Women's and global leadership at bestfoods Case Study

Women's and global leadership at bestfoods - Case Study Example Ensuring that for each leadership position, a woman candidate must be present (Osland & Adler, 2007). Another method for promoting diversity include sending more women both of America and of non-American decent to senior management and development programs to shed a light on them on the possible leadership training offered to individuals. Understanding women and the barriers they face while at formal employment and support them. This is to be done by appreciating the effort that women contribute at work as well as the household needs they reach up to. At the same time, it is the look at work output in terms of delivery rather than time spent at work. Adding to that, many women at high levels to be selected for senior managerial positions at the company.Senior level management training offered to senior position holders promoted by companies could be beneficial to women if they had such positions(Osland & Adler, 2007). Brody is justified to hold the forum. This is because forums are an audience for all to be heard and the forum was to encompass women who are the sole victims in diversity at Bestfoods. The forum was to have 50% of women from outside the US, an enough indication of diversity. Possible alternatives that would generate the same agenda include holding seminars on gender diversity at work, pushing for bills that involve a certain limit in employment of women in each sector as well including women in the human resource departments of many companies (Osland & Adler, 2007). While pushing for the forum organization, Brody and Shoemate faced several challenges and programs. Brody and Shoemate’s ideas were not all met with a warm reception. Skeptical comments arose from some men and women who believed that the forum was not going to bear any results whatsoever. There was also the feeling of inferiority complex among some of the women selected to attend the forum. They felt that if in any case

The Nature of Science Essay Example for Free

The Nature of Science Essay Science plays an important role in development of mankind, its cultural and technological progress. Science helps humanity to understand natural phenomena and biological changes, evolutionary processes and shifts. Science can be defined as a particular way of knowledge and perception of the world and human beings based on historical information, hypotheses and experiments. Biology and Earth Sciences allows researchers to understand the evolution of species, explain natural phenomena and predict possible changes in the Universe. In fact, the revolutionary changes are invariably prompted by contradictions which occur when the previous concepts are applied to particular phenomena, and it is in the attempts to remove these contradictions that the changes are made. Science can be seen as the criterion of truth. Science is logic of discovery as well as of confirmation. Seeking to reconstruct what happened in the past, Biology and Earth Sciences must and do take as data only presently available written reports, and the presently surviving physical remnants of antiquity; and part of the interest of the research lies in its relevance to present and future situations somehow related to those of the past (Gierer 2000). Science is not a self-contained or self-sustaining activity. The most important it is conducted only in a community that has reached a certain level of intellectual development, which involves and implies social organization, culture, art, and religion, as well as philosophy. Biology and Earth Sciences are closely connected with and depend upon historical progress and cultural development of society which determine that main trends and direction in experiments and research. For instance, during the Middle Ages, Biology and Earth Sciences were influenced by inquisition and dominance of theological doctrines while at the end of 17th-18th century these sciences flourished because of new economic conditions and separation of church and the state. These examples show that Biology and Earth Sciences are part of a culture and cannot exist apart from it. For a long time, people supposed that Earth was flat and the stars related directly to the earth. When humans mastered the cosmos (1961), it has opened a new era in scientific discoveries and the evolution of knowledge. A link between culture, society and biology is evident in current analysis of social settings and impact of biological perquisites on humans: â€Å"One way of asserting the relevance of â€Å"biology for understanding human social behavior is to propose that our understanding of human activities can be greatly enhanced by specific consideration of humans as evolved species shaped by processes of natural selection† (Freese et al 233). In Earth Sciences, scientists can achieve control in the laboratory where results are reproducible. In both Biology and Earth Sciences, the course of science may solve the puzzles researchers have encountered in the application of their theories, anomalies and contradictions arise. For instance, â€Å"serious scientific debates about the neo-Darwinist synthesis as the overarching explanation of the origins of our species are, in the larger scheme of things, disagreements over details† (Freese et al 234). Today, Earth scientists argue about the impact of global warming on population and climate change. These research fields are determined by cultural conditions and historical importance for the mankind. In many cases, changes in philosophical and cultural paradigms paralyze the advance of knowledge producing a crisis which is only removed when eventually a revolution occurs in the thinking and practice of scientists with the introduction of a new conceptual scheme (Gierer 2000). In sum, the nature if science is determined by historical, cultural and philosophical paradigms and the discoveries of the scientists made during a particular period of time. Accepting these restraints on his freedom, the scientist secures to himself the protection given by the community of others who accept the same canons of science and scientific knowledge. References Gierer, A. (2000). On Modern Science, Human Cognition and Cultural Diversity.   Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, Berlin. Retrieved 20 March 2007 www.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/Preprints/P137.pdf Freese, J., Li, Jui-Chung Allen, Wade, L.D. (2003). The Potential Relevances of Biology to Social Inquiry. Annual Review of Sociology, 29, pp. 233-235.

Impact of Globalization on the Environment

Impact of Globalization on the Environment Human race faces some desperate challenges to replenish for what has been done by our generation in the name of globalisations. The definition of our in this context is to eloquently emphasise that the outcome of globalisation today was the result of the comprehensiveness of all human race and our here refers to every living human being on this earth who contributes to both the positive and negative outcomes of globalisation. According to Pierik and Werner, the all-inclusiveness (2010, p. 2) applies to every living human being in general and the access to basic rights should also be equally available to every individual on this earth. For instance, right to clean air or clean water. In similar fashion, cosmopolitans argue that as citizens of the world, we should conjointly tackle both the positive and negative impacts of globalisation. As documented by Pogge in World Poverty and Human Rights, every human being has a global stature as the ultimate unit of moral concern (2002, p. 169). However, in the era of globalisation, this is not always the case. The environmental problems have become a pressing issue often relating it to the causal effect of globalisation contributed by the human activities. As stated by Mol in Globalization and Environmental Reform, the environmental repercussions are often related to the market demand and supply, or also widely known as Global Capitalism (2001, p. 71). Global capitalism is no foreign to the global consumptions and economic production which severely hampers the stability of the environment. So, this boils down to one question, what impacts does globalisation really has on the environment? To begin with, this essay will discuss about the implications of globalisation towards the general society. It also argues on the question of distribution equality of environmental risks and followed by the discussion on the ramification of global warming caused by the processes of globalisation. The second part then details on how globalisation has lead to the harmonisation of environmental practices among Transnational Corporations (TNCs) and the last part will then entail on the development of global environmental governance discourses. Is Globalisation eco-friendly? In respect to the effect of global capitalism, it has certainly induced or in a bold way of saying it, it has messed up the entire climate system and the environment respectively. Global warming is no longer a foreign term to most of us and this issue has been overly argued that the economic globalisation is partly behind this which has brought us to where we are now. In relation to the act of global capitalists, it boils down to one question, is there an equal distribution of risks relating to environmental threats across the globe and are the responsibilities on emitting Green House Gases (GHGs) being shared equally by every state in the world? As argued by Mol (2001 p. 79), it is hard to escape from the environmental threats in a highly-globalised era and it is merely impossible to do so. Another scholar like Gray suggests that developed countries conserve their environments by moving their productions to the developing world where environmental regulations on Multi-national corpo rations (MNCs) are more slack and thus, exporting their pollutions to the operating countries (Gray cited in Lofdahl, 2002, p. 9). Hence, making it one of the negative impacts of globalisation. In this case, the environmental risks are not being shared equally nor fair as the win for few are often a dispense for many others. As a cosmopolitan, being equally fair is the way to do it and in a perfect world, sharing environmental risks should be borne not only by states but also transnational actors across the globe and putting effort in conserving the environment in any possible means. This may sound superficial for some of us, but a cosmopolitan scholar like David Heater himself also share the same believe as he had documented in his book, World Citizenship: when possible, participate in schemes for positive conservation and cleansing; and the understanding that the most deleterious effects of environmental degradation can rarely be contained within boundaries of the state where the depleting or polluting processes originate (2002, p. 123). Having said that, to have an equal distribution of environmental risks among nation states and global actors in the real world is really difficult. The question on whether or not the risks are equitably distributed also depends on some bodies in the global governance, for instance, transnational actors like the MNCs or TNCs. There has been debates about transnational corporations for not acquiring feasible (sustainable) production methods and such practices has been widely lauded by most business people across the globe. These unsustainable practices have contributed harm towards the environment both in the operating countries and its neighbouring countries respectively. To top it all, these activities are being operated mostly in the developing nations. Why is that? Is developing nations a soft target for transnational corporations to conduct their unethical business operations? In answering this question, according to Daly and Cobb, one of the many reasons for the favour of operati ng in most developing countries is due to its weak local trading system and the laid-back regulations on transnational corporations. In this respect, the issue on trades and environmental problems could be explained in a wider context involving the WTO (World Trade Organisation) or formerly known as GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade). Technically, the formation of globalisation itself was partly moulded by the GATT or WTO in making the world a freer trading ground by opening the markets everywhere across the globe (Baylis et al, 2014, p. 346). According to liberal economists in respect to WTOs trade policies, they argued that the result form pollutions due to the trade could be treated as part of the production cost of producing the goods, and hence, supporting their claim that it could be favourable towards the environment as resources will be utilised in a more efficient manner (Baylis et al, 2014). However, one could contest that its equitability remains questionable. As a money-making organisation, this is often seen as a benefit to further grow their companies in seeking more profits out the production despite for its unsustainable practices in these countries (Daly and Cobb cited in Mol, 2001, p. 83). For instance, the tragic Bhopal incident on December 1984 was the result of unsustainable practices done by a Transnational Corporation. It killed more than fifteen thousand people and approximately more than two hundred fifty thousand people were injured due the pipes leakage mishap; releasing over forty thousand tons of toxic gases to Bhopals open air (Fortun, 2009). Bhopal was obviously a soft target for a multi-national corporation like the Union Carbide. Bhopal region were seen to be backward in terms of development, but due to its prominent location for easy transportation access, it made Bhopal to be an ideal location for the operation (Fortun, 2009). Put simply, Bhopal incident is just one of the examples of an unequitable distribution of environmental risks, not only to the population of Bhopal region, but the result from the mishap has an indirect effect in contributing to transboundary pollution and thereby ultimately, increasing the GHGs emission level on a global scale. In short, every emission made everywhere around the world will be in the expense of every living things on earth including, human, our future generations to be, and even biodiversity. Secondly, its responsibility for the environmental damages and severe climate change particularly on the increase of GHG emissions since the industrial revolution era. Environmental agencies like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) believes that the cause for the environmental degradation or global warming is caused by the increasing amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the result of the increasing number of human activity over the past decades (Huwart and Verdier, 2013, p. 112). Many argues that globalisation is partly responsible for the environmental issues that we are currently facing which is caused by the increase in industrial productions and surging amount of international trade deals due to massive global consumption. That said, several human-induced activities that contributes to the surging emission amount of CO2 are mainly from transportation, global capitalist activities (mainly on industrial activity and consumption) and deforestation. Accordin g to Huwart and Verdier (2013), transportation takes a big chunk of the CO2 emission level to the atmosphere. For instance, roughly about nine percent of the GHG emission is from the aviation sector and overall, approximately about eighty-six percent increase of GHG emission from the aviation sector from 1990 to 2004 (Huwart and Verdier, 2013, p. 113). Nonetheless, aviation industry is one of the most profitable industries now. According to International Civil Aviation organization (ICAO, 2016), the overall amount of CO2 emission for India aviation industry was roughly around 16.4 million tonnes as of 2014. On that note, between 2005 to 2007, the local airline companies have ordered about five hundred aeroplanes due to the rising number of passengers travelling locally and internationally (Huwart and Verdier, 2013, p. 113). Put simply, the dilemma between economic growth and pollution is never ending, it is an unprecedented loop. So long as there is consumption, we are inevitably bo unded to experience global warming. In relation to the issue on global warming, as Huwart and Verdier documented in Economic Globalisation, Globalisation is often an ally of the chainsaw (2013, p. 114). Huwart and Verdier (2013) argues that transportation is not just the only source of pollution, other human activities such as deforestation also contributes towards the gradual increase of GHG emissions over the past decades. This is none other due to the increase in consumption percentage globally and it pushes mass production of goods in order to cater the market demand. For example, as of 2003, soy exports by the Brazilians to China was approximately around six million tonnes. Deforestation of lands in some parts of Brazil has enabled them to produce more soy to cater China market. The rule is simple, more soy export, more rainforest is being turned into farmland (Huwart and Verdier, 2013). All of these activities has a chain effect which contributes to global warming. Besides, gl obal warming is one of the reasons for the increasing number in natural calamity such as increase in sea water level causing floods and also hurricanes. For instance, low-lying island states that only lies about three metres above sea level will be in jeopardy, countries such as, Tuvalu, Palau, Maldives and other low-lying states will be severely affected (Ashe, Lierop and Cherian, 1999). Considering that these small island states play a very little role in global pollution and this boils down to one question, could this also be a case of unequitable distribution of environmental risk? Looking at it in a different perspective, a realist or a sceptic would perceive it as an equal loss or gain. For instance, as pointed out by Ritzer (2010, p. 337), the North is more concerned on the issue of global warming, meanwhile the South is heavily encumbered with other pressing issues like HIV, famine and Malaria. So, is this a fair game? Mass migration is also often discussed in unearthing the several effects from the result of global warming. Its side effect within itself has caused several problems and it will be catastrophic to the human race in many years to come. In this respect, the rising sea level is one of the products of global warming. Scientifically, this is due to the rapid melting of ice sheets throughout the world which is caused by a rapid increase in temperature. For instance, it is expected that there will be a rise in sea level globally by twenty-three feet if the ice in Greenland were to be completely melted and another seventeen-foot rise on sea level if the ice in the Antarctica were to be ruptured in a similar manner. Hence, that make it up to forty feet increase in sea level in total. It goes without saying if this happens, it would be a massive calamity on a global scale and it could easily wipe out the entire low-lying states and the small island nations in a glimpse (Ritzer, 2010, p. 345). This is not a new phenomenon, temperature has been increasing and the rise in sea level is expected to be quicker than previously forecasted putting the small island and low-lying states in a most vulnerable position (Collins Rudolph cited in Ritzer, 2010). In many cases, natural disasters like floods, droughts or even storm could be a golden opportunity for businesses out there. As stated by Klein in This Changes Everything, natural disaster could open doors to business opportunities especially in the reformation of new houses and infrastructures like in New Jersey right after the superstorm sandy died down. Or, the surge in numbers of patent for genetically engineered seeds that withstands extreme weather conditions is also seen as business opportunity by big corporations like Monsanto and Syngenta (2015, p. 9). None of these are much of a surprise for us as this is rather a norm for most capitalists to act in such manner. That said, natural disasters are often seen as an opportu nity, making money out of ones agony. Referring to the earlier statement, could this also be the case for the small island nations if the entire land is no longer inhabitable? Charging each and every individual from these nations for a new place to stay when the sea level hits exactly at three feet above the ground? The idea behind this is that, charging would not solve any of these problems. The issues on global warming is very complex that it is interconnected with the well-being of the world society. For instance, looking at the small island nations and low-lying states circumstances, it is expected to be about 60 million people will become refugees if sea level were to rise above three feet (Ritzer, 2010, p. 347). The potential haphazard from the migration would be a nightmare for the world society and the likely effect from this would be an increase in crime rate, surging number in poverty, food scarcity and security issues as the world will become more borderless. Are we ready for this? Should this happen, this will become a world problem as catastrophe as such is irreversible. Hence, preventing or slowing down global warming would be the best solution to this. On the other side of this coin, thanks to globalisation for leading us to a world without border in a sense where creating awareness on global warming and other environmental issues are easier now than it was 50 years ago, despite for the damages that it has done over these years. Put simply, it is a way forward and it could be a way out for the citizens of the world. As stated by Mol in Globalization and environmental Reform: Globalization can trigger the harmonization of national environmental practices, regimes, and standards, produce new institutional arrangements at a supra-national level, transfer environmental technologies, management concepts, and organizational models, and accelerate the exchange of environmental information around the world (2001, p. 96). In a way, globalisation had already created a platform in addressing the issues on environment. That said, a collective effort is needed in order to achieve certain objectives on creating a sustainable environment and a greener economic growth. As argued by Mol (2001), globalisation has led to the harmonisation of environmental practices among the key drivers on the global market, i.e. transnational corporations. As one of the key drivers in the global scene, their position is quite prominent which enables them to influence the environmental improvements and promoting best practice to their consumers and as well as to their suppliers. Transnational corporations are seen to be as a strong actor in the global governance especially in the transmission of new technology and producing influential advertisements (Choucri, 1991). Choucri (1991) also stated that transnational corporations will be useful in shaping up new means of doing business and trades in the most sustainable way as possi ble. However, issues on environmental reformation is not a one man show, it is rather a collective initiative from other responsible parties as well. In light of this, Mol (2001) also argues that efforts on environmental harmonisation practices by transnational actors would not have been possible without the help of few driving factors like the International Standard Organisation (ISO), environmental Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), international regulatory bodies and even public pressure. These underlying has been a push factor for some, not all, TNCs everywhere around the globe. Some international standards were created cohesively with the harmonisation of environmental practices for manufacturing purposes, namely, the ISO 14000 series (Mol, 2001, p. 99). Having said that, this kind of initiatives help to reduce unsustainable manufacturing methods and act as one of the triggering tools towards a greener means of production across TNCs. But then again, having ISO alone will n ot secure the future of the environmental problems that we are currently facing because it acts as only a jumpstart for a greener way of manufacturing goods. On another level, globalisation could also somehow create a join force or formation of positive social movements especially in combating the environmental challenges that are contributed by TNCs across the region. Let us take the social movement of the Bhopal incident survivors as an example to help explain this particular point. After the Bhopal incident, many social movements were formed with regards to the unethical business practices by TNCs in the region. In this respect, the focus of these initiatives has also evolved overtime where issues on gender were also integrated in these social movements. Underpinning gender in this context, Suroopa Mukhrejee argued that the tragic Bhopal incident has put gender under the limelight where the social movements were formed and lead by the women survivors of the Bhopal incident (Mukre jee cited in Scandrett and Mukhrejee, 2011, p. 201). That said, Mukhrejee also argued that the core of the social movement was focused in addressing womens well-being which the outcome from the incident had caused several complications to womens health and body respectively. As stated by Scandrett and Mukhrejee, the experience of poison in the womens bodies in its disruption of menstrual cycles and gynaecological functions, abnormal births and dependent children, becomes reflected in the bodily practices of protest (2011, p. 202). Put simply, the result from the incident has somehow induced for such movement to happen allowing women to step forward and be empowered in fighting not only for womens right, but also environmental justice in their region and throughout the country. In view of this, I argue that the strive from these kind movements is not just beneficial for the present society, but also for the future generation to come which has the right to access clean air and clean environment. After all, living in a clean environment is part of human rights as well. However, scholars like Wilfred Beckerman and Joanna Pasek believes that the unborn future generations hold no rights and do not deserve to have anything out of it as they are not here to utilise these rights in present (Beckerman and Pasek cited in Pierek and warner, 2010, p. 32). On contrary, scholars like Simon Caney argued that the rights for the unborn generations will be jeopardised if such approach are not going to be taken into account now. If such right like the rights for the unborn generations were to be in placed now, the future generation would hold a full moral sentiment on duties to protect and not to harm the environment (Caney, 2011, p. 235) and hence, shaping up a better and highly morale future society. Therefore, the current generation should be obliged to not act in a way where it will threaten the rights of the future generations. In relation to the collective efforts as mentioned earlier, there are several initiatives that has been done over the recent years in addressing the environmental issues especially on mitigation of climate change. For example, the development of global environmental governance like the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Kyoto Protocol in 1997, Copenhagen Accord or even the recent Paris Agreement. In general, these initiatives are recognised as an effort in spearheading the global economy towards a greener global business direction. Of course, having institutions or agencies as such does not necessarily bring about a complete success in tackling environmental issues, but rather, it could be a game changing process for the businesses especially the TNCs in modifying their production practices into a more sustainable method. For instance, the carbon tax could be a powerful tool in reducing the emissions on GHGs. Businesses will be taxed on a basis of th eir carbon emission usage from the utilisation of fossil fuels and the aim of this instrument is to motivate businesses to divert their production methods into a more sustainable one (Ritzer, 2010, p. 356). Having said that, instruments as such would be more effective if nations from all over the world participates, especially some major polluters like the US and China. Thus, participations are also seen as a collective effort in mitigating environmental issues. Several instruments like the carbon credit purchase and the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) were also introduced in Kyoto Protocol which aims to reduce GHG emissions especially from the highly industrialised developed countries (Lechner, 2009, p. 257). For instance, the essence of the CDM encourages cooperation between developed and developing countries in a sense where a conducive sustainable development could be harnessed from utilising this instrument i.e. green technology transfer to developing countries. Of course, th e motivating factor for these developed countries to run CDM is to ensure that their emission target could be achieved by 2012 to 5 percent below 1990 level (Ma, 2010). The idea behind this is that, globalisation has lead us to a stage where issues on global warming are seen to be a severe world problem if its left untreated. Also, we have witnessed growing numbers of environmental agencies and regimes over the past years and it would not have not been possible without the essence of globalisation. A scholar like Lipshutz argues that the creation of a sustainable environment could be done because human has an ability to be innovative in resolving complex issues as such (Lipschutz cited in Lechner, 2009, p. 261). On another note, Lipschutz also argues that, we cannot grow or consume our way out of the crisis (Lipschutz cited in Lechner, 2009).ÂÂ   Referring to Lipschutz argument, it suggests, the world we are currently living in is worn out and the more we are trying extract mor e resources from the ecosystem, the more damages will be done to environment. For example, increasing sea level and catastrophic natural disasters as mentioned on the earlier paragraph. Therefore, it makes more sense for us to spearhead towards a greener and sustainable economy where changes in attitudes towards consumption is required, ultimately, improving the quality of the environment, social and also economic inequalities. Globalisation: is it good or bad for the environment? What can be concluded based on the arguments above is that, globalisation has certainly brought us to an era where the stability of environment is at stake. The results from globalisation has lead us to another level of environmental deterioration global warming. For a fact, the environmental risks are not being distributed equally across the globe due to the ever-rising levels of consumption which in turn, affecting the level of GHG emissions on a global scale and as well as climate stability. Regardless of its negative consequences, the nature of interconnectedness in globalisation could also be seen a vector in bringing down the environmental issues that world is currently facing. Globalisation has open doors for green politics through the development of global environmental governance with the involvement of other bodies like Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and social movement groups which helps to elevate the awareness across the globe. As a cosmopolitan, I argue that every individual has a duty of engaging with activities that is sustainable and causing less harm to the environment. Not to completely neglect globalisation as it is inevitable, but rather, placing commitments on doing things in a most sustainable manner and citizens of the world should also associate themselves to environmental groups because the world of politics can be used as an agent of change. On this note, Derek Heater also argues that, encouraging appropriate activity can alter the horizons of what seems possible to leaders and to the mainstream public (Heater, 2002, p. 129). This process maybe slow, but I strongly argue that with a collective effort from the citizens of the world, the impossible can potentially be accomplished and further harnessed.

of mice and men...theme of lonliness in the book :: essays research papers

Of Mice and Men Literary Analysis Of Mice and Men, written by John Steinbeck, is a book that can be analyzed and broken down into a vast majority of themes. One of the predominant themes found in this book is loneliness. Many characters in this book are affected by loneliness and they all demonstrate it in one way or another throughout the book. Examples of these characters are Curley’s Wife, Crooks, and Candy. All through the book Curley’s Wife is very â€Å"open† to everyone she meets. The reason for this can be interpreted by her and Curley’s â€Å"so-called† marriage. The relationship between Curley’s Wife and Curley seems to be somewhat unstable as he is always asking â€Å"Any you guys seen my wife?† (pg. ). This also shows how protective Curley seems to be as he is always checking up on where his wife is. Curley’s insecurity seems to cage in his wife from having any kind of a friendship with any other men. In turn, the wife gets so sick of being isolated like this and relieves her loneliness by conducting secret conversations with many other men on the ranch. As a result many of the ranch hands see her as a tramp but it can be viewed that all she really wants is a person to talk to. Crooks also feels a great deal of loneliness, as he is an outcast on the ranch. He lives in his own room where hardly anybody ever bothers him. He is never invited to play cards or do anything fun with the other guys. One day a curious Lenny asked, â€Å"Why ain’t you wanted?† Crooks replies â€Å"Cause I’m black. They play cards in there, but I can’t play because I’m black. They think I stink. Well I tell you, you all stink to me† (pg. ). Crooks’ attitude towards this is shown when he saw Lennie playing with his puppy outside of Crooks’ quarters. Crooks states that â€Å"if me, as a black man, is not allowed in the white quarters, then white men are not allowed in mine† (pg. ). However this is merely a front as the more open side of Crooks is shown later on in the book. Candy also feels the burden of loneliness and shows it by his relationship with his sheep dog. The dog, being described as â€Å"ancient†, â€Å"stinky†, and â€Å"half-blind†, had been in Candy’s life for a very long time and Candy had grown attached to it.

Science Limitations

Science is a great way to learn and understand how our universe works. Once we learn science, we're opened many new doors and can even learn how to manipulate our very own universe. Throughout the course of human events, science has helped mankind overcome a wide range of issues. However, science is a double-edged sword and has also brought many new issues.It is important to place limitations on science and research in order to prevent or abate anything that can go wrong during the ursuit of knowledge. The pursuit of knowledge can often blind one of potential problems that can arise during or after an experiment. â€Å"l collected the instruments of life around me, that I might infuse a spark of being into the lifeless thing that lay at my feet. † (Shelly 285) In Frankenstein, we can see that Victor becomes very elated to what he might infuse to his creation.However, he does not consider what might potentially go horribly wrong during this process. He doesn't think anything ca n fail because the power to create something has shrouded his Judgment. It is for this very same reason why we have many energy and environment crises in our world today. Many scientists wish to help a company, themselves, or humanity and are engulfed by the end result that they become ignorant to any possible unwanted byproducts or results. Jeremy Rifkin also elaborates on the ignorance caused by the pursuit of knowledge in Biotech Century. Fears over the possibility of transgenic genes Jumping to wild weedy relatives heightened in 1996 when a Danish research team observed the transfer of such a gene – something critics of deliberate-release experiments have arned of for years and biotech companies have dismissed as a remote or nonexistent possibility. † (Rifkin 31 5) Rifkin explains that the transfer of genes from altered crops to weedy relatives could create super weeds that are resilient to herbicide, pests, and viruses. These super weeds would cause farmers to spra y even more herbicide on them.Naturally, this would affect our food supplies because we would be spraying so many harmful chemicals to the soil and to the food that eventually ends up at our dinner table. The companies and scientists seeking either onetary gain or any form of knowledge, deny any possibility of any deviations from their plans. Seeking to create plants that are resilient is a noble cause; however, ignoring the proven fact that it can also destroy the environment through the unintentional genesis of super weeds is another example of shrouded Judgment.The examples on ignorance, instigated by the pursuit of happiness, which Shelly and Rifkin elaborate upon, are clear reasons why there should be limitations imposed on scientists. Shelly also demonstrates how scientists meddle with nature and attempt to usurp nature's role. l pursued nature to her hiding-places. † (Shelly 286) Victor was obsessed with the idea of having the power to create life. â€Å"†¦ listen ing attentively, demoniacal corpse to which I had so miserably given life. † (Shelly 289) Up until then, Victor was drunk with the idea that he was going to create the perfect specimen and the next evolution of man.Once Frankenstein was born, Victor was horrified that his plan to usurp nature had backfired. He realized Frankenstein was a â€Å"demoniacal corpse† and not human. This wasn't a simple experiment where you could redo an experiment many times for a favorable result. Victor had created a monstrous living creature. He had introduced the living creature to an exotic environment, physically superior to others, intimidating in appearance, and predestined to be persecuted in a world where he had no idea why he was there.Rifkin also gives insight to the topic of scientist's endeavor to usurp nature's role. â€Å"In Just the past 18 months, genetically engineered corn, soy and cotton have been planted over millions of acres of U. S. farmland. Genetically engineered insects, fish and domesticated animals have also been introduced†¦ † (Rifkin 313) Companies are ntroducing thousands of new living specimens into real environments without a single thought of the real problems that could come out of these actions.Just like Victor, theyre caught up in the moment of having the power to create new life that has never even existed in nature prior to scientific advancements that allowed it. Consequentially, these new genetically engineered specimens can have disastrous effects on exotic environments that aren't used to having them. They're the modern Frankensteins. Rifkin appeals to the reader's ethos by saying that, similar to Frankenstein, these enetically engineered creations are the works of man and are potential threats to any ecosystem they enter. â€Å"Genetically engineered products also reproduce. They grow and they migrate. (Rifkin 313) This means that the genetically engineered products of a lab can freely migrate themselves to any part of the world they can tolerate.Everyone is aware of the destruction brought by introducing exotic animals/ plants to ecosystems that are in harmony. Scientists are playing â€Å"ecological roulette† when they release these engineered creations because even if they were to admit or ind out that their creations had devastating effects, they would be unable â€Å"recall genetically engineered organisms back to the laboratory, especially those organisms that are microscopic in nature. (Rifkin 313) Rifkin and Shelly both make outstanding arguments on why there should be limitations on science where scientists dare not tread for the sake of order. They agree that the power to create life instills an ignorance that also gives birth to new sets of potential problems. Science will always be present in society because it holds a lot of prominence. Science is how we understand our universe and it allows us to hape it as well.Science has helped mankind out of the caves, increased the average life span, and also let us Journey to places where man could only dream of. Of course, like anything in this world, science will require a cost to advance. The cost can be in the form of problems that were nonexistent in nature before that sometimes do not outweigh the benefits. These same problems will also challenge our own humanity as well and our future on this planet. For these reasons, Rifkin, Shelly, and I believe that whilst science is a powerful force for the advancement of the human Is planet.

Conquest of Aztecs

Conquest of Aztecs Introduction Conquest in history. The conquest of Mexico can be considered one of the events in the world history that can be perceived in accordance with the literary sources available on the conquest. As such, two reputable sources Five Letters of Cortà ©s to the Emperor: 1519-1526 by Hernan Cortà ©s and The Broken Spears: The Aztec Account of the Conquest of Mexico by Miguel Leyn-Portilla advocate different perspectives on this historic phenomenon with detailed descriptions and evidence.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Conquest of Aztecs specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, to have a full picture of what has happened in Mexico in the era of the Aztec empire, it is necessary to take into account both perspectives and analyze views of both sides of the conflict. Disparities in Amerindian and Spanish versions. The main portion of disparities in the versions reported by Spaniards and Amerindians concerns the ro le of both sides in the conflict and the position they advocate. Thus, Spaniards, whose version has been regarded as the only documentary source of the conquest, perceive this conflict as an ordinary thing when they told the inhabitants about their friendly intentions but razed the city to collect gold and other riches. At the same time, Amerindians’ perspective reflects the culture of the Aztecs and lack of knowledge about the real plans of Spaniards. Though these two sources are completely different, they have a lot in common as they demonstrate the same events from different perspectives and seem t complement each other. Comparison of Sources First reports about the contact of Spaniards and Aztecs, mission of Spaniards, and perception of Aztecs. The first encounters of Spaniards and Aztecs are perceived in different ways by the two authors. As such, Cortà ©s claims that Spaniards were friendly to the natives and wanted to establish commercial relations with the representa tives of the Aztec empire in order to trade with them while the natives welcomed them in a hostile manner and many Spaniards were killed or wounded: Cortà ©s, replying by means of the native interpreter whom he had with him, informed them he was going to do them no harm but admonish them and bring them to the knowledge of our Holy Catholic Faith, that they might become vassals of your Majesty and serve and obey him, as had the Indians and peoples of those parts which are already peopled with Spanish subjects of your Majesty (Cortà ©s Five Letters 4). At the same time, this event was described in a completely different way by Leyn-Portilla.Advertising Looking for essay on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The Aztecs were terrified when they came to know about the arrival of strangers but though them to be of divine origin. So, â€Å"Prince Ixtlilxochitl of Tezcoco †¦ left his city with a group of follow ers to greet Cortà ©s in peace† (Leyn-Portilla II-330). This means that the Aztecs were ready to welcome the strangers and share everything they had with them because they believed Spaniards to be the gods that returned to their country to rule it. In other words, the perception of Aztecs was widely marked with their religious traditions and cultural peculiarities whereas the perception of Spaniards was marked only with a desire to serve the crown of his Majesty, spread Christianity at all costs, and enrich themselves and the Spanish rulers with the gold they noticed in the continent. The difference occurs due to the varieties in the perception of the conquest as a concept by both sides as for one party this was a massacre and destruction of the empire while for another this became a source of wealth. The image of Aztecs by Spaniards, and image of conquistadors by Aztecs. The image of each party differs greatly from another. This happens due to the disparities in their views, background knowledge of both sides, ability to infer from what they see, and use the information acquired for further development. At the same time, both authors emphasize the divine origin of Spaniards as perceived by Aztecs. For instance, Amerindians thought Spaniard to be their gods and were ready to accept whatever they say due to their desire to be helpful for their gods. The first contacts of Spaniards and Aztecs reflect the admiration of both parties, â€Å"the prince was astonished to see a man with such white skin and with a beard and with so much courage and majesty† (Leyn-Portilla II-331) as well as Cortà ©s openly admired the people he saw. This means that friendly relationships could be the basis for future cooperation, commerce, and partnership. The main reason for Spaniards to attack the Aztecs included their desire to serve the Spanish crown and â€Å"bring the natives of the land to the knowledge of our Catholic faith† (Cortà ©s The Fifth Letter 4) and collect the riches of the land in order to bring those to the mainland for their rulers. As reported by Townsend, â€Å"The belief was part and parcel of their [Aztecs’] cosmology and does not by any means indicate that they were lacking in intelligence or that their culture was ‘less developed’† (para. 4).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Conquest of Aztecs specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The main reason for their differences was the way they wanted to cooperate because it was important for Aztecs to remain a state with its own ruler and culture whereas the Spaniards tried to spread their faith by any means and retrieve as much gold and other riches from this abundant land as they could using violence to persuade people take their side. Tenochtitlan and Cortà ©s razing the main city of Aztec empire. The aspect of cooperation is viewed differently by the two authors who provide eviden ce to support their perspectives. At the same time, this aspect appears to be decisive for both parties as they have different missions and have different means for their accomplishment. As such, it is necessary to review the source by Chaliand who cites an excerpt from the book Letters from Mexico by Hernan Cortà ©s where the captain Cortà ©s reports the rulers of Spain about the victory over natives and the results of their campaign and the city they have captured. Moreover, the author enumerates the cities they have destroyed and other ‘successful outcomes’. On the contrary, this situation with the main city of the Aztec empire called Tenochtitlan was perceived as the cruel and unfair action of Spaniards toward the native inhabitants of this land. Leyn-Portilla describes: â€Å"When the Spaniards entered the Royal House, they placed Motecuhzoma under guard and kept him under their vigilance† (II-334). This means that they pretended to be friendly only to rea ch the gold and were not interested in commerce with these people. Spaniards used Aztecs to reach their goal and performed their tasks with special cruelty; they â€Å"gathered all the gold into a great mount and set fire to everything else, regardless of its value† (Leyn-Portilla II-334). This means that Spaniards did not care about the cultural heritage of the native people of Mexico because they wanted gold and they received gold – the goal was attained. However, the razing of the city of Tenochtitlan is not described by Cortà ©s as something inappropriate which should not have been done or special needs of soldiers or aggression from natives that could have caused such violent response. The more interesting is the question why the natives allowed Spaniards to capture their chief and burn their houses and deprive them of their riches and other valuable issues. Warfare: Gap in technological issues. The gap in technology made the Aztecs unable to conquer the Spaniard s and defend themselves and their princes. IfAdvertising Looking for essay on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Cortà ©s writes that the Aztecs â€Å"many enclosures, pits and ditches, and many kinds of weapons† (131); however, these weapons were mostly for fighting with other people from other settlings and for hunting. Such perspective helps to analyze the entire concepts of the conquest and its success for Spaniards because they could use their more advanced weapon to conquer these people with spending minimal human resources on this. The weapons of Aztecs are described in another way by â€Å"The most important offensive weapon of the Aztecs was the Macana, a sort of paddle-shaped wooden club edged with sharp bits of obsidian†¦during the Conquest warriors beheaded Spanish horses at a single stroke† (Leyn-Portilla II-328). Besides, the rituals were an integral part of the Aztec culture and they did not start a war without declaring it to the enemies. In fact, the tradition to declare war explains everything as the Aztecs were not ready to fight because they welcomed Spa niards as their friends. At the same time, both perspectives include description of weapons and warfare skills of the Aztec warriors contrasted to the lack of knowledge about the territory possessed by the Spaniards. In other words, the main technological advantage of the Spaniards can be considered the way they started the war without declaring it and caught them unawares. Though Spaniards had indigenous allies among natives, they suffered from endemic diseases which were one of the main drawbacks of their army whereas natives were less vulnerable in terms of their health and endemic diseases but truly believed in respect and other virtues typical of noble men (as you remember, they admired the courage and majesty of Cortà ©s when they first saw him). Conclusion The controversy that arises after reviewing the sources on the Mexican conquest can be directed into another way. After accurately analyzing the evidence provided by Hernan Cortà ©s and Miguel Leyn-Portilla in their books suggesting quite opposing accounts of this historic event, it is possible to advocate the idea that these two sources complement each other because it is inappropriate to infer after regarding the perspective of only one party of the conflict. This means that the differences in the description of first contacts, razing of Tenochtitlan, and analysis of warfare peculiarities can be smoothed with the help of dual perspective. In other words, the importance of objective idea about the main historic events is the key way to success and this approach should be used every time certain controversy over the issue arises. Chaliand, Gà ©rard. The Art of War in World History: From Antiquity to the Nuclear Age. Los Angeles: University of California Press, 1994. Print. Cortà ©s, Hernn. The Fifth Letter of Hernan Cortes to the Emperor Charles V, Containing an Account of His Expedition to Honduras. Elibron.com, 2001. Print. Cortà ©s, Hernndo. Five Letters of Cortà ©s to the Emperor: 1519-1526 . New York: W. W. Norton Company, Inc., 1991. Print. Leyn-Portilla, Miguel. The Broken Spears: The Aztec Account of the Conquest of Mexico. Boston, MA: Beacon Press, 1992. Web. Townsend, Camilla. â€Å"Burying the White Gods: New Perspectives on the Conquest of Mexico.† The American Historical Review 108.3 (2003): 56 pars. Web. https://historycooperative.org/journal/burying-the-white-gods-new-perspectives-on-the-conquest-of-mexico/.

Anglo-Saxon and Viking Queens of England

Anglo-Saxon and Viking Queens of England Either Aethelstan or his grandfather, Alfred the Great, is usually considered the first king of England, rather than of one part of England.   Alfred the Great adopted the title of king of the Anglo-Saxons, and Aethelstan, king of the English. The powers and roles of queens – the wives of monarchs – evolved considerably through this period.   Some werent even named in contemporary records. I’ve arranged these queens (and consorts who were not queens) according to their husbands for clarity. Alfred The Great (r. 871-899) He was the son of Aethelwulf, king of Wessex, and Osburh Ealhswith - married 868She was the daughter of Aethelred Mucil, a Mercian noble, and Eadburh, also a Mercian noble, supposedly descended from King Cenwulf of Mercia (ruled 796 – 812).She was never actually given the title of â€Å"queen.†Among their children were Aethelflaed, Lady of the Mercians; Aelfthryth, who married the Count of Flanders; and Edward, who succeeded his father as king. Edward The Elder (r. 899-924) He was the son of Alfred and Ealhswith (above).   He  had three marriages (or two and one nonmarital relationship). Ecgwynn – married 893, son was Athelstan, daughter Edith Aelfflaed – married 899seven children including four daughters who married into European royalty and a fifth who became a nun, and two sons, Aelfweard of Wessex and Edwin of Wessexone daughter was Edith (Eadgyth) of England, who married Emperor Otto I of Germany Eadgifu – married about 919, sons included Edmund I and Edred, a daughter Saint Edith of Winchester who was considered a saint, and another daughter (whose existence is questionable) who may have married a prince of Aquitaine Aelfweard (r. briefly and contested: 924) He was the son of Edward and Aelfflaed (above). no recorded consort Athelstan (r. 924-939) He was the son of Edward and Ecgwynn (above). no recorded consort Edmund I (r. 939-946) He was the son of Edward and Eadgifu (above). Aelfgifu of Shaftesbury – date of marriage unknown, died 944revered as a saint soon after her deathmother of his two sons, who each ruled: Eadwig (born about 940) and Edgar (born 943)no indication she was recognized with the title of queen during her time Aethelflaed of Damerham – married 944, daughter of Aelfgar of Essex. Left a wealthy widow when Edmund died in 946, she remarried. Eadred (r. 946-55) He was the son of Edward and Eadgifu (above). no recorded consort Eadwig (r.955-959) He was the son of Edmund I and Aelfgifu (above). Aelfgifu, married about 957; details are uncertain but she may have been of Mercian background; a lurid story is told of her and the king, involving a fight with (later Saint) Dunstan and Archbishop Oda. The marriage was dissolved in 958 because they were closely related – or perhaps to protect the claim of Eadwig’s brother, Edward, to the throne; she seems to have gone on to accumulate significant property Edgar (r. 959-975) He was the son of Edmund I and Aelfgifu (above) – the details of his relationships and the mothers of his sons are disputed. Aethelflaed (not married)Son Edward (below) Wulthryth (not married; Edgar is said to have kidnapped her from the nunnery at Wilton)Daughter Saint Edith of Wilton Aelfthryth, who was anointed as queenSon Aethelred (below) Edward II The Martyr (r. 975-979) He was the son of Edgar and Aethelflaed no known consort Aethelred II The Unready (R. 979-1013 and 1014-1016) He was the son of Edgar and Aelfthryth (above). Also spelled Ethelred. Aelfgifu of York – married possibly in the 980s – her name does not appear in writings until about 1100 – probably the daughter of Earl Thored of Northumbria – never anointed as queen – died about 1002Six sons, including Aethelstan Aetheling (heir apparent) and the future Edmund II, and at least three daughters including Eadgyth, married to Eadric Streona Emma of Normandy (about 985 – 1052) – married 1002 – daughter of Richard I, Duke of Normandy, and Gunnora – changed her name to Aelfgifu on marriage to Aethelred – married Canute after Aethelred’s defeat and death.   Their children were:Edward the ConfessorAlfredGoda or Godgifu Sweyn or Svein Forkbeard(r. 1013-1014) He was the son of Harold Bluetooth of Denmark and Gyrid Olafsdottir. Gunhild of Wenden – married about 990, fate unknown Sigrid the Haughty – married about 1000Daughter Estrith or Margaret, married Richard II of Normandy Edmund II Ironside (r Apr - Nov 1016) He was the son of Aethelred the Unready and Aelfgifu of York (above). Ealdgyth (Edith) of East Anglia - married about 1015 - born about 992 – died after 1016 – probably the widow of a man named Sigeferth. Probably the mother of:Edward the ExileEdmund Aetheling Canute The Great (r. 1016-1035) He was the son of  Svein Forkbeard  and Ã…Å¡wiÄ™tosÅ‚awa (Sigrid or Gunhild). Aelfgifu of Northampton – born about 990, died after 1040, regent in Norway 1030 – 1035 – she was simply put aside as a wife according to customs of the time so that Cnut could marry Emma of NormandySweyn, King of NorwayHarold Harefoot, King of England (below) Emma of Normandy, widow of Aethelred (above)Harthacnut (about 1018 – June 8, 1042) (below)Gunhilda of Denmark (about 1020 – July 18, 1038), married Henry III, Holy Roman Emperor, without offspring Harold Harefoot (r. 1035-1040) He was the son of Canute and Aelfgifu of Northampton (above). may have been married to an Aelfgifu, may have had a son Harthacnut (r. 1035-1042) He was the son of Canute and Emma of Normandy (above). not married, no children Edward III The Confessor (r. 1042-1066) He was the son of Aethelred and Emma of Normandy (above). Edith of Wessex –lived about 1025 to December 18, 1075 – married January 23, 1045 – crowned as queen – they had no childrenHer father was Godwin, an English earl, and mother was Ulf, a sister of Cnut’s brother-in-law Harold II Godwinson (r. Jan - Oct 1066) He was the son of Godwin, Earl of Wessex, and Gytha Thorkelsdottir. Edith Swannesha or Edith the Fair – lived about 1025 – 1086 – common-law wife? five children including a daughter who married a Grand Duke of Kiev Ealdgyth or Edith of Mercia – was the wife of Wales ruler Gruffud ap Llywelyn and then queen consort of Harold Godwineson – marriage date probably 1066 Edgar Atheling (r. Oct - Dec 1066) He was the son of Edward the Exile (son of Edmund II Ironside and Ealdgyth, above) and Agatha of Hungary.   not married, no children Edgar’s sisters had connections to later English and Scottish rulers: Margaret who married Malcolm III of Scotland and had two daughters, Mary and Matilda of Scotland Cristina who became a nun and tutor to her nieces Mary and MatildaMatilda (born Edith) married Henry I of England and was the mother of the Empress Matilda Mary was the mother of Matilda of Boulogne  who married King Stephen of England Next queens:   Norman Queens of England

LIncoln Life essays

LIncoln Life essays Abraham Lincoln was born Sunday, February 12, 1809, in a log cabin near Hodgenville, Kentucky. He was the son of Thomas and Nancy Hanks Lincoln, and he was named for his paternal grandfather. Thomas Lincoln was a carpenter and a farmer. Both of Abraham's parents were members of a Baptist congregation, which had separated from an another church due to opposition of slavery. Lincoln was a pretty average his whole life, despite his gigantism. When he was older his opposition in slavery led him to run for president. In the 1860 Republican Presidential nomination Lincoln won, beating Hannibal Hamlin. On November 6, 1860, Lincoln was elected the 16th president, defeating Douglas, John Bell, and John C. Breckinridge. In February of 1861 the Lincoln's left by train for Washington D.C. Lincoln was now wearing a beard at the suggestion of an 11 year old girl. After Lincoln's election many Southern states, fearing Republican control in government, seceded from the Union. Lincoln faced great int ernal crisis of any US president. After the fall of Ft. Sumter, Lincoln raised an army and decided to fight to save the Union from falling apart. Despite enormous pressures, loss of life, battlefield setbacks, generals who weren't ready to fight, assassination threats, and other things, Lincoln stuck with this pro-Union policy for 4 long years of Civil War. On January 1, 1863, Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This meant that all slaves in the confederate states could go free. Also in November of 1863 he gave the Gettysburg Address, which dedicated the battlefield there to the soldiers who had perished. He called on the living to finish the tasks of the dead soldiers. In April of 1865 Lincoln attened a play at Ford's Theatre entitled, "Our American Cousin." During the performance John Booth arrived at the theatre and shot Lincoln in the back of the head. Lincoln was a great man who was beloved by many people. he set many goals from ...

European Convention of Human Rights Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

European Convention of Human Rights - Essay Example This was regarded as a breach of the UK's obligations under the Human Rights Convention2. But the Government asserted its right on bringing about such limitations on human rights and civil liberties, as the whole issue was borne out of a desperate situation and keeping in mind the national security. National security concerns thus have become an intrinsic reason for curbing fundamental Human Rights that seek to restore greater danger to the well being of world citizens and that which is not only threatened by terrorism but also the erosion of basic human rights, and freedoms upon which delicate democracy is based. Rights of people, as per ECHR, are put above the rights of states out of a realization, borne out of harsh reality, that states acted in self-interest to the detriment of humanity throughout history. From time immemorial, the concept of States always shares a sense of being threatened: a cause and effect relation of dominating and trying to offer resistance. It is generally believed that though there are peaceful and controlled environments existing within states, the international arena is anarchical and prone to uncontrollable violence. What these motifs do is put the focus of national security on the protection of one's territorial boundaries and sovereignty. Power comes to be measured through military capability, where everybody starts sharing a sense of being marginalized. The world begins to have an absurd dynamism and begins to operate on a zero-sum game in which, according to Peter Stoett, "security is obtained at the expense of others."3 Thus, is the issue of human rights i s being traded off for more security, or whether security concerns, as Blair argued, should trump over human rights In this regard, it is important to realize that Theodore Roosevelt's discourse on four freedoms is often cited as the nucleus of the development of the post-1945 human rights system. It was a model where freedom from fear and freedom from want were seen as being translated into the concept of civil and political rights and economic and social rights. Yet, when talking about the freedom from fear, Roosevelt referred to arms control, and not to human rights or individual security!4 Interestingly, nobody can deny that freedom from fear is an easily understood and tangible idea and a powerful wish which all of us share. However, if we study the matter closely, we find that that its promontory is definitely beyond the simplistic idea of human rights. For example, if we take Canada, we find that the country has taken up the idea of human security and has started to formulate it as a foreign policy priority.5 And following the initiative of Canada, other countries have come together to form the Human Security Network. The organization has been created as an amalgamation of the like-minded nations and aims to advance human security globally6. It also has a high level Commission on Human Security, which is co-chaired by Amartya Sen and Sadako Ogato.7 Yet, some view Human Rights as a paradigm, which has made a dramatic departure of traditional foreign policy concepts. Critics have accused the concept of being far to universalistic with conceptual flaws and have argued that it does not serve the victims of insecurity, but rather creates

Police Corruption, Misconduct, and Brutality Essay

Police Corruption, Misconduct, and Brutality - Essay Example The reason for this is associated with the fact that the nature of police work is a fertile ground for growth of corruption. Walker and Katz (2011) note that, police corruption is as old as policing itself and is not limited to the present day. His argument is supported by Sherman, who argued that police corruption has been in existence as long as have there been the police. Goldstein also cites that corruption is prevalent to policing and that the nature of police work is bound to force police officers to tempting bribes. The first police corruption was reported in 1970s in New York by Knapp Commission, from which two types of corrupt officers were identified. These include the grass-eaters and meat-eaters. It was observed that grass-eaters are very submissive and accepts any kind of bribe offered to them. Meat-eaters, on the other hand, are so aggressive and will always look out for opportunities to exploit for their own financial gains. However, research reveals that most corrupt officers in the US are grass-eaters. Some forms of police corruptions having been reported are those ripping off drug dealers or dealing drugs themselves. Others receive bribes to cover evidence while others have been convicted for covering their own acts of torture, brutality and murder (Dempsey and Forst, 2010). One case involving police corruption is that Joseph Miedzianowski, a former Chicago police officer who has entered the history books as one of the most corrupt corps in America’s history. During his 22 years of work as an officer in Chicago, Miedzianowski was accused of having planted guns and drugs on suspects, brutally tortured them with hot coat hanger and even hit them using lead-knuckled gloves, steeling their drugs, and other possessions. During his trial, he was also accused of fixing criminal cases against his gang members, and secured their release from prisons for sexual rendezvous with girl friends. He was also convicted of having assisted wanted criminal s flee the state, supplied guns, and ammunitions to gang members. The other count leveled against him in court was that he betrayed his workmates by undermining investigations of his gang members and telling them to burglarize the homes of corps’ and steel their guns (Lighty, 2003). Outcome of the case Despite initially denying the charges, Miedzianowski later confessed of having been guilty of the charges and was convicted for 10 counts including conspiracy, drug and racketeering in April 2001. The federal judge then sentenced him to life imprisonment (Lighty, 2003). My position regarding the outcome I agree with the charges handed to Miedzianowski. The reason being, investigations conducted proved beyond the reasonable doubt that the accused was involved in the alleged corruption and misconduct. Therefore, handing him life sentence was the best since it will make other police officers and citizens stop engaging in corruption, knowing very well that if convicted, they may al so be incarcerated for life. Police Misconduct in USA Police misconduct refers to illegal and improper actions on the part of the police officer. Police officers are expected to adhere to ethical principles set to them. In addition, police officers should be role models in showing exemplary behavior to the rest of society. Police officers should understand that they are not above the law; they can be prosecuted when they engage in improper behavior. In most cases, police conduct arises due to abuse of

Investigate the Potential Opportunity of Marketing This Brand In the Assignment

Investigate the Potential Opportunity of Marketing This Brand In the UK for a Pharmaceutical Company - Assignment Example Other than this, it also helps in identifying the defects, deficiencies as well as the problems present within the marketing activities of the organization so that it might be easily reduced. Thus, marketing audit helps in analyzing three areas such as external and internal marketing environment as well as current marketing strategies. External marketing audit The pharmacy market of UK by PESTEL In this age of globalization and industrialization, advancement is witnessed in each and every segment. Similarly, the organizations operating under the umbrella of pharmacy market also amplified its market share and growth rate with a rapid pace as compared to any other organizations. Due to which, its annual growth rate (CAGR) enhanced by 15.7% as well as profit margin increased by 21.6 % in the year 2012- 2013. This proved extremely beneficial for the economy of UK thereby rebounding itself from global economic downturn. It became possible due to the huge contribution of the Pharmacy compa nies towards the gross domestic product (GDP) and gross national product (GNP) of the economy. Other than this, due to the improvement of the per-capital income of the individual of United Kingdom, the purchasing power of the customers also increased. This proved extremely effective for the Pharmacy organizations thereby amplifying its profit margin and productivity to a certain extent as compared to others. Moreover, the implementation of the varied policies of the government in order to make the requirements of healthcare more affordable and accessible, also acted as a boon for the pharmaceutical organizations. Due to which the net income and revenues of the organizations operating under... This paper stresses that the products of Bursti in the competitive market of UK, it’s extremely essential to follow competitive pricing strategy. This is because; without following such strategy, Bursti might not be able to establish the brand image and dependency within the minds of the customers. As a result, the profit margin and total sale of the products of the brand might not get enhanced that might hinder the goodwill of the organization. Other than this, Bursti might try to offer high attention over advertising so as to increase the level of awareness of the customers. This might prove effective for the organization in enhancing its market share and status This report makes a conclusion that the pattern of disorders is also changing rapidly and so at times the medical practitioners fail to analyse the main cause of the disorder. This means, the disorder might be due to genetics, diet, climate or many other factors. So, the organization of Bursti might also try to develop the medicines that might also rectify the disorders arising due to genetics or even diets. Only then it might cope-up with such type of challenges in an effective way thereby amplifying its productivity and brand value. The author of the paper talks that the policies and strategies of the government supporting Pharmacy industries are changing rapidly. Therefore, the organization of Bursti needs to offer the products and its features in such a way so that, it might remain sustained in its position.

The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous Assignment

The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous - Assignment Example As I entered the place, I found people sitting and standing randomly. I grabbed a chair near the window and saw people; some saying hello, some stopping, and some just keeping to themselves. The meeting commenced at the chairperson read the Preamble, and led the prayer. Different members read the brief literature of AA afterward. In this Step Meeting of 10 minutes, I sat and listened to the â€Å"steps†. My curiosity about the AA thing was increasing. The Chairperson declared the step that would be discussed. I was so surprised to see that the attendants of the meeting were unashamed apparently that I cannot really recall what step that was. After reading the step chapter from Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, the attendants were asked if they had any previous experience related to the step and if any of them would take that as an opportunity to share it with others.   The most interesting part of the whole meeting was to watch others narrate their personal experiences and struggles with alcohol and drawing their relation with the step under discussion. People started talking during the meeting. They started off by telling their name and status as alcoholics to each other. One after another, every attendant stood up, said his name, narrated his story, received audience’s applauds and settled down. â€Å"In the simplest form, the AA program operates when a recovered alcoholic passes along the story of his or her own problem drinking, describes the sobriety he or she has found in AA and invites the newcomer to join the informal Fellowship† (alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk, 2014).   Of all the different sorts of manifestations, I found that the most prominent causes of alcohol dependency were sociological and psychological.

On the Morning of Christs Nativity focuses on the Incarnation, Lycidas Essay

On the Morning of Christs Nativity focuses on the Incarnation, Lycidas on the Resurrection, but both treat of redemptive divine power. How does Miltons u - Essay Example Though the first poem, â€Å"On the morning of Christ’s Nativity,† deals primarily with the temporal aspect of Christ in the manger and the spectacle of such an event, Milton breaks through the constraints of time and accesses scenes of new life from diverse eras in order to feed the situation with its due amount of reverence. With the second poem, â€Å"Lycidas,† Milton does something similar, in that he treats the death of the mortal with such an eternal quality that it highlights the new and eternal life that is granted each human by the Christian doctrine to which he subscribed. In the poem that focuses on the birth of Christ, Milton effects a slight deviation of emphasis when he writes of the morning, rather than the night of Christ’s birth. The action has its desired effect, as morning is necessarily brings accompanied by the images of newness and life. The idea of Christ’s bringing redemption â€Å"from above† (1.4) dovetails with the image of the morning, as this new day or new life might be considered a gift from the rising sun, which issues its light from above. However, the comparison of the sun to Christ exists only in incipience here; later it becomes more obvious in the depiction of the sun recoiling in deference to the greater light of One who gives a greater life (VII.79-84). The idea of the Incarnation is present not just in the mention of Christ’s birth but in the treatment of the things surrounding it. Christ is named â€Å"that Light unsufferable† and is depicted as shedding the cover of his glorious environs; but being light, He penetrates and animates â€Å"a darksome house of mortal Clay† (II.14). This is a direct reference to the Incarnation, but it also calls forth the idea of the beginning of time and of all life, where God came down and animated not just the earth’s verdant cover, but the earth itself by blowing his breath into the clay and giving life to man. The image of death vanquished is also utilised as a method of

Understand & explain the Accounting Equation and its components Essay

Understand & explain the Accounting Equation and its components - Essay Example Understand & explain the Accounting Equation and its components Furthermore, it makes sure that financial statements reflect acrual basia of accounting. Adjusting entries are necessary because a single transaction may affect revenues or expenses in more than one accounting period and also because all transactions have not necessarily been documented during the period. The determination of an objective net income as well as the correct balances on the Balance Sheet. There are two types of adjusting entries the deferrals or the prepayments and the accruals. They are further categorized into four types of adjusting entries which includes accrued revenues, prepaid revenues, accrued expenses and prepaid expenses. Accrued revenues which are also referred to as accrued assets refers to revenues whichhave already been earned but have not been paid for and thus have not been posted in the general ledger. These are adjusted in the financial statements by debiting the asset accounts recievable and crediting the the relevant revenue account. An example of ac crued revenue may occur when an architecutral firm offers consultancy services of $ 1300 to a manufacturing enterprise but fails to bill its services untill next accounting period. An adjusting entry to record the income in the correct period would be done by Accounts Reciavable $ 1300 Consultancy Income $ 1300 Prepaid income refers to revenues or money recieved from clients before the services has been earned. The effect of this transaction is at first when the cash is received; cash account is debited and credited as unearned fees or customer deposits. When a Cleaning services company receives $ 1000 being payment for its services for 5 months in advance which includes two months of the next accounting period is an example of a prepaid income. The adjusting entry at the end of the accounting period would be Cleaning Income $ 600 Prepaid Income $ 600 Accrued expenses relates to expenses which have been incurred by a firm but have not been paid paid for. An illlustration of an accru ed expense usually occurs when company pays its rent expense for rent relating tothe previous month. Thus if the rent expense amounts to $ 12000 a month. While recording the last salary payment at the end of an accounting period the adjusting entry will appear as follows; Rent Expense $ 12000 Accrued Rent $ 12000 Prepaid expenses relates to the expenditures which have been paid for recorded as assets which are paid for in advance. An example of a prepaid expense may arise when a company prepays $ 2000 relating to advertising and promotion expense, which relates to the next accounting period. To make adjustment entry in the general ledger the journals will be as follows; Prepaid Advertisement and Promotion $ 1300 Advertisement and Promotion $ 1300 There are other adjusting entries which may bad debts, depreciation allowances and stock or inventory adjustments. One example of such adjustment may arise when a manufacturing company purchases a motor vehicle for $ 0.65 million which is a ssumed to depreciate by straight-line method for 5 years then at the end of the first accounting period to adjust the motor vehicle value to ensure there is no balance sheet overstatement will be done as follows; Depreciation Expense $130,000 Accumulated Depreciation – Motor Vehicle $ 130000 Finance officers to ensure that they record adjustment entries in a computerized accounting system usually conduct a comprehensive mothly examination- cut-off procedures- of trial balance. This is done to ensure that all incomes and

The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous Assignment

The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous - Assignment Example As I entered the place, I found people sitting and standing randomly. I grabbed a chair near the window and saw people; some saying hello, some stopping, and some just keeping to themselves. The meeting commenced at the chairperson read the Preamble, and led the prayer. Different members read the brief literature of AA afterward. In this Step Meeting of 10 minutes, I sat and listened to the â€Å"steps†. My curiosity about the AA thing was increasing. The Chairperson declared the step that would be discussed. I was so surprised to see that the attendants of the meeting were unashamed apparently that I cannot really recall what step that was. After reading the step chapter from Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, the attendants were asked if they had any previous experience related to the step and if any of them would take that as an opportunity to share it with others.   The most interesting part of the whole meeting was to watch others narrate their personal experiences and struggles with alcohol and drawing their relation with the step under discussion. People started talking during the meeting. They started off by telling their name and status as alcoholics to each other. One after another, every attendant stood up, said his name, narrated his story, received audience’s applauds and settled down. â€Å"In the simplest form, the AA program operates when a recovered alcoholic passes along the story of his or her own problem drinking, describes the sobriety he or she has found in AA and invites the newcomer to join the informal Fellowship† (alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk, 2014).   Of all the different sorts of manifestations, I found that the most prominent causes of alcohol dependency were sociological and psychological.

Understand & explain the Accounting Equation and its components Essay

Understand & explain the Accounting Equation and its components - Essay Example Understand & explain the Accounting Equation and its components Furthermore, it makes sure that financial statements reflect acrual basia of accounting. Adjusting entries are necessary because a single transaction may affect revenues or expenses in more than one accounting period and also because all transactions have not necessarily been documented during the period. The determination of an objective net income as well as the correct balances on the Balance Sheet. There are two types of adjusting entries the deferrals or the prepayments and the accruals. They are further categorized into four types of adjusting entries which includes accrued revenues, prepaid revenues, accrued expenses and prepaid expenses. Accrued revenues which are also referred to as accrued assets refers to revenues whichhave already been earned but have not been paid for and thus have not been posted in the general ledger. These are adjusted in the financial statements by debiting the asset accounts recievable and crediting the the relevant revenue account. An example of ac crued revenue may occur when an architecutral firm offers consultancy services of $ 1300 to a manufacturing enterprise but fails to bill its services untill next accounting period. An adjusting entry to record the income in the correct period would be done by Accounts Reciavable $ 1300 Consultancy Income $ 1300 Prepaid income refers to revenues or money recieved from clients before the services has been earned. The effect of this transaction is at first when the cash is received; cash account is debited and credited as unearned fees or customer deposits. When a Cleaning services company receives $ 1000 being payment for its services for 5 months in advance which includes two months of the next accounting period is an example of a prepaid income. The adjusting entry at the end of the accounting period would be Cleaning Income $ 600 Prepaid Income $ 600 Accrued expenses relates to expenses which have been incurred by a firm but have not been paid paid for. An illlustration of an accru ed expense usually occurs when company pays its rent expense for rent relating tothe previous month. Thus if the rent expense amounts to $ 12000 a month. While recording the last salary payment at the end of an accounting period the adjusting entry will appear as follows; Rent Expense $ 12000 Accrued Rent $ 12000 Prepaid expenses relates to the expenditures which have been paid for recorded as assets which are paid for in advance. An example of a prepaid expense may arise when a company prepays $ 2000 relating to advertising and promotion expense, which relates to the next accounting period. To make adjustment entry in the general ledger the journals will be as follows; Prepaid Advertisement and Promotion $ 1300 Advertisement and Promotion $ 1300 There are other adjusting entries which may bad debts, depreciation allowances and stock or inventory adjustments. One example of such adjustment may arise when a manufacturing company purchases a motor vehicle for $ 0.65 million which is a ssumed to depreciate by straight-line method for 5 years then at the end of the first accounting period to adjust the motor vehicle value to ensure there is no balance sheet overstatement will be done as follows; Depreciation Expense $130,000 Accumulated Depreciation – Motor Vehicle $ 130000 Finance officers to ensure that they record adjustment entries in a computerized accounting system usually conduct a comprehensive mothly examination- cut-off procedures- of trial balance. This is done to ensure that all incomes and

Dumb Ways to Die Essay Example for Free

Dumb Ways to Die Essay The social marketing ad campaign we chose to analyze is called, â€Å"Dumb Ways to Die,† created by the McCann Melbourne advertising agency for Metro Trains. The concept behind this ad was to raise awareness around train and railway safety. With the use of its clever and catchy theme song and animated characters demonstrating the numerous examples of, â€Å"Dumb Ways to Die,† the campaign has become a viral sensation. From its release date, of almost a year ago until now â€Å"DWTD† has had over 61+ million views on YouTube, has an interactive website dedicated solely to the campaign, an app available for Apple and Android devices as well as several parody versions of the video. When we first stumbled upon this ad it was confusing as to what the exact message was up until the very end. After conducting some light research we found that Metro Trains main concern when creating this ad was to target at-risk young people who used their trains and railways and McCann did just that. They created an ad that is fun, likeable and worth watching and showcased it in the heart of any young person’s life, the internet. McCann knew they had to get creative if they wanted to grasp the young people’s attention. However, we do not believe that this ad is effective in the way that McCann and Metro Trains had hoped it would be. Although the idea of the ad is catchy and memorable, train safety is not the first thing that comes to mind when we think of it. We believe McCann has a great idea and concept with â€Å"DWTD† but the execution is slightly flawed.

Balanced Budget Amendment 1997 Analysis

Balanced Budget Amendment 1997 Analysis Balanced Budget Amendment Vu Luu Introduction In March 4, 1997, the balanced budget amendment was defeated in the United States Senate by just one vote. Fast forward to the present, the United States is facing a $17 trillion deficit versus the $5 trillion in 1997. The question that remains to be asked is had the balanced budget amendment passed the United States Senate and approved by Congress in 1997, would we be facing the debt crisis that we are facing today? Based on my conclusion, the answer that I believe is no, the debt crisis would not have been as severe as it is today. In this paper I will argue why the United States need a national balanced budget amendment in the constitution. In particular, I will discuss the following points to back up my claim; future implications if no changes in policies and solving government spending. As the United States’ federal deficit continues to grow, many are asking for a balanced budget amendment to be added to the constitution. A balanced budget amendment would require the federal government not to spend more than it receives in revenue. This means it would be unconstitutional and against the law for the federal government to accumulate budget deficits. THE NATIONAL DEBT ISN’T GOING TO GO AWAY According to the 2012 Congressional Budget Office report, our current policies will eventually lead to a federal debt that would eventually reach a 90% gross domestic product by 2022, 109% by 2026, and 200% by 2037 (CBO 11). These estimates are based on the assumption that our current laws remain generally unchanged and that our spending policies which is the cause of the accumulation of budget deficits remain the same. The CBO budget estimates are also based on forecasts of economic state, demographic trends, and past experience. The other interesting estimate that the CBO reported was that even if there were general changes in our current laws, they estimate that the budget deficit would reach about 60% of GDP by 2020 which is only 10% lower than our current situation (CBO 7). As indicated by the chart above, our annual deficit through 2021 would never drop below $1 trillion dollars under current policies. Although the main cause of the spike in deficit spending from 2008-2011 was mainly due to the recession, the Congressional Budget Office doesn’t believe the United States would recover under current laws. The balance budget amendment does allow exception, which in this case is the recession. If the national balance budget amendment was in place then after 2011, the annual deficit would only go down because of the radical budget changes in programs. It’s pretty apparent that the money we are borrowing is increasing more and more, but what will happen when it reaches that point when we have to start repaying these loans? The government textbook gives us a great example of what happened to Greece when they couldn’t pay off all their loans. The interest rates on Greek government went way up and by 2011, they had to pay 25% to obtain a two-year loan from private sector (Sidlow 6). Compared to the United States, we are paying a mere 0.44% compared to the 25% Greece had to pay. The ending results in the Greek government shut out of private borrowing and had to depend on other European countries. The Greece example and the CBO’s estimates are huge future implications and urge for huge changes in our policies which I believe is the federal balanced budget amendment. CALIFORNIA BALANCED BUDGET AND FEDERAL BALANCED BUDGET Although most states in the United States have a balanced budget amendment, the federal government does not and usually work with a deficit. California has struggled with the state deficit ever since the 2002 recession. They were in a deficit of more than $20 billion in 2003 and had to force drastic cuts to meet their budget (Gerston 104). In 2011, the state was in a $26 billion deficit and Jerry Brown had to take drastic measures and force more cuts in programs. All this summarizes to one thing and that is they took care of their problems with minimal support. The current federal government under the Obama administration doesn’t seem to be taking drastic measures to cut federal deficit. Instead, it seems the federal government is spending more than ever. One example of wasteful spending that I found is the building of an unused $75.5 million airport and a $29 million harbor with no roads in Alaska in 2012 (Yahoo). It’s really questionable for them to use stimulus money for these projects. The building of the unused airport and harbor is an indicator that not all politicians share the same view. The ones that run the country and the ones that run a state may have opposing views and that could bring up different priorities. According to the Government Accountability Office, the United States is on an unsustainable path because of the emphasis on Medicare and Social Security spending (Wikipedia). President Obama is known for his emphasis on Medicare and that could be contagious to other politicians. What I am trying to draw from this is that if President Clinton, who had a surplus during his administration, was still the president then I don’t think we would have an overspending problem. President Clinton attacked the deficit by balancing the budget through ordinary fiscal policy and raising taxes (Wikipedia), whereas President Obama doesn’t seem to be drastically cutting spending or raising taxes. WHY THE NATIONAL DEBT IS ONLY GROWING The United States would never recover from this deficit unless they fix one problem and that is overspending. The revenue the public generates is fine, so that isn’t the problem. The problem lies with the government and the excessive spending. Congress has three options concerning spending which are 1) they can cut it, 2)raise tax rates, or 3) pass it to the localized government. From my perspective, it seems like they did none of these and chose to spend money that isn’t budgeted which essentially only adds more to the deficit. The graph above shows the average spending from 1960-2009 which is 20.3%. Notice how when spending increase, revenue also increase. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for the situation we are in. We are currently sitting at an all-time high spending of 24.7% whereas our revenue is at an all-time low of 14.8% (The Heritage Foundation). The sensible action to be taken in this situation is to decrease spending, which we obviously haven’t. If Congress is mandated to balance the budget, it would determine which programs are inefficient and would spend money more rationally. If the balanced budget amendment passes, I believe it would decrease overspending because it would require the president to submit to Congress a balanced federal budget each year. According to Steven Calabresi, a professor at Northwestern University and co-founder of the Federalist Society, Congress should be constitutionally required to hold a vote with the president’s projected budget in 3 months and with the president and Congress having a time period of up to six months to accept a final budget (The American Spectator). If they fail to adopt a final budget during the allocated amount of time, all federal spending except payments on the debt should be frozen. In conclusion, if we are to solve are national deficit then we should start focusing on the national balanced budget amendment. The balance budget amendment will force the president to submit and a balanced federal budget each year with the president and Congress both agreeing on the final budget. Overall, this will decrease overspending which is the main cause of our increasingly deficit. Works Cited 1.The 2012 Long-Term Budget Outlook. Publication no. 43288. N.p.: n.p., n.d.Congressional Budget Office. Web. 15 May 2014. http://www.cbo.gov/publication/43288 . 2.Sidlow, Edward, and Beth Henschen.GOVT, 4th, Student Edition. N.p.: Cengage Learning, 2012. Print. 3.Gerston, Larry N., and Terry Christensen.California Politics and Government: A Practical Approach. Boston, MA: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning, 2014. Print. 4. National Debt of the United States.Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 05 Dec. 2014. Web. 15 May 2014. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_debt_of_the_United_States . 5. Balanced Budget Amendment.Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 15 May 2014. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balanced_budget_amendment#George_H._W._Bush_and_Ross_Perot . 6. Pfeiffer, Eric. Alaskan Town Home to Airport with No Planes and Harbor with No Road.Yahoo! News. Yahoo!, 20 Nov. 2012. Web. 15 May 2014. http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/alaskan-town-home-airport-no-planes-harbor-no-230803871.html . 7. Riedl, Brian. New CBO Budget Baseline Reveals Permanent Trillion-Dollar Deficits.The Heritage Foundation. The Heritage Foundation, 26 Jan. 2011. Web. 15 May 2014. http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2011/01/new-cbo-budget-baseline-reveals-permanent-trillion-dollar-deficits . 8. Calabresi, Steven. The Answer Is a Balanced Budget Amendment.The American Spectator. The American Spectator, Oct. 2011. Web. 15 May 2014. http://spectator.org/articles/36823/answer-balanced-budget-amendment .

Sports in Tibet :: Buddhism Recreation Culture Papers

Sports in Tibet When one hears mention of Tibet certain things initially come to mind, most commonly images of an isolated, peaceful, extremely religious society. One of the last things one would imagine from such a seemingly docile people would be a history deeply entwined with athletic showmanship, yet this actually is the case. Unfortunately most historians overlook this pivotal piece of information when studying the Tibetans’ rich culture and consequently the casual scholar rarely sees this side of the Tibetan people. One of the factors that may have influenced this attitude towards Tibetan sports is that the Dalai Lama has in fact previously banned certain sports citing various religious reasons. This may lead people to believe that the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Buddhism, in principal, are against all sport, although in reality many of the Dalai Lamas have been quite the opposite. The banning of certain sports was mainly due to the fear of outside influence corrupting Tibet as o pposed to actual problems with the sports themselves. Tibetans have a strong historical bond with sport and use religion as an excuse to expel foreign authority. Sports have played an integral role in defining the culture of Tibet. They are commonplace at the various religious festivals throughout the year. Oftentimes entire religious festivals are based around traditional athletic sporting events. Sir Charles Bell, an English diplomat who was an intimate of the thirteenth Dalai Lama, witnessed one of these annual festivals noting that, During the concluding days of the ‘Great Prayer’ there were sports of various kinds, gun-firing and arrow-shooting on galloping ponies, a pony race without riders, a foot-race over a 6-mile course, wrestling, and the carrying of a heavy weight. These sports are presided over by two masters of ceremonies, who are chosen from the youngest officials just beginning their career. They are attended by a large staff, including six Maids of Honour chosen from the ladies of Lhasa.[1] Heinrich Harrer, another westerner who found himself immersed in Tibetan culture, witnessed a similar annual festival, this one taking place during the Tibetan New Year.[2] Both of these festivals show the deep connection between religious activities and athletic events. The sporting events not only take place during religiously significant festivals but they are presided over by monks and other religious figures. Sports in Tibet :: Buddhism Recreation Culture Papers Sports in Tibet When one hears mention of Tibet certain things initially come to mind, most commonly images of an isolated, peaceful, extremely religious society. One of the last things one would imagine from such a seemingly docile people would be a history deeply entwined with athletic showmanship, yet this actually is the case. Unfortunately most historians overlook this pivotal piece of information when studying the Tibetans’ rich culture and consequently the casual scholar rarely sees this side of the Tibetan people. One of the factors that may have influenced this attitude towards Tibetan sports is that the Dalai Lama has in fact previously banned certain sports citing various religious reasons. This may lead people to believe that the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Buddhism, in principal, are against all sport, although in reality many of the Dalai Lamas have been quite the opposite. The banning of certain sports was mainly due to the fear of outside influence corrupting Tibet as o pposed to actual problems with the sports themselves. Tibetans have a strong historical bond with sport and use religion as an excuse to expel foreign authority. Sports have played an integral role in defining the culture of Tibet. They are commonplace at the various religious festivals throughout the year. Oftentimes entire religious festivals are based around traditional athletic sporting events. Sir Charles Bell, an English diplomat who was an intimate of the thirteenth Dalai Lama, witnessed one of these annual festivals noting that, During the concluding days of the ‘Great Prayer’ there were sports of various kinds, gun-firing and arrow-shooting on galloping ponies, a pony race without riders, a foot-race over a 6-mile course, wrestling, and the carrying of a heavy weight. These sports are presided over by two masters of ceremonies, who are chosen from the youngest officials just beginning their career. They are attended by a large staff, including six Maids of Honour chosen from the ladies of Lhasa.[1] Heinrich Harrer, another westerner who found himself immersed in Tibetan culture, witnessed a similar annual festival, this one taking place during the Tibetan New Year.[2] Both of these festivals show the deep connection between religious activities and athletic events. The sporting events not only take place during religiously significant festivals but they are presided over by monks and other religious figures.