply a facade for the exercise of much greater power by a non-Democratically chosen group then clearly that political system is not democratic† (Huntington, 10). In the U.S., special interest groups, lobbyists, and privatized government services, many of which are co-opted into government agencies, are at the very heart of the Democratic process and of ten behave in ways that run counter to the notion of purely representative government. Bureaucracy In the U.S., the governmental bureaucracy is a powerfully entrenched, often insidious force. The sheer size, scope and complexity of bureaucracy overwhelms the average American Democracy Behind the Scenes 3 citizen’s ability to comprehend how it functions vis a vis elected officials. This enables individual segments of the bureaucracy to play out their roles and impact the business of Democracy in ways that are not directly responsible to the public. Over the past 50 years, most presidential candidates, particularly Republicans, have made â€Å"big government† a cause celebre, campaigning against a vague yet politically effective concept. But what fails to attract the attention of these candidates, or the people who vote for them, is that the big government to which they refer is not governed in a truly Democratic fashion. The business that takes place in bureaucratic org anizations plays out beyond the scope of elective politics and, as such, does not involve the voters. Nevertheless, the outcomes of these bureaucratic activities generally affect citizens quite directly. Americans exhibit a characteristically contradictory attitude towards bureaucracy in that they expect government to be sensitive and responsive to their needs, yet often decry what is considered undue influence wielded by professional bureaucrats. Such unrealistic expectations reflect a fundamental lack of understanding about the nature of bureaucracy in a democracy, though it does not obscure the fact that the work that goes on within the bureaucracy takes place far from the public gaze and so can be considered inherently undemocratic. Regardless of the party or administration in charge, successful Democracies are inextricably linked to bureaucracy through their need for functional efficiency, which in the modern world relies heavily on a strong bureaucracy. The work that goes into the refinement and enacting of policy goes on behind closed doors. Democracy Behind the Scenes 4 Special interest groups Special interest groups present a unique challenge to Democracy in that they represent a subtle, imperceptible erosion of checks and balances within the political system. Interest groups have long held a presence on the American political scene, but their influence on the body politic reached

Identifications Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Identifications - Essay Example The movie picks its styles of presentation from the typical traditional American society before independence. The violence that characterizes the movie is indeed the life of a gang. This is an American movie produced by Kenneth Lonergan, Steven Zaillian and Jay Cocks in New York (Rodney et al., 2011). The film is a drama of wars between the native residents of United States of America and the immigrants, specifically the Catholics form Ireland. The two groups are referred to as gangs in the movie. The American gang is a protestant group under the leadership of Cutting. On the other hand, the Irish gang, also known as dead rabbit is led by Vallon the priest. During the fight, Cutting uses a knife to murder Vallon. Amsterdam, Vallon’s son from that time takes the knife that Cutting had used to kill his father and plans to assassinate Cutting. He first finds a way of working closer to Cuttings to win his confidence in order to get adequate opportunity to kill him during the great ceremony of celebrating after defeating the Dead Rabbits. Amsterdam meets Jenny and falls in love with her but then retreats once he discovers that Jenny is an affectionate friend to Cutting. His murder attempt however fails but leaves Cutting wounded. Later on, Cutting stabs Amsterdam in the belly and leaves Amsterdam wounded and Jenny nurses the wounds. The movie is significant in that it presents certain relevant historical themes around the struggle for independence in America. It displays a major theme of this movie; insecurity. As the name reflects a gang life, there is a lot of gang like behaviors in the movie, characterized by stabbing, confrontation and general hatred. The second evident theme of the movie is racial segregation. That of course is visible in the war between the Irish immigrants and Native Americans. Racial segregation is the driving force for the serious fight which apparently goes in circles of

Human Resource Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 4

Human Resource Management - Essay Example Focus The focus of this paper will be on the effect of environmental factors on the HRM systems utilized for employee resourcing and talent management in an organisation in the U.K. Organizations do not work in a vacuum and have to rely on cues from the external environment to decide where the company is headed and the kind of talent it needs to take it there. While the environment can prove favourable at times, it can also drastically and negatively affect company business; consequently, having an understanding on how to deal with these, from an HRM point of view, is very important. Employee Resourcing and Talent Management: Analysis and Significance For the purpose of this essay, the chosen system is the Employee resourcing and talent management system of HR. Identifying new resource and hiring it happens to be the most basic function of any HR manager in any organization, irrespective of size and scale of operations. A more advanced but still extremely crucial level of HRM is the management of that talent and utilizing it in such a way so as to maximize overall output and efficiency. Unemployed talent represents people who are living within the same external environment of the organization and are experiencing similar pressures but are not a component of the internal culture and environment of the company. ... External environmental influences and their impact on HRM systems and service delivery there are many influences that affect HR decision making and strategy. A detailed analysis of the external ones is given below: Political The government has been making deliberate attempts at curtailing the influx of foreighners into the U.K. – whether as workers or as immigrants. Fluendy (2011) comments on the great demand for foreigners in the U.K. for the fields of IT, engineering and accountancy, as well as in nursing and technicians. The government has been openly and sometimes surreptitiously implementing laws that discourage people from hiring workers from outside. The policy on immigration here has not been as it is implemented in other countries, with its aim since the 1960s to limit provision of U.K. citizenship and acclimatizing immigrants already present in the country (Boswell 2008). Despite that, more than 2 million immigrants have come and settled in the U.K. in the past decad e or so. Job creation, unfortunately, has not been able to match this influx. These affect directly the labour market and thus the resourcing needs of HRM. Legal The stock market crash has instigated investigation into the effectiveness of the Financial Services Authority. Of late, insider dealing has been banned in the U.K., says Barnes (2010). Furthermore, discrimination control laws are in place. In late 2010, the Equality Act 2010 was implemented which is aimed at harmonising all existing anti-discrimination legislation (Davies 2010). With the labour market an amalgamation of so many nationals, HR needs to be well cognisant of the law for proper talent

Was the Cultural Revolution 'Mao's Revolution' Essay

Was the Cultural Revolution 'Mao's Revolution' - Essay Example This revolution has been named sometimes as Mao’s Revolution owing to the fact that Mao Zedong was the initiator of this revolution and ruled the country through this period (Macfarquhar & Schoenhals 2006). The Cultural Revolution is correctly referred to as the Mao’s Revolution because it was Zedong who started this revolution and he used his tactics to commence this revolution to attain back his power and strength in the Chinese Communist Party. Mao rose to power mainly following the Second World War. He headed the Chinese Communist Party and he was a strict follower of Communism. Zedong was the one who declared the formation of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. The failure of the Great Leap Forward which was a program put forward by Zedong persuaded him to come up with a better strategy to make his stand more powerful in the party. The Great Leap Forward was a step to improve the agricultural and industrial sector of China but it had rather produced a ne gative result by leading to famine and the loss of many lives. Losses were also faced in both the industrial and agricultural sector. This produced a setback in the political career of Zedong. Liu Shaoqi and his lieutenant Deng Xiaoping were given greater importance in the party and this pushed Mao to come up with a new strategy which was the Cultural Revolution (Meisner 1999; Spence 1999). Mao Zedong was of the belief that the Chinese Communist Party had lost its original essence and its principles had been contaminated with the capitalist thoughts and acts. This was another factor which led him to push for the Cultural Revolution. Mao also argued that the society was also losing the communist path and capitalism had started to build its roots in the Chinese Society. He argued that the rich people were living their expensive lifestyles at the expense of the hard work of the poor farmers. He was of the opinion that China was moving back to its class system and thus he assessed that he had to target the younger generation for the commencement of this revolution. Mao believed that the younger generation had not been infiltrated with the capitalist thoughts and manipulation of their thinking in favor of communism would result in bringing about a change and a revolution. This led to the beginning of the Cultural Revolution by the youth in the year 1966. This revolution was thoroughly based on the thoughts and the opinions of Zedong. His personal, as well as political motives, convinced him to start this revolution and thus, it is correctly known as Mao’s Revolution (Meisner 1999; Spence 1999). The students formed groups in the year 1966 beginning from the Beijing University. They were referred to as the Red Guards. They asked for Mao’s signal and when he approved they started functioning on the national level. Millions of supporters joined the Red Guards and their main aim was to teach politicians as well as the other people to let go of capitalist p olicies. In 1966, a mass approval and supporting for Mao was shown in Beijing. This really explained a very important fact that this revolution was more about Mao and his opinions and not about what the Chinese Communist Party considered as a whole. It was initially believed that the functioning of the Red Guards would stay peaceful but this route was not followed for long.  

Diverse Families Essay Example for Free

Diverse Families Essay The modern society is marked with many challenges, which are transforming the traditional social way of life. For instance, the traditional two parent family seems to be losing the originality and substance which was associated with it in the past. This is evidenced by the increasingly high rate of divorce which has resulted to high number of single parented and remarried families. Clearly the challenge in this matter is encountered in appreciating that a two parent family is full of challenges which when left unattended can result into far reaching effects. Many people therefore find solution to these challenges in single parent and remarried families. This fact is underscored by sociologist Paul Bohannan who defines divorcees as people who have failed in their marriage but would also do not like to settle in a bad marriage (Gladding, 2002). This paper is written with an interest of discussing how single and remarried families differ from traditional Two-parent families as well as discussing their challenges and strength. How Single parent and Remarried families are treated differently from traditional two parent families. Single parent and remarried families are treated as failures of their original two parent family in the modern society. This is because the society still holds the sanctity and originality of a two parent family at esteem and as a command from their supreme being (Gladding, 2002). They therefore believe that any deviation from this command is a betrayal of their religion’s requirement and has a well defined punishment documented in their holy doctrines. Further to this, many religions hold that all men and women must marry and stay in their marriages irrespective of the challenges they meet. Single parent and remarried families are therefore depicted as non official and against the requirements of the Supreme Being (Harris, Abernethy, Smenta, 2000). Still to be noted here is the perception that single parents and remarried parents are sexually immoral. In the modern society, sexual immorality is still perceived to be more pronounced and associated with women than men. This compounded by the fact the number of unmarried single parents are women. To avoid being branded a feminist, I find it necessary to mention here that the considerable number of unmarried single parented men in the society cannot be ignored in this discussion. This perception is overstressed by the fact that human beings reproduce through sexuality which is believed by many members of our society to be legitimate only when it occurs during marriage and with only one partner in life time (Harris, Abernethy, Smenta, 2000). Based on this discussion, it is apparent that having children outside the wed lock or divorcing as well as remarrying another partner and having other children is treated as a form of sexual immorality which in the broad and normal sense of the word is not acceptable in the society. Strengths and special challenges associated with culturally diverse families Single parent families face a number of challenges in the society. Top on the list of these challenges is financial problems. Available statistical research results shows that single parent families have financial problems, which are more severe than in the case of two parent families (Gladding, 2002). As a matter of fact, the financial contribution of one parent cannot be compared to the contribution of two parents. This fact becomes worse if the family was rendered single parented by divorce. This is because the family might have been used to a given standard of living which changes all of a sudden due to lack of financial support from the other partner. As a result, a period of stress and depression follows before the divorced person adapts to the new ways of living. This challenge becomes more serious if the parent undergoing this traumatizing experience has the custody of the children. Remarried families have for long faced the challenge of neglect. This is evidenced in cases where one of the parents had children. It therefore follows that each of the parents has to appreciate each other as well as loving the children. It is believed that the biggest gift an individual can give to his or her partner is by loving the kids (Harris, Abernethy, Smenta, 2000). This undoubtedly shows that you where not only looking for a spouse but you were willing to join a family. However, available studies shows that in many a time, people find it hard to love kids whom they have not fathered or mothered. The desire to have a spouse can overcome the importance of loving the kinds and hence it can amount into another form of conflict of interest (Gladding, 2002). This problem is compounded by the possibility of getting in the present marriage what was lacking in the previous marriage or life. The effect of neglect is also evidenced in cases where the grand parents or either of the parents fails to recognize the step children and therefore they deny them their right of inheritance. One of the major strengths associated with the single parent and the remarried families is that they are put in a position to enjoy there life as well as to enhance the goodness of their children (Gladding, 2002). Some family relationships are marked with many challenges which can have negative far reaching effects and therefore detaching from a non satisfying marriage gives an individual an opportunity to restructure his or her life as well as the life of the children. Although it is argued that divorcees are marriage fails. It is also important to appreciate that they are people who are not willing to stick into a bad marriage. In conclusion therefore, single parent and remarried people are perceived negatively in the society as compared to the two parent family but this kind of family can be a solution to other problems which otherwise could be more hurting to the parent and the kinds at large. References Gladding, S. (2002). Family Therapy: History, Theory, and Practice. Michigan: Merrill. Harris, A. , Abernethy, A. , Smenta, J. (2000). Adolescent-Parent Interactions in Middle-Class African American Families: Longitudinal Change and Contextual Variations. Journal of Family Psychology, 14 (3), 458-474.

Ferguson Case Study Essay Example for Free

Ferguson Case Study Essay Ferguson biggest reason for drop in income of 1980 was the cost of goods sold. It accounted for $2,568 (U. S. $millions) of cost and expenses on the income statement. The reason for this high cost of goods sold is because of the decline in value of the U. S. dollar in relation to other countries in which the firm was operating in. For instance a good majority of their product was made in England at a time when the pound was at an all-time high which made the cost of selling the good in the U. S. ollar extremely expensive to American firms. Also their operations in Germany were halted because they German mark was appreciating in value at the same time the United States dollar was depreciating which made it too hard to sell the products for Massey- Ferguson at a profit. 2. Massey- Ferguson market value of common stock at the end of the fiscal year of 1980 was 176. 9 million dollars. This number was much lower than its book value of equity because the market was unsure of the company’s ability to pay back its short and long term debt causing a plunge in its market value. The debt was being used to expand its operations before 1980 and because of this the book value of equity in the company was high because they had a lot of assets that they had purchased in the company’s growth period. 3. The Canadian government had a big incentive in helping to refinance Massey- Ferguson Company. They wanted to keep them operating in Canada because they provided a lot of jobs to Canada and because it was politically convenient because an election was about to take place. Another big reason was because Argus Company was invested in Massey – Ferguson and if they had to provide more cash for Massey- Ferguson to not go under they may scale back some of their growth and possibly lay people off or pursue other opportunities elsewhere so that cost of making their products is even lower than Canada. 4. It would be hard for Massey-Ferguson to pay down their debt by issuing equity because of the lack of new ways to pay for the new debt that they are acquiring. Many investors were already weary of the ability for Massey-Ferguson to become competitive again because of the massive amount of debt that they already had. Also borrowing more to pay the debt that is already owed is not a good strategy for reparining a decaying company. Furthermore they had failed to pierce the US market which provided a lot of new revenue and continued to fail at adjusting to foreign markets which were outperforming the US at the time making it hard for them to compete because of the exchange rate between the foreign country and the US firm.

Influence of Oscar Wildes Sexuality

Influence of Oscar Wildes Sexuality Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was a writer whose homoerotic texts pushed the social boundaries of the Victorian era. Born to a family of unabashed Irish agnostics, the self-proclaimed dandy valued art, fashion, and all things physically beautiful. After receiving a comprehensive education from Oxford, Wilde made a name for himself in London first as a novelist, penning the now famous The Picture of Dorian Gray. A string of successful plays followed, among them The Importance of Being Earnest and An Ideal Husband. Wilde also published a variety of short stories and essays, but is acclaimed by historians for his pioneering influence over the aesthetic movement, a progression that opposed the accepted Victorian take on art in every way, shape, and form. Wilde postulated that art existed solely for itself, only for the sake of being art. His play The Decay of Lyingexemplified this tenet best, personifying his distaste for societys proclivities through a conversation between two people in a park.Though he fathered two sons, Wildes marriage fizzled as his personal life continuously hinted at homosexuality. Wildes inability to keep his private life secret proved to be his downfall; a love affair with a prominent nobleman resulted in Wildes imprisonment and expulsion from British social circles. Victorian Britain became increasingly morally rigid, its period marking a time when Britain was experien cing a growth in imperialism and conservative thought. While serving his term for homosexual acts, Wilde wrote the deeply spiritual De Profund is, in which he discussed his aspirations of individuality and freedom from the proprietary values that bound late Victorian society. An avant-garde writer and raconteur, Wildes sexuality had a profound effect on his works, influencing imagery and the nature of his characters in both The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest. Wildes sexuality and effeminate nature shaped his relations to aestheticism, which in turn manifested itself in his works moral implications. Wilde frequently employed thinly disguised doubles, representing himself in his work in order to juxtapose anaesthete and a traditionally Victorian society. Wildes aesthetics are strangely connected to his obsession with Jesus Christ. It is peculiar that such an unorthodox figure such as Wilde would find so much solace and inspiration from such a religious source. In De Profundis, Wildes admiration for and comparison with Jesus takes on many levels. He likens his persecution to Jesus crucifixion, a notion that evokes hubris, especially given Wildes naturally flamboyant disposition.Though not entirely humble, Wildes comparisons are ba sed more on parallels drawn between Wildes persecution and the events leading to Jesus martyrdom. Many speculate Wildes eventual baptism and acceptance of Catholicism was a manifestation of imminent deaths madness as the famed author was too radical to accept religion within the boundaries of sanity. However, there are critics who contend that Wilde was very much in the mainstream of the intellectual currents of his time, a man clearly aware of what he was trying to achieve in terms of his life and art; in the end, he was willing to accept his newfound status as a pariah, provided he could still create plays and prose. Considered by many to be the most outrageous trial of the century, Wildes fall from grace was so indicative of his progression and the significance of his unique works set in a time between the Victorian era and the modern age (Hoare 4). Wildes persecution reflected a clash of morals and ideals not unlike those faced by the protagonists of his novels. Wildes trial mimicked his imaginative fiction: it was a clash of opposites: of good versus evil, of heterosexual and homosexual, of masculine and feminine, of the safe and the dangerous, of what was seen as morally right or morally wrong (Hoare4). Homosexualitys Influence in The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest Wildes homosexuality had a profound influence over his work. His own experiences and relationships are projected into The Picture of Dorian Gray, and it is widely speculated that the characters Basil, Lord Henry, and Dorian are different aspects of Wilde himself. Wilde wrote that Basil is how I see myself, Lord Henry how the world sees me, and Dorian how I would like to be (Ericksen 101). The controversy behind The Picture of Dorian Gray was based in the extreme homoeroticism of the characters interaction; it is easy to see how Wildes writing elicited such a reaction. The male relationships are surely suggestive enough to stir even the most open-minded in the Victorian era. Wildessexuality affected the structure of the relationships as well, opening the book with the making of a homosexual love triangle involving Basil, Dorian, and Lord Henry. Basils painting is intimately connected with his adulation of Dorians physical beauty. Dorian, in turn, adores LordHenry, a man of stature who introduces him into a new coterie. LordHenry, in turn, adores Dorians physical beauty but also his relative innocence and the opportunity to mold him into the type of Victorian socialite everyone will adore. The novel opens with Basils overstated obsession with Dorians good looks. Basils sentiments, however, are undeniably romantic. As he paints his masterpiece, Basil is described as looking wistfully at the canvas, a smile of pleasure passing across his face as he lingers over the image he created (Wilde 1962, 20). In the case Basils day dreaming was too speculative a conclusion to make, Wilde provided his readers with interaction between Basil and Lord Henry sufficient enough to establish a romantic attraction for Dorian inside Basil. WhenLord Henry walks into Basils studio, Basil plans on keeping his subjects identity a secret out of jealousy. Basil immensely likesDorian, and has grown to love secrecy as it ensures that he will not have to share Dorian with Lord Henry (Wilde 1962, 22). Though it is later discovered that Basil is concerned that Lord Henry will corrupt Dorian with his cynicism and overdeveloped penchant for amorality, Basil is extremely protective of a man who he has be friended solely on the basis of his physical appearance. He describes to Lord Henry how upon seeing Dorian for the first time his face grew pale, knowing he met someone whose mere personality was so fascinating that [it could]absorb him if he allowed it (Wilde 1962, 24). Wildes homosexuality is significantly influential not just over the course of the plot, but also in the development of character relationships. Lord Henrys attraction to Dorian Gray is multi-tiered. Half the attraction to Dorian is on account of his youth, a possible reflection of Wildes relationship with younger men. The other half of Lord Henrys attraction to Dorian is his ability to mold Dorian into alike-minded socialite, a member of his New Hedonist group. However,Lord Henrys attraction, like Basils is undeniably romantic in nature. Though Lord Henry finds Dorian attractive, Dorians hold over Lord Henry does not fully take root until after Basil rambles on and on about his curious idolatry he has developed, and how he couldnt be happy if he didnt see Dorian everyday; Lord Henry takes serious notice of Dorian after Basil confides that he finds the young man to beabsolutely necessary to Basils life (Wilde 1962, 27). Wilde developsLord Henry in this way to stress his association wi th society at large; most people are not loved by everyone unless they are first loved by a few. Society, Wilde argues, will love whom it is deemed fashionable to love. Following Basils affirmations and affections, Lord Henry observes the young Adonis [made out of] ivory as wonderfully handsome, with his finely curved, scarlet lips, his frank blue eyes,his crisp gold hair; it comes to no wonder why Basil worshipped him(Wilde 1962, 33). The love triangle develops past Basils death; even Dorian finds himself attracted to Lord Henry. A peculiar observation is Dorians loss of composure after observing Lord Henrys romantic, olive-colored face and warm expression; Wilde writes that Dorian is in disbelief at his trepidation upon meeting Lord Henry (Wilde 1962, 38).After all, Dorian is not a schoolboy or a girl (Wilde 1962, 39). As Wildes homosexuality became more apparent, he began leading double lives. One of his lives was socially acceptable, as society perceived him as a married man with two sons. His other life was one spent among male prostitutes, renting houses outside London in which he would have extramarital, homosexual affairs. The incredible restriction Wilde faced was more because of his homosexuality than his marital infidelity. In leading his double lives, Wilde designed four characters in The Importance of Being Earnest to exude differing degrees of duality. The multiple personas were a reflection of the masks Wilde used as a means of personal adjustment, a prevailing theme among the four characters (Ericksen 151). The first character is Jack Worthing, a responsible man typical of the Victorian era. The legal guardian of a young woman, Jack finds it to be increasingly difficult to enjoy himself through the minor indiscretions that provide the average young man with such entertainment. As a re sult of his guarded nature, Jack creates his double, an alter ego he claims as his younger brother, whom he names Ernest. When Jack leaves the country and his responsibilities, he becomes Ernest, a mischievous character in contrast to the composed, model citizen Jack. The second character is Algernon Moncrieff, friend to Jack Worthing and first cousin to the woman Jack intends to wed. Algernon also leads a double life, though his double life involves animaginary friend of sort, a man whom he names Bunbury. The third character Wilde incorporates is Gwendolen Fairfax, the object of Jacksaffection. Though she accedes to her mothers will in public, Gwendolenrebels in private, pursuing Ernest without her mothers consent.After Jack plans to wed Gwendolen, she mentions she cannot marry a man whose name is not Ernest; this creates quite the dilemma for Jack, as he had originally planned to kill Ernest with another fabrication.The final character, Cecily Cardew, is a ward under her guardian, Jack Worthing. Tutored in the country, Cecily longs for a life outside her country estate, falling in love with the deviant Algernon. The doubles are a forward testament to Wildes life as a homosexual inVictorian London. As a Jack among his peers and Ernest among his lovers, Wilde is best personified in Algernon, though is present in both Jack and Algernon as they are constructed on similar principles and ideas (Ericksen 151). Both Jack and Algernon lead double lives, hence the similar principles and ideas. However, where Jack and Algernon differ is the nature of their double lives. Jacks alter ego, Ernest, is someone whom he actually becomes upon entering town. Algernon, on the other hand, claims to be visiting Bunbury, his imaginary ego. Algernon remains the same; the only thing that changes is his behavior. While both Algernon and Jack are sophisticated men of the world, only Jack finds the need to change his identity and life as he shifts social circles (Ericksen 152). Like the socially accepted individuals in Victorian society, Jack is rigid, morally sound, and never deviant. Initially known to Algernon as Ernest, Jacks transformation is almost instant as Algernon reveals his knowledge of Ernest/Jacks deviance with names. Ernest is wistful and madly in love with Gwendolen until his true ego, Jack, is revealed. As soon as Algernon shows Jack/Ernest the cigarette case, Jack shows himself, pointing out how ungentlemanly [a thing it is] to read a private cigarette case (Wilde 2005, 12). Algernon, now Jacks foil following Ernests departure, retorts with an epigram truly reminiscent of a dandy, stating the [absurdity in] having hard and fast rules(Wilde 2005, 12). The two characters play off each other from the very beginning, revealing their intentions. Algernon remains the deviant, bored with his surroundings and endless cucumber sandwiches (Wilde2005, 4). Jack leaves to indulge in the sort of behavior from which he is restricted as he is responsible for Cecily. Like Wilde, who has a family of his own, Jack cannot overindulge without risking social harm to his family. Ernest, then, is a double play on words; in indulging ones earnest, or true self, one escapes the constrictive Victorian society of moral and social obligations. Wildes aim here is to escape the Victorian moral code, returning to the Hellenistic antiquity of male relationships. Strangely, most everyone except Jack longs to see or meet Ernest.Algernon himself assumes the identity of Earnest in his quest to meet Cecily. Much to Jacks chagrin, Algernon decides to assume the identity of Algernon simply out of curiosity. Algernon has no ulterior motives; he wants to be Ernest just to be Ernest, a reflection of Wildespredisposition toward universal simplicity. Cecily also longs to meet Ernest, as she has heard of his antics and looks forward to a relative several degrees less rigid than her estranged guardian. Gwendolen is madly in love with Ernest partly due to her empathy for Jacksupbringing, and partly because of her obsession with his name. ThroughErnest, Wilde reveals his wishes of acceptance; he wants people to desire his homosexual identity and accept him not in spite of it, but because of it. Victorian values were imposed on every part of culture. Because of the great successes and advances felt by the 1860s, it was assumed that the throne had arrived at something new and worth keeping. An increasingly prudish era, the Victorian, puritanical movement required that all art have purpose. Whether to emulate a person, place, or event, art needed a reason to exist. It could be veneration of the object, veneration of the genre, or even veneration of the artist, but all art, including the written word, was subject to the Victorian standard if it was to be accepted by the general public. Like so many other movements, the Victorians were faced with the concept that art existed for art, that its sole end is itself and nothing more. While many mistakenly attribute this movement to Wilde, he in fact did not create aestheticism, he was merely its vehicle (Gaunt 119). As an Irishman, it was only natural that Wilde would be the catalyst for such a movement. Ireland was still relatively free of the imperialist expansion, allowing for a medium of trade most of England could not match. Wilde, after all, was not from the industrial wastelands of Liverpool, Manchester, or London. He was from the dingy magnificence of Dublin (Gaunt 119). Wildes aesthetics are rooted in his education, primarily his preoccupation with Hellenistic Greece and the old texts involving male relationships. When searching for the concept of beauty, he might havegotten his ideas from the great 6th century Hellas, where Wildeperceived the triumph of Greece and great civilization was its creation and representation of a supreme form of beauty (Gaunt 120).The ancient Greeks may have appealed most to Wilde because of the high premium they put on male-male relationships. Viewed as the most pure of all loves, homosexual male love was venerated by great leaders as well as scholars. The king of the gods and Mount Olympus, Zeus, was known to have a male lover, a young shepherd by the name of Ganymede. Contrary to the Victorians, who had inherited a set of religious beliefs based on faith rather than reason, Wilde had no concrete religious beliefs at all (Ericksen 19). The Aesthetic Movement, of which Wilde was soon to become the representative figure, was essentially a reaction against the ascendance of Philistinism in art and life (Ericksen 19). Wilde was determined to cultivate his own individual impressions of the world (Ericksen 19). Though he quickly became the most prominent aesthete, Wildes views were not unique. He had previously traveled to France, where he met with names such as de Goncourt, Flaubert, and Huysman, who showed him the depth of suffering as beauty. After Wilde settled in London in the 80s, he began to showcase his aestheticism, sporting garb such as plum-colored velveteen knickerbockers with perhaps a soft loose shirt and a wide turned-down collar (Ericksen 21). Wilde advocated art as having intrinsic, immeasurable value. Unlike the Victorian stance, art did not have to feature a moral code, teach a lesson, or exist as a monument to an ideal supporting morals. Art is art, and exists only to exist for itself. For example, paintings of the Last Supper, though beautiful, existed to be a testament to Jesus or Christianity. Wildes Aestheticism would interpret the Last Supper to exist solely for the purpose of being a beautiful painting. The colors, shapes, and figures would be the central focus as they would represent beauty; the connotation behind twelve disciples sitting around a solitary figure would be dismissible. Wildes sexuality ties indirectly to the concept of art; one of the reasons Wilde advocated the aforementioned moral system was his relation of the system to antiquity. Homosexual union was not a defiled perversion; Wilde argued that it was a sign of progress, like aestheticism. Aestheticism and homosexuality would be placed in the same context as other time periods such as Hellenistic Greece, Classical Italy (Michelangelo), and Shakespearean England. The aforementioned periods involve the perfection of the male form; Wilde believed himself to be in line with the traditions of old because of his Oxford rearing. Hellenistic aesthetic coincided with Wildes sexuality and his aesthetic movement in the shared view that the male form was the most beautiful.Homosexual relationships were therefore considered an act of beauty, the most revered form of affection possible. Wildes The Decay of Lying is a multi-page testament to his belief in arts greater purpose as having no such purpose. Essentially an extended metaphor for the ill consequences of turning art into a mathematical measure, The Decay of Lying describes lying and poetry as arts (Wilde 1997, 7). The metaphor continues, equating art with an exaggeration of reality. True art, Wilde argues through the protagonists Cyril and Vivian, is so abstract that the real becomes unreadable (Wilde 1997, 13). The nature of art and beauty is so abstract that nature and life are meant to imitate it. The dangers of regarding art as a moral calculus are detailed in The Picture of Dorian Gray. The strange stasis in which Dorian findshimself—the state where his self-portrait shows his aging and the negative effects of his actions—is a wonderful example of Wildesaesthetics in motion. The story unfolds as Dorian is sitting in front of Basil; Basil is seen pondering the sheer physical beauty of the scene in front of him. The true aesthetic, Basil seeks out the beautiful solely because it is beautiful. He becomes enamored with Dorian only because of his beauty. On the other hand, Lord Henry findsDorian irresistible because of the potential socialite he sees in a mind that has yet to be molded. Basil the aesthete warns Lord Henry, imploring him not to make a cynic out of something beautiful; in this case, Basil is ultimately requesting Lord Henry to take caution in his approach to Dorian. Basil wants to preserve Dorian the way he is because he finds him beautiful, where Lor d Henry wants access toDorians private time so he can mold something new and different.Dorian becomes a work of art, manipulated by Lord Henry, killing Basil, the aesthete. Later in the novel, Lord Henry gives Dorian a yellow book, one with no title that is presumably about art and philosophy (Ericksen 115).Dorian becomes obsessed, using it as a Bible with which he leads his whole life. In the end, Dorian dies, having gone mad. This is an unequivocal warning from Wilde to those who would pervert the course of art (Victorians). Wilde shows the reader what happens when art is taken out of context and into a completely inappropriate light. Moreover, its hows how damaging the Victorian approach is; Dorian is unable to change his ways. Shortly after his inhuman treatment of Sibyl, he attempts to reform, only to find the painting smirking back at him.This is a reflection of the unyielding nature of Victorian society; itis a reflection of Wildes suffocation and inability to move freely, creatively, or inspirationally in the context of British society at the close of the 19th century. Just like Dorian, Wilde cannot express himself freely; though he had a chance in the beginning of the novel, Dorian did not follow the poor artist Basil. He instead opted to conform to the higher-ranking Lord Henry, whose coterie led Dorian to his death. Once in the clutches of Lord Henry, Dorian was fully supplicated to the mercy of his manipulator. Lord Henry almost immediately changes in his affections for Dorian, the extreme differences being Dorians perception as an Adonis in the beginning and as an unrecognizable, withered, man who is unidentifiable until they check his rings. Wildes third play, An Ideal Husband makes use of the witty banter known as epigrams to reveal the darker side of Victorian values in atongue-and-cheek fashion. The whole play is an epigram of sorts, exemplifying the imperfections of the Victorian bourgeois by mockingly portraying the inefficacy of their incorporation into Wildes ideal society. The traditional Victorian values Wilde mocks in An Ideal Husband are devotion, forgiveness, sacrifice, loyalty, moral integrity, and a composed disposition, all traits that Wilde subverts in his character portrayals. Though Sir Robert, the ideal husband, finds himself at the disadvantageous end of blackmail, his past does not warrant Wilde to present him as vile or duplicitous, as Lord Goringpostulates to Lady Chiltern that every man of every nature [has]elements of weakness (Wilde 2004, 27). The play, however, becomescentered around a conflict caused by [Lady Chilterns] unyielding moral rigidity (Ericksen 142). Sir Robert faces a moral dilemma in his coping with Mrs. Cheveleys blackmail. Wilde makes a useful point in the Sir Roberts circumstances; on one hand, Sir Robert is faced with making public his dark and relatively shameful past, there ineffectively nullifying Mrs. Cheveleys threats. On the other, he must deal with a Puritanical wife who cannot forgive anyone who has done a wicked or shameful deed, including Sir Roberts possible complicity(Ericksen 141). Would an ideal husband accede to the blackmail, there indenying his wifes request to challenge Mrs. Cheveley? In either event, Sir Roberts relationship is put in jeopardy. He can either lie to his wife, giving in to Mrs. Cheveley and compromising his marriage, or he can make his past public domain, marring the perfect public image his wife so treasures. Ironically, the couples social coterie perceivesSir Robert as the ideal mate, a man who, until his blackmail, was known for his impeccable reputation. Even his private life with Lady Chiltern was blissfully free of blemishes. Sir Roberts reputation and relationship with his wife, however, could have been saved by a simple lie. Had he never revealed the truth to his wife and given in to Mrs.Cheveley, giving in to her will, Lady Chiltern wouldnt have been one to know the better. An ideal husband in this case would therefore lie;for Wilde, the Victorian moral impetus lies not with adhering to the traditional values, but rather in maintaining the facade of keeping values in general. Ironically, Lady Chiltern learns of her husbands past all the same, [castigating] him and [rejecting] his please for forgiveness (Ericksen 141). No amount of marital maneuvering can spareSir Robert. In the end, it is Lord Goring who confronts Mrs. Cheveleyabout Sir Roberts blackmail; he is the only empowered character as he speaks and acts under no false pretenses. While he is far from perfect, chastised by his father for dancing until four oclock in the morning, Lord Goring is Wildes idealist—he is an art love r, whose witty repartee is surpassed only by his willingness to fight Mrs.Cheveley. One of Wildes most effective comic devices is his employment of epigrams, and more comical still is his utilization of Vicomte deNanjacs malapropisms. The French Attachà © in London, Nanjac representsWildes interpretation of those not fortunate enough to be born elite; Nanjac is easily recognized by his adoration of society and hisAnglomania (Wilde 2004, 4). His malapropisms are a reflection of the sad attempts of many to engage in epigramic banter, the object of LordGorings successful use of epigram. A ridiculing character, WildesNanjac is one whose blind aspiration to join a society hampers his vision and taste, therein earning him the scorn of the more capableLord Goring. Wildes assault on the Victorian bourgeois is personified best by the duality of his characters. Sir Robert, for example, presents a public mask of absolute personal integrity but has actually built his fortune and career upon a deception (Ericksen 144). An almost hero, Sir Robert is a manifestation of Wildes implications regarding a relatively innocent mans subjugation under society. Lord Arnheim, Sir Roberts former co-conspirator, first seduces Sir Robert with his doctrine of wealth, elucidating his view that controlling others is lifes greatest attribute (Ericksen 142). Mrs. Cheveley displays this best asLord Arnheims theoretical protà ©gà ©e; the two are almost Machiavellian in their manipulation (Ericksen 145). Where Lord Arnheim seduced SirRobert by playing to the discrepancy between his noble birth and modest financial holdings, Mrs. Cheveley is absolutely ruthless in her willingness to wreak havoc on all aspects of Sir Roberts married life in order to secure her investments. In his surrender to the wills of the two manipulators, Sir Robert becomes an ideal human, one whose proclivity to err alienates him from society. By succumbing to the two prominent materialists, Sir Robert embodies Wildes disdain for the financial drive of Victorian social coteries; contrary to the art-collecting Sir Robert, the female villain has no pleasures outside control and exploitation. Wilde addresses the lack of humanity in Victorian society, personified by the promulgation of perfection among the social elite. In the first Act, Mrs. Marchmont and Lady Basildon discuss their unfortunate marital situation. Lord Goring notes they are married to the most admirable husbands in London, to which Mrs. Marchmont responds that their husbands perfection is exactly what [they cant stand]; there is not the smallest element of excitement in knowing [them] (Wilde 2004,10). In this sense, the true Sir Robert, the one susceptible to suggestion and whose past compromises his future, becomes the ideal husband. Wilde suggests all Victorians wear masks, alternate identities that shield them from being human and enjoying existence. The ideal marriage is manifested best by the speculative union of Mabel Chiltern and Lord Goring, who at the plays close reject the common Victorian roles and morals previously discussed. Wildes Victorian surroundings were instrumental in his development of aesthetics, but were unfortunately not tolerant of his private life. A controversial figure, Wilde was homosexual, and had an ongoing affair with a younger nobleman by the name of Lord Alfred Douglas. Lord Douglas father, enraged at his sons homosexual relationship with Wilde, accused Wilde of being a sodomite, a grave offense in Great Britain at the time. Though acquitted in his first of two trials, Wilde was later sentenced to serve two years hard labor on the aforementioned charges. First imprisoned in Londons Wandsworth prison, Wilde was denied pen and paper until his transfer to Reading Gaol, where he eventually wrote De Profundis. While Wilde revealed his fascination with the figure of Christ [throughout] his literary career, only in De Profundis did he actually make [Christ] a part of his aesthetic system (Ericksen 156). A dramatic monologue on spirituality and society, De Profundis features several metaphor s likening Wilde toChrist. Wilde felt his unjust imprisonment made him a martyr; upon initial circulation of rumors regarding his sexuality, Wilde could have left London for France, therein spared persecution. Unlike Hamlet, who became a spectator to his own tragedy, Wilde the Christ-figure actively sought out what he perceived as his end (Wilde 2003, 28).Where Christ accepted his fate for the benefit of mankind, Wilde was a self-convinced saint and martyr for art and what he perceived to be the threatened aesthetic movement. Having passed through every mode of suffering, Wilde was convinced that his redemption would be realized through his incarceration and subsequent release, upon which his newfound humility would help him rise again (Wilde 2003, 4). Just as mankind would redeem itself through the trial and crucifixion of Jesus, Wilde felt society would be redeemed through his incarceration. He continued, developing his incarceration to salvation, likening greatness to requisite s orrow. Wilde admired Jesus for having realized his calling as being completed, reaching fulfillment upon its end(Wilde 2003, 19). Marveling at his situation, Wilde mused on the incredulity of a young Galilean peasant imagining that he could bear on his shoulders the weight of the world, including all the worlds past sins as well as what had yet to be done and suffered (Wilde2003, 13). Jesus death and resurrection was that toward which Wildeaspired, conceding that imprisonment was most likely an act of retribution for the fanciful and carefree life he led previously.Incarceration, then, was Wildes means of atoning for the errant life he might possibly have led upon his release. He hoped his relationship with Lord Douglas would be forgiven, and longed for societys acceptance. Wilde could claim on [his] side that if [he realized] what[he had] suffered, society should realize what it [had] in turn inflicted; with a mutual cognizance shared between Wilde and society, he hoped there would be no bitterness or hate on either side (Wilde2003, 7). Just as Jesus attempted to win over his captors and aggressors through his death and resurrection, Wilde hoped to pacify societys enmity by paying his social dues in prison. Wilde even likened the course of his lifes events to those leading up to Jesusmartyrdom. For example, Jesus was given direction by God the Father and condemned by Man. Wilde, in turn, ascribes the two great turning points in [his] life as when his father sent [him] to Oxford, and when society sent [him] to jail (Wilde 2003, 6). Wildes foreknowledge of an impending criminal proceeding did not dissuade him, just as the disciples could not sway Jesus acceptance and willingness to die on the cross. Neither Wilde nor Jesus could ignore their calling, no matter the grisly end. As a sinner, Wilde conceded that he had to accept the fact that martyrs were equally persecuted for the good as well as for the evil committed (Wilde 2003, 7). However similar to Jesus Wilde would assert himself to be, there weredefinite discrepancies in De Profundis that could testify to Wilde asan admirer of Jesus rather than his attempted emulator. Wildepostulated that Jesus saw Man in the same fashion as the aestheticmovement saw art; Man existed simply to exist. Wilde wrote that Christ regarded sin and suffering as being [beautiful] in and of themselves, that such a notion was the dangerous idea that led Christ to his demise (Ericksen 157). Just like Christ, Wildes own dangerous idea that ran against the Victorian grain was what led to his downfall.Wilde also saw his imprisonment as a period of transition. Hisindictment of the Greek gods as deities emulating humans indicatedhislife prior to imprisonment; Wilde labeled the Olympian gods as ableto reach greater heights (Wilde 2003, 17). Each Olympian representeddifferent aspects of humani

The Us Is Murdering The Iraqis Essay -- essays research papers

The US is Murdering The Iraqis Each day we eat three meals a day, sometimes more. We listen to music, drive in our cars, or play on our high-tech computers. Some may pick up the newspaper, but other than those few words on the page, the American population is living a life of excess. Excess that is at the expense of other people's lives. The American people take pride in the capitalistic democracy that is a model for the other countries, but they forget to watch the government. They don't even know what their government is doing. For years now people on the street curse and wish death upon the Saddam Hussein. He has been given titles such as the devil's son because the media has told all of the horrible things he has done. The media has shown how he is killing his own people for power. The struggle for power is killing the people of Iraq, but it is not their own government who is fighting for this power, it is the only remaining world super power, the United States of America, fighting constantly to hold on to its domination. It is a ritual of the United States to stop any country from taking our power. The government will destroy any way of life that may take away from the policy of democratic promotion, for the US is the model of such a way of life. If that role was threatened then their power would be threatened. This is shown in the history Iraq and U.S. relations from 1972 on. In 1972, Iraq began to nationalize its oil; large amounts of money where now coming into the country. Saddam was using this money to help his people in a way no other country ever has. A free education system was set up for everyone in the country, from the equivalent of kindergarten to college or professional school. There was free housing for everyone. There was also a medical system that was free for Iraq people, while for non-citizens, it was about three dollars. This three dollars was for everything, from strepp throat to heart surgery. All of this improved the quality of life for the people of Iraq. The infant mortality d ecreased and people were living longer and better lives. Saddam oversaw all of this and his people loved him. But the United States government felt that Saddam and Iraq were growing too powerful in the sensitive Middle East region, and thus began a series of attempts to weaken their power. 1972 is when the U.S. put Iraq on the list of terrorist nations. T... ...ty, behind all the highly confidential, top secret files, they plan to trap these countries under their control while furthering their own power and well being. Children and people of all ages are dying at this moment in Iraq, so that we, the people in America, can live a life of abundant materialism. This is just one country in the world, there are sure to be others in the past, present and the time to come, that will suffer and die at the mercy of the United States of America. Yet people are too concerned with the trivial things of their daily life to take interest in the government that is killing people and destroying cultures. The United States of America is supposed to have the government of the people, so unless we, the people do something, we will continue to be the murderers of innocent people. All of the information in this paper came from Father Harring. He had traveled to Iraq and is working with the Voices in the Wilderness organization to help the people in Iraq. He quit his job as a professor in Connecticutto work full time with the organization. He gave the speech on Iraq sanctions (because Father Gumbleton had been hospitalized and was still ill) in October 1999.

The Limits of Language in Heart of Darkness Essay -- Literary Analysis

The Limits of Language in Heart of Darkness From the very beginning of Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad traps us in a complex play of language, where eloquence is little more than a tool to obscure horrific moral shortcomings. Hazy, absurd descriptions, frame narratives, and a surreal sense of Saussurean structural linguistics create distance from an ever-elusive center, to show that language is incapable of adequately or directly revealing truth. Understanding instead occurs in the margins and along the edges of the narrative; the meaning of a story â€Å"is not inside like a kernel but outside, enveloping the tale which brought it out only as a glow brings out a haze† (105). The title of the novel is itself misleading, because Conrad purposely leads us around understanding rather than directly to its heart, always hinting at something that, it seems, cannot be expressed. En route to â€Å"the biggest...most blank† space on the map of his youth, Marlow muses: â€Å"My isolation amongst all these men with whom I had no point of contact, the oily and languid sea, the uniform sombreness of the coast, seemed to keep me away from the truth of things, within the toil of a mournful and senseless delusion† (108, 114). He repeats words until they are nothing but sounds, polysyllabic mouthfuls devoid of real meaning: â€Å"palpable,† â€Å"inestimable,† â€Å"inscrutable,† â€Å"impenetrable.† Thick layers of images accumulate until all senses are enshrouded in mist, darkness, and distance. And yet, even in the face of the Unknowable, there is still an adamantly declared sense of understanding, however elusive or inadequat e it may be. Marlow recalls that his experience in the Congo, for example, â€Å"seemed somehow to throw a kind of light on everything about me — and into ... ...ose of the earth,† according to the Saussurean linguistic theory that Conrad seems to support. â€Å"There was nothing either above or below him,† Marlow observes, â€Å"and I knew it... I †¦ did not know whether I stood on the ground or floated in the air.† In his essay, â€Å"The Failure of the Imagination,† James Guetti writes that in Heart of Darkness, language has meaning â€Å"in terms of the exterior of experience — the coast of a wilderness, the surface of a river, a man's appearance and his voice — and the meaning can exist as a reality so long as one remains ignorant, deliberately or otherwise, of all that lies beyond these exteriors, of what language cannot penetrate. For with the intimation that there is something beyond verbal, and indeed, intellectual capacities, comes the realization that language is fiction† (SOURCE). Perhaps this is the ultimate horror.

Essay --

1. On April 22, 2013 a jury trial was planned for commence as the result of Timelines, Inc. suing Facebook, Inc. for trademark infringement. Timelines, Inc. filed with the courts after noticing that Facebook, Inc. added the new â€Å"Timeline† feature to its member profiles. Facebook motioned for a summary judgment, but the U.S. District Court for Northern District of Illinois turned down Facebook’s motion for a summary judgment. The reason they denied this motion is because Facebook failed to prove that the word â€Å"timeline† was of fair use, and that the term â€Å"timelines† was just a generic term. A party that moves for a summary judgment is trying to save the time and expense of a full trial when the outcome is usually obvious. Since Timelines, Inc. has a registered trademark of the â€Å"timelines† phrase; the court affirmed that they were entitled to a presumption of validity. If I were a member of the jury, I would rule in favor of Timelines, Inc. because Facebook went against the trademark laws, and was not able to prove that the phrase â€Å"timeline† was of fair use. Fair use can be proved only if the defense can prove that such use was for a purpose other than that normally made of a trademark. The party that is being charged with trademark infringement may defeat proceedings ONLY if it can prove a valid exception of fair use. If companies did not trademark their mark, multiple companies would use similar marks causing consumer confusion about the origin of the defendant’s goods/services. As much as I love Facebook, I feel as though they took someone else’s creation, and used their power to make the concept legendary. Trademark infringement is a violation of the exclusive rights attached to a trademark without the authorization of the tra... ... the duplication of the copyrighted work must be outside the exceptions. The combination, the lyrics and associated melodies, intonations, and usage are too similar to the original. This violates the copyright trademark laws, and it is protectable material. The puzzle pieces match knowing that the composer’s advisors, John and Charles, listened to her song in 2008, critiqued it, and told her it was best as a duet. Copyright infringement is the act of violating any of a copyright owner’s exclusive rights that were granted by the Federal Copyright Act. The only exceptions to the copyright law are fair use, face-to-face instruction, and virtual instruction. These exceptions allow someone to use work without permission from the copyright holder, and potentially paying fees. If Bowen wins the case, she could potentially receive the actual dollar amount of the profits. Essay -- 1. On April 22, 2013 a jury trial was planned for commence as the result of Timelines, Inc. suing Facebook, Inc. for trademark infringement. Timelines, Inc. filed with the courts after noticing that Facebook, Inc. added the new â€Å"Timeline† feature to its member profiles. Facebook motioned for a summary judgment, but the U.S. District Court for Northern District of Illinois turned down Facebook’s motion for a summary judgment. The reason they denied this motion is because Facebook failed to prove that the word â€Å"timeline† was of fair use, and that the term â€Å"timelines† was just a generic term. A party that moves for a summary judgment is trying to save the time and expense of a full trial when the outcome is usually obvious. Since Timelines, Inc. has a registered trademark of the â€Å"timelines† phrase; the court affirmed that they were entitled to a presumption of validity. If I were a member of the jury, I would rule in favor of Timelines, Inc. because Facebook went against the trademark laws, and was not able to prove that the phrase â€Å"timeline† was of fair use. Fair use can be proved only if the defense can prove that such use was for a purpose other than that normally made of a trademark. The party that is being charged with trademark infringement may defeat proceedings ONLY if it can prove a valid exception of fair use. If companies did not trademark their mark, multiple companies would use similar marks causing consumer confusion about the origin of the defendant’s goods/services. As much as I love Facebook, I feel as though they took someone else’s creation, and used their power to make the concept legendary. Trademark infringement is a violation of the exclusive rights attached to a trademark without the authorization of the tra... ... the duplication of the copyrighted work must be outside the exceptions. The combination, the lyrics and associated melodies, intonations, and usage are too similar to the original. This violates the copyright trademark laws, and it is protectable material. The puzzle pieces match knowing that the composer’s advisors, John and Charles, listened to her song in 2008, critiqued it, and told her it was best as a duet. Copyright infringement is the act of violating any of a copyright owner’s exclusive rights that were granted by the Federal Copyright Act. The only exceptions to the copyright law are fair use, face-to-face instruction, and virtual instruction. These exceptions allow someone to use work without permission from the copyright holder, and potentially paying fees. If Bowen wins the case, she could potentially receive the actual dollar amount of the profits.

Recording, Analysing and Using Human Resource Information Essay

This assignment is based around a retail organisation. This organisation is in the fashion sector, primarily selling ladies fashion (although it does have some lines for men and children). The organisation has 34 stores, primarily based in the Midlands and South of the UK. It tends to employ significant number of students during the holiday period (to help cover staff holidays) and it always employs a number of temporary workers in the busy weeks leading up to Christmas. Answer the following questions (total of 1000 words): 1. Why does this organisation need to keep employee records (identify at least two reasons?) Two reasons as to why the above mentioned organisation would need to keep employee records are as follows; 1) To satisfy legal requirements – There are numerous legal requirements regarding the recording of employee records. The key legal requirements that this or any organisation or Human Resources (HR) department would need to be aware of are; Storing records for the Inland Revenue, The Working Time Regulations 1998, The National Minimum Wage Act 1998 and the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR). This list is not exhaustive. [1]According to Martin et al ‘there is an extensive body of legislation that regulates and controls the management of personal data and information. HR records have to satisfy a number of legal principles’. 2) To provide information to support the organisation in its decision making – By keeping employee records the above mentioned organisation can support the organisation in its decision making in various ways. For example as this organisation tends to employ a significant number of students during the holiday period they would be able to look at records from previous years and perhaps re-employ students who had a good previous record in attendance and performance etc. On the other hand if they had an employee who caused them problems with areas such as attendance or performance they would know not to re-employ them. This could help to save time and resource when it comes to recruiting for the holiday period. 2. What data relating to employees might this organisation want to collect and how will this support HR or L&D practices? (Give 2 examples of types of data) Two examples of types of data the above organisation may want to collect to support with HR or L&D practices are as follows; 1) Primary employee records – These records include all employee personal information such as name, address, date of birth, start date of employment, bank details, National Insurance number, and tax information (P45 or P46). This information will support the HR department in a variety of different ways ranging from simple tasks such as producing letters to more complex tasks such as producing reports. The HR department may need to produce letters for employees relating to anything such as a change in working hours to information about a sickness absence. The employees contact information would be gathered from the primary employee records as mentioned above. The HR department may also need to produce reports; these reports may refer to the age of the workforce, or the length of service within the workforce. Again the HR department would look to these primary employee records to support. 2) Absence – It is vital for any organisation to record absence levels however, ultimately if the information gathered is not used then it is of no real benefit to the organisation. [2]According to Daniels ‘if absence data is going to be of any use it needs to be: †¢ Reported monthly †¢ Reported alongside data that shows at least the past 12 months †¢ Compared with the rate for the industry †¢ Broken down by group of employee (e.g. manual and non-manual) or by department.’ Recording absence levels will support the above mentioned organisation within the HR department in numerous ways. One example of this would be if there are any months where absence is particularly high then operationally the organisation may look at the possibility of needing temporary cover. The organisation may also look at yearly trends, therefore if they know that December for example is a month where absence levels are particularly high they can strategically plan and prepare temporary cover in advance. 3. What would you recommend as effective methods for this organisation to store the data, and why? (Give two different options) My recommendations as effective methods for this organisation to store the data relating to primary employee records and absence are as follows; 1) Primary employee records – As this organisation has a large number of employees spread across 34 different stores in different locations throughout the United Kingdom; my recommendation would be to use a Personnel Database. I believe this would be a key requirement in keeping the data stored efficiently. HR departments may need to access information from different Stores for reporting etc therefore I feel it would be necessary to have a master database for all employees. Common examples of types of data stored on a database would be name, address, start date, date of birth and salary etc. This information can then be used in a variety of different ways ranging from simple tasks such as producing letters to more complex tasks such as creating spreadsheets and reporting. [3]Martin et al cited that using databases for employee records ‘could be used in its raw, unprocessed form to send out a letter. In addition it could be processed to identify who is due to retire or to calculate salary costs for department.’ 2) Absence – My recommendation for this organisation to store their absence rates would be through Computerised Personnel Information Systems (CPIS). [4]According to Daniels, ‘as well as holding personnel records and data, there are a number of other functions that can be incorporated into CPIS. These may not always come with the standard package, but they might be bought as additional facilities’. Absence management being one of the functions Daniels refers to. One of benefits in using CPIS in relation to absence would be that all Stores would have access to absence information relating to every Store within the organisation. This would enable decision makers to efficiently and effectively analyse trends relating to all the Stores. [5]Martin et al refer to the fact that only actions taken by managers and supervisors can bring absence levels down however good records can help them to do this job. A CPIS will produce accurate data therefore making it easier for managers to monitor this. 4. Why is it important for the organisation to effectively input and retrieve information? Answer this with particular reference to payroll and personnel records. The importance of effectively inputting and retrieving information is key to the successful operation of the above organisation, or in fact any organisation. I will specifically concentrate on the areas of payroll and personnel. Firstly I will discuss the implications relating to payroll. Paying employees the correct amount of money at the correct time is essential to employee satisfaction, therefore within any business it is vital that all information needed for processing payroll has been input and retrieved accurately. As this organisation has 34 stores there will be a large number of employees, therefore there will be a large amount of information stored relating to pay. If information has been input or retrieved incorrectly this could result in incorrect payments to staff. For example if an employee left the business however someone forgot to input that they were a leaver, this could result in an incorrect payment, therefore losing the company money. On the other hand if an employee started the company however someone forgot to input the information this would mean that the new employee wasn’t paid as the information would not be in the system. This would instantly give the new employee a bad first impression of the organisation. Secondly I will discuss the implications relating to personnel records. It is vital that personnel information is input and retrieved effectively for numerous reasons. The first example would be in case of an emergency; when a new employee starts within the business they are always asked to submit a contact who is to be contacted in case of an emergency. Therefore it is very important that this information in input or retrieved in the correct manner. If the telephone number was input incorrectly and the employer came to use the number in the case of an emergency the employer would then not know who to contact especially within a large organisation as mentioned in the case study. If the information is retrieved incorrectly the employer may contact the incorrect person which may lead to unnecessary worry for someone was has been inserted as an emergency contact for another employee. Another example as to why personnel records need to be input and retrieved correctly would relate to medical information. When an employee is new to the business medical information will be gathered. For example if an employee suffers from a medical condition such as epilepsy and this has not been input into the system because of an error then staff may not understand or be aware if they had an epileptic fit. It could be the same with allergies to nuts etc. If staff are not aware they won’t be able to provide medical information to the ambulance when they arrive to support in cases like the above mentioned. Very often providing this information to the ambulance services can make the difference in life and death situations. 5. Identify three aspects of the storage of data that need to be addressed as a result of the Data Protection Act. [6]According to government legislation, The National Archives cited that The Data Protection Act is an ‘Act to make new provision for the regulation of the processing of information relating to individuals, including the obtaining, holding, use or disclosure of such information.’ Three aspects I have identified of the storage of data that need to be addressed as a result of the Data Protection Act are as follows; 1) Data that is processed must be done so fairly and lawfully. [7]The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) cites that ‘in practice, it means that you must: †¢ have legitimate grounds for collecting and using the personal data; †¢ not use the data in ways that have unjustified adverse effects on the individuals concerned; †¢ be transparent about how you intend to use the data, and give individuals appropriate privacy notices when collecting their personal data; †¢ handle people’s personal data only in ways they would reasonably expect; and †¢ make sure you do not do anything unlawful with the data. 2) Data stored must be adequate, relevant, and not excessive – This means that any information gathered must be relevant to the specific job of the employee. You must ensure that you do not hold more information than what is needed for a specific purpose. The organisation should identify the minimum amount of information that is required. 3) Data stored must be accurate and where necessary kept up to date. This principle places a responsibility to take steps to ensure accuracy of information processed and stored. When collecting the information reasonable steps must be taken to ensure the information is correct. [8]According to Martin et al ‘in employment one way to achieve this is to allow employees to check, and even update, their own records.’ Task 2 Input this data into an appropriate IT package (e.g. Excel) and then display the data in the most appropriate way. I have chosen to present my data in a line graph as I feel this is the most appropriate way to show the two variables (absence rate % in the last 12 months and staff turnover % in the last 12 months) in one graph. [pic] Now write a report (no more than 500 words) identifying what this data tells you, and suggesting how this might impact on the decision making in the organisation. Key findings within this data are as follows; †¢ Store D has the highest absence rate, that being 7.2% in the last 12 months †¢ Store C has the lowest absence rate, that being 1.8% in the last 12 months †¢ Store C has the highest staff turnover, that being 21% in the last 12 months †¢ Store F has the lowest staff turnover, that being 10% in the last 12 months As Store D’s absence rate is relatively high decision makers within the organisation and the Human Resource department (HR) should consider focusing on areas such as job motivation, employee engagement, working condition etc so as to try and improve overall absence % rate for the year. Decision makers should also ensure that the absence policy is being managed by line managers and that managers are correctly trained in following the policy. Another key area decision makers should focus on are key trends of absence types. For example sore throats and colds can be an indicator that the air conditioning is set to the wrong level. It is vital that decision makers understand why the absence rate is high so as they can take measures to improve it. Even though store C’s absence rate is the lowest at 1.8% they still have the highest staff turnover, that being 21%. A low absence rate can indicate that an employee is engaged and they want to be in the work place. One of the reasons for the highest staff turnover could be due to the significant number of students being employed in the holiday period and also the temporary workers in the busy weeks leading up to Christmas. These figures may lead the decision makers within the organisation to consider a different approach for staff cover over the holiday periods and Christmas if it is going to have a negative effect on the turnover % for that period of 12 months. An example of how they could improve this would be to offer overtime to existing employees rather than hiring temporary workers for the Christmas period. They could also have more part time employees throughout the year, for example they could employ students on a low number of hours throughout the year and then ramp up their hours at the busy periods such as Christmas. Store F has the lowest staff turnover that being 10%. This may be for numerous reasons such as location or employee engagement. Store F may not employ as many students for the Christmas or holiday period as it is in a smaller community where fewer students live. It may be that the people who are employed in the store are from a smaller community and they have worked here for years and there isn’t the need to ramp up over the Christmas period. Very often people who come from smaller communities tend to stay within the same place of work and don’t look to leave, therefore contributing to low staff turnover. Another factor could be that staff are engaged and motivated. The decision makers within the business should look to considering why Store F has the lowest staff turnover. They could look at how other Stores manage the Christmas and holiday period ramp up and also if they have any programmes with employee engagement. Then they could look to transferring skills and ideas from Store F to other stores with a high staff turnover. References †¢ Information Commissioner’s Office (2012) ‘Processing personal data fairly and lawfully (Principle 1)’ (online) (cited 6th August 2012). Available from: http://www.ico.gov.uk/for_organisations/data_protection/the_guide/principle_1.aspx †¢ The National Archives (2012) ‘Data Protection Act 1998’ (online) (cited 6th August 2012). Available from: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/29/introduction Bibliography †¢ Martin, M. Whiting, F. and Jackson, T. (2010) Human Resource Practice, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, London. †¢ Daniels, K. (2010), Recording, Analysing and Using Human Resource Information, ICS Limited, Glasgow. ———————– [1] M.Martin et al (2010) Human Resource Practice, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, London, p. 278 [2] K. Daniels (2010), Recording, Analysing and Using Human Resource Information, ICS Limited, Glasgow, p.17 [3] Martin et al, Human Resource in Practice, pp. 284 [4] Daniels, Recording, Analysing and Using Human Resource Information, pp. 29 [5] Martin et al, Human Resource in Practice, pp. 284 [6] The National Archives (1998) [7] Information Commissioner’s Office (2012) [8] Martin et al, Human Resource Practice, pp.289