Things Fall Apart Culture Research Paper Essay Example

Things Fall Apart Culture Research Paper Essay Maduena 1 Thomas Maduena Mrs. Aisola English 4 December 16, 2012 Unconventional Culture of the Ibo People in Nigeria The Ibo people, traditionally known as Igbo, are one of the largest and most significant ethnic groups of Southern Nigeria (Igboland). Their culture and traditions are so diverse because their group is fragmented into subgroups. Chinua Achebe explains the tough and cultural ways of the Ibo people in his novel Things Fall Apart. Their customs can be compared but, nevertheless they have kept their traditions stayed the same throughout their history. Origin; Ibo people originated in the Kingdom of Nri. â€Å"Nri Kingdom in the Awka area is the cradle of Igbo civilization and culture† (destee. com) It is also one of the most oldest Nigerian kingdoms. Although Nri people were a different group, they influenced the traditional Igbo people with their customs and practices. â€Å"There is a little bit of Nri in all of us Igbo is Nri and Nri is Igbo you are Nri and Nri is you † (destee. om) The orgin of the Igbo people can be argued about, but no doubt the originated from the Nri People. Traditional Society; Although some ill-informed people would only see that the Ibo people are very primitive and barbaric, they had their own form of government, leadership, and economy. â€Å"The basic unit of Igbo life was the village group†¦family head† (qub. ac. uk) The â€Å"family head† or mode rn colloquial, the man of the house, would be the older male, In most cases the father. He settled all issues within and outside his family, and was the one to Maduena 2 talk to higher members of the clan or in the village. Social status is based on wealth, regardless of occupation. The Igbo distinguish between obgenye or mbi (the poor), dinkpa (the moderately prosperous), and nnukwu madu or ogaranya (the rich). â€Å" (everyculture. com) Titles were a major role in every Nigerian tribe whether it be the Ibos, Yorubas, or Hausas. A title gave respect and honor to their family. â€Å"Okonkwo was well known throughout the nine villages fame rested on solid personal achievements. † (Things Fall Apart P. 1, Chinua Achebe) His title was earned throughout his life and solely on himself, which gave him a god reputation and being respected. There was a hierarchy of ascending titles that were to be taken in order, accompanied by an ascending scale of payments. † (qub. ac. uk) T itles were not easy to come by and had an extensive process. Rituals were acquired and having a title gave the person a sense of success. Their villages are very dependent on one another. Any interference with their village would be taken up to the leader of the clan and if necessary brought up to the elders. Decisions would affect their entire village or town and need to be thoroughly checked with. Oracles played a key role for Ibo villages because of their consistency of being dependable. We will write a custom essay sample on Things Fall Apart Culture Research Paper specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Things Fall Apart Culture Research Paper specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Things Fall Apart Culture Research Paper specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer In â€Å"Things Fall Apart† the Oracle was an important character in their decisions made. â€Å"And there were indeed occasions when the Oracle had forbidden Umuofia to wage a war. If the clan had disobeyed the Oracle they would surely have been beaten. † (Things Fall Apart P. 11, Chinua Achebe) The Umuofia people are so superstitious that they will not make any major decisions without first consulting the gods through the Oracle. Their thought is that only the Gods can justify when the time to war is right. Government; The Igbo leaders of the village and the common people all work together to form a democracy. They all participate to make their villages such a working Maduena 3 community. â€Å"Perhaps it was the small scale of their political institutions that made Igbo Land such a good example of what a democracy should be. Some of the first European visitors to this region were struck by the extent to which democracy was truly practiced. † (qub. ac. uk) Igbo people are not the barbarians people think of them to be. They just have an unconventional way of having a stable society. Family and Marriage; Families would live in the village group, but all living in separate segments. Males and elders would receive the outmost respect. The oldest male was usually the leader of the compound and there were many different groups in that compound. The rule of seniority was usually the placement where the person would be in their status. Marriage was ideal for every woman especially. â€Å"When a boy betroths a girl, the matter does not end there. The families of the contracting parties will embark on a series of investigations about the character, home training, lineage, health, clan relationship They needed a man to provide for them and their future children. (kwenu. com) Marriage was not as simple as it is modern days. Marriage requires thoroughly planning to get the best for their child, presumably their daughter. Polygamy was common and looked upon. If they were a successful man, they had as much wives as they could marry. Men would have multiple wives and several children. Wives were ranked according to the order in which they married the common husband. Seniori ty was also important in children. The first male and female children of the domestic group were more important than the next children to be born. First-born children were given specific and responsible positions in their family. Rite of Passage; Children are normally the ones to have significant events happen to them. Circumcision is common in present day around the world. Ibo people too believe in this. â€Å"The difference is they also circumcise girls. The rite of Circumcision, whereby a child Maduena 4 is initiated into his culture, occurs on the eighth day after birth, when he or she is circumcised. † (kenwu. com) Another rite in Igbo culture would be Iru-mgbede (fattening of a girl before marriage). Igbo people believed that if the mother were physically healthy, the child would be born healthy and able to survive. Igba Mgba (wrestling) was how one became a warrior or well known throughout the community. This was the way Okonkwo first started to build his reputation as a fine skilled warrior. â€Å"As a young man of eighteen he had brought honor to his village by throwing Amalizine the Cat. † (Things Fall Apart P. 3 Chinua Achebe) Amalizine the Cat was an amazing wrestler whose back would never touch the ground, Okonkwo defeated him and with that gained his honor and respect. Every man wanted to be respected. Culture and beliefs; Spirits, gods and the unknown were not something to be interfered with and the Igbo people greatly feared the supernatural. † The darkness held a vague terror for these people†¦children were warned not to whistle at night for fear of evil spirits. † (Things Fall Apart P. 9 Chinua Achebe) Night was deeply feared. Animals were thought to become more vicious at night. Moonlight however would bring tranquility. People would go out for walks and children would be playing. Most marriages and festivities would be held in the evening leading on to the night. One of the biggest celebrations was the Feast of New Yam. Most West African countries celebrate this. The Feast of New Yam symbolized the end of a harvest and the beginning of the next work cycle. â€Å"†¦To honor the earth goddess and the ancestral spirits of the clan. New yams could not be eaten until some head first been offered to these powers. † (Things Fall Apart P. 32 Chinua Achebe) They strongly believed in sacrifice and giving the their higher beings. Although beating their wives and children is looked upon as strength to keep things in order, many Maduena 5 African tribes including the Igbo culture practiced the Week of Peace. Any disrespect towards traditions was dealt with the elders of the elders of the tribe. No work or violence should happen during to week of peace in order to pray for his or her future crop to grow. â€Å"Okonkwo broke the peace, and was punished † (Things Fall Apart P. 25 Chinua Achebe) His punishment was to sacrifice a female goat, a hen, a length of cloth, and one hundred cowries in order to keep from harvest turning out bad. Respect to their culture is mandatory for everyone in the tribe. Modern Igbo culture; Today, there are as many churches as well as mosques and traditional religion worship centers in Enugu State. The state is predominantly made up of Christians, but also had many catholic and protestant churches in Enugu State. Much of the Igbo’s traditions are still celebrated, but things like abusing your children and wife is not kept. Monogamous relationships are much more common and they celebrate holidays because they are converted into Christians. † One of the most important events in Igboland is Christmas and it signifies home return in the village†¦Igbo families consider their one and only real home their house in the village. It is the two weeks around Christmas which bring families back together to the village. (igboguide. org) Modern Ibo people are more focused in unity within their family and their villages. Unlike in Things Fall Apart, masculinity is not a major attribute, peace and affection has replaced it. Although the Ibo culture and religion has changed, the tough and rigidness is something they will always have. Ibo people are very spiritual, as shown in T hings Fall Apart. Ibo people in nature show respect, if respect is shown towards them. Their customs have changed, but that will never change who they are at heart. Maduena 6 Figure 1 http://www. globalsecurity. rg/military/world/nigeria/maps. htm Figure 2 http://amaigboyouth. wordpress. com/maps/ Maduena 7 Work Cited Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart. London: William Heinemann Limited, part of Reed Consumer Books, 1959. Print. Advameg Inc. Countries and Their Cultures. Economy. n. d. Web. 12 Dec. 2012. http://www. everyculture. com/Africa-Middle-East/Igbo-Economy. html Akbondu. Black People : Nri Kingdom the Cradle of Igbo Civilization. Black People Meet. . n. d. , 11 Jan. 2011. Web. 12 Dec. 012. http://destee. com/index. php? threads/nri-kingdom-the-cradle-of-igbo- civilization. 59970/. Froiland, Andrew. African Tribes Ibo Igbo Culture. African Tribes Ibo Igbo Culture. Minnesota State University Mankato, n. d. Web. 13 Dec. 2012. http://www. africaguide. com/culture/tribes/i bo. htm. Onyemaechi, Uzoma, and Ann Arboy. Igbo Culture and Socialization. Igbo Culture. University of Michigan, n. d. Web. 11 Dec. 2012. http://www. kwenu. com/igbo/igbowebpages/Igbo. dir/Culture/culture_and_socialization. html.

Current Situation Of Gsp Belgrade Company Tourism Essays

Current Situation Of Gsp Belgrade Company Tourism Essays Current Situation Of Gsp Belgrade Company Tourism Paper Current Situation Of Gsp Belgrade Company Tourism Paper A ABSTRACT In this essay my ends were to show the current state of affairs of GSP Belgrade Company which operates in concern field of public transit and service. My program was to foremost show the state of affairs in which the GSP Belgrade Company and their organisational construction and civilization. As good, the selling of GSP Belgrade is presented in its different types. Using PEST analysis every bit good as SWOT analysis I wanted to show the possible actions that GSP Belgrade may prosecute. Introduction GSP BelgradeA is aA public transitA company for the metropolis ofA Belgrade. The acronym GSP stands forA Gradsko saobraA†¡ajno preduzeA†¡e ( English: A City Transport Company ) .A The company was funded in 1892 when the first Equus caballus ropeway line began runing in Belgrade centre. Nowadays, GSP Beograd operates in whole metropolis and it s environing. There are 145 lines, out of which 12 are tram, 8 are trolleybus and 125 are bus lines. Service operates daily between 4am and midnight, with a limited dark coach system. It is estimated that over 1,000 vehicles are in operation on workdays.GSP has about 7,000 employees. Organization of concern ( Leadership and direction ) Since GSP Belgrade is a controlled by authorities and it s meant for public usage, the organisation of concern is established and managed by a group of MPs ( Members of Parliament ) who where specifically assigned to pull off and run the GSP Belgrade company. The GSP Belgrade is organized inA A criterion concern model.A The caput of the company is itsA CEOA who overlooks hisA managersandA executivesA whose occupation is to command theA staff, the drivers and the coach fix service staff. The GSP has one chief hard currency income and that is the every twenty-four hours sale of conveyance tickets.The GSP Belgrade company is really reliable on their lone stockholder, the proprietor the authorities, A A because of its political and economical state of affairs and possibility of alterations of authorities budget which would enable the GSP Belgrade to run as usual in sense of covering their employees wages, the cost ( the disbursals ) of every twenty-four hours fuel ingestion and the monetary value of conveyance vehicle mechanic fixs. All of that disbursals can be covered by authorities money and in bend of that the GSP will refund that money in installments to a authorities. ( The highest income, the most of the whole income for the GSP Belgrade is in first hebdomad of every month when citizens top up their metropolis conveyance tickets because they expire at the terminal of every month. ) MAIN BODY A Aims The primary aim of the GSP Belgrade is to guarantee that all citizens with a valid passport tickets can safely utilize the populace conveyance which is available to them every twenty-four hours during the on the job hours of Belgrade s public transport.A A Availability means that every line has a conveyance vehicle ( a coach, a ropeway or a trolley coach ) A that operates in specific clip and it is really of import that none of those vehicles is late. The safety of public conveyance travellers is one of the most of import undertakings for GSP Belgrade company. OrganizationalA planningA andA decisionA devising The end of GSP company is to increase the figure of clients of public conveyance to its maximal degree. Approaching to this program, the company will hold to look at their current situation.A A professional service expected from them: Time truth of vehicles runing on its lines, professional experienced drivers, hygienic cleanliness in public conveyance vehicles every bit good as maximal safety for riders inside of public conveyance vehicle. TheA A direction teamA A will be tasked to show GSP as a modern, hygienic, accurate and safe public transit. It is needfully for direction squad to take on selling actions that would near citizens to the vision of modern urban conveyance Human resource planning The GSP Belgrade has about around 7 000 employees and that figure seems to be all right consequently to the figure of workers requested to be active during day-to-day public conveyance service. The chief undertaking for the GSP Belgrade HR section is to see for occupation merely extremely experient drivers in sense of procuring the riders that use and travel with public conveyance vehicles. The HR has figure of trials that any possible occupation applicant needs to successfully go through. The standard process is to guarantee that the hereafter driver is physically able to work / thrust and besides to be mentally stable and confident worker.A A A Motivation MotivationA is literally the desire to make things.A A It is a psychological characteristic that arouses you to move towards a coveted ends that you set. Motivating your employees is one of the best ways to do them make a all right occupation and give their best at it. There are twosome of ways of how to actuate your employees In GSP company most of the material is working for more than 10 hours per twenty-four hours and the monthly wage they get for it is in the mean rate for the state that they live in. The fact is that 10 hours per twenty-four hours displacements do nt do does workers happy. They are sometimes really tired and it is rare to see a motivated employee who is experiencing rested and happy with his work. It is one of the jobs that HR has to confront with. The inquiry is how can GSP company actuate their staff? A There are some ways in which the staff might be motivated to make work. They can be fiscal and non-financial wagess that can actuate employees. In both instances it is considered that the workers will put more attempt in what they do and that they will hold better public presentation at their workplace. Measuring the impact of fiscal wages bundles on occupation satisfaction, motive and productiveness In instance of that direction squad decides to give a spring a fiscal wages and to thank to those who have gave themselves in their occupation, the fillip money will be given to them as the grasp for their difficult work and attempt that they have invested. That would every bit good be noticed by other workers who might wish the same thing to go on to them so they will go more active while their displacement is on so it might look that everybody in the company will make hard and demo great attempt in order to be rewarded. Measuring the impact of non-financial wages bundles on occupation satisfaction, motive and productiveness In instance of that direction squad decides to give a give a non-financial wages and to thank to those who have gave themselves in their occupation besides makes sense as the fiscal wages does consequence the motive of employees. A twenty-four hours off would look as a really nice wages for the given attempt cognizing that the GSP is a public conveyance company and their staff does nt hold many yearss off during whole twelvemonth so enjoyingA at place for one twenty-four hours might look as worth of the invested attempt Giving wagess to workers who show more attempt than others will promote other workers to demo their best and to be more active as good in order to acquire excess money or a twenty-four hours off, free from their work. Motivated workers are the best thing that a company can hold in its field of internal dealingss. Herzberg Herzberg developed a two-factor theory of motive based on motivational demands and hygiene demands. His hygiene demands are presented as the things which are necessary for worker to acquire started but they are non something that leads the worker to win: work conditions, wage, position, security, internal relationships with co-workers, personal life. The incentives are presented as the more of import thing and that is the work itself and the duty of the worker. Corporate civilization The term of corporate civilization refers to the experiences, beliefs, attitudes and values of organisation. It can show the manner that a persons of the company dresses and in sense of that, they might reflect the civilization of the organisation of the company. The GSP Belgrade does hold a uniform for it s workers who are working as drivers of public transit vehicles but it does nt look that it is out to come at your workplace and merely drive a vehicle without a uniform that company has for its employees. That image shows a missing of professionalism that reflects in sense of less regard for the GSP Belgrade as a well organized company. On the other manus, the organisational construction is really easy to understand. The workers, most of them working as a drivers, have merely one duty and that is to ever be on clip and to drive safely. Their uniform or the insouciant apparels that they wear does nt look to be a job. Serbia was socialist state and the old civilization still prevails. Peoples used to hold secured occupations and were really relaxed. Now the passage period that came after the new political party which changed the socialist government required new values. The GSP Belgrade Company had troubles in implementing new values and people still experience safe with their occupations and such thing is maintaining the GSP Belgrade Company from non turning in bigger and better concern manner. A Beginnings of finance Since that GSP Belgrade company belongs to the Republic of Serbia, the chief beginning of finance is from the authorities s budget. When GSP is considered, it is clear that such company will ever hold a particular intervention because it transports about one and a half million people on day-to-day footing, and the metropolis of Belgrade has about 2 million citizens. The primary beginning of finance is the authorities which is invariably puting in GSP company and in its program to overhaul by purchasing new conveyance vehicles which besides presentsA a GSP as a modern company with good machinery and engineering in their vehicles. The authorities gives a involvement free loan to GSPA so they can able to work usually in day-to-day conveyance service that they offer to citizens.A A A A Selling The selling standing of GSP company is on satisfactory degree. Since that the GSP is the figure one trade name from those in concern field of public transit it is non unusual that their direction squad is largely working on selling / leasing the infinite destined for commercial at the interior of theirA public conveyance vehicles. By and large they offer a possibility to tape their vehicle with a commercial posting. Paying a rent for such an advertizement, A most of the companies are in that manner straight presented to the populace, the citizens who use the public conveyance every bit good as those who do nt because the coachs and ropewaies are traveling all around the metropolis and their advertisement postings are available to everyone to see.A A The company is publicizing threw Television adverts on Serbian National Television. It is a channel followed by most of the people populating in the state. The GSP Belgrade has made to go a known and recognized company for its advertizements on most watched Television channel and it seemed as a really good move of GSP Belgrade s selling squad. The GSP Belgrade besides has another manner of advertisement and act uponing immature people to utilize public transit. They send coachs to drive childs do schools and their operations in such selling program have its cost. But the monetary value for such influence on immature people is payed back cognizing that since GSP Belgrade company s selling squad has come to thought of such publicizing the figure of childs that are utilizing the public transit of GSP Belgrade has been extremely increasing since company s coachs started to drive kids in schools for free. Environmental analysis In order to cognize and acquire the current image of company and its concern it should be analyzed and presented by SWOT and PEST analysis. A SWOT analysis: A Strengths: A -A A A A A A A The GSP company is the taking one in its concern. It is the biggest and most widely dispersed type of public transit. Their workers are professionals and that one of their most of import facts in concern. The rivals see the GSP as the taking company in their concern type so they will hold to carefully analyse the program of how to vie with them Failing: -A A A A A A A A quite figure of GSP conveyance vehicles are older than 10 old ages, some of them even more than 15. The inquiry of security and safety should non be necessary A to set up in well-organized company but it seems that GSP still does nt hold an reply for this. Generally their vehicles are all right but they ca nt make the mean safety degree that would be considered as satisfactory. Bettering their vehicles safety is one of the aims. Another thing that the company has to be cognizant is what do their clients demand and expect.A Mostly they are satisfied with company s work but they do mind the hygiene in the vehicles. As every twenty-four hours they are driven around the metropolis for about 18 hour it is obvious that person has to clean it after every displacement. But it does nt go on every twenty-four hours and it may happen to clients to happen sometimes something on the floor of the conveyance vehicle. In general, they mind it. A Opportunity: -A A A A A A A A The chance for public conveyance of GSP to increase its concern by offering better monetary values to the users of its conveyance seems as a good thought in sense of wholly taking over the market from little private coach line drives. Their rivals are still non on the degree that they should be considered as existent menace but GSP should still seek to acquire every bit much clients as they can in order to wholly rule the concern. Menaces: -A A A A A A A As mentioned the private coach companies, they do show a menace for GSP s concern. Their program is to pull clients by offering better monetary value for transport tickets or the better possibility of travel for the same monetary value as GSP charges tickets. The chief menace of rivals is that they might make a joint venture. Another menace is the authorities itself. It is good known that the old authorities had lacked of aid to GSP Belgrade, whose proprietor it was. The GSP Belgrade has been in place to about declare a bankruptcy but during all of the difficult old ages that the company was working hard seeking non to ruin the staff did nt left the company even though that their wages were nt merely reduced but every bit good they did nt acquire any for several months. Besides that, the staff did nt left the GSP Belgrade because they were retrieving and esteeming the old times when all of them had a safe occupation, a satisfying wage and a payed holiday. PEST analysis: Political: The political state of affairs in Serbia is stable and the authorities is the proprietor of GSP Belgrade Company. However the state passed through period of passage and each authorities had its ain thought of how to pull off GSP Belgrade Company. The new authorities is particularly traveling in for doing a GSP Belgrade to be a one modern and good organized company. Their investings in GSP Belgrade guarantee everyone that the authorities is acute on increasing the satisfaction of their citizens by offering them a modern twenty-first century conveyance vehicles in which their safety will be placed on highest degree every bit good as with hygiene. Economic: -The company is really reliable of gasoline monetary values and the authorities itself needs to guarantee that the monetary values of gasoline wo nt drastically alter. -The consumers are willing to pay merely the lowest monetary value for the transport tickets. Since that, the GSP Belgrade could confront a loss of clients if they decide to increase their monetary values. Sociable: Turning population and Numberss of visitors/tourists/immigrants imply increasing demand for conveyance services possible positive impact on the public conveyance industry since the Belgrade as a metropolis is going more interesting to tourers. Technological: Buying new modern vehicles the GSP Belgrade follows modern tendencies of holding new vehicles with new engineerings. Besides, put ining picture surveillance will guarantee riders every bit good as staff ( drivers ) for their safety while they travel in public conveyance vehicle. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS In this essay I have concluded that the GSP Belgrade Company has a high figure of users. The fact is that although there are many users the GSP Belgrade has to alter their organisational construction. Their safety steps and hygienic are nt considered as all right and that is what their clients largely agree with. The selling of the GSP Belgrade is making really good since the GSP Belgrade is presented as the most celebrated trade name in its state in concern field of public conveyance service. Their staff is extremely experient and in general, the GSP Belgrade Company seems as a all right working company with merely one thing needed to alter, that s their corporate civilization that effects their trade name name. A A

Anthropology Assignment Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Anthropology Paper - Assignment Example Linguistic anthropology, the third sub-discipline, is concerned with the origin of the human language and speech with particular emphasis on some specific languages. Through comparing various languages, this sub-discipline is critical in making out relationships between different peoples. The fourth sub-discipline is social-cultural anthropology that entails the study of the three core aspects of a living population—social, economic, and political organization with a view of contributing to community development (Lakeside University, 2012). Question Two Chapter 2 discussed the attempts by early anthropologists to describe race biologically. Describe the typological and population models Typological model is an approach that anthropologists developed to classify people during the 19th and 20th centuries. This idea of classification was anchored on what is today known as race today as it classified people according to parameters like geographical regions and traits like skin col or, stature, and form of hair among others. However, this model of classification was noted to be less biological and more culture-related (O'Neil, 2011). Population model, on the other hand, sheds light on human population patterns from a genetic point of view. In this regard, this model focuses on the patterns of breeding among the human populations and look for traits such as physiological ones that can help put them apart. Although history is clear that humans do not mate as a group for a long time, this model is viewed in good light from a theoretical perspective (O'Neil, 2011). Question Three Describe the impact of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution on studies of divisions of humans The Darwinian Theory greatly influenced the studies of divisions of human in that it brought forth a new platform of scientific thinking in addition to generating numerous controversies. One, the Darwinian theory in a great way clashed with the long-held and widespread view of Creationism that encompassed the intervention of God in the existence of the universe and its creations—plants and animals. In this regard, this theory replaced the idea of divine creation with one that talked of evolution of man through a process he referred to as natural selection. In light of this, the Darwinian Theory gave new meaning to the study of anthropology by coming up with an alternative perspective on the possible origin of man (Tuazon, 2008). Question Four The scientific racialism experiment of the 18th and 19th century resulted in the concept of eugenics. Describe this term and its social consequences Eugenics is a science that focuses on controlling genetic traits of the human race with a view of improving it. Eugenics alleged that those people who belonged to the lower class possessed inferior genes compared to the ones who were socially well off. As such, a reproduction with this group with poor genetic traits would lead to a degraded society. Ignoring the social condit ions that characterize the marginalized in the society; eugenics suggested that the upper class in the society possessed quality skills like artistic and intellectual abilities. Eugenics led to many injustices across societies in the

Symbolism in The Bean Trees and Medicine River by Barbara Kingsolver Essay

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Life, work and influence of Lord Norman Forster Essay

Life, work and influence of Lord Norman Forster - Essay Example azakhstan, Hearst Tower in New York, National Police Memorial in London, Tanaka Business School in London, London City Hall, Dumas Headquarters, Swiss Re London, and won Sterling Prize twice. Over the years, his style has been evolved into a personification of perfection and he untiringly tries to innovate and improve his designs. â€Å"Fosters earlier designs reflected a sophisticated, machine-influenced high-tech vision. His style has since evolved into a more sublime, sharp-edged modernity† http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Foster%2C_Baron_Foster_of_Thames_Bank He was knighted in 1990 and was awarded Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1999. This prize is considered to be the Nobel of subject. He remains a kind of superstar architect, also called the â€Å"Lord Wobbly† of the British tabloids. He is regarded to be one of the best architects in the world today, with immense contribution to the field. His designs are occupying exalted places and Lord Foster is considered to be one of the national assets. This enterprising and visionary architect had been in news all along. He has received life tribute from House of Lords. Also has received hundreds of other awards including the RIBA gold medal. Foster and Partners was established in 1967, and his college mate, Richard Rogers joined him. This pair has created perhaps some of the greatest architectures in the world. Norman, along with architectural designs and execution, also designs building accessories like handles and furniture. Even though born into an ordinary working class family without any prop-ups, Lord Norman created a legendary success story for himself and his company, with his determination and talent. His Pritzker citation says: "His design objectives are guided not only toward the overall beauty and function of a project, but for the well-being of those people who will be the end-users. This social dimension to his work translates as making every effort to transform and improve the quality of life. In

The Subject Of Human Rights And Globalisation Politics Essay

The Subject Of Human Rights And Globalisation Politics Essay The subject on human right and globalization are not easy topics to discuss, mainly because of different connotation and understanding of the terms globalization and human rights. Some scholars defined Globalization, as conceived process that turns the world into a global market for goods and services dominated and steered by the powerful gigantic transnational corporations and governed by the rule of profit  [1]  . In which scholars argue that all the human rights of the people in the world, particularly in the south mostly developing countries are critically endangered in this context scholars view globalization as posing new treats not adequately governed by existing international human rights  [2]  . On other hand, globalization is seen as turning the whole world into one global village in which all peoples are increasingly unified and all the fences or barriers are detached, so that the world witnesses a new state of fast and free flow of people, capital, goods and ideas . In this context globalization is bringing prosperity to all the corners of the globe, and spreading human right and freedom as well as justice, human rights and globalization are then viewed as two topics mutually reinforcing and positive in improving human well-being.  [3]  The topic of Human right and Globalization are subject of discussion among scholars and policy makers in the world today, where there are clear pictures on how Globalization has positively contributed to the universality of human rights and created more potential for its promotion across the world, some scholars disagree with this assumption and argue that, to some instance globalization put human rights in danger. This paper examines the impacts of globalization and it achievement of human rights with focus it will explore the interaction linking the state and none states with the market to evaluate the effects of globalization on the accomplishment of human rights standards in the world. Working with the definition cited by Allan (2009), that sees Globalization as process that turns the whole world into one global village in which all peoples are increasingly interconnected and all the fences or barriers are removed, so that the world witnesses a new state of fast and free flow of people, capital, goods and ideas. One will say that globalization has positively contributed to human rights, as these processes allows non governmental actors to be involved with transnational social movement networks, increasing consciousness and information politics that have potential to address both traditional and emerging forms of human rights violation. Understanding this global village phenomenon allows scholars to look deeply on transnational integration and increased mobility has simultaneously strengthened the protection of individual rights and the dignity of individuals. At its core globalization is the interrelationships, interconnection, and interdependence of all the countr ies of the world. It is the spread of capitalism across the globe bringing with it both opportunities of business and a flow of capita. However, it is more than just free trade; the forces that allow businesses to operate beyond national borders allow activists, journalists, and scholars to work on a global scale. in this context, Globalization resulted in a significant loss of control and sovereignty for the state  [4]  , its argued by Apodaca (2001) that states no longer hold a control over the allocation of public goods and services  [5]  , information is gained by everybody either through internet or international media, people get access to foreign information and this is believed to have contributed positively to spread of human right around the globe  [6]  . While some nation states still restricts it citizens to access international news, like the case of china, scholars still argue that Globalizations has weakened government power to control people movements. In other word globalization has also lead to a noticeable empowerment of actors such as transnational corporations, civil society groups and intergovernmental economic organizations, and lead to a rapid development of human rights.  [7]  In short; due to improved technology, less government interferences, and free movement of people and goods, globalization increased media coverage draws the attention of the world to human right violations, which leads to improvement in human rights. As argued by Marquardt that globalization offers great opportunities to generate more universal observance of human rights, but it also poses serious dangers to the fundamental rights of the individual  [8]  . Moreover, globalization is essentially a synonym for global business and is personified by three organizations: the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Trade Organization (WTO). These organizations are at the center of a great debate over the virtues and evils of globalization. There are many convincing arguments both against and in favor of globalization. For positive side, scholars argue that globalization of capital contributes positively to the universality of human rights as it permits a flow of capital to the most productive and resourceful business projects. This trend is believed to boost profits, which make the economy grow, which mostly results in constructive social goals, such as higher employment levels that improves living standards, education become affordable, lower taxes, and larger capital expenses on people, in areas such as health care which play very significant role in improving human conditons. Globalization of capital in addition i s believed to have remarkably developed and increased attention to womens rights and incorporation of womens human rights into the human rights discourse (Moghadam 2005). It has also created economical opportunities for women. Though, many of these opportunities are formed in sweatshops and low payment jobs. Nevertheless, they increase women participation in the economy, even if it is largely in the informal sector the potential demand of empowering women is increasing (Mae, Bayes et al. 2000). Furthermore, supporters of globalization argue that, while the state is the agent charged with the protection and promotion of human rights, it is also traditionally the primary violator of those rights.  [9]  Kind models of globalization recommend that the liberalization of markets reinforces human rights by encouraging growth and plunging the authority of the state. Without a doubt, a number of studies on human rights, defined as physical integrity rights, do indicate a connection between economic development, conventionally calculated by GDP, and the higher attainment of human rights. The right to personal integrity is essential in that, the exclusive of these rights, no human can survive without being in panic for his or her life and well-being. Scholars have revealed that there is an elevated level of individual integrity infringements in underdeveloped countries. The free market or liberal economic policies, it is believed, that it will not only promote development in poor countries but in addition it will uphold civil liberties and democracy. It was argued by Moore as cited by Apodaca (2001) that,economic liberalization is also thinning the power of the governments by removing capital out of the hands of the state and making it accessible for of individuals to get financial resources, these are those individual are those who search not just for legal protection but moreover greater influence in policies affecting them  [10]  . this demonstrate that globalization in this regard is privileging individuals and weakening abusive governments. Scholars have been studying the issue of multinational corporations in connection to human rights, and the result seem to be more positive than one might aspects, according to Richards and Gellenys quantitative studies, there are key points that are indentified to be positively influential to human rights specifically in Less Developed Countries (LDCs). First property rights, is argued to be influential to investors who would prefer to invest in a nation where property rights are respected and where rule of law is followed, that gives them guaranty that their property and investments will be respected. Moreover, labour policies are additional concerns that most MNCS look at before investing as argued MNCs evaluate labor and wage policies, which including as well the right of workers to organize, safety standards, social welfare policies and wage rate  [11]  . Reputation is an additional point that is believed to bsse influential for investors, Richards and Gelleny argue that comp anies may seek to improve their reputation by associating their product with improving human rights. Otherwise they may run the risk of being exposed to an embarrassing media campaign highlighting their connections to regimes that abuses human rights  [12]  . Additionally to their findings, Richards and Gelleny discovered that countries where government respect open political participation and open media and freedom of worship and free movement of its people MNCs appear willing to invest. There are known to be additional benefit of Globalization in connection to human rights, these including education and access to new technology, as its argue by Stiglitz that, globalization has reduced the sense of isolation felt in much of the developing world and has given many people in the developing countries access to knowledge well beyond the reach of even the wealthiest in any country a century ago  [13]  . He further argue that foreign aid, is an additional aspect of the globalized world, which has brought benefits to millions, often in ways that have almost gone unnoticed, globalization in this way provide help for educational services for those who had no information for instance in HIV/Aids prevention, its helps in other projects that were ignored by nation governments. In contrast, the benefits of globalization on human rights are not universal. As most scholars argues, Globalization has increased the gap of poverty, that makes the rich are getting richer and the poor are becoming more poorer. Those who reject the notion that Globalization contributed positively to human rights argue that: Globalization has led to exploitation of labor. Prisoners and child workers are used to work in inhumane conditions. Safety standards are ignored to produce cheap goods. These arguments are issues that one should take into consideration when debating the impact of globalization on human rights, as it provide us with evidence how inequality and poverty are measured and what the results of such measurements are. Additionally, those on the opposition to the benefit of globalization on human rights argue that the influence of the World Bank- and IMF and their structural adjustment policies that include privatization of the economy, has made Multinational Companies an d corporations which were previously restricted to commercial activities to have increasingly influence on political decisions of developing countries, this lead to governments inability to maintain social welfare in developing countries. As is argued by Dr Samir Naim-Ahmed that; Since the Universal declaration of Human rights in 1948 many countries of the world ,whether in the north or the south succeed in enhancing the implementation of human rights , particularly in the economic, social and cultural domains simply through policies of subsidizing food, housing and services such as health care , transportation ,sanitation, culture and education . Many countries, particularly in the south made considerable achievements in the field of the right to work simply by taking decisions to protect local industries from competition and thus creating job opportunities for their population.  [14]   Moreover, a scholar against globalization in relation to human rights like Alison Brysk (2002) argues that social rights and economic rights have been mostly abandoned both in terms of international recognition and policy implementation. He further argues that The recent phase of globalization enriched some but did not improve the human rights conditions for a large segment of the world population.  [15]  It was further argued by Apocade that Labor rights and social services have been denied by the upward trend of neoliberal policies. Improvements in civil and political rights have been rough, mostly symbolic, and perhaps unsustainable. Especially since the attacks of September 11, 2001,  [16]  national security and order have reemerged as values that are considered to be more important, and that can be maintained only at the expense of human freedoms. Measures taken by the United States and its allies in connection to their war on terror show the fragility of human rights th at were assumed to be well-established and secure at least in mature Western democracies. Moreover, scholars argue that due to free markets and a rapid access to goods, Terrorists have access to classy armaments increasing their ability to inflict damage. As the case of Terrorists use the Internet for communicating which create more treat to the world? Its has been disputed that, the strictness agendas imposed by financial institutions have some very unenthusiastic outcomes on the people living in developing countries, those against globalization argue that demands from global financial organization has formed perhaps the strongest form of reliance since the beginning of dependence. In order for a state to be eligible for financial support from global organizations, the government must approach its economic policies to meet the terms with the regulations and standards recognized by the main actors. Thus, states in required of credits give up their administrative power to global agencies such as the World Bank, the IMF, or the World Trade Organization (WTO)  [17]  . With Many MNCs having superior resources than many Third World states. Third World countries rely on those corporations for financial support, monetary flows, industrial transfers, and employment opportunities for their citizens. Economic globalization thus exploits the developing world: cheap labor, minimal skill transmission, restrictions on technology transfers, and no long-term commitment to stay or reinvest in a countrys economy. Consequently, foreign capital reinforces and strengthens repression in developing countries. To attract or preserve foreign investment, governments must lower business costs, thus suppressing labor demands and reducing corporate taxation rates. Moreover, Corporations are growing constantly the power of which must not be underestimated. For example, it can damage liberty with inhumane working conditions, child labor or the ruthless destruction of the environment and hence the fundamentals of life. The question as to whether and how such power is controllable raises explosive legal and economic issues.  [18]   A more negative view of developing countries integration into the global economy, often attributed to dependency or neo-Marxist theorists, holds that multinational corporation activity contributes to human rights abuses. Its argued that due to these conditions and the level of poverty in developing countries many MNCs have larger revenues than many developing countries states. Third World countries are dependent on MNCs for trade, financial flows, technological transfers, and employment opportunities for their citizens. Economic globalization thus exploits the developing world: cheap labor, minimal skill transmission, restrictions on technology transfers, and no long-term commitment to stay or reinvest in a countrys economy. Consequently, foreign capital reinforces and strengthens repression in developing countries. To attract or preserve foreign investment, governments must lower business costs, thus suppressing labor demands and reducing corporate taxation rates. It was argued by A podaca (2001) that due to weaknesses of governments, if government officials attempt to enact unfriendly policies, the result could lead to capital flight, loss of tax revenues, and massive unemployment. States may feel that they have no option but to entertain MNCs if they want to increase their economies, employment, and tax revenues  [19]  . The discussion on globalization and human right has lead scholars to look at the issue of culture and human rights, its has well provided topic of discussion that most policy makers seem to disagree on, the issue of The Western human rights approach which primarily focuses on civil and political rights to the effective segregation of economic and social rights. These arguments are based on what Pieterse cites the conceived understanding of Globalization in sense that the world is becoming more uniform and standardized, through a technological, commercial, and cultural synchronization emanating from the west, and that globalization is tied up with modernity  [20]  . Moreover, the thrust of social and political rights believed to be a way to protect the individual from the unrestrained power of the state which seem to be different in Asia  [21]  , as it was cited by Apodaca that political and civil rights, for Asian-values advocates, may be deferred until other, more pressing, economic rights are met. It was further argued by Apodaca that to accelerate economic development and to maintain a stable political environment, a state may have to resort to authoritarian governing practices, often suppressing labor demands and political opposition  [22]  ; this was a scandalous exposure in a 1993 declaration, Singapores then Minister for Foreign Affairs Wong Kan Seng declared a cited by Apodaca (2002) that: Poverty makes a mockery of all civil liberties. Poverty is an obscene violation of the most fundamental of individual rights. Economic growth is the necessary foundation of any system that claims to advance human dignity, and that order and stability are essential for development.  [23]   it was argued by Wong as cited in Apodaca (2002), if political and civil human rights are an obstacle to economic progress, they would not be accepted, and an overemphasis on individual rights would retard the process of development. For many Asian leaders and policy makers, according to Apodaca economic rights are the most fundamental of rights, while political and civil rights are viewed as a luxury to be considered only once everyone is fed  [24]  . In short, those against globalization in connection to human right argue that, the results of globalization are the way many people have been poor and for many countries social and political instability and chaos. They further argue that IMF has made mistakes in all the areas it has been involved in: developments, crisis management, and in countries making the transition from communism where it was believed that human rights were not respected to capitalism. The most divisive topic in rejection of globalization and human rights is structural adjustment programs which resulted to failure of most states that were hoping to benefits from it, in contrast it created a gape between the poor and rich. As the case of education in developing countries, where more social services are restricted by the b y the IMF, health care as well are known to be been affected by the structural adjustment program. All these are known to have negative impact on human rights globally. While most scholars discuss the benefit of Globalization is sense of connection and creation of a global village, a place where people from all over the world meet and move freely, one will argue that this is just a theory but in actual sense these movements of people are restricted by developed nations, people are not as free as it sound to get American visa, or European visa. In conclusion, Markowitz argues that globalization and human rights are known as wide conditional fields that hold expressive and descriptive power and as political, juridical, economic and cultural development and institutions. Presenting promises of liberation from restraining national limits and substitute to caste, gender and a racial hierarchy, the discourse of globalization and human rights offers avenues for resisting local structures of power and asserting identity claims via supranational organizations and the state  [25]  . While there are still resistance on how much is globalization improving human right , based on the above arguments one will still close this debate by stating that the situation of human rights has improved in general compared to previous centuries, where slavery was dominant, colonization was the leading mode and government were not democratic. For instance, due to globalization one can argue that the rights of women and children are seen to be bett er and recognized as well as safeguarded than in earlier times this might be associated as well to the need for development and the interconnection that globalization is promoting. Moreover, freedom of expression has been facilitated via internet where activists have chance to rise their voice freely (though this might not be easy in countries like china but there are seen to be improvement due to the globalized technology), freedom of religious belief is a very problematic problem due to the war on terrorism. Freedoms of movements is known to have improved in the last decades due to increasing technology, this allows human rights activist to move and get information easily that ever before. In addition, the modern means of communication helps in realization of person and people rights.

Brain Disorders :: essays research papers

The brain, which weighs only three pounds and is made up of eighty percent water, is the key organ of our nervous system. It is divided into three different parts: the Cerebrum, the Cerebellum, and the Medulla Oblongata. The â€Å"gray matter† of the brain is about one-eighth inch thick and it gives the brain its gray color. Inside the brain is the cortex, which is made up of billions of neurons. These neurons extend into the cerebral hemisphere and it controls all mental activity. In this report I will be discussing different disorders of the brain and how they affect the every day life of people who may have these disorders. (The Volume Library 900)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first disorder that I will be discussing is a disease called Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (A.D.H.D.). This disease has not just been recently discovered. It was first discovered in the eighteen hundreds by a British physician where the first book about Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder was written, â€Å"Fidgety Phil.† Up until the 1960’s it was called minimal brain function. Medication is not a new treatment either. In the 1930’s a medication called Dexedrine (d-amphetamine) or Desoxyn (methamphetamine), now known as Ritalin, was used. (Wender, M.D. 15)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This disease is present in three to ten percent of school-aged children and four to five percent in adults. A.D.H.D. is more common in boys than in girls. To determine if a child has A.D.H.D., there are not set psychological or laboratory test but the testimonies of the people who are involved in the patients’ everyday life. However there are certain criteria that can define and diagnose symptoms. In many cases medication can reduce and to an extent eliminate A.D.H.D. This is true in about seventy percent of school-aged children who have A.D.H.D. and in about sixty percent of adults who are on the medication. Another plus of the medication is that it is not addictive if it is not abused. To reduce the symptoms of A.D.H.D. in adults therapy may also be helpful. Although, the use of medication to treat A.D.H.D. can be very controversial. (Wender, M.D. 9) Some characteristics of school-aged children with A.D.H.D. are problems in school like math, reading, and spelling because twenty to thirty percent of children have learning disorders. The most common symptom is attention difficulties, distractibility, and hyperactivity. Not all patients of A.D.H.D are hyperactive, therefore a new diagnosis was identified: Attention Deficit Disorder (A.