Are The Pilgrims In The Canterbury Tales Stereotypes, Or Fully Develop

Are the pilgrims in The Canterbury Tales stereotypes, or fully developed characters? Discuss with reference to at least two tales. Though the characters in the Canterbury Tales are described vividly and often comically, it is not necessarily true that these characters are therefore stereotypes of The Middle ages. The intricate visual descriptions and the tales the characters tell help to direct the reader in finding a more accurate and realistic picture of the pilgrims, bringing into question the theory that Chaucer was just collating stereotypes from his time. The fact that there is one representative for each of the chief classes (under the higher nobility) would suggest that this work is an attempt to provide a catalogue of characters from the middle ages, and it can be assumed from this that this denotes a collection of stereotypes, although this is not necessarily true. The format of The Canterbury Tales suggests a simplistic approach, a prologue and epilogue and in between a collection of tales, The Miler's Tale, The Clerk's Tale and so on[1]. This simplicity in structure may also suggest a simplicity in content and thus, convincing and challenging characters are unlikely to be expected in a work of seemingly simple design. But, when looked at in more detail, the tales are found to hold many details that contradict the bland stereotype expected, and when the structure of the work is looked at in its context of 14th century literature, the Canterbury Tales is found to be a work pioneering the form of the epic poem. The style in which Chaucer writes may also initially seem to suggest that his characters are under-developed stereotypes, he uses the language of his time vividly, although this does not therefore mean that his characters are two dimensional, almost 'cartoon' characters. J.R. Hulbert in his essay Chaucer's Pilgrims explains, In many instances there are exuberant lines which sharpen the effect desired. The Canterbury Tales may, at first seem to be obtuse and unfocused through the use of lucid imagery and language, although this language, when studied gives a more detailed and more deeply layered portrayal of the pilgrims as well as giving them colourful characteristics. Chaucer's description of the knight is a good example of his subversion of the classic Arthurian image that existed in popular literature of the time[2]. In the General Prologue, Chaucer relays his description of the knight: A Knight ther was, and that a worthy man, That fro the time that he first bigan To riden out, he loved chivalrye, Trouthe, and honour, freedom and curteisye. This excerpt, the beginning of the description of the knight holds true to the classic representation of the knight of valour and honour, but Chaucer goes on to pervert and pollute the fairytale image that he has created: And of his port as meeke as is a maide and, His hors were goode, but he was nat gay. Of fustian he wered a gopoun, Al bismothered with his haubergeoun. In these few lines, Chaucer has destroyed the traditional stereotype of the knight and created a new and almost comical figure. Our knight is not one 'in shining armour', but rather a 'knight in a rusted chain-mail'. The knight does not even have a hyper-masculine representation here either. Chaucer feminises the knight comparing him to a maid. At the end of the description of the knight in the general prologue the only part of the knight that lives up to the readers expectations is his horse, which apparently was in good condition. Although we have only been given a visual representation of the knight, the reader can gather many things from this description, perhaps the knight is effeminate or weak, and he shys away from battle, getting so little battlefield 'action' that his chainmail has begun to rust. It is a device used by Chaucer to convey the character of his pilgrims using their appearance. Thus when the Wife of Bath is described as being gat-toothed, the reader can assume that she is lusty as it was believed in the Middle ages that this particular physical attribute denoted that characteristic. In medieval times, certain elements of a person's appearance intrinsically suggested something, if not everything of their character. Indeed, this practice of identifying outward appearance with inward attitudes and traits became an area of study known as 'physiognomy' and manuals on this subject were produced[3]. In more recent times, critics have tried to unravel and understand the many tiny clues hidden in the character descriptions to gain a sharper picture of

The Time Travelers Wife Film Analysis According to the Book

The Time Travelers Wife Film Analysis According to the Book Intimate Relationships theories by Rowland Miller At the beginning, I would like to emphasize, that the film â€Å"Time Traveler’s Wife† is one of the best examples of relationships for the analyses through the prism of Rowland Miller’s theories and concepts. The latter had been found in the 5th edition of Interpersonal Relationships, outlining the processes of formation, development, and deterioration of human connections, explaining the problems and the roots of these problems of human relationships, and, generally, covering the main aspects of relationships paradigm. Firstly, it would be appropriate to point out the main theories of Rowland Miller’s research into interpersonal relationships. To follow the natural human development while growing up, Rowland Miller offers to our consideration the attachment theory. There he, together with scholar Dollard and Bowlby, describes the formation and mechanism of attachment, which occurs with a personality in th e years of early childhood. The attachment theory is being considered through the prism of two main approaches, including learning and evolutionary theories. The first theory anticipates the fact of child’s attachment formation to people, who provide the most primary care, while the latter claims, that children are ready to get attached to those, who respond to their releasing stimuli. Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on â€Å"The Time Traveler’s Wife† Film Analysis According to the Book specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More They choose a particular attachment figure, which is supposed to be further used as a firm ground for world exploration and cognition. This first child’s attachment is a pattern for interpersonal relationships in future. The next theory, introduced in the work of Rowland Miller is interdependence theory, which is inextricably linked to the terms of CL (comparison levels) and CLalt (comparison levels for alternatives). The author represents the definition and concepts of CL, which means for â€Å"the expectations that determine whether or not we are satisfied with our relationships† and CLalt , which, in its turn, denotes to â€Å"our perceptions of how well we would do if we left our current relationships†. [2] Generally, the psychologist expresses his point of view, connecting the state of satisfaction with the state of dependence. Naturally, the both mental and emotional aspects concern the issue of relationship. Hence, interdependence theory considers the interrelation between one’s expectations and one’s outcome, the balance or misbalance between what we wanted to have and what we really have. The author also emphases the inability to set a clear boundary between satisfaction with the relationships and dependence on it. Triangular love theory, being described in the Chapter 8 of the book Intimate Relationships, concerns the matter of the three separate units, the combination of which are to set up healthy long-term relationships. These are closeness, fervour, and responsibility. The author claims, that love, including only one part is much weaker, than love, including all the three in a â€Å"composite†. Rowland Miller explains, that there are many aspects, which have to be taken into consideration while analyzing love relationships. The vital role belongs to culture as a major determiner of a personality’s behavior and world outlook. Cross-cultural differences may be a reasonable destroyer of intimate relationships just for the reason, that mentality of one peoples does not fully coincide with the mentality of other. The author provides a reader with information about social exchange theory.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This theory states, that a person chooses his/he r partner according to his/her own idea about â€Å"prize and price†. A person has always been thinking about the relationship type he or she deserves. Reward is a vital issue, without which it is impossible to build up strong and healthy relationship. Defining the word â€Å"reward† in this context we cannot but mention that there exists a straight proportion between the time and effort put into the relationships on the one side and the formal â€Å"size† of reward expectations on the other side. As an analogy to the interdependence theory, the theory of social exchange is determined by balance. This balance is to be reached between the two factors, which are mentioned above. Otherwise, the relationships are doomed to misunderstanding and personal discomfort. Talking about correspondence of our needs and expectations with what we become in return, we cannot but mention the theory of cognitive dissonance. The author implies this theory to the situations of cont radiction. The latter lies the feeling of discomfort while coming to terms with two opposite statements, actions or phenomena. The theory of cognitive dissonance reflects the necessity of â€Å"reaching the compromise† between these opposites by altering our views and behaviors, making them suitable for each other and trying to combine them that they were logically corresponding. According to Rowland Miller, cognitive dissonance appears, when the particular beliefs are of the opposite extreme nature and cannot be hold by one person at a time. Hence, the most forceful reason of cognitive dissonance is an internal conflict about whether you have done right or wrong. Personal self-awareness leads to looking for excuses, finding some causes, which would explain your actions. The author uses a term of â€Å"rationalizing† while discussing this issue. In addition, the topic of cognitive dissonance deeply concerns the matter of egoism, so to say, protection of oneself from destructive processes. Moreover, the term of self-image is being used in the book referring to the willingness of a person to correspond to his/her own idea about him/herself. In further description of Rowland Miller’s ideas, I would like to provide the quotation taken from the book Intimate Relationships: The more we see and interact with a person, the more likely he or she is to become our friend or intimate partner. [3]Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on â€Å"The Time Traveler’s Wife† Film Analysis According to the Book specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This conception, defined by the psychologist as a propinquity effect, is one of the key points in strong relationships maintenance. Interpersonal relationships are also highly affected by such factors as personal traits resemblance, attractiveness, and mutual liking. Rowland Miller pointed out that â€Å"attitude similarity activates the perceiv ed attractiveness and favorability information from each other, whereas dissimilarity would reduce the impact of these cues†. [2] â€Å"Time Traveler’s Wife† Film Analyses According to the Theories and Concepts of the Fifth Edition of Book by Rowland Miller Intimate Relationships Its hard being left behind. I wait for Henry, not knowing where he is, wondering if hes okay. Its hard to be the one who stays. /Clare/ Indeed, relationships themselves are very complicated issue, leaving alone such relationships Clare and Henry had. Here we are talking about a romantic love story, including the elements of scientific fiction however, pretty much realistic – kept the viewer on the edge of his/her seat. Henry and Clare, the protagonists have met for the first time during one of Henry’s time travels. At that time this beautiful and smart little girl Clare has seen a good-looking handsome man, which soon has become her best friend.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Generally, each relationship has universal stages, which they come through while its existence. We can metaphorically compare relationships to human organism, which is born, than is developing, getting older and, consequently and inevitably dies. Therefore, the scholars distinguish the following stages of relationships: Acquaintance Development Decay So, when a little girl Clare has met her future love, we can observe the acquaintance stage. There, according to Rowland Miller, we can watch clearly illustrated theory of attachment. The girl has namely found her â€Å"base†, her â€Å"firm ground†, and no wonder it was approximately 35-year-old man. They have spent a lot of time together; he was one of the main source of her world cognition. Henry was the one who shaped her outlook, Henry was the one, whom he wanted to marry since her early childhood. The attachment strings became stronger and, due to mutual liking, interpersonal relationships became closer. During th ese time travels Clare was practically brought up by Henry. He was destined to be both her â€Å"father† and her lover. The time passed, and, naturally, the girl grew up and came to the point, when she realized, that Henry was her one and only love. At this point we have to provide the other type of relationships development stages. It is as follows: ROMANCE STAGE POWER STRUGGLE STAGE STABILITY STAGE COMMITMENT STAGE CO-CREATION STAGE So, the development of Clare and Henry’s relationships has come to the stage of transformation into romantic ones. The romantic stage lasted quite long, until their first meeting at the library. This stage can be characterized by the triangular love theory, where the two young people were combining the three most important components of healthy and strong relationships. Intimacy together with passion and commitment has made their lives full of happiness and joy, which only the true feeling can bring. They have been developing their rel ationships, which have undoubtedly led to wedding and marriage. There, however, we see the first roots of dissatisfaction in Clare’s feelings. But, at first, she covers them with the idea of true love to the person, for whom she has been waiting for her whole life. At this stage of relationships, the interdependence theory can be considered as an appropriate one in analyzing the position of Clare. At the CL (comparison level) the viewed can observe her inner doubts about how she is going to spend her life with a person, who is constantly traveling in tie and, what is more, unexpectedly. We could see the facial expression of a beautiful bride, who was left alone on the first night after the wedding party. Disappointed, she was lying on the bed trying to find excuses for the situation. However, she did found an â€Å"excuse†, being motivated by the thought, that they are really worth of each other and their love is worth fighting for. When years passed, Clare’s d issatisfaction was growing, her husband’s constant disappearing for indefinite time and unexpected coming back has caused increasing disappointments. There we can obviously notice the stage of power-struggle, the conflict of the interests of two people, whose feeling of love cannot fit into the inconveniences of practical world. Henry could not meet an ordinary woman’s requirements. Finally, after his last time travel, which lasted two weeks, he came back home, and found his wife angry and disillusioned in her own feelings. The viewer can follow how the social exchange theory is illustrated in this case. Clare has a feeling of inequality, being somehow subordinate while waiting for her husband. She is tired of being a puppet of these relationships and decides to start leading her own life. According to the theory, Clare finds, that she has spent so much time and effort on this marriage; she has tried everything and devoted herself to these relationships. However, she did not get any feedback, so-called â€Å"reward†. In this case, feeling deprived and offended, feeling, that she deserves â€Å"a normal life† induced her split with Henry. There, at the same time, we can see the example of cognitive dissonance theory. A viewer can observe typical ego-defense, which is based on willing of self-realization, living without dependence on her partner, who even does not have any social status. Indeed, during the stage of power-struggle the most divorces occur, and Clare really separated from Henry. Logically, both of them were far from being happy and satisfied with life. However, not long after, Henry makes use of his ability to travel in time and wins a lottery. This event essentially changes the quality of life of the both. They buy a large house with a separate place for Clare to work on art. So, we can state, that these two people have managed to overcome the hard times of power-struggle stage. Summing up the behavior of the protagoni sts during this period, we can say, that Henry wanted to deal with the conflict in a non-destructive manner, while Clare was at first not keen on preserving the relationship. She was unwilling to deal with the problem, she let away her aggression and discontent and did not want to seek for a compromise, to be tolerant and understanding to her husband’s way life, which he was actually not to blame. However, stability stage in the development of Henry-Clare relationships proceeds. They both are satisfied with everything they have, Henry’s timetravels have become not so often. Clare works at her little art house. Their life has acquired balance and harmony. However, the next stage of relationships strikes their faith and hope. The couple wants to give birth to a baby, but it appears, that baby is supposed to get the same â€Å"travel-ability†, like the father. That was the reason for the loss of Clare’s two children. The relationships had to face another ord eal. The conflict has started to destroy the relationship; everyday quarrels were the reason for couple’s disillusion in their happy life. However, soon Clare got pregnant and gave birth to a girl, which Henry has seen in his time-travels. Life has begun to get better and brighter. Parents, having one â€Å"aim† of child upbringing have become closer. There a viewer can observe the stage of commitment and co-creation. During this period the two people as the two separate individuals are becoming one inseparable organism, which is functioning in balance and harmony. They build up healthy relationships on the basis of mutual understanding and cooperation. This stage is determined by affection and care for each other, both talking about the both partners and about the relationships with children. To follow the plot of the film, a viewer observes further events development from the prism of fatality. Naturally, the film could hardly be called a drama and, therefore, win a ttention, without some â€Å"break†, tragic climax of love relationships. Here, in ‘Time Traveler’s Wife’ the observer can analyze the situation of Henry’s own death perception. Inability to change inevitable events at first causes mere disillusion inside of the protagonists, who are supposed to wait for the fate’s will. However, they continue to live as they use to, realizing, that everything is in the Lord’s hands. Love as a state, as a feeling and emotion between the protagonists is transcendental. It has become on the higher stage of development, which presupposes the willing to sacrifice for each other, giving away all the tenderness and warmth you have without asking anything in return. List of References Aronson, Elliot, Timothy D. Wilson, and Robin M. Akert. Social Psychology Sixth Edition. New Jersey: Upper Saddle River, 2007 Miller Rowland S. On Being Admired but Overlooked: Reflections on Attention to Alternatives in Close Relationships Psychological Inquiry, Vol. 14, No.  ¾ 2003, pp. 284-288 Miller, R, Perlman, D, Brehm, S Intimate Relationships. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2006. pp.608

Geotechnical Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Geotechnical Report - Essay Example Most structural design specifications are slowly transitioning into the Load/Resistance Factor Future plans are to develop the material into a structural reliability. Through instruction of structural reliability concepts, an awareness of structural safety design and a better appreciation of expertise will be strengthened among future engineers.. It will also better equip engineers to face possible future revisions of design codes. With a growing population and a very limited land space, the need for Hongkong to exploit subterranean space is obvious, and also acute. Comprehensive and accurate geotechnical information of the subterranean space would be necessary to achieve this objective. Hongkong is sufficiently compact to enable the development of a database of previously collected soil data on a national scale. The database would appropriately integrate with value-added information that would be calibrated against careful benchmarks. For the benefit of the industry, the database could be made readily accessible via the internet. Some of the more tangible contributions are: (a) Future soil investigation may only be carried out to complement the known information. This will optimise future soil investigations. (b) The availability of a comprehensive Geotechnical Information System coupled with accurate analysis and design will lead to well designed projects. Careful and well-designed projects are an essential ingredient in improving productivity. (c) This development which has at its core the development of a comprehensive system will play a major role towards nudging the industry in that direction and hence leads to greater productivity in the construction sector.In Hongkong, large volumes of geotechnical data have been collected over the years by various Government organizations of Singapore such as Housing Development Board (HDB), Building Construction Authority (BCA), Jurong Town Council (JTC) and Land Transport Authority (LTA), and the construction industry of Singapore. However, the data are not placed in a convenient frame work and the data are not available in digital format to other users. Structural Reliability in Engineering Structural reliability accounts for the ability of the structure to fulfill its design purposes throughout a certain design life. Measures of structural reliability come from every process that constitutes the life of a structure (Figure2-1): Most of these measures are random in nature; hence, probabilistic methods are required to quantify the participation of these different random variables in the design in order to determine the overall system stability. Sources of errors that may affect the reliability of a structure may come from humans (i.e. negligence, approximation, lack of knowledge or pure greed) or from nature. Brief I have been commissioned by my client to carry out a preliminary site and design all the civil and geotechnical elements for the project. A series of preliminary boreholes have been excavated in the eastern part of the route and laboratory tests have also been

Corporate Governance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Corporate Governance - Essay Example In an age when countries compete in a global economy, compliance with corporate governance standards has become crucial to businesses’ survival. Especially in the Middle East, which is culturally and politically distance from the rest of the world, compliance with the internationally accepted principles of corporate governance has become a challenge. This thesis aims to examine how a specific aspect of corporate governance—disclosure and transparency is viewed and applied in the Saudi Arabian context. The results of this study are important primarily for Saudi Arabian businesses positioned to play a significant role in the global economy. These companies could benefit greatly from the financial strength provided by international investments, the technical and strategic advantages offered by partnerships and joint ventures with foreign companies and the market leadership obtained by gaining the trust and confidence of consumers in the global market. Achieving these benefits becomes feasible only if Saudi firms can comply with the minimum disclosure and transparency requirements. The thesis employs critical and comparative analysis. It explores the academic literature on corporate disclosure and discusses the theories and principles espoused in the context of the Saudi Arabian legal and regulatory framework. Also discussed is the vital role of the Islamic principles in Sharia law, which forms the basis of the Saudi legal system. This study proposes corporate disclosure practices as the basis for comprehensive reform of Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Authority. The study offers recommendations for increasing transparency, disclosure and the associated principles in the Saudi Arabia stock market and better protecting minority shareholders. These recommendations follow the United Kingdom’s corporate governance approach but reflect the interests, culture, treaties, Sharia principles and legislative reforms of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The

The Capital Asset Pricing Model Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Capital Asset Pricing Model - Essay Example The equation that is applied in the calculation of CAPM for the assets is as follows: E(Ri) =RF +?i [E(RM) - RF] Where, E (Ri) = expected return of the ith level. Rf = risk-free return of an asset (such as short-term government securities), ?i = beta coefficient of ith level, and (RM) = Expected return on the market. The main aim of the CAPM model underlies the identification of the market portfolio as the tangency portfolio between supply and demand in balance. However, there are several theoretical limitations that have hindered the operations of the model, in the manner that these limitations will likely cause deviations in the process of applying the model particularly between the reality and the model. These limitations can be broadly classified as: a. Being based entirely on unrealistic assumptions. b. Testing the model’s validity is quite difficult. c. Its betas will not remain stable over a long duration of time. Based on these limitations, the model is accepted to hav ing been based on several assumptions most of which are not realistic. The CAPM model supposes that the investors are always risk-averse hence, are most likely to select the investment portfolios that are efficient, and which will be based on the standard deviation or variance and expected returns of the returns from the assets (Whitman & Diz, 2013.p.85). a. Unrealistic assumptions Based on the unrealistic assumptions, it is also hard to find a security that is risk free. For example, while a highly liquid short term government security may be considered as risk free, it will be unlikely that the government will default on the security. This is because of the inflation rate which is another significant factor that will affect the portfolio’s returns. This is because; a portfolio’s variance or standard deviation is usually assumed to be an adequate measurement for a investment’s risk level, which is normally certified under the assumption of returns being normall y distributed. However, in practice, there are several other risk measures that will play an important role in the determination of an assets’ degree of risk (Pahl, 2009.p.345). The returns on assets, under the CAPM, are required to take the form of a normal distribution model. Consequently, the return on the assets in the real world may be non-normal and irregularly distributed. b. Difficulty in determining the model’s validity Additionally, it is difficult to assess the validity of the model in the testing of returns of assets. This is because most of the model’s assumptions may not be critical as a result of the practical validity of the model. Consequently, this model recognizes that different investors have different abilities for investing hence; the cost of their investments will be largely expected to have an effect on the efficiency of the portfolio. Additionally, since the portfolio markets tend to be frictionless, it is likely expected that there woul d be no transaction costs, taxes and restrictions on the nature of trade offered. However, theoretically, this act as a limitation for this model as frictionless markets may not be in existence in real practice. Consequently, while the model might assume that assets in the market are infinitely divisible to be held or traded on, the best option would be to have the market portfolio include all the opportunities of investment available in the market, and with a market value. As such, it is

Reflective Writing And Theories Of Reflection Education Essay

Reflective Writing And Theories Of Reflection Education Essay There are several types of reflection. As mentioned by Taylor, All types of reflection are important and a combination of these may be used to make sense of practise and to bring changes. Technical Reflection is generally used to look at clinical practices and procedures along with the scientific knowledge. However, values play no part in this. Practical Reflection on the other hand judges human experiences and assumptions. It also develops common values in-line with organizational values. Emancipatory (Critical) Reflection involves critiques of the assumptions on which our social, political and cultural beliefs are based with the prospect of changing them. Reflective Practice is concept developed by Donald Schon. There are also several models of reflection used to draw lessons out of experiences. In 1978 Argyris and Schon established the idea of single loop and double loop learning. In the former concept the organization or the individual follows the current techniques or strategies even after corrections are made to the current errors. However, the late concept involves modification of techniques and strategies. Later in 1984 Schon coined the concepts of Reflection in Action (RIA) and Reflection on Action (ROA). RIA is a concept when the practitioner is faced with an issue he makes a decision based on his feeling and prior experiences. On the other hand, Reflection on Action is an idea where the practitioner analyzes the experience after it is over. Personally, I have experienced both the concepts during several situations in life knowingly or unknowingly. Specially, during our ALE1, we were given an opportunity to reflect on ou r performance after every task. This depicted our practical implementation of Reflection on Action. By implementing the learning from previous task in the later task we have also exercised the concept of Reflection in Action. To mention an example, in the first task we were given a sheet of instructions which were tricky. However, we went to perform the task without analysing the rules and we failed to finish the task within the given time. After the reflection session, when we went on to perform the second task, we made it a point to read and understand the rules carefully. Kolbs Experiential Learning Cycle is another great contribution to this concept. This learning cycle has four stages (Concrete Experience, Reflective, Abstract Conceptualization and Active Experimentation Observation) and the reflection takes place after the situation has occurred. In the first stage the practitioner concentrates on something that they have done and later reflects and explores the new ideas to better perform the task. In the third stage he forms new ideas and experiments them in the fourth stage. This loop is continued from one task to another. is another process where the practitioner not only describes the situation but analyses it. Unlike the other models it also has an action plan stage where the reflector mentions the actions that he would like to change if the same situation occurs. Jhons model of Reflection on the other hand involves sharing the experiences with a colleague. It has two stages Looking in on ones thoughts and emotions and Looking Out at the situation experienced. Reflection on my Personal Development : Initially, when we were given learning logs for our ALE, I didnt know the importance and advantages of it unless we started writing the reflective log after every task. After learning that this is one of the best and easy ways to change oneself, I have stated using the reflective writing tool every time I wanted to develop the way I work and think. During our ALE we have used several tools to better understand ourselves. During our feedback session, we were asked to use Johari Window to know our intern-personal relationships and communication. Though I was happy about the adjectives mentioned in the public session, the adjectives mentioned in the Blind Spots section were quite surprising to me. The blind spots for me were complex and proud. When I tried to find the reasons from my colleagues for the same, I was told that though I am a friendly, work-oriented person, I sometimes get too much into detail in a group task or assignment and its difficult for them to understand me. This may be because though I am clear about the topic, I sometimes find it difficult to explain which confuses the other people. Also, the feedback I generally receive from most of the people after few days of being with me is that I thought that you are a very proud person when I initially met you. The reason for this is, when I meet new people or enter a new environment, I take some time to get acquainted and unless I know them, I dont initiate a conversation with people. Though this perception of them changes at a later stage, it gives a negative vibe to people in the initial stage. Also, according to Belbin Self-Perception Inventory, the team roles I have similarity towards are completer and specialist. These two roles reflect my working style rightly. I always try to learn more and specialize in the subject area of my interest. Also, because I am good at analysing and pay a good attention to details, I am always given the responsibility of doing the last minute polishing and editing in our group assignments. However, there are also negative sides to these team roles which I am aware of and are part of my development plan. As a specialist though I learn in-depth about the subject of my interest, I neglect other subjects which I am not interested in. Also, the blind spot complex that I have mentioned earlier can be related to the weakness of the completer. As a completer thought I try to get the every detail of the report correct, I sometimes take the perfectionism to the extremes. According to Honey and Mumfords Learning Styles, I am a Reflector. As a reflector I like to learn from activities that let me think, watch and review. However, I find is difficult to concentrate on a lecture unless I find it interesting. This can be linked to my weakness as a Specialist. According to the MBTI my personality type is ISFP (Introversion, Sensing, Feeling, and Perceiving). This shows that I am a peoples person who is friendly and dislike conflicts. But, I like to have my own space. The MBTI and IDAP grid show me on the People Caring part of the grid. This is little contradicting. Though I am comfortable working in a team, I prefer to work on my own. I find it difficult to convey a message as I feel that contradicting with others views may create problems personally. As part of the self-development, I would like to develop a skill to converse a message in a soft way and would like to learn to maintain a professional relationship with other people in team as most of the work in organization is team based. Also, would like to develop my networking skills. Reflection on my managerial skills: According to Reynolds Reflection is a management tool for problem solving. Also, the following quote depicts the importance of management in an organization. Make your top managers rich and they will make you rich. Robert H. Johnson A question that many people ask is why we should we study management theories? Personal traits, values, beliefs and attitudes are the core personal competencies which may enhance or weaken ones ability to manage others. Also, it is the behaviour and talent of the individual that has major influence on the performance of the company. Hence, an understanding of managerial theories is very helpful for someone who aspires to be a manager as most rational decisions are based on theories. An extensive study of the theories available is also very helpful for a manager in order to better manage their team as theories provide info about how to behave and help change the behaviour. Theories also provide a common framework and idea about practices. Over a period of time the purpose of work and the way the work is conducted is changing in the organization. The management styles have to be changed accordingly. Minor says that the more that is known about organization and their methods of operation, the better the chances of dealing effectively with them. Understanding may be more advanced than prediction, but both provide the opportunity to influence or to manage the future. Theory provides a sound basis for action. Hence, an understanding of management theories and knowledge about organization are important for a manager to better perform their tasks. Mullin in his book, Management and Organisational Behaviour has followed a frame work of four main approaches to explain the Management Theory. The Classical Approach which emphasises on the purpose and formal hierarchy of management. The classical writers concentrated on improving the operational efficient in an organization. Brench, a classical writer also provided a concept of practical approach to organization structure based on tried general principles as opposed to the concentration on specific cases. Evaluation: The classical writers are criticised for not taking the personality factors into consideration and for creating an organisation structure in which people exercise a limited control. Also, providing a set of principles to perform management duties has been subjected to criticism. Two Major sub-groups of classical approach are : Scientific Management: This concept was developed by Taylor who was a believer in the Rational-economic needs concept of motivation. The emphasis of this was on obtaining increased productivity from individual workers through the technical structuring of the work and providing monetary incentives as a motivator for higher levels of output. Though this concept has given a way to management thinking and the development of organizational behaviour, it was widely criticised by workers. Bureaucracy: This concept was defined by Weber. He didnt define the concept of Bureaucracy. However, he attempted to identify the characteristics of this type of organizations. He emphasised on the importance of administration based on expertise and discipline. In this concept, the tasks of the organization are allocated as official duties among the various positions. There is an implied clear cut division of labour and a high level of specialization. Evaluation: Over-emphasis on rules and procedures becomes more important in its own right than as a means to the end. Argyris says that bureaucracies restrict the psychological growth of the individual and cause feeling of failure. The growth of bureaucracy has evolved through the increasing size and complexity of organisations and associated demand for effective administration. This theory is founded on a formal, clearly defined and hierarchical structure. However, with rapid changes in the external environment, empowerment and greater attention to meeting the needs of customers, there is an increasing need to organise for flexibility. The Human Relations Approach: While the main emphasis of classic writers was on structure and formal organisation, the emphasis was shifted to social factors at work and the behaviour of employees at work i.e. human relations during the 1920s. The turning point in the development of the human relations movement came with the famous Hawthorne experiment at the Western Electric Company in America. During the experiment a better work environment and a concern for workers complaints has increased the productivity. Evaluation: This theory was also subjected to severe criticism. One of the criticisms is the lack of scientific approach. The Hawthorne experiment was criticised on methodology and on failure of the investigators to take sufficient account of environmental factors. After all the criticisms, the experiment did generate new ideas concerning the importance of work groups and leadership, communications, output restrictions, motivation and job design. Systems Approach: With this theory attention has been focused on the organization as systems with a number of interrelated sub-systems. This approach tries to bring together both classical and human approaches. Attention is focused on the total work organization; inter relationships of structure and range of variables within the organization. This encourages the managers to view the organization as separate parts and as a whole company as part of the large environment. The Contingency Approach: In contrast to both classical and human relations approach, this approach showed renewed concern with the importance of structure as a significant influence on organizational performance. The Contingency Approach that can be seen as the extension of system approach highlights possible means of differentiating among alternative forms of organizational structures and systems of management. This approach implies that organisation theory should not seek to suggest one best way to structure or manage organisations but should provide insights into the situational and contextual factors which influence the management decisions. DUCAMUS Leadership Development was set up by Chris Rigby in June 2007 to plug gaps identified in many leadership development programmes during his research. As part of this Leadership Intervention, they use Downstream 9+1 model to support the critical reflection skills. John adairs action-centred leadership model Generally represented by three overlapping cycles, Adairs three circle model is about balancing and managing Team, Task and Individual. Three core responsibilities in this model are: Achieving the task, Managing the team and Managing individuals. It helps to improve the quality of work, morale and productivity. Theory U is another change management method targeting leadership as process of inner knowing and social innovation developed by Otto Scharmer and originally based on a process known as the U-Process. It offers both theoretical perspective and Practical technology. As a theoretical view, it suggests that the way in which we attend to a situation determines how a situation unfolds. Practically, it provides a set of principles and practices for collectively creating the future that wants to emerge. It involves sensing and presence. There are seven stages in this theory and they are Suspending, Redirecting, Letting Go, Letting Come, Crystallizing, Prototyping and Institutionalizing. Moving down the left-hand side of the U is about opening up and dealing with the resistance of thought, emotion, and will; moving up the right-hand side is about intentionally reintegrating the intelligence of the head, the heart, and the hand in the context of practical applications. An understanding of these theories not only helped me learn how the management theory is formed and changed over a period of time, it also helped me understand the effects of these changes on organizational working styles. Also, an understanding what happened in the past prepares me for changes that may occur in the future. It also gave me an idea about the skills that I need to develop to better manage others. I lack skills like creativity and inter-personal effectiveness which are very important to manage others. Career Development Model Career management involves the matching of individual career plans with organization needs and the implementation of activities to accomplish these joint objectives. Individual Career Development is another constructive model that helps in planning the career through self-analysis. It has several stages such as Life Planning, Career Interests, Goal Planning and Development of abilities and skills. Though I always knew which field I want to get into and what I want to do in future, I never had a logical reason for my selection. This tool has helped me to analyze my interests, strengths and weaknesses and chose a career plan for myself. This development plan consists of several questionnaires about my Career Planning Values, My interests, skills, knowledge and a Priority Grid to prioritize my choices. After analyzing my inputs, I have decided a career of my interest. I always aspired to be a HR practitioner. After analysing my skills, I realized that I like Strategic Orientation and Team Orientation skills that are required to be a HR Practitioner. I will mention a development plan at a later stage along with the action plan that I am going to follow these skills. In a team environment, I can also use this model to know more about my team members career choices. Conclusion: I would like to conclude it by saying that this whole experience of reflective writing was very pleasant and helpful in knowing me with a logical reasoning and my skills. It provided me with a tool that I can use life-long to develop myself. Few of my key learnings from this exercise are : * A better understanding of myself * Understanding of several tools to know myself and people around me * A simple but effective Career Planning Model that I can use to know me and people around me Development Plan Skill | Action Plan | Effective communication | I have already started a lot articles about effective communication skills and started self practicing when I am along. However, in future Il try to speak in public whenever I get a chance. | Adaptability | I will try to be little open and go introduce myself to other people without thinking about what they might think as that is the thought that stops me from talking with strangers. | Inter-personal effectiveness | I have already improved a lot on this skill. However, I am not perfect yet. In future I am planning to take advice from tutors on how to develop this skill as it is very important for me in my desired profession. | Team Orientation | Though I prefer to work alone, these days I have started participating actively in the team activities and have already received positive feedback about the same from my friends. However, I am still putting in efforts to better perform. | Strategic Orientation | I am using the technique of writing an idea on a sheet of paper and think of several strategies to about it to develop my strategic skills. However, I am not being quite successful on this task. However, my efforts are still on to develop this skill | Creativity | This is one skill I lack completely. I can think logically and make appropriate decisions. However, lack of creativity is still my negative and I am quite not sure about developing this skill. |

The Civil War Essay -- American History, War

The growing decline in morale and suffrage on the Confederate home front eventually led to its collapse between 1864 and 1865. Seeing as it was the main arena for combat during the Civil War, the south felt many effects from the war (N). The prolonged war ultimately led to an economic decline and lack of resources in the Confederacy along with a negative sentiment among southerners (N). Due to the internal demise, the Confederacy could not carry on a war without the support of its home front. Beginning with the onset of the war, differences between the northern and southern economies and resources proved to be detrimental to the Confederacy (N). The north contained the majority of the factories, iron works, and railroads in the United States (N). Agriculture in the north was based on cereal crops whereas the south depended on staple crops (N). In addition, the north contained the majority of the financial assets in the United States and allowed them the ability to fight a prolonged war (N). The south, lacking economic diversity and financial affluence, could only sustain itself for so long before its economy collapsed and the effects threatened the livelihood of its home front (N). As the war continued to escalate, the south began to feel the effects of its inadequacies (N). Due to the lack of transportation resources and the blockade established by the Union, the south was unable to import and export goods needed to maintain its economy (N). The diminishing availability of goods led the Confederate government to search for alternative measures to obtain the financial support required to continue the war (N). The Confederate government decided to pass a progressive income tax and excise tax on goods (N). In additio... ...federacy that it would be too difficult to continue a long drawn out war, especially with its home front in turmoil (T 288). The Civil War was a war in which both sides, the Union and Confederacy, expected a war which would subside quickly (N). With the north having a diverse and abundant number of resources, it was able to fight the war as long as was required (N). As for the Confederacy, from the beginning, it was destined to have its hardships (N). Since most of the war was fought along the home front of the south, the south faced more disparities than the north (N). The home front ultimately played a considerable role in the collapse of the Confederacy. Furthermore, Sherman’s march and the election of 1864 contributed to the inability of the Confederacy to continue the war. The south had a good run, but in the end, its own internal turmoil failed it.

Great Society: Big Ideas

School Desegregation Montgomery Bus Boycott Tallahassee Bus Boycott Freedom Rides March on Washington Children's Crusade Freedom Summer Selma March and Bloody Sunday own words) Boycott – refusal to deal with something, such as a business, as a protest to force some kind of change Civil disobedience – intentional breaking of a law in a nonviolent or passive manner Civil Rights Movement – social movement of the asses ND asses to establish equality and civil rights for African Americans Integration – acceptance and equal access for all people into a group or place Segregation – enforced separation of groups Social activism – use of direct action to bring about social change 7. 03: Minority Rights: The Big Ideas How were the Civil Rights Movement and other social movements of the asses similar? How were women viewed by most of society in the asses? How did this change in the ASSES?What was the Equal Rights Amendment? What happened to it? Who were the United Farm Workers? How did they fight for their cause? What was the Native American Power movement? How did life change for Native Americans in 1953? What did Native Americans gain through social activism in the asses and early ASSES? Gray Panthers (Who were they and what did they fight for? ) National Organization for Women (NOW) (What were their goals? ) Betty Friedman Phyllis Scholarly Cesar Caves Events (Describe the event, its causes and effects) Civil Rights Act of 1964 (How did it affect different minority groups? ) 1961 – President's Commission on the Status of Women Title IX was passed

How to Pass a College Class

How to Pass a College Class Whether youre about to start college, about to restart college, or just want to up your game a bit, its important to get back to the basics: doing well in your classes is critical for your success. And while knowing how to pass a college class seems so simple at first, being able to follow through over the course of a semester can often become challenging. In essence, however, there are several key things all college students needs to know and do if they want to pass their classes. Attend Class Go to class! It can be all too easy to not go to class regularly, especially if your professor doesnt take attendance. And it can be all too easy to sleep in or attend other events instead. Over time, however, low attendance can turn into a major problem. Youll miss discussing and learning about important material, of course, but youll also miss other key elements: the moment your professor mentions that something is going to be on an upcoming exam, the moment the light bulb finally goes off in your own brain because of something another student said, the moment you got the idea for your final paper. Engage with the Material Theres more to a class than just the few hours it meets each week, though. Do the assigned reading. Watch the assigned films. Think about what youre learning and how it can apply to all kinds of things outside of the classroom. How is what youre learning important in the bigger picture of your life? Of the universe? Talk to Your Peers Engage with the students. Your classmates can be one of the best resources for your learning experience. Whether youre in a study group or just connect with one student in particular, engaging with your fellow students can deepen your understanding of the course material and help shift your perspective. Talk to Your Professor Engage with the professor. Office hours are like a gift your professor gives you each semester. Use them! Whether you have a question about what was covered in class, want feedback on a paper or project youre working on, or just want to talk to your professor about something kinda-sorta-maybe related to the class, office hours are the place to do it. Additionally, if your professor sees youve been giving it your all at the end of the semester, he or she might be more inclined to give you the benefit of the doubt if youre grade is on the border. Manage Your Time Plan in advance for papers and tests. Time management in college is not easy at all. And managing multiple projects, assignments, and deadlines can be one of the biggest challenges you face. Can you pull an all-nighter? Probably. But you might get sick, your computer might crash, you might not finish in time, and you definitely wont turn in your best work. Plan in advance for papers and exams so that you can work on them slowly, deliberately, and well. Keep Up With Your Work Stay on top of your assignments as often as possible. Staying on top of your reading and other assignments like language lab hours is important, too. Will it always be possible? Probably not. But staying on top of your academic to-do list is a major factor in making sure that youre understanding the material and, consequently, that youll likely pass the class. Remember to Relax Relax from time to time. Even though your brain is technically an organ, it does operate like a muscle in many ways: if you keep doing the same motions over and over, youre likely to sabotage your own chances for success. You cant study all the time, and even if you could, your efforts would quickly become ineffective. Take a break. Go for a walk. Relax for a few minutes. Take an afternoon or even an entire day off. Let yourself relax and enjoy your college life so that you have the mental energy you need for your academic obligations and so that you can have some fun along the way, too. Set Goals Set goals about what you want to learn and experience. Passing a class is more than just getting a certain grade. What do you want to learn? What do you want to experience? What skills do you want to gain? Getting a C in your everyone-else-failed, nearly-impossible-to-pass statistics class, for example, might feel like more of a victory than the A you earned with barely any effort in your creative writing course. While grades are important, they arent the be-all, end-all of your college experience. You need to pass your classes, of course, but you also need to be mindful of what you want to learn and experience along the way.

Karl Marxs Paradigm of Unbridled Development

Karl Marxs Paradigm of Unbridled Development Free Online Research Papers The Marxist Political Economy and The Paradigm of Unbridled Development A look at how Marxist principles explain the sweep of globalization over the world economy, its implications, and how ultimately it will lead to capitalism producing its own grave diggers from a displaced middle class. Few populate the realm of those who retain their relevance more than a century after their deaths. Though many are read, studied, and emulated rarely do the great thinkers produced from the Enlightenment and into the nineteenth century have ideas applicable to the modern world. Since their writings there have been three complete waves of democratization that have transformed the political landscape of the world, a world that was populated with monarchs and empires when they wrote about, analyzed, and observed it. Of the thinkers who retain a degree of relevance fewer yet have begat revolutions, modes of political analysis, and even techniques of literary critique. Then of course, none of them foretold the mass globalization, advent of free trade, and grandiose expansion of the capitalist free market or of its downfall as did Karl Marx. Karl Marx utilized the dialectical method, a system adapted from Hegel as a ‘Young Hegelian’ and used by Aristotle before Hegel. Hegel was of the belief that society was rife with contradictions, a condition occurring when two social variables are incompatible to be in coexistence for the long term that would lead to harmonious resolutions. These resolutions would provide a great deal of unity and tranquility in Hegel’s view. Karl Marx was of the belief that society was indeed comprised of a grand system of contradictions, but differed in that he felt that these contradictions resulted in conflict which would eventually spur into violent revolution and change, particularly in the capitalist system. Marx introduced a great deal of historical analysis and found that all economic systems since recorded history began have involved class divisions and economic inequalities where wealth is appropriated upward from a lower class to a ruling class. Slaves created wealth that was appropriated to masters, serfs generated wealth to lords, and the lords would use this wealth in conjunction with the advent of private property to become capitalists, or the bourgeoisie, who exploit the labor of wage workers or the proletariat. With these class distinctions come contradictions that eventually weaken the system and lead to its change into another, more compatible system. Marx saw this as a long running evolution that would eventually create a classless society and mode of production which he saw as communism. Integral to his study of capitalism is his perception of the aims of capitalism, which is ostensibly to take capital, invest it into creating a product, and selling that commodity for more than it took to manufacture it taking into consideration the costs of raw materials, facilities, and fuel which are static charges and the variable cost of wages paid to the workers who operate the means of production, which they do not own. That money is then reinvested to create more capital, and the cycle is repeated until losses exhaust the capital and one falls from the high ranks of the bourgeoisie or until one dies. What this creates, according to Marx’s Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844 is alienation for both the proletariat and the bourgeoisie. The proletariat is alienated from the goods it creates which Marx saw as an essential part of labor, the ability to enjoy the products of one’s labor. As Marx states it: â€Å"The product of labor is labor which has been embodied in an object, which has become material: it is the objectification of labor. Labor’s realization is its objectification. In the sphere of political economy this realization of labor appears as loss of realization for the workers; objectification as loss of the objet and bondage to it.† (Marx, 2002, p. 833) Also, the worker is alienated from other human beings as capitalism, in Marx’s view, has created a system of exchange where human relationships are replaced by cash transactions; this idea is elaborated in 1876’s Capital with the concept of the fetishism of commodities where goods take on meanings not inherent to the product itself and human beings begin treating others as objects. And the worker is alienated from the capital that they generate, which has been appropriated upward to the bourgeoisie. This system of upward appropriation of wealth eventually creates two classes after the middle class fades into the proletariat which possesses interests diametrically opposed to that of the bourgeoisie. Marx was a historical materialist, seeing the superstructures of society stemming from material relations and the impact of economic systems upon social institutions. As the bourgeoisie will be in charge of creating policy by the very nature of democratic politics, and thus will have a great degree of control over the education system, education, on the level of state provided education, becomes a source of indoctrination and a means to subordinate the proletariat. The bourgeoisie also manipulates religion and creates social constructs to both subordinate the proletariat and create infighting within the proletariat. In essence, the proletariat is a group living in similar economic conditions, as are the bourgeoisie, therefore they comprise a class in themselves. However, until they gain class consciousness and realize that they have interest in contradiction to those of the bourgeoisie they are not a class for themselves. This is a point of contention that the bourgeoisie take s eriously and have deployed a number of tactics to prevent the proletariat from becoming a class for itself such as the doctrine of predestination in Puritanical sects of Christianity. This doctrine stated that one was destined, upon birth, to go to heaven or hell and that this fate was irrefutable and not subject to change. The job of the worshiper was to work hard for signs of their fate, these signs were interpreted as financial success and thus the protestant ethic that Weber would explore was born. (Chomsky, 2006, pp. 110-156) The bourgeoisie also use race, ethnicity, and difference of religious preference to their advantage. A prime example is today’s struggle over immigration in the United States where mostly blue collar workers adamantly and sometimes violently resist the influx of Mexican immigrants because they are, in their view, taking their jobs. What this creates is a struggle within a class, the proletariat, that prevents them from discovering their mutual position in opposition to the bourgeoisie and to recognize the shared exploitation that they are being subjected to. Racial prejudices that gave rise to the Ku Klux Klan and like groups kept the proletariat fighting against itself. That is why, in Marx’s view stated in the 1848 Communist Manifesto, in order to establish a classless society private property, religion, and the family due to its inherent financial obligations that facilitate ones subjugation by the capitalists must be abolished. Marx saw capitalism as a necessary step to communism, a system that had put into place the infrastructure, machinery, and facilitated the acquisition of knowledge in order to build a flourishing capitalist system. He cited the United States as an optimal breeding ground for a revolution of the proletariat, where the working class would rise as one and overtake the bourgeoisie, seizing their property and thus the means of production due to its advanced state of democracy and its innovative farming techniques, abundance of natural resources, and modern infrastructure. The problem is that the revolution did not occur here. V. Lenin interpreted Marx’s work and applied it to Russia, which was a Czarist Agrarian society at the time. Aside from not being the optimal economic climate in which to stage a proletariat revolution, Lenin interpreted the revolution to be led by elites who would establish a strong central government to subordinate the people and, more or less, force them into a classless society. After Lenin’s death, the Soviet Union was born and the communist party, to which Marx was inextricably tied via his writing of the Communist Manifesto in 1848, lost a great deal of relevance and support and became villiafied, particularly in America. Numerous third world countries would follow suit and, going by Marx’s model, predictably failed. This leads many to state that Marx himself has lost his relevance. What they fail to see is that these so called Marxist revolutions were launched on perversions of Marx’s work, interpretations that ignored large tracts of his works particularly anything written after the Communist Manifesto. Particularly what many fail to recognize is a central contradiction in the capitalist system that will, at some point in time, lead to its implosion if a proletariat revolution fails to dismantle the system beforehand. The contradiction is this. In order for a capitalist to be successful, he must put less money into a product than he gets out of it. Thus, as the product sales for more than raw materials, overhead, and labor put together then the amount paid to laborers in wages falls far short than the total exchange value of goods on the market at a given time. Eventually, once there are no new markets to conquer, the findings of which made capitalism a viable system to begin with starting in the late 15th century with the dawn of mass exploration, and no new labor markets to exploit then the system will reach an end from which there is no return. There will be an inevitable mass surplus of goods, which is unsatisfactory in a capitalist system because in a market where supply exceeds demand, price falls. When price falls, profits disappear and so too do the capitalists. The bourgeoisie knows this and thus much of the economic policies of the last twenty years can be explained through Marxist interpretations. The need to expand both markets for goods and for labor has created the paradigm that is commonly referred to as globalization and has created a vocabulary all its own with terms like free trade zones, outsourcing, and the transnational or multinational corporation. The bourgeoisie used their influence to make all of this legal by creating systems outside of the system that transcend borders like the World Trade Organization that work to propagate the transnational corporation and explore more native peoples living in abject poverty in the wake of failed pseudo-Marxist revolutions in South America, Asia and Mexico. Particularly of importance in America, NAFTA was passed in 1994. NAFTA, or the North American Free Trade Agreement allowed companies from America and Canada to relocate into Mexico along the northern border. Previous to the passage of NAFTA, there were factories called maquiladoras along the border of Mexico, however they were restricted to producing textiles as part of the Bracero program in 1964 which intended to develop the region. After NAFTA, all companies were permitted to move into the region. Today over three thousand factories exist in the maquila region. They produce items ranging from textiles to petrochemicals and automotive parts. Work hours are extraordinarily long. The typical maquiladora work week ranged from sixty-five hours to eighty hours, depending upon the type of factory and the type of work being done. This accomplishes two things, it allows for cheap production of goods as workers are rarely paid overtime, and even if they are it occurs long after the point at which American workers would be paid and it installs a younger workforce with a lower degree of longevity at the factory. The longer a worker is in the factory the more likely he or she is to demand a wage increase or attempt to unionize. (Sciences, 1999) Wages are also remarkably low. The typical maquiladora worker makes about $1.00 per hour, substantially less than the manufacturing sector average within Mexico and far below American wages. Furthermore the cost of living in Mexican border towns is comparable to small towns in the United States. Thus the wages barely, if even, cover expense of living and certainly do not allow for any extra capital that could be used to buy luxury items, invest in the infrastructure of the community or to develop the local economy. The bourgeoisie is actively attempting to install a permanent proletariat. The conditions are similar in over eighty free trade zones throughout the world, and apparently enough new exploitive labor markets were not secured as congress passed CAFTA, the Central American Free Trade Agreement in 2007. (Durazo, 2000) In America the consequences have been two fold. Immediately and most recognizable to Americans is the expanded availability of goods that are, in the short term affordable. However, everyone from Lou Dobbs to Noam Chomsky has pointed out that the middle class is disappearing and that the gap between the rich and the poor is increasing, and has been since Reagan’s deregulation policies of the 1980’s and the launch of the neoconservative movement which holds free market capitalism and the trickle down theory of economics, which suffers from the camera obscura fallacy. As cheaper labor markets appear, corporations, despite of their intentions, are forced to move to areas where labor is cheaper in order to compete and to be as profitable as their competitors. Thus, the capitalists are themselves alienated from their species as, in order for them to survive as capitalists, they must exploit the labor of proletariats to the greatest degree possible. ( (Weller, 2006)) At any rate, this diminishing of the middle class pushes more and more into the ranks of the proletariat. With a new segment of the proletariat having seen the capitalists in action it becomes more and more likely that they will become the grave diggers that Marx predicted that capitalism would ultimately create. (Marx 2002) So, although it seems as though Marx might be irrelevant, if one looks closer they can observe that he was simply ahead of his time and that the economic and resulting political crises that he foresaw have a groundwork in place to come into effect in the relatively near future. Though this analysis has framed the ideas of global trade and free market capitalism in Marxist terms, Marx’s analyses of society can be applied to a myriad of social problems such as crime, poverty in general, or even serial monogamy via the fetishism of commodities. Unfortunately the popular perception of Marx in America has been marred by the stains of the Soviet Union and other pseudo-Marxist movements. The heavy hand of the bourgeoisie that has suppressed, historically, a great number of expressions of Marxist thought, has helped to keep the shutters closed so that the light cannot shine on the problems for all, the proletariat, to see. Chomsky, N. (2006). Failed States: The Abuse of Power and the Assault on Democracy. New York: Metropolitan Books. Durazo, L. (2000, June). Maquiladora Information. Retrieved May 18, 2007, from Projecto fronterizo de Education Abiental. Marx, K. (2002). Classics of Political and Moral Philosophy: Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844, Manifesto of the Communist Party. (S. M. Cahn, Ed.) London, UK: Oxford Press. Sciences, F. f. (Director). (1999). Free Trade Slaves [Motion Picture]. Weller, J. B. (2006). Supersize This: How CEO PAy Took Off While Americas Middle Class Struggled. Center For American Progress . Research Papers on Karl Marx's Paradigm of Unbridled DevelopmentAssess the importance of Nationalism 1815-1850 EuropePETSTEL analysis of IndiaRiordan Manufacturing Production PlanTwilight of the UAWBionic Assembly System: A New Concept of SelfIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalCanaanite Influence on the Early Israelite Religion19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraQuebec and CanadaThe Effects of Illegal Immigration

Microbio Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Microbio - Essay Example 84). It displays immunological memory through which it recalls having encountered an invading organism thus reacting more rapidly on the same organism on subsequent exposure. This paper is a discussion that compares and contrasts the innate and the acquired immune responses. When a person comes into contact with an infectious agent, the first defenses to counter the infection are physical, as well as, chemical barriers like; antimicrobial proteins that are secreted at mucosal surfaces, which deny the microbes from getting into the body. In the case that these barriers are overwhelmed, or dodged, other immune system components get into action. The complement system is able to recognize the foreign organisms, as well as, phagocytic white blood cells like the innate immune system macrophages and neutrophils, and destroy them immediately (Minnicozzi 115) In contrast, the acquired immune response, also referred to as the adaptive immune system, develops in days. It is, however, able to el iminate infections in a more efficient way due to the lymphocytes exquisitely recognition functions that are specific. These cells are able to respond to every antigen through antigen receptors that are highly specialized which are present on the lymphocytes surface. The lymphocytes present in the body in their billions, possess a vast range of antigen receptors collectively, which make it possible for the immune system to identify, and take action to virtually any antigen an individual may be exposed to. This enables the adaptive immunity to focus on overcoming the pathogens that have eluded or overcome the innate immunity. Additionally, the innate immunity defense systems are effective in battling many pathogens. However, they are constrained by their reliance on germline-encoded receptors in order for them to identify microorganisms that have the ability to evolve more rapidly than the infected host. This is why they are able to only identify microorganisms that bear surface mole cules, which are common to most pathogens conserved over the evolution course. Most pathogenic bacteria contain a protective capsule that has evolved that makes it possible for them to hide these molecules making it difficult for them to be recognized and phagocytosed. Viruses do not carry invariant molecules like those of bacteria, and the macrophages rarely recognizes them. However, viruses, as well as, encapsulated bacteria may nevertheless be picked by dendritic cells via the macropinocytosis nonreceptor-dependent process. This may then reveal the molecules that mask their infectious nature activating the dendritic cell to present the antigens that belong to them to lymphocytes. (Kobayashi et al. 5123). All the blood cellular elements such as the red blood cells which transport oxygen, platelets for triggering blood clot in tissues that are damaged, and the immune system white blood cells, originate from the bone marrow’s hematopoietic stem cells. Since these stem cells h ave the ability to produce every different blood cell types, they are mainly referred to as pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells. They give rise to additional limited developmental potential that are the instant progenitors of platelets, red blood cells, and the two major

Sociology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 29

Sociology - Essay Example t perspective, this development is good because robots make the production process more efficient thereby making goods more readily available and cheaper because they can now be produced in scale with lesser cost. From the conflict theorist however, this is not at all good because it will displace the jobs of humans by machines which are cheaper and easier to maintain. This can be gleaned in the comparison in the Philips assembly line in Drachten where robots dominated the factory requiring only few personnel while the same company also has a plant in China manned by thousands of employees doing the same thing. By this comparison, it showed the stark conflict of how robots in inimical to worker’s interest because it replaces them. This was highlighted by an article’s comment wherein it is said that humans are like animals which gives him headache to maintain stressing that human beings are also prone to conflict. For the symbolic interactionist however, there is a way that the two entity can exist in mutually beneficial interaction. It starts with a premise that human beings will not lose its place in our manufacturing plants and warehouses only that their interaction with work will be evolve such as their transfer to jobs that requires problem solving and creativity which robots cannot do such as those jobs in design. Markoff, J. â€Å"Skilled Work without the Worker†. August 18, 2012. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/19/business/new-wave-of-adept-robots-is-changing-global-industry.html?pagewanted=1&_r=3. Retrieved on February 01,