Monday, September 30, 2019

Gun Control Proposal Essay

2013 has been embossed by recent incidents such as a Vegas shooting that ended the lives of three people, four gruesome murders in Orange County in California, and many more tragedies. It is estimated that there are 300 million guns in personal hands in the US today, many legally owned and others not (Neyfakh). Every year, close to four million guns find their way into the market (Nicolas and Nelson). This level of gun infiltration is alarming; it means that even the Supreme Court would find it hard to locate or seize these guns. Gun related violence has caused many to review their stances on the issue. In essence, gun violence is at an all-time high in the United States, as referred to by President Obama in the State of the Union Address; therefore, Unites States government should require criminal background checks for all gun sales, including those by private sellers that currently are exempt. Besides being at the top of Obama’s agenda, gun control is also an issue that has received enormous emphasis in the media. In his address, the president sought extensive support for comprehensive background checks to buy guns, an interdiction on high-capacity magazines and assault weapons. According to President Obama, the proposal will diminish the rampant gun violence in the country. This new plan aims to do the following: to seal background check escape routes to keep out guns out of the reach of criminals; to completely ban high-capacity magazines and military assault weapons, as well as other necessary steps to minimize gun violence; to guard schools and other public environments; and to improve access to psychological health services. Statistics reveal that up to forty-five percent of all households in the US have a gun in their possession (ProQuest Staff). This shows that guns are too easy to access and their abundance in the US ought to concern many Americans. Many of those who advocate for gun control measure want a total ban. They would prefer the United States to become more like her neighbor Canada. There are few guns per capita in Canada and all guns have to be registered with the national government. This approach to the ownership of firearms has many adv antages. Most of all, Canada’s rate of firearm homicide is a sixth to that of the US (Nicholas and Nelson). However, it is useless to argue for the application of the Canadian approach in the United States. Circumstances are extremely  different. It is difficult to determine whether, and to what extent, American values and culture can yield to embrace the characteristic benefits derived from Canadian-style gun control. Clearly, Americans should embrace the White House’s resolution to the propagation of gun-related bloodshed in the US. Many voters concur with the president with regards to the proposals, especially on universal background checks and harsher penalties for wrongful gun purchases. The president’s take is synonymous with that of Harry Reid, Senate Majority Leaders, who has a positive rating from the National Rifle Association (NRA). To reiterate his position on the need for gun control measures, the president cited a string of mass shootings, which have happened during his tenure. Those who listened to the State of the Union Address comprised groups of people who had been directly or indirectly affected by gun violence. Though background checks are required in the US., due to the still-increasing rates of gun violence have proven them to be ineffective because of the various loopholes which put these lethal weapons in the hands of criminals and people who suffer from mental disabilities. With the current method, anytime someone buys a gun from a federally licensed gun dealer, the dealer is required to run a check on the buyer by submitting the name to the federal database. That database consists of criminal records and mental health records as provided by federal and state courts and agencies (Feldmann). Convicted felons and those determined by the courts to be dangerously mentally ill are prohibited by federal law from buying firearms. Also, states have added their own categories of who is prohibited from buying a gun. The downside is that there are loopholes in the current federal background check system. Forty percent of all firearms purchased in the United States are sold without background checks because the guns aren’t purchased from a federally licensed firearms dealer (Neyfakh). Any purchases that fall under this category are processed without proper background checks. Despite the objections to this proposal, the rate of gun violence is increasing at such a rapid rate that the American people must prioritize in order to help prevent such tragic and avoidable events such as the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting. They must put into perspective which of the following is more important to defend: the prevention of devastating mass  shootings that have led to the homicide of over 8,583 people in 2012 through the use of extensive background checks, or the possible violation of citizens privacy (Neyfakh). This idea is already accepted by over ninety-two percent of Americans, according to a poll taken by the Huffington Post in January 2013*. If an extensive background check on Adam Lanza’s mother-the owner of the guns he used to commit the shootings of twenty-six children and teachers-the government might have been aware that her son, who has autism, may gain access to her military-grade weapons. Any skeptics must put into consideration that more time than not, public safety is more important than personal privacy in regards to gun violence prevention. In conclusion, universal and extensive background checks may be the single most important gun violence prevention measure that the government could adopt. This plan closes the loopholes which have greatly contributed to the extreme amount of gun violence in the United States. It will prevent criminals and mentally ill people from gaining access to them. Approving this form of background checks is necessary because gun violence is at an all-time high in the United States; therefore, Unites States government should require criminal extensive background checks for all gun sales, including those by private sellers that currently are exempt. Past attempts at preventing this type of violence have been proven to fail due to the various loopholes and the ever-increasing rate of gun-related deaths. It is time for the American people to take action to significantly decrease-and eventually eliminate-gun violence in the United States. Works Cited Edwards-Levy, Ariel. â€Å"Gun Poll: Background Checks Supported By 92% Of Americans.†_The Huffington Post_. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 17 Jan. 2013. Web. 26 Feb. 2013. Feldmann, Linda. â€Å"Key Omission from Obama’s State of the Union Address: Gun Control.† _The Christian Science Monitor_: 15. Jan 26 2011. _The Christian Science Monitor; Los Angeles Times; National Newspapers Core._ Web. 13 Feb. 2013 . Neyfakh, Leon. â€Å"Who Guns Really Kill.† Boston Globe. 20 Jan 2013: K.1. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 13 Feb 2013. Nicholas, Peter, and Colleen McCain Nelson. â€Å"Obama Urges Action on Expansive Agenda.† Wall Street Journal. 13 Feb 2013: A.1. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 13 Feb 2013. ProQuest Staff. â€Å"Topic Overview: Gun Control.† ProQuest LLC. 2013: n.pag. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 13 Feb 2013.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Cathy Come Home Text Analysis

Cathy Come Home English text analysis †¢ What was the purpose of the text and who was the target audience? The purpose of the text is to inform the reader about what the film is about. It uses words like ‘documentary’, ‘social issues drama’, ‘docudrama’. In the first line of the text it impresses upon the readers the importance this film played in changing the social-economic viewpoint of the viewers. â€Å"First broadcast by the BBC in 1966, it was a pivotal in the launch of the housing charity Shelter, and instrumental in changing the law regarding homelessness. The target audience for the text would be adults, with a certain level of education and social/ political awareness possibly someone of middle class background as Jon Fortgang uses mostly sophisticated language such as polemical and inexorable. The sentence structure is quite long and complex as well. †¢ Comment on the writer’s style and language technique. The langua ge used by Jon Fortgang is mostly formal and the sentence structure and paragraphs are quite long and sophisticated. There are some parts of the text that is informal such as â€Å"rough and ready documentary†, â€Å"With baby on the way, money is tight. This is done so as to relate to his readers. The first two sentences and the last three sentences of the review are emboldened to emphasis importance of the text, he also uses positive adjectives such as powerful and pivotal. He also lets his readers know that the film is â€Å"One of the most important British works ever, and is then reinforced again in the second to last paragraph of review and relates and how the issues covered in the film can be related to what is happening today. List at least 3 facts given in the review. – First broadcast in 1966, it was pivotal in the launch of the housing charity Shelter and instrumental in changing the law regarding homelessness. – Directed by Loach before he made the transition from TV to cinema. – It is written by Jeremy Sanford and is acted by Carol White and Ray Brooks. †¢ Identify at least 3 opinions given and comment on the language used. – â€Å"A milestone in British film making and still one of Loach’s most direct and watchable works. Issues and characters are carefully balanced, Sandford’s writing is credible and intelligent and the intervening decades has done nothing to lessen the films impact. † – â€Å"If a film is measured by its impact on the real world then ‘Cathy Come Home’ surely ranks as the among the most important British works ever. † – â€Å"Seen by a quarter of all Britons at the time of its broadcast, this is a powerful but also easily digestible social issues drama and perhaps the saddest aspect of the film is its clear and continued relevance. † The language used in these opinions are all positive adjectives impressing upon the reader just how powerful and influential this film was at the time of its screening. Although some of it cannot be proven fact such as â€Å"Seen by a quarter of all Britons at the time of its broadcast. † This would be impossible for him to know about unless he had actual statistics that told him the viewing figures for that time. Summarisation of ‘Cathy Come Home’ in 100 words Directed by Ken Loach, ‘Cathy Come Home’ is a powerful docudrama dealing with a young family’s descent into homelessness. The story follows a young couple Cathy (Carol White) and Reg (Ray Brooks) who decide to set up home together. Cathy soon falls pregnant with their first child and money soon becomes a problem. Unfortunately Reg has an accident costing him his job. It is this catalyst which causes the family to lose their home. Moving from one place to another they struggle to survive. With tensions rising between the couple, the family is forced to split up, possibly for good.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Case Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 18

Case Study - Essay Example As can be seen from the market concentration of the web browser industry it is majorly covered by two players with Microsoft and Mozilla Firefox covering 84.7% market share. The entry and exit barriers are relatively higher and the product is mostly homogenous across all companies without much differentiation. This suggests an oligopolistic nature of the web browser industry. The companies are dependent upon others and shall take other companies actions and counter-moves of other companies wile making decisions (Melvin and Boyes, 2002). The oligopolistic nature of the web browser industry implies that there is a chance that companies might indulge in collusion to stabilize the market position. In such a situation, the role of Competition Commissions become important to stop the formulation of cartels as it may hinder the growth of the market. In the case of web browser industry, Microsoft is bundling the web browser with its operating system, thereby giving less chances for other players to launch their web browser and earn profits. As a result of the skewed market share of the web browser industry, the smaller players in the market have to try hard to gain market share and find innovative ways of doing the same. The Web Browser Industry has performed exceedingly well with the rise in the internet and the world wide web. Over the last few years, Google Chrome has shown significant growth in the market share. The growth in the market share of Chrome has resulted in a drop in the market share of Microsoft web browser. Companies have made new revenue streams such as online marketing. The competition commissions in its decision said that it is necessary for Microsoft to show the browser choice screen. The reason stem from the fact that when the windows is shipped, it is boxed with the internet explorer which roled to many users not making use of other web browser. In order to provide a level playing ground for all the web browser providers, it is necessary

Friday, September 27, 2019

Social policy & housing. refugees, asylum seekers and the homeless Essay

Social policy & housing. refugees, asylum seekers and the homeless - Essay Example William Beveridge identified five key problems that the society faces and stressed the need for elimination of the Giants as he called them. These vices include ignorance, squalor, idleness and disease. His report known as The Social Insurance and the Allied Services was published in 1942 and issued to parliament for consideration (Groves, Murie and Watson 2007). He had proposed the assistance of the working class to the dependent group of the society - those who are working are to save some amount of their salary to assist the needy people such as the unemployed, the sick, widows and widowers, retired and the orphans. By doing this, Beveridge was convinced that the welfare of the state would be met. However, this can not be achieved without proper social policy. Social policy is linked with legislation and social work practice intricately. Social policy is the result of input from various sectors of the society and usually entails wide consultations to address an issue in the society. This is then underpinned in law, thus bring in the legislation aspect. For instance, social services have statutory child care and protection roles which lead to involvement with homelessness and housing policy and legislation (Stewart and Stewart 1992, p. 76). According to the Department for Social Development (2011), social policy streamlines the law to reflect changing social attitudes and making it responsive to the society. Social workers not only need to operate within the law, but also understand social policy in their areas of practice in order to maintain social work values. Social policy also helps social workers to comprehend political and ethical questions on responsibility and also understand individual and societal rights (Krieger and Higgins 200 2, p. 758). The current British housing and urban policy classifies housing according to tenure; owner occupation, housing from local authorities, registered social landlords and private rented housing.

Thursday, September 26, 2019

The Greatest Challenges for a Reconstructed Intelligence Community Essay

The Greatest Challenges for a Reconstructed Intelligence Community - Essay Example Furthermore, it is obvious that intelligence agencies and services are one of the most reliable factors of the inner and foreign stability of a state. So, there are a lot of greatest challenges facing the U.S. intelligence community in the years to come. This paper will discuss the greatest challenges facing different U.S. intelligence services in our days. The paper will cover the challenges of such important American intelligence agencies as FBI, CIA, DIA, NSA, DNI, State Dept Intelligence, NRO and the military services. This list is not all-inclusive, but these are the most important intelligence agencies of the state which play great role in the state and the nation security providing, and the challenges facing them reflect the full range of challenges facing all the intelligence community of the United States. 2. There are some global challenges facing all democratic states and consequently their intelligence communities in the 21st century. "The threat to the United States that the Intelligence Community must mitigate takes several forms. ... These problems are common for most countries, as well as for the United States. These global world problems facing the world are being transformed into the global greatest challenges facing the U.S. intelligence community in the years to come. How can these common challenges affect the planning and activity of the various members of the intelligence community in the United States The FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) is one of the most important investigation services in the U.S. One of the challenges facing the organization today is connected with the antiterrorist coalition operations in Iraq. "The FBI is facing one of the most dangerous, difficult challenges in its history as agents and analysts try to solve a string of deadly bombings in Iraq" (2). There are about 300 FBI agents in Iraq who investigate numerous cases of terrorist bombing attacks and help to find suspects in these terrible actions. The challenge is connected with the difficulty to investigate such cases and large number of them: "The FBI is involved in about a dozen bombing investigations in Iraq, focusing on those that involve civilian or government targets rather than attacks directly on U.S. or coalition military forces" (2). The FBI agents sometimes risk their lives to follow their duty in different countries. There are some troubles facing the FBI in Iraq, Bali, Saudi Arabia and other countries: "In a telling sign of the peril, FBI agents must be accompanied by American troops whenever they leave their secure compound at the Baghdad airport. Further complicating their job is the lack of a cooperating foreign government to help them and the paucity of high-quality intelligence from either informants or

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Globalization and Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Globalization and Education - Essay Example be a consensus among many scholars regarding the association between the interests of the richer countries’ programs and the prevailing states of poverty and adversity in the developing world. The scholars also cite the impact of colonialism within the general aspect of inequality (Bigelow & Peterson, 2002). Some of the themes that appear common in many of these discourses include the association between formal education and inequality and the association between globalization and world poverty. These themes tie together with the challenges facing Africa, The Caribbean, and other struggling parts of the world (Bigelow & Peterson, 2002). Regarding the theme of education and global inequality, the scholars contend that the formal education system lacks tune with the needs of the developing world. The scholars explore the manner in which the western powers imposed their systems of education on the natives in the different places they conquered. Such imposition ignored the previou sly existing structures of education and resulted in a serious mismatch between the needs of the natives and the objectives of the system of education. The study cites the case of the Maya who lost their reading materials to the Spanish at the time of the conquest (Bigelow & Peterson, 2002). The destruction of the traditional Mayan educational system resulted in the destruction of the people’s reservoir of culture. The Spanish case of destroying the Mayan culture represents a trend of the colonial culture where dominant powers systematically destroyed indigenous cultures using brute force and replaced them with foreign systems of education. Alienation of the weaker civilizations resulted from the education system that was based purely on the foreign systems. Loss of culture eventually led to... This paper approves that this pressure resulted in the systematic weakening of the indigenous economic systems that underpinned the growth of the economy. Farming and the production of powder milk were ruined due to the influences that followed the economic interventions of the developed countries and the structures created by the global financiers. These interventions appeared well meaning at first but gradually descended into ruin in the aftermath. Some of the long-term consequences included job losses and the destruction of local investing capacities. Many theorists and economic analysts argue that globalization essentially denies weaker countries the opportunity to trade favorably with the stronger powers. Cases are given of Jamaica, which continues to experience the devastating effect of global economic competition as a result of yielding to the pressure of structural reforms. This essay comes to the conclusion generally, globalization denies the developing powers the opportunity to protect their own markets. Globalization entails liberalization of the market economies, which essentially means that the developing world opens up its markets to global competition with the world powers. Weaker powers have stronger marketing powers and often use the synergies of their development to dominate the markets and push the weaker countries out of the markets. In the long term, the weaker countries become increasingly dependent on the developed countries for their sustenance. This dependency eventually yields a situation where the poor countries increasing descent into a cycle of debt.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Behavioural Finance topic 8 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Behavioural Finance topic 8 - Essay Example rd disagree with Koopmans as they consider reporting facts-without data assumptions through some probability model is an important scientific activity. Growth facts which came out of empirical works of Kuznets and some others are important in the development of economic theory. Solow (1970, p.2) agrees that these facts led to the development of his neoclassical growth model which has become the most crucial organizing structure in macroeconomics whether we consider the issues of growth or public finance or fluctuation. Solows (1970, pp.2-3) major growth factors are: Kydland and Edward study aimed at presenting the business cycle facts with reference to the established neoclassical growth theory which they have used as an organizing framework. They stress that the statistics reported in their study are not measure; rather they are statistics from interesting patterns in the light of neoclassical growth theory. Business cycles study grew during 1920s and 1940s.With the development of Koopmans structural systems of equations, it didnt remain a very active area of study. However, it is alive once again in the form of recurrent fluctuations. Lucas (1977) study proved to be instrumental in bringing business cycles study into mainstream. He defined business cycles as the "deviations of aggregate real output from trend". In order to complete his definition, Kydland and Edward provided an explicit procedure for calculating time series presented in smooth curves which researchers draw through plots of the data. Mitchell defined business cycles as sequence of expansion and contractions with a particular emphasis on the turning points and phases of the business cycles. Kydland and Edward consider the development in economic theory that Mitchells work and Lucas idea of business cycles. The term cycle is a broad term; the most widely accepted example of cycle is the sunspot cycle that varies in length from under 10 to 20 years. Most evident feature of the cycle is the

Monday, September 23, 2019

The Image of American Rock Culture in 1960s Research Paper

The Image of American Rock Culture in 1960s - Research Paper Example Rock music is a genre of music that emerged in the United States in the 1950s and spread to different parts of the English-speaking world by the 1990s (Frith Para 1). Rock music emerged as Rock and Roll and it was modified over the years with the inclusion of different genres and styles of music that culminated in a completely different from of music that served various minority interests and popular streams of music. Due to Rock Music’s diverse components, it has split into different types of genres that are active today. One of the notable definitions of Rock music is presented by the Canadian government who define it as music characterized by â€Å"a strong beat, the use of blues forms and the presence of rock instruments such as electric guitar, electric bass, electric organ and electric piano† (Britanicca Developmental Association 2). This presents a set of distinct sounds and it is characterized by the fact that the music is of a distinct nature and of a distinct sound which is somewhat different from other forms of music. The British legislators identified that rock involves all forms of music characterized by â€Å"a strong rhythmic element and a reliance on electronic amplification for their performance† (Britanicca Developmental Association 2). Therefore, like other music forms that were traditionally known to the British society, Rock music comes with some kind of electronic inputs and electronic instruments that makes it different and unique. This provides various forms of influence over listeners that is somewhat different from the effects of the different kinds of songs that existed before Rock music. The distinction between Rock music and other forms of music showed that it was a style of music that was not known prior to its emergence. And it created various forms of performance approaches that were distinct from other

Sunday, September 22, 2019

The Historical Context of International Communication Essay

The Historical Context of International Communication - Essay Example The developments in film, advertisement and radio ushered a new era in communication and mass culture. Radio as a propaganda tool was first utilized by former USSR and then all the nations of the world followed the suit. Communist and capitalist propaganda used radio all over the world to promote their point of views. Third world countries used communication tools for promoting health care, education and culture. Third World countries genuinely felt the disparity in communication technologies between developed and developing countries and demanded for more just treatment. The MacBride Commission is the result of such efforts by Third World. The commission called for impartial, balanced and responsible reporting. USA opposed the commission as it deemed it more pro Soviet Union. The opponents called the proposals as instrument against freedom of press and information. This opposition came to an end with Soviet disintegration. Opinion The chapter is a detailed look at the role of differ ent communication devices through out history and world. The writer presents different facts and figures from ancient time to colonial era in order to press the point that communication is vital aspect of any empire. The writer then discusses in detail the impact and role of telegraph from 19th Century onwards on different social and political aspects of the world. The writer then relates the development of journalism and radio with telegraph in 20th Century. At the end the writer gives a detailed look at the impact of radio during the Cold War. The chapter is according to the title and it gives a very detailed look at the historical development of international communication. The data regarding length of cables of telegraph and the spread in different areas of the world may confuse the reader but the information is very helpful in understanding the development. The writer has used simple language and starts from ancient time in order to present the main argument. The writer is able to give a cursory look at the ancient history and then focuses on colonial era in order to make argument clear. Overall the reader may find the data presented in the chapter a bit taxing but for scholarly purpose the chapter is very well documented. The logical sequence and development enable the involvement of the reader. The writer overlooks television and internet but still the effort is very good. Summary : The Technology and Society Science has brought many changes in the society. In order to investigate the issue of social changes and scientific discoveries there are two schools of thought. One group attributes all the changes in the society to the scientific inventions. For them scientific discoveries produce change in the society. The other group takes a less radical view by stating that changes in the society are going on the new scientific inventions just contribute in these changes. Both of these views take technology and society in isolation. Military and commercial nee ds forced improvement in communication. These social factors were to great extent satisfied by the development in the field of telegraphy, telephony and early stages of radio. The need of addressing masses in new political world gave power to press but this political urge was satisfied by television. This complex situation set the stage for broadcasting. The use of different broadcasting tools for social communication and political manipulation greatly influenced the rapid technological advancement in the field of communication. Political stimulus and economic benefits made television a popular medium for bringing change.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr Essay Example for Free

Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr Essay The PBS video, â€Å"Malcolm and the Civil Rights Movement† is important in showing the varying views of both Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. The video makes it well evident that both men were striving for the same end result, which was â€Å"defeating white racism and empowering African Americans. However, as the video explains, while both men had the same destination in mind, they both sought different journeys to get there. Through an analysis of the PBS video, Martin Luther King Jr.’s â€Å"I Have a Dream† speech, and several passages from The Autobiography of Malcolm X, it can be concluded that while the two men wanted the same thing, they both had different views and beliefs; Malcolm X was angry, bitter and vengeful, while Martin Luther King Jr. was only concerned with fixing the issue at hand. Early in the PBS video, it is explained that while King wished to mend and strengthen a family bond that already existed, Malcolm X viewed himself and black Muslims as an outside party. This is evident through the public denial that Malcolm X was even an American due to his opposing view of the suggestion of â€Å"integration with white America.† (â€Å"Malcolm and the Civil Rights Movement†, The American Experience. PBS. Video Transcript) This belief that Malcolm X was completely angry and against white America is aided though a passage in his autobiography coming from page 292 of the fifteenth chapter. In the first provided passage of Malcom X’s autobiography, Malcolm X shows marked bitterness and hatred in his choice of words to describe the situation. This can best be attributed to the quoting of the his words saying â€Å"the antebellum white slavemaster even devilishly manipulated his own woman.† This phrasing by Malcolm X speaks volumes to how he views the relationship of the white male to the rest of society. Through the using of the word â€Å"devilishly† he is portraying his inner thoughts that the white man is evil and c orrupt in his judgments. Then by using the words and â€Å"manipulated† and â€Å"own†, Malcolm X is expressing his belief that the white man is power hungry and sees the world as a game for his bemusement and handling. Furthermore by saying â€Å"his own woman†, this would suggest that Malcolm X believes that the white slave owner sees himself the master of not only black men but also white females. (Malcolm X, p. 292) To the slave owner, everything but himself is property and assets to be owned and managed. The passage then goes on to explain that Malcolm X strongly holds a general stereotype of slave owners copulating with their slaves to be unquestioned fact about all slave owners. His remarks that the slave owner has conned his wife into letting him procreate with the slaves allows valuable insight into Malcolm X’s thoughts that white male is purely a trickster and untrustworthy. The final two paragraphs of the first passage provided from The Autobiography of Malcolm X offer perhaps the most profound description of Malcolm X’s beliefs surrounding the relationship between blacks and whites. Through the anecdote of the girl traveling all that way to try and make amends for something that not even herself has been proven guilty of showcases how impenetrable Malcolm X’s beliefs are. While the girl asks Malcolm X if he believes â€Å"there are good white people†, Malcolm X explains that only actions can change his thoughts. The girl then offers, â€Å"What can I do?† at which Malcolm X responds that there is nothing she can do (Malcolm X, p. 292). This effectively renders the argument that Malcolm X firmly believes that the previous and current disrespectful actions whites have shown blacks are unforgiving. This belief and anger strongly contradicts with the first part of Martin Luther King Jr.’s â€Å"I Have a Dream† spee ch. Martin Luther King Jr. begins his speech with a preface of â€Å"let us not wallow in the valley of despair,† which he uses to say that the past does not need to define the feelings of the future. King then addresses that by moving on from the past quarrels, brotherhood can be established and the nation’s creed of â€Å"all men are created equal† can be recognized (â€Å"Martin Luther King: I Have a Dream† 1963. Speech). Paralleling this theme of the past not defining the future, King speaks of the state of Mississippi’s current and previous mishaps and how it can change as long as the past is left in the past. In the second provided passage of Malcolm X’s autobiography, which is pages 250 and 251 of the fourteenth chapter, it becomes increasingly clear that Malcolm X does not believe that whites and blacks can live happily on the same level. He then makes a unique distinction between the words segregate and separate. Through a reference to Elijah Mohammed, Malcolm X explains that segregation implies that one side –blacks– are inferior to the other side, while separation suggests that both sides have mutually agreed to part ways and keep distance without one holding significant power or influence over the others. To round out the passage, Malcolm X makes an analogy to a mother and her child stating that unless the baby is separate at birth then both the mother and baby will ultimately die (Malcolm X, p. 250-1). Interestingly, in the third provided passage, which is also found in the fourteenth chapter on pages 260 and 261, Malcolm X makes an interesting comparison of the black people being pets of the white society. This shows that Malcolm X believes that blacks are being trained for the benefit of whites and even mentions the word â€Å"brainwashing† to describe how whites have affected blacks. This passage continues the thought from the second provided passage from earlier in the chapter that blacks should be given the chance to be their own people, away from the influence of white society (Malcolm X, p. 260-1). This analogy suggests that Malcolm X sees the black peoples as independent people that deserve the chance to grow and mature on their own terms. Differing strongly from Malcolm X is King’s speech which showcases his believe that separation is not needed and that he envisions both races coming together as a family. This is illustrated through the line â€Å"black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sister and brothers.† With reference to his reverend background, King makes a suggestion that religion can be a unifying factor for the two races and that â€Å"the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.† (â€Å"Martin Luther King: I Have a Dream†, 1963. Speech) This is in direct contrast to Malcolm X and his autobiography, which puts significant emphasis on his Muslim beliefs being in direct opposition to white society. With the religious tone set, King’s speech then continues to explain how the previous grievances and tragedies of yesterday can be removed for tomorrow beginning with the phrase â€Å"with this faith†. This explains that King was looking to mend fences while Malcolm X saw the situation as â€Å"us versus everyone† and that everyone was out to victimize them. Finishing his speech, King expands the current situation to encompass the hardships of all other situations in the United States. Through this, King is able to offer that uniting of the black and white races can be a foundation for freedom of all parties in the United States. This helps to explain the difference between the views King and Malcolm X most clearly. While Malcolm X believes that unless separation is achieved the two races will destroy each other, King believes that if the two races come together then great achievements and progress in freedom for all can be accomplished. The PBS video then explains that Malcolm X did not want the black Muslim people to viewed as â€Å"defenseless† and thus, he was opposed to a strategy of non-violence (â€Å"Malcolm and the Civil Rights Movement†, The American Experience. PBS. Video Transcript). Because of the differing views on violence, religion was brought into play and Malcolm X insinuated that King was following the white man’s religion and still being controlled by him. While physical violence was avoided by King’s strategy, so was verbal assault as King often avoided criticizing Malcolm X and his comments. The video then explains that Malcolm X’s unique position then became less dominant in his mind as he felt let down from Elijah Muhammad after the death of Ronald Stokes. At the same time Malcolm X was looking to cause physical pain to the other side, King was making legislative and social gains in his movement (â€Å"Malcolm and the Civil Rights Movement†, The American Experience. PBS. Video Transcript). This helps to explain that King largely wanted a fix to the problem, while Malcolm X wanted revenge. Through an analysis of the PBS video, Martin Luther King Jr.’s â€Å"I Have a Dream† speech, and several passages from The Autobiography of Malcolm X, it can be concluded that while the two men wanted the same thing, they both had different views and believes. Malcolm X can be concluded to be angry, bitter and vengeful, with no believe that the relationship between blacks and whites could be salvaged. While differing greatly, Martin Luther King Jr. can be said to be guided by faith, optimistic, future oriented and only concerned with fixing the issue at hand. Works Cited 1.King, Martin Luther. Dr. Martin Luther King: I Have a Dream. March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C. 28 Aug. 1963. Speech. 2.Malcom and the Civil Rights Movement. The American Experience. PBS. 5 May 2005. Television. Transcript. 3.Malcolm X. Chapter 14. The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told by Alex Haley. Alex Haley. New York: Random House, 1964. 250-1, 260-1. Print. 4.Malcolm X. Chapter 15. The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told by Alex Haley. Alex Haley. New York: Random House, 1964. 292. Print.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Regulation and Economic Growth

Regulation and Economic Growth China has experienced a rapidly growing economy for more than three decades since reform and opening. Now China becomes the second largest economy in the world and its growing speed is still very high. Though China achieves great successes, it faces a lot of problems. Regulation is one of the tough issues. Recent years, skewed distribution of income has become a sensitive issue in China. Because it is related to how to deepen the reform, it causes a wide public concern. More and more people blame society equality on economic growth and always say income gap widening is the inevitable product in the process of developing. As a result, how to enhance regulation now is a hot issue attracting more and more people to talk about in China. Nearly all countries face the growing income disparities when they develop from poor countries to the developed and China is not an exception. Different groups get different gains, the rich become richer and the poor become poorer in the process of economic development. The economy grows with a skewed distribution of income. Genii coefficient is an acknowledged indicator to show the degree of inequality. With the economy grows, China’s Genii coefficient also increases rapidly, from 0.315 in 1980 to 0.438 in 2010, which has already surpassed the world’s recognized cordon, 0.4. This demonstrates the income distribution imbalance in China is serious and there is a potential trend that the income gap will become larger and larger. I collect time series data from 1980 to 2010 in China and most of them are from China’s National Bureau of Statistics. There are two variables. For economic growth, I use per capita GDP (G) as logarithmic form to represent it. Here I choose Genii coefficient (GN) to measure inequality (Though not comprehensive, it’s a common practice). China’s government does not publish Genii coefficient before, but it can be calculated. Now I get all the data I need and then I will test the stationary property of these time-series data. I utilize five unit-root tests to measure the stationary property, which will also help to set up a VAR model later. Here are the five tests: (1) augmented Dickey and Fuller (1979) (ADF), (2) Phillips and Perron (1988) (PP), (3) Elliott (1996) came up with Dickey-Fuller GLS detrended (DF-GLS). (4) Kwiatkowski et al.(1992) (KPSS), (5) Ng and Perron (2001) -NP. I can see from the result that nearly all the two variables are not significant in level, which means they are not stationary. But after differencing, all G and GN are significant. So the integration order cannot exceed 1 and the highest integration order d=1. Then I will set up a level VAR model by using TY procedure, and test Granger causality between the variables. TY procedure is attractive because it has the follow three advantages: (1) TY procedure does not need to know variables’ cointegration property so I do not have to make a cointegration test before modeling. (2) TY procedure is allowed to any level of integration order of all variables. (3) Utilizing TY procedure can make us have a level VAR model, which can retain all data information (differencing may cause some information loss). TY procedure test is in fact a Wald test. Employing TY procedure means we will Change a level VAR (k) model to a level VAR (k+d) model. Then test for whether the first k parameters are significant, which will follow an asymptotic chi-square distribution with freedom degree k. According to the previous part, I get highest integration order d=1 and in terms of Schwarz criteria, I get optimum lag length k=1. So I set up a VAR (2) model. The formula is as follow: (1) Where , is a column vector of constant, and are both coefficient matrixes. is a white noise process. From the result, I can see that per capita GDP unidirectionally Granger cause Genii coefficient (Though per capita GDP is significant at 10% level). This means per capita GDP can help to forecast the variation of Genii coefficient and the influence is positive. In addition to it, we should know that Genii coefficient does not Granger cause any other variables. I can get the follow conclusions from the outcome above: In the long run, China’s per capita GDP can help forecast the variation of Genii coefficient and there is logic that economic growth may cause more serious equality, but this influence is not so significant (only in 10% level). There is no evidence to show that Genii coefficient can affect other variables. The Granger causality is unidirectional between them. Then, I will utilize impulsive response and variance decompositions. The Granger causality test can reflect the long-term relationship of these variables and impulsive response and variance decompositions can be employed to test variables’ short-run relations, so they can provide some valuable views on the relations in the short run and make us have a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship. Impulsive response shows how the aim variable will react to other variables’ impulse at first and how long the effect will last, whether it will disappear quickly. Variance decompositions show what proportion of forecast error variance of the aim variable can be explained by the change of other variables. From the outcome of impulse response, I can see that Genii coefficient has a positive reaction in the start of per capita GDP’s impulse and the effect will last for a few periods before disappear. Here I can get a conclusion that: in the short run, economic growth has a positive effect on Genii coefficient, which will cause income gap increasing and more serious inequality in the short run. Then let’s see the condition in variance decompositions. From the outcome of variance decompositions, I can see that at start, more than 30% of Genii coefficient’s error variation can be explained by per capita GDP, but this influence disappears in the long run. Of course, Genii coefficient itself has always been the main reason for error variation. These outcomes match with Granger causality test. Genii coefficient cannot help to forecast the error variance of per capita GDP all the time. This is also similar to the conclusion in the Granger causality test that the relation is unidirectional. Conclusion and Regulation Suggestions Through setting up a level VAR model by using TY procedure, this paper investigates the relationship of inequality and economic growth by employing Granger causality test, impulse response and variance decompositions. I get follow conclusions: In the short run, economic growth has positive effect on Genii coefficient, which means skewed income distribution will be more serious with economic growth. But in the long run, this effect is weak and can be nearly ignored and so economic growth won’t increase income gap. The other way round, inequality does not affect economic growth no matter in the short run or long run. As a result, from a long-term view, there is no evidence to show we need to weigh economic growth and inequality. Though GDP is the second largest in the world, China’s per capita GDP is still in a low level. From my model, I can see that in the future, economic growth shouldn’t be a main reason for society inequality. Economic growth will not for sure lead to inequality. China’s government is supposed to implement and enhance some redistribution measures (such as tax reform and social insurance) to adjust and improve income distribution, not be worried about that may hinder economic growth. References [1] Alesina, Alberto, and Dani Rodrik (1998). Distributive Politics and Economic Growth, Quarterly Journal of Economics, 109, 465–490. [2] Deininger, Klaus and Lyn Squire (1996). A New Data Set Measuring Income Inequality, World Bank Economic Review, 10, 3, 565–591. [3] Edin, Per-Anders, and Robert Topel (1997). Wage Policy and Restructuring: The Swedish Labor Market since 1960, in R. B. Freeman, R. Topel and B. Swedenborg (eds.), The Welfare State in Transition, Reforming the Swedish Model. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, pp. 155–201. [4] Fishcher (2001)à ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã… ½Evolution of inequality after trade liberalizationà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã…’Journal of Development Economiesà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã…’66, 555—579à ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã… ½ [5] Forbes, Kristin J (2000). A Reassessment of the Relationship Between Inequality and Growth, American Economic Review, 90, 869–887. [6] Guillermo Perry, Marcelo Olarreaga (2006), Trade Liberalization, Inequality and Poverty Reduction in Latin America, World Bank, Washington, DC [7] Kakwani, N. and H. H. Son (2006), How costly is it to achieve the millennium development goal of halving poverty between 1990 and 2015? Working Papers, No. 19, UNDP International Poverty Centre, Brazil. [8] Li, Hongyi, and Hengfu Zou (1998). Income Inequality is Not Harmful for Growth: Theory and Evidence, Review of Development Economics, 2, 318–334. [9] Silva J Aà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã…’Robin M L (2003)à ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã… ½Regional income inequality and international tradeà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã… ½Economic Geographyà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã…’80, 261-286à ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã… ½ [10] Toda, H.Y., Yamamoto, T (1995). Statistical inference in vector autoregression with possibly integrated processes, Journal of Econometrics, 66, 225–250. [11]Ugur Soytas, Ramazan Sari and Bradley T. Ewing (2006), Analysis Enegy consumption, income, and carbon emissions in the United States, Ecological Economics, 62, 482-489 [12] Wood Aà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã…’Ridao-Cano C (1999)à ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã… ½Skill, trade and international inequality, Oxford Economies Papersà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã…’51, 89—119à ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã… ½ 1

Thursday, September 19, 2019

William Wallace :: essays research papers

Patriot, Thief, Guardian, Traitor: William Wallace has been many things to many people. However, since Mel Gibson's 1995 film, 'Braveheart', to most he is a freedom fighter and icon of Scottish independence. Little contemporary record remains, and what information we do have comes, in the main, from biographers like Blind Harry, written over two hundred years later with their own agenda. What is known about Wallace's early years is that, unlike the other potential leaders of the Scots at the time, he was of undistinguished birth. Whilst not the peasant or 'man of the people' of legend, Wallace was a mere knight and nowhere near the aristocratic league of Robert the Bruce, for example. His opinion of the English was hardly improved when, in 1291, his father was killed in a skirmish with English troops. With Edward I's assumption of feudal lordship over Scotland and the subsequent humiliation of John of Gaunt, the rightful king, the political scene was primed for rebellion. Edward, through his treasurer, Hugh Cressingham, squeezed taxation from the Scots and popular support was on the side of the rebels. Wallace's first act of note was a strike against the imposed English authorities, when he killed William Heselrig, the English Sheriff of Lanark. Gathering men around him as his rebellion gathered momentum, Wallace's greatest victory came at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. This 1297 rout of the larger English force brought Wallace to national prominence. However, the Scots fought under the command of Andrew Murray, rather than the unproven Wallace. Murray's death in the battle left all the credit to Wallace. The battle of Falkirk, the next year, saw Wallace in sole control of the Scottish forces and tactics. His use of 'schiltrons', or dense formations of troops, failed to repel the English cavalry and the Scots were defeated, taking heavy losses. This defeat forced Wallace to resign the Guardianship of Scotland that he had been awarded after Stirling Bridge. As the rebellion continued, the Scottish nobility decided in increasing numbers to look for a compromise with Edward. Failure to obtain an alliance with France against the English led Robert the Bruce to reconcile with the English king, in 1302. Wallace's refusal to brook any compromise or accomodation with the English began to look increasingly isolated and exposed. Edward declared Wallace to be an outlaw and traitor. Legally, he could now be killed without guilt, and harbouring him was also an act of treason.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Emersons Aphorisms :: essays research papers

Have you ever had a pair of shoes cherished so much that you were afraid to run the risk of wearing them, for fear of them getting scuffed, but by the time you wear them their too small? The aphorism by Ralph Waldo Emerson, â€Å"We are always getting ready to live, but never living.† is still valid today. It is often that we prepare to live rather than living instead.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Often people are unwilling to take opportunity, Emerson tries to show this in his aphorism. Due to the risks involved, people sometimes miss their chance at opportunities. Just like the kid unwilling to wear his shoes for fear of scuffing them, we are often caught in the same struggle between risk and desire. The kid desires to wear, and to be seen in his new shoes. But the risk of scuffing his new shoes outweighs wearing them, in his mind. People often do not realize what they’ve missed because of risk involved, until its too late. Finally the little kid decides he’s willing to accept the risk of scuffing his shoes, but by the time he tries to slip his feet into the little shows he realizes he’s outgrown them and they’ll no longer fit. Disgruntled and distraught, the kid wants to wear the shoes more than anything now that he can’t wear them. Emerson hints that we should take opportunities as they come; and never hide in the face of risk.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Emerson’s aphorism could also be interpreted as a plea to enjoy what you have now, rather than always strive for more. It is not uncommon to see a prominent member Tillman 2 of society spend the majority of their time working, rather than enjoying the wealth they have already acquired. Emerson is trying to say that we should stop and appreciate what we have, rather than spend our time trying to obtain more. After all, how can one fully enjoy what they have, when they are too busy trying to acquire more. Emerson hints that we should not spend our lives preparing for life rather than living life. Throughout our lives it’s common to see people with high goals, but never tackle them head on.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Jackson Pollock

Jackson Pollock There have been many artists throughout history. Jackson Pollock was one that was known for more than Just his art. Pollock came to fame in New York City during the sass. He lived in a small apartment, filled with cigarette smoke and the smell of paint. The news of war played over the radio. It was dark and barely furnished. His paintings were prominent throughout the rooms. It looked more like an art studio than a home. Pollock seemed to have no sense of time. Every day was the same as the one before. He drank to get drunk, most of the time to the point where he could to walk.He became belligerent, screaming his opinions angrily, or not making any sense at all, Just mumbling, or crying, like a madman. Pollock's brother, Sandy, knew the routine all too well, caring for his brother during these dark, lonely, drunken episodes. These episodes would last a night or sometimes days, and when Pollock awoke, he'd have no recollection. His head would pound like a drum, his mem ory of the night before blurry. He'd feel embarrassed and sorry, although not knowing exactly what for. Pollock's mother was the type of person that could say so much thou saying anything at all.He felt inadequate towards her and always craved for her approval. This relationship with her, led him to anger and childlike behavior. His sister in law, Sandy wife, was pregnant and uncomfortable with Pollock's behavior and constant need of Sandy care. Sandy and his wife eventually moved out of the city to Connecticut to start their own family, taking Pollock's mother along with them and leaving Pollock behind, alone in the city. This, like all difficult feelings, led to more drinking and depression for Pollock. Pollock began to spend more and more time with a girl named Lee.Lee, a fellow artist, first met Pollock five years earlier at a party. Pollock approached her there for a dance, only to fall all over her, drunk and unable to express his attraction for her. Lee had recently sought Po llock out in the city, using their love of painting as a way to spend time together. Lee found his art fascinating. She was confident in her own art, but knew it was not as good as his. What fascinated Lee the most, was the way Pollock's paintings were the result of whatever he was feeling at that time and not the result of some study of art, like her own work was.They eventually moved in together and pursued their passion of painting, but Lee took his art career and well-being more serious than Pollock himself. Lee was almost like a mother, more than a lover, and Pollock seemed fine with that. He continued his binges with alcohol, usually when he got together with friends, new and old. Lee used her connections in the art world to present his work to others. Slowly thou, the people close to Pollock began to move away or Just move n with their lives, leaving him to rely even more on Lee as his only companion.After one particular drunken episode, where Pollock returned home filthy, re eking of booze, and resembling a homeless man, Lee gives him an ultimatum. She wants a commitment, she wants to marry. While visiting friends in Long Island, he agrees to marry. Lee also takes this opportunity to suggest they move there, where it's quiet, and distant from his past. She realizes the more they are alone, the more vulnerable Pollock is to such changes. Lee and Pollock purchase an old house in a secluded part f Long Island, far away from the city life, and its tempting ways.They spent their days fixing up the place, cleaning out the old, broken, dusty belongings of the previous owners. They enjoyed the nature that surrounded them; the animals, the streams, the trees, and all the sounds. They relaxed too much slower pace of life. Pollock started to focus on his painting. There was another structure on the property that he cleaned out and made into his studio. Lee's plan seemed to be working. She had removed him from the world he'd known, secluded him, and all he had was her ND his art. Pollock occasionally had a drink, mostly with her though, after a long day around the house and in the studio.It was almost like Pollock was a ship and Lee its captain, trying to steer him to his destination, while avoiding any obstacles. Lee thought as long as she kept him from the alcohol and most people of his past, that they would reach success. One day, by accident, Pollock discovered a new way of painting his thoughts. Paint dripped of his brush and onto his canvass that was on the floor of his studio. He paused and looked at the accident, not with anger, but tit fascination. He waved the brush slowly around the canvass, never touching it, but letting the paint drip from the brush onto it.Both Lee and Pollock found these new paintings original and brilliant, and soon the art world did too. Life magazine came to their home. The magazine interviewed, photographed and did a story on Pollock and his new work. Pollock's career was at its peak. His art shows were a s uccess, his drinking was non-existent, and Lee believed she had done what she set forth to do, but Just as fast as it came, the stability and success, went. With all the retreat reviews and shows, Pollock was still the same insecure person, looking for approval from friends and family, Just like he had before.Slowly Pollock realized he was living a lie. He was never really in control of himself. He wanted the booze all along. All the success came with pressure, something he was never comfortable with, and he gave in. He began to drink hard, harder than ever. He let himself go; his looks, his work, his relationship with Lee. Pollock started having an affair with a young girl, a girl more in awe of being with a famous artist, than the artist himself. He believed he was in love, but soon came to the realization he was not.Lee traveled to Venice alone after asking Pollock to go with her. He declined, thinking with her away, he could have his booze and girlfriend without any distractions . What he didn't predict was the guilt that he would feel. He realized he owed his life to Lee. Without her, he would have drank himself to death by now. A deep, dark, depression set in Pollock. Nothing mattered to him, not his girlfriend, not himself, nothing at all. He drove home from a party with his girlfriend and one of her friends, drunk and uselessly speeding on the dark winding roads.With the young girls screaming and pleading with him to slow down and stop the car, Pollock leaned his head back and gave up on life. The car went off the road and crashed, killing Pollock and his girlfriend, her friend survived. Ironically, Lee did find success in the art world, but with her own paintings, that she created in his studio over the next 30 years. Jackson Pollock is known as one of the many great painters in history, but he may be more known for his tragic life and dark struggle with alcoholism then his work.

Monday, September 16, 2019

How ICT can improve a business by speed and quality

In this project I am going to show how ICT can improve a business by speed and quality. I am going to show this by using a School's Sports Day as an example. When using ICT to create a booklet for this Sports Day it is improving the time taken to create it as it is much easier to make it by computer. If allows you to move pictures around so you can find the perfect position for them on the different pages. It also allows you print off as many copies as you want, rather than photocopying every page. It will not take as much time because you can insert any piece of information and you will be able to move things around to make everything be in its best position. For the Sports Day this year I will be creating an A5 programme. On the first page there will be the School's Crest along with two photographs of the school. The day and date of the event will also be on the first page. Two A4 sheets need to be produced and to be used as masters for the inside and outside of the programme. The output this Sports Day Programme will take would be in an A5 booklet. On the middle pages there will be a list of track events with the times. On the back page the will be a half- page advert of Helmcroft Hotel. A list of last year's record breakers will also be on that page. The information to be output would be the School's Crest, photographs of the school, an advertisement of Helmcroft Hall and photographs of the new sports hall. The data needed to be output would be record breaking list and the events. The data that would be needed for the programme as an output are as follows: * The events and times that they take place (excel). * Food cost during the day. * What time the actually starts and finishes. * Who's invited * The people who are running in the races. * Records of previous events. Testing is needed to make sure the data and the information is detailed, precise and specific on the document so that people can fully understand it thoroughly with ease. Although testing is not needed at this stage as you are only writing up information. Analysis for Task 2 For this task I will be using different programs for the different forms. The categories, records list and the list of beverages and food (and prices) would be produced in Excel. The entrance cost would be produced in PowerPoint so it can be created with lots of colours. The price of drinks to make a profit would be the information to be output. The data needed to produce the output would be the model on how many drinks are sold compared to the weather. I would like the best price to result in a profit. Design – Task 1 The problem that has to be solved is how to arrange the front and back page of the brochure for the school's Sports Day, and the software that might be useful to achieve this. I shall use Microsoft Word to solve this problem. This is because the functions of the features available on Microsoft Word are necessary for solving the problem. Firstly, to set about reaching the problem I will use the functions of Word to make titles and sub-titles bold, italic and using the appropriate font size. The reason for this is so they will stand out, allowing the readers to see them more easily as they would be more clearer and more alluring. Secondly, I will use boxes around the text to make them stand out clearer. The text boxes will also allow me to import, position and resize graphics a lot more easily. The boxes and their borders would have bright colours to make the programme less dull. Word also allows graphics (e.g. the Helmcroft Hall advert) to be kept in the same proportions. These graphics are very easy to import using ‘drag and drop'. Design – Task 2 For Design 1 of the spreadsheet I have shown the basic layout of the: * Fixed Incomes * Fixed Expenditures * Costs of drinks to buy * Costs of drinks to sell My design also shows a different layout to what I will be using to display the various weather conditions. For this design I have only shown COLD and COOL conditions, as the rest will follow in my own design. For my own design of the spreadsheet I will produce the spreadsheet in a horizontal way rather than the original design, provided by the teacher, which was shown vertically. To fit the whole spreadsheet I will make use Arial 10pt font for the main text, the main headline will be Comic Sans MS 18pt font. The sub headlines will be different fonts, two will be Showcard Gothic 14pt font and the others will be Tempus Sans ITC 12pt font. The total headings are produced in bold Arial Narrow 10pt font. The cells with the results of the formulae are formatted to be shown as currency. I varied the widths of the columns to allow the text to fit perfectly; in some parts I merged the cells. The formulae I used were simple, only addition and multiplication sums being used. For the spreadsheets I will produce I will use Microsoft Excel. The following table outlines the software features needed to produce my Price Pledge Model, and for each feature, the suitability of Excel has been examined. Excel has a simple-to-use replicate feature. I can select a cell (that contains text, a number or formulae), highlight a section to the right and copy the contents of the original cell into those selected to the right. It will automatically change the letter for the column being used as it's replicated across. Excel can carry out simple calculations.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Sonys Business Strategy In The Global Environment Commerce Essay

Since 1946, Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita founded Sony as Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering Corp in Tokyo. The company commenced researching with 20 employees with a budget lower than 200,000 hankerings. The company was fabricating telecommunication and measurement equipment. Within a twelvemonth, the first merchandise was launched, a power megaphone. In 1950, the Japan ‘s first tape recording equipment was distributed to a market. When Sony eyes on conveying their wares to the international market in the mid-1950s, it seemed to be a virgin name, at the interim, because the initials TTK were antecedently selected. The company combined its name from the Latin word for sound, â€Å" sonus, † and the American word â€Å" sonny † . Regard to a trade taging grounds, the company desired to hold a word that will non be found in any linguistic communication. Many inquiries came up from an internal harmonizing to the alteration because of the clip spent on implementing its former trade name known globally, but in 1958, the name was officially changed to Sony Corp. In 1960, Sony started out its U.S. subdivision, called SONAM ( Sony Corporation of America ) , known as SCA, and the first subdivision in the United Kingdom in eight old ages subsequently. First, the subdivision was named as Sony ( U.K. ) Ltd and was changed subsequently into Sony United Kingdom Ltd. The company spreads out into Spain and France in 1973 every bit good as in German in 1986. Sony has a long history of presenting engineerings. Sony novices, in 1950, the Japan ‘s first transistor wireless, the TR-55. In a piece, the company released a minor transistor wireless. For a decennary, Sony released the universe ‘s first direct-view portable Television, the TV8-301. The company persisted in developing the Television and in a twosome of old ages manufactured the tiniest all-transistor Television. In 1989, Sony released the Handycam, a portable, easy-to-use, 8 millimeter camcorder. Six old ages ago, the company brought the universe ‘s first Blu-ray phonograph record participant into the amusement market. In 2005, Sony upgrades the Handycam to the High Definition Handycam, making the universe ‘s smallest picture camera. The Walkman is the leader merchandise from Sony forcing the SONY trade name to the top. The first version was launched in 1979. The little, lightweight portable tape participant revolutionized the manner people listened to music. It besides allowed persons to do music truly personal by utilizing earphones. In 1984, Sony released the Discman, the company ‘s first portable Cadmium participant. Since March 2009, Sony employed more than 171,300 people. The one-year gross of company in 2009 was about $ 8 billion, with about $ 1.5 billion in net income. They remain headquartered in Tokyo and have about 100 attached companies outside Japan.Particular Critical Incident of SonySony has got assorted retail mercantile establishments around the World which ensures a uninterrupted supply of merchandises to the clients. However, from these retail mercantile establishments there are a batch of rivals such as Motorola which produce similar merchandises and use the same mercantile establishments to do the merchandises reach the consumers. Due to this there is a demand for Sony to come up with schemes which can do them win over their rivals merchandises. For illustration in the late 1990 ‘s Sony lost its leading place in most of its markets merely because of improper schemes. There are assorted grounds which led to this failure and they are farther discussed and supported by assorte d schools here under ;Mintzberg SchoolsHarmonizing to Mintzberg et Al ( 1998 ) there are 10 schemes which when divided into three groups can be applicable in transporting out strategic direction procedure. The three groups are ; normative, Descriptive and Configuration. Prescriptive describes how schemes should be made instead than how schemes are formulated ; descriptive describes assorted procedures involved in the formation of scheme and constellation includes description of both descriptive and constellation. For a company ‘s scheme to work best in a given concern environment, it has to place and utilize a mix of schemes. As referred to the instance survey, the failure of Sony to take in most of its market would hold been solved by looking as to whether the scheme behind the company was working or non. The company taking place in the market would hold worked on the longer footings by placing three Mintzberg schemes of entrepreneurial, cognitive every bit good as Power schools. The entrepreneurial school focal points on cognition and intuition which directors need to be cognizant of, in the procedure of transporting out their managerial activities ( Betz, 2002 ) . The success of any scheme is chiefly based on director ‘s vision, personal intuition, judgements, experience and wisdom. As referred to the instance survey, one of the ways which seemed to be solution to resuscitate Sony was to replace the bing Chief executive officer at that clip and Howard Stringer took over the company as a new Chief executive officer in 2005. Stringer was able to resuscitate the company through efficiency and reorganisation which made different section collaborating together to accomplish a common end. Another feature of scheme which needs to be seen at Sony Company is the cognitive schools which focus on strategian head. Harmonizing to Ginder at Al. 2002, scheme depends on single ‘s apprehension and how that single manages the information used to develop the scheme. The doomed of Sony ‘s leading place was due to failures of strategians to acknowledge the growing of new engineerings. This means the strategians did non hold adequate information related to market environment. This information would hold been obtained through SWOT analysis and could assist directors explicate the company ‘s schemes efficaciously. Power School as another Mintzberg scheme focuses on power relationships of where the scheme is created. The power school requires of import characters in the organisation to dicker persuade and comfort each other in the procedure of scheme preparation. ( Betz, 2002 ) commented on his survey that scheme can be used as a tool of doing partnerships. Having a new CEO, Howard Stringer Sony reported a loss which was caused by failure of the company to convey up advanced merchandises. The new CEO and directors of the company fail to look into alterations go oning in the competitory concern environment, and hence the alterations brought loss to the company sometimes subsequently.WhittingtonWhittington ‘s theory of scheme focal points on four schools of classical, evolutionary, processual and systemic. The school which relate to Sony Company is evolutionary theory. Harmonizing to Doty et Al ( 1993 ) the evolutionary school focal points on the environment as the chief factor instead than rational attack suggested by other schools. The Evolutionary attack believes that organisational environment is the biggest factor in the preparation of concern scheme therefore the preparation of scheme must be reflected to the environment since it is unpredictable and mutable. In add-on to that the theory supports on emphasizing that net income maximization is determined by markets and non directors. Whittington concludes that rational attacks can non find the endurance of houses in the selling environment but it is development which determines it. In development, competition is overcome by the battle and endurance of the house from which the rule of natural choice is translated into the scheme for the best public presentation. Sony failure to be a leader in the planetary market can be linked to the evolutionary school due to miss of market information. Bing a leader in the market, top direction was supposed to be cognizant of the conditions predominating in the market including invention and technological promotion which could assist the company keep its leading place. On the other manus, when the new CEO, Mr. Stringer took over the company he seemed to be less concern with the environment alternatively he focused on reorganisation. The sections in the company functioned independently and made the CEO to see it as a chief cause of the company ‘s failure to globalise. The Chief executive officer was supposed to look at what the company is bring forthing and do comparing with the merchandises available in the selling environment to keep the leading place of the company. Successful organisations are those that most efficaciously interact with their environments ( Hambrick 1982, Pfeffer and Salancik 1978 ) . Organizational Performance is dependent on the organisation ‘s ability to aline or fit its schemes, constructions, and processes to its environment. Alignment depends on the organisation ‘s ability to obtain relevant information about its current and future environment. Environmental scanning is the procedure by which an organisation collects environmental information, which is utilized in its strategic direction procedure. Therefore to be a leader and go success in its planetary markets it was suppose to scan its environment and any information obtained should be incorporated into the company ‘s scheme every bit good as constructions and procedures within the company. While making that, the top direction has to do certain that information is shared among assorted members of the company chiefly between the sections. Corporate CEO is a individual whose determinations take the company in the coveted way. Most of the CEOS are leaders in the environmental motion. It is clip to acknowledge that their committedness is critical to success. The universe economic system is now propelled by venture capital and proficient invention. Barney ‘s ( 1991 ) says that organisational resources are said to be embedded in the organisation, squad based, and capable to causal ambiguity. Such capablenesss are besides really much in line with the â€Å" modus operandis † . Here we focus on managerial accomplishments at running the concern or a portion of the concern. The success of the Sony, at the beggary was good known but later on the company experienced losingss merely because of its hapless organisational construction in which sections ‘ maps independently from each other. The results indicated that segmented and isolated work to team-based operations is important to organisational market leading. Organizations operations should be carried out in line with undertaking forces for short-run job resolution exercisings, and with cross-functional and cross-hierarchical squads to accomplish longer-term aims and specific undertakings of an ongoing nature. Moss Kanter ( 1983 ) argues that such squad mechanisms promote the circulation of resources, information and support. The tendency, hence, has been off from segmented and isolated constructions with small communicating and interaction between countries and different degrees, to a state of affairs where interaction and integrating are seen as being indispensable to operations. No longer do functional countries concentrate merely on their ain undertakings. Now they are made cognizant of the work of other countries and how they can be of aid to them. Interaction through squads and webs ensures that the wider image of the organisation is understood. Team-based work ensures a more flexible and adaptable attack to work makes possible the wider exercising of liberty and duty, gives rise to increased interaction, communicating and information flows, and makes work more gratifying for those involved.Strategic DecisionsGlobally, SONY is perceived as the trade name whose merchandises are of high quality, with the presence of rivals the company has to do certain that it has a tool of competitory advantage in or der to get the better of the approaching rivals and get larger market portion. In order to accomplish the planetary aspirations the company has to see the following cardinal strategic determination ; Harmonizing to Gupta and Govidarajan ( 2001 ) , any company wishing to function its markets globally will hold to do four nucleus determinations refering ; The markets the company wishes to run The merchandises to vie in the planetary market The manner of come ining the market Time/speed of entryPlague analysisOn the other manus SONY Company has to utilize PEST analysis to obtain the necessary information which helps the company to analyse and measure the competition it is confronting. PEST analysis involves ; Political forces such as Government policies and statute law Political stableness Public involvement groups ( consumer watchdogs ) Economic forces such as Exchange rates Inflation Social forces such as Changes in life style ( faster gait of life taking to a demand in products/services which enable people to make things more rapidly and handily ) Manner and tendencies Technological forces such as Fast gait of technological alteration Research and development ( a demand for increased budgets to maintain measure with the gait of technological alteration ) Opportunities for invention The cost of engineering ( reducing/increasing ) Increased ordinance ( wellness and safety facets of new merchandises )SWOT analysisBesides Sony ‘s SWOT analysis is one of the schemes which the company will hold to do in order to achieve its planetary aspirations. SWOT analysis will assist the company to fit its strength and failings against chances and menaces available in the environment in which the company operates. Strengths for illustration skilled work force, good systems and strong trade name Failings for illustration unequal resources, high cost base and decelerate internal determinations. Opportunities for illustration dining economic system and stylish merchandise Menaces for illustration – Global competition and industry repute.Porter ‘s five forcesIn add-on to that the SONY Company has to utilize Porter ‘s five forces analysis as a competitory scheme which postulates the impact that other organisations pose on the company. Porter ‘s five forces include ; New entrants, Sony ‘s planetary aspirations and High cost of entry to organize a barrier to entry rivals. Features of replacement merchandises as to whether they are, Cheaper, Different and better Existing participants chiefly competition within the industry such as Apple and Samsung. Suppliers ; Supplier concentration, Bargaining power, Supplier extension every bit good as Fixed/variable cost. Customers ; Buyer concentration, Customer trueness, Switch overing costs and Buyer motivations.Porter ‘s DiamondIn order Sony to accomplish its planetary aspirations, it must be prepared to get the better of strong competition in the planetary electronics concern market. Porter ‘s diamond theory concludes that the state in which the organisation is based can strongly impact the organisation. Harmonizing to Johnson et Al. 2006, the state in which the organisation is based can assist in making a tool of competitory advantage by supplying factors from which the organisation can explicate the advantages. The factors include factor conditions, demand conditions, house ‘s scheme, construction and competition and related and back uping industries. Beginning: hypertext transfer protocol: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File: The_Porter_Diamond.svgThe Porter ‘s DiamondOrganization ‘s can derive competitiveness utilizing four factors presented in the Porter ‘s diamond scheme ( Matsuyama and Vanderbrink, 2003 ) . The conditions bing in the local environment clime and policies can be tracked utilizing the house ‘s scheme, construction every bit good as competition. Information about competition and local market influence can be collected utilizing demand conditions. If related to Sony Company, the lone factor conditions, which will assist to make competitory advantage, are invention and engineering betterments. Having produced assortments of electronics merchandises, invention will do the company to come up with new, good differentiated merchandises and quality merchandises. In order to accomplish its planetary aspirations Sony Company can utilize merchandise development scheme to ease its advanced patterns.Merchandise developmentNew merchandises in current markets – this may intend perfectly new merchandises or loops of other merchandises to do them more suited to the known market. The benefit to the administration is ; if the new merchandises are successful, the cost of marketing a broader scope of merchandises to the market is less in relation to the larger grosss generated. The hazard involved here is that new merchandises can hold a high failure rate.Execution Challenges in the Global MarketMichael, J. ( 1999 ) International relation of production mediated either by the market through internal minutess of the transnational corporation ( MNCs ) , are distributing quickly to the most parts of the universe. Porter, E ( 1998 ) Trade liberalisation has brought competition among enterprisers in the universe, as consequence ; invention remained the cardinal arm for concern to last within a market. However, alteration within an organisation is a measure frontward toward to acknowledgment of a concern menace. Menace of concern can be internal or external, whichever manner, Koontz and O'Donnell ( 1984 ) Contributed on the issue of direction within an organisation † Five countries were identified which makes directors to be proactive in their public presentations an compulsion with reactivity of clients, invention in all countries of the house, partnership – means sharing across stakeholders and derive connexion with all people around organisation † Harmonizing to the academic school, the Kurt lewin alteration was assumed to be a necessary within the organisation if at all a company mean to convey alteration. However, Howard Stringer ( CEO ) of Sony Company has made some necessary alterations into Sony Company, which lead to some sensible alterationThe jobFrom The company expert analyst major job for Sony was a awkwardness of oversing its merchandise. This job was associated with company civilization which prevented sharing information among other section. When main executive of Sony Company came to gain the job, new scheme was implemented to decide a job. The jobs were solved, but the major 1 was to reconstitute the whole administration. February 2009, in one of ( CEO ) his critical addresss he said â€Å" There is still a batch of the old Sony, and non plenty of the new which constraints our fight † . Haward Stringer said Mintzberg et Al ( 1998 ) the school theoretical account scheme prognosis to do certain that internal and external capableness are step. This means a scheme should be planed diligently from the top to the underside of the administration, by specifying the major obstruction to impede alteration. Otherwise, alteration starts inside, where member of the administration, their mentality should be influenced to get by with the alteration required. Kurt lewin theoretical account argued that alteration has a procedure ; this procedure starts to, dissolving ; traveling and refreezing Cummingss and Worley, ( 2002 ) . However other theoretical account described lewin theoretical account gaining the importance of whole people ( members ) of the administration to back up alteration.it is good thought to act upon bulk get downing from top side of the direction construction to the underside by explicating why alteration was necessary for the administration. This may cut down the impact of opposition for alteration. Ivancevich and Matteson ( 2002 ) There different types of alteration, but alteration of behavior and height and values are the most major which in bend consequences to travel the administration at different degree of production. Harmonizing to the proclamation made by CEO of Sony Company early 2009, foremost and foremost alteration was for organizational civilization, beliefs come from the perceptual experience and consequence it is fruit itself. If the company managed to alter staff beliefs, turn negative height to positive height the consequence is to do alteration happen. Harmonizing to Maslow ‘s Hierarchy of demands, as director should understand the complexness of human demands. If this was instance, â€Å" the inquiry which is raised that, how an employee can run into the organizational demands ( Objectives ) if the company director has non fulfilled an employee demands? † Maslow ‘s theoretical accounts recognised that, nevertheless a basic demands should be fulfilled at least so every bit far as you meet an employee demand from bottom to exceed of the hierarch, perceptual experience of many employees is security. Refreezing degree this is the degree whereby a company a company is looking to brace the alteration in a new manner, confidence to staff is made and they feel unafraid therefore they will be able to present the quality as required by the administration. Example is where by a company will come in into the market chest frontward with a merchandise which meets â€Å" beyond clients the outlook † such as laptops by Sony ‘s merchandise. Very little and easy to maintain into a little pocketbook in fact person with piece in head has to come up with this invention etc. Therefore motive is most of import if truly alterations are planned. The meet a end has been defined, a company will specify how far is looking to make in the market! This inquiry automatically will be answered by the SWOT ANALYSIS discussed in the text above. â€Å" Every civilization has their say! † Swahili linguistic communication acknowledges the usage of the word â€Å" the caput is a moist † significance every determination should be pass foremost to the caput of the administration. Kurt Lewin supported that by back uping to seek support from the caput of the administration.MentionsBurnes, B ( 2004 ) ‘Managing Change ‘ 4th edition, England: Prentice Hall. Cumming, T. G and Worley, C. G ( 2001 ) ‘Organization development and alteration ‘ United statess: South-Western College. Govindarajan, V. and Gupta, A. K. ( 2001 ) ‘Mastering Global Business ‘ Hrsg: Fiscal Time, Great Britain, p.98. Harris, N. ( 2000 ) ‘Business Economicss: Theory and Application ‘ Oxford: UK, p.132 Ivancevich, J. and Matteson, T. ( 2002 ) ‘Organizational Behaviour and Management ‘ 6th edition, North Amarica: McGraw-Hill. Karlof, B. and Gilderson, A. J. ( 1993 ) ‘Business Concept: A Concise Guide ‘ USA: Routledge, p.190.Mark Kennan ( 2010 ) ‘Sony Corporation History & A ; Background ‘ [ Online ] Available from: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.ehow.com/about_5176244_sony-corporation-history-background.html ( Accessed: 3 April 2010 )Michie, Jonathan and Grieve Smith, John ( 1999 ) ‘Global instability: the political economic system of the universe economic administration ‘ London: Ruthledge, p.112. Mintzberg, H. ( 1994 ) ‘The rise and autumn of strategic be aftering ‘ London: FT Prentice Hall. Mintzberg, H. et Al ( 1998 ) ‘Strategy Safari: The complete usher through the natural states of strategic direction ‘ New York: Prentice Hall. Mullins, L. J. ( 2002 ) ‘Management and organisational behavior ‘ 6th edition, England: Prentice Hall. Raynor, M. E. ( 2007 ) ‘The Strategy Paradox ‘ New York: Doubleday Business. Smartbrief.com ( 2010 ) ‘Sony Corporation ‘ [ Online ] Available from: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.smartbrief.com/news/cea/companyData.jsp? companyId=3938 ( Accessed: 4 April 2010 ) Sony Global ( 2010 ) ‘Sony Corp. Info ‘ [ Online ] Available from: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.sony.net/ SonyInfo/CorporateInfo/ ( Accessed: 2 April 2010 ) Sony UK ( 2010 ) ‘The History of the Sony Corporation ‘ [ Online ] Available from: hypertext transfer protocol: // www.sony.co.uk/article/id/1060176719725 ( Accessed: 2 April 2010 ) Usb4ever.com ( 2007 ) ‘The History of Sony Corporation ‘ [ Online ] Available from: hypertext transfer protocol: // www.usb4ever.com/Sony/sony-corporation.html ( Accessed: 4 April 2010 ) Whittington, R ( 2001 ) ‘What is scheme, and does it count? ‘ 2nd edition, London: Thomson.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Postmodernism Essay

Different material, methods and media’s have been used in postmodern art, such as painting fine art, technology, architecture and fashion. A study of various types of powerful societal changes through time is tackled through art. These changes comprise of gender identity, globalisation growth, political power etc. Introduction The expression of Art has always been influential; many artists use it as a tactic to exploit political truths and ideas. Postmodernism is a â€Å"movement reacting against modernism, especially by drawing attention to former conventions† (pg821). This form of art allowed a new way of looking at reality in a society that is constantly reassessing its culture and values. Postmodern art focuses on a mixture of high and low cultures and dominant ideas; it went against repression, sexism, racism, political power, and violence. Deconstructing truths criticises and analyses contemporary issues. These deconstructionist feed on controversy, artists such as Alessandro Mendini, Andy Warhol, Jenny Holzer create colourful and ruinous, luxurious and outrageous artwork. The art allowed radical freedom to design, funny gestures confrontation and occasionally absurd. It was a style that has new self-awareness. Postmodernism rebelled against modernism; it was an attack on what had come before as it explored and disparaged any unspoken leading concepts and social customs. The disillusionment from World War II heavily influenced postmodern art. The style doesn’t have a clear central hierarchy or organising principle; it uses melancholy, extreme complexity, contradiction, ambiguity, diversity and interconnectedness. Loud colours, bold patterns, historical quotation and whit are used. During the 60s, critical practices of postmodernism were applied mainly in Italy. The idea of ‘Function follows form’ is abandoned. Exaggerated proportion and outrageous texture for the sake of decoration. Designers such as Ettore Sottsass and Alessandro Mendini who challenged social norms and the traditional taste of design. Italian born designer and architect, Alessandro Mendini played a part in postmodern design. He creates graphics, furniture, interiors, paintings and architectures. His work of ‘Destruction of the Monumento da Casa (Household Monument) is an enlarged photograph of a modernist chair. This literally displays the destroying of the past, the end of modernism and the beginning of postmodernism. It was an attack on what had come before, Mendini brought the chair to a stone quarry and set the chair on fire, photos were captured during the process in 1974. Popular culture, irony, historicism, eclecticism and pluralism are embraced by postmodernism. The artist believed that something new design would grow from the burning remains. One of the most iconic post-modern designs is the Proust armchair by Alessandro Mendini. He chose to add Signac painting as the pattern on a ready-made replica of an 18th century armchair. American language conceptual artist, Jenny Holzer is famous for her short statements. The postmodern fashion in the 80’s was a time when women were in power and this was mirrored in physicality and clothes. The artist uses modern information to expose and address the politics of discourse. The ‘Abuse of Power Comes as No Surprise’ by Hozler is one of her many controversial artworks. Jenny Hozler worked outside the regular conventions, as she believed that simplified phrases are the quickest way for everyone to comprehend. A lot of Jenny Hozler’s work victimises the woman, this method allows the audience to basically read the violence male dominance against women. Words such as ‘Crack the Pelvis so she lies right, this a mistake. When she dies you cannot repeat the act†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ the brutal yet vivid words suggest male power over women. In order to communicate to foreign countries, her work was translated multiple times. Hozler’s techniques include a range of multimedia, posters, hats, T-shirts and L. E. D signs on large architecture. She received many negative feedbacks by the public, therefore, withdrew from her career until 1993. The postmodern artist came back with a new approach to immaterial; she is still driven against murder plus sexual pleasure, hence initiated a new series named ‘Lustmord’. Fine Art is also found in post modernism. Techniques found in painting were super-realism, mannered, academic, neoclassical, decorative, and self-conscious stylization. Originality had ended and there is a lot past styles referencing. Postmodern artist, David Ligare paintings looked extremely realistic. He focused on still life painting, Ligare believes that there is no limit and virtually anything now could be considered art, hence makes him a postmodern artist. David Ligare does narrative paintings based on Greco/Toman culture. Marcel Duchamp’s artwork incorporated jokes to add humour to his visual. Duchamp has made numerous pastiche works; his most famous is the ‘L. H. O. O. Q’, which stands for ‘Elle a chaud au cul’. It was a rebel against traditional art was the dominant idea of the time. Duchamp’s added moustache and beard to the postcard with the Mona Lisa, which contradicts regular conventions of the time. He wanted to take artistry lightly; it was an act of rebel against convention. This technique became known as ‘appropriation’, it is the idea of manipulating famous historical art pieces. This practice has become common in today’s art. Andy Warhol works exemplifies the final stage of postmodernism. Warhol’s paintings had always had something controversial, as theorist Fredric Jameson states, ‘they ought to be powerful and critical political statements’ Andy Warhol is a contemporary artist, which expresses the postmodernism of society though his artistry. Through his artwork, his expression seems to be very anarchy and chaotic, especially the major use of the primary and bold colours whereas in the mainstream artistry it is very subtle due to the dark or complimentary colours which can often be seen as conservative. Warhol’s ‘Dollar Sign’ from 1981 deconstructs the truth about money. The painting suggest money’s strength, its addiction and tactic for conspiracy, His artwork were powerful and held critical political statements because they were billboard-like images. One of his pieces was of the North Korean leader, Kim John IL. Normally in society Kim John IL would not be even spoken of due to the high political power he has over North Korea. And the fragility between other nations that Kim John IL has. Andy Warhol has done a piece of this leader using contrasting and chaotic colours that seemed random and unusual. Warhol used appropriation, taking and creating pastiche references. As Andy Warhol states, â€Å"Art is what you can get away with†. Yasumasa Morimura uses humour with referencing to historical art. His postmodernist artworks have the idea of rejecting a single fixed meaning in an image or artwork. He is a controversial Japanese artist who displaces societal currents in Japanese culture. Western assimilation, capitalism and gender values are shown in his designs. Yasumasa is an illusive creator with no boundaries; this sets his work off to a guttural response. He is best known for mimicking great subjects, in particular western art. One of his works uses historical art as reference is the ‘Blinded by the Light’ 1991, which was inspired by the ‘ Parable for the Blind’ by Pieter Brueghel in 1568. Morimura symbolises a satirical message on Western invasion. Yasumasa Morimura caused controversy by highlighting historical influences and transforming into the postmodern art world with eastern and western culture, sexuality and gender identity. His background influenced Morimura’s, he was an outsider dominated by western culture and art. Technology advancement such as digital editing allowed his work to become flawless. In the racist imagination of western culture, they perceive Asian men with weak physically, equivalent to a little white girl. Morimura embraces his influences and mixes his sexual influence with modern culture. This is reflected in his series of self-portraits, e. g. Morimura as Monroe. Throughout the postmodern period, globalisation had become widespread, the artist felt as if he was invaded by foreign ideas and culture. In response, he invaded western culture through their art, by slapping his face on the Mona Lisa or the Infanta Margarita. Famous artist, Barbara Kruger exploited truths through her works of being a graphic designer, art director, and picture editor. Rather than creating her own images, she uses images and juxtaposes them. She used her techniques and skills of being a graphic designer and worked on political, social feminist provocations, religion, sex, racial and gender stereotypes, consumerism, corporate greed, and power. Her techniques consist of using media sources and words and directly collaging them over each other. Her signature look comprises of cropped, large-scale, black and white photographic pictures against black, white and red sans serif letterform. They hold raucous, pithy, ironic sayings. The poster, ‘Your Body is a battleground’ proposes the idea of re-conditioning gender stereotypes. Originally, the image was used in Washington DC to advocate a pro-choice position and reproductive rights for women. This raises the issue of power, patriarchy, stereotyping and consumption. The poster has a black and white image of a woman’s face that is split symmetrically with direct eye contact. The positive and negative space could highlight ‘good vs. bad’. Judging from the woman’s hair and makeup, she appears to be a housewife. The image represents that women cannot be sold, it illustrated a political setting and subsequently their identities are favourably polished.