Religion in Pop Culture Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Religion in Pop Culture - Term Paper Example The vision of religion in the new light, when it is a component of the pop culture raises a lot of questions: whether it is right or wrong to popularize images of Jesus Christ or God Mother or other religious images. The most known reflections of religion in pop culture can be traced in the creative works of Lady Gaga. If we talk about this singer, we can see that lately this popular singer is really obsessed with religious images and she always is looking for an opportunity to promote religious images. In her interviews she claims that she is a too religious and spiritual person, but when we watch her videos we can have many doubts. Still, I am also impressed by her video on the song â€Å"Born This Way†. Lady Gaga is not the first one, who tries to reflect her ideas of love and faith by means of using different religious allusions and metaphors. There are humane and good lines in the song â€Å"Born This Way†, when the singer says: â€Å"I’m beautiful in my wa y because God makes no mistakes†. This is a righteous interpretation of religion. Nevertheless, allusions used are really impressive and we can think about the moment of birth. Her videos are always ambiguous. For example, the most impressive clip for me is â€Å"Judas†. Thus, in her video â€Å"Judas† we can see that â€Å"Jesus is my virtue / but Judas is the demon I cling to† and these lines imply a potential sinful behavior of too religious people. These controversial songs and videos impress me by their potential to strike my imagination. I try to guess, which are the real intentions of Lady Gaga songs? I came across the images of a sinful Magdalena in â€Å"Judas† and innocent â€Å"Venus† in this video. Moreover, Gaga does not only reflect her own religious beliefs, she also tries to bring in a kind of burlesque and kitsch to her religious interpretations†¦for example in her video â€Å"Judas† there are striking images of a nun, who is dreaming about sex with men, or when Lady Gaga tries to make a shot with her gun, but in reality it turns out to be a lipstick. Another demonstration of religion in pop culture is representation of religious ideas in clothes. For example, pink T-shirts with a cartoon kitten purring â€Å"Jesus loves me†. Religion is a kind of a trend in the modern world. Madonna and Pam Anderson wear T-shirts with the line â€Å"Mary is My Homegirl†. Such kind of T-shirts is an attempt to make people think about religious issues. We do not have enough time to visit Church and for some people it is a kind of showing off their religious beliefs. To my mind this strategy is fashionable, but it should not be kitschy as it is. As a rule priests argue with popularization of religion and blame Lady Gaga for her profanity. Popular films also reflect the fashionable religious ideas and beliefs. For example, the film by Mel Gibson â€Å"The Passion of the Christ† is very popu lar or â€Å"Joan of Arcadia,† a film story about the girl on who talks to God won attraction of the audience. Nowadays religion is a modern brand. It sounds like the world has gone wild, but it is really so. Popular slogans promote religion, but in a different way, which seems natural for people. For example, we can see that it is easier and more pleasant for people to wear T-shirts with

The Butler S Lifecycle Model

The Butler S Lifecycle Model Balearic Islands consist of four island which are A, B, C and Mallorca. Mallorca is the largest island of the Balearic archipelago which accounts for nearly three quarters of the land with 80% of its population in Balearic Island (Bull 1997, 140). It area has covered about 3640 kilometer per square with the 555 km of the total coast length of the island (Garcia and Servera 2003, 288). The climate of Mallorca is typically Mediterranean with moderate average temperatures. During the summer, the dry and warm season takes place. The annual rainfalls are 625 mm, with average temperature 16 celcius and 18 celcious except in the high mountain. With its favorable climate, extensive coastline and attractive beaches have lured visitors for many centuries. The butlers lifecycle model (1980), describes the growth, stagnation and decline phases of a tourist destination can be best apply in the destination of Mallorca from the growth stage to post-stagnation stage. In the period of exploration and involvement stages of Butlers model which started in 1930s tourism takes place in Mallorca act merely as an instrument for stimulating cultural and intellectual activity (Bull 1997, 141). Early development stage 1955s When it comes to 1955 Mallorca Island is in development stage where mass tourism started to grow during that period. There was a re-establishment of the tourist board that have significantly change the tourism on the island whereby the tourism become more closely associated with the development of package holidays and mass tourism from the growing markets in western and northern Europe (Pearce 1991 and Williams 1997). However in 1959, Spanish government took the initiate to simplify the procedure of visiting the country in order to modernize the Spanish economy through tourism by gaining overseas revenue (Stabilisation Act of 1959). The numbers of visitors started to growth constantly in early 1960s, majority of the visitors were dominated from UK and Germany in large volumes concentrated especially during summer season (Clark 1988) (Figure 1). Consolidation stage-1980s-1990s Between 1960s-1980s the consequences from the boom of international tourism to Mallorca, it led to an intensive resort development of the along the coastline. Most of the island originated from the rapid growth of cheap package holidays in the 1960s. However in the late of 1970s, many buildings, resorts and apartments were built in order to cater large numbers of visitors and growing number of the populations. Majority of these early resorts were portrayed by standard high-rise architecture, short of proper infrastructure and lack of planning, which are typical of the consolidation stages of Butlers model. Buswell (1996, 321) has described the growth of tourist resolution on Mallorca as unplanned and piecemeal, even chaotic. After that resorts have been subject matter to stricter planning laws which set up in the 1980s and 1990s. Subsequently Mallorca has maintained its popularity with tourists, particularly from UK and Germany moreover constantly attracts more than 10 m visitors per annum (Buswell 1996 and Government Balear 2003) Stagnation and Decline stage-1990s-2000s In late 1990s, environmental pressures begin to emerge in Mallorca regarding to the issue such as water shortages, climate change, overcrowding, and over commercialization as well as anti-social behavior by its visitors. This eventually causes an overall of decline in number of visitors arrive to its destination. In provisions of destination life cycle dynamics, the tourism product of Mallorca was beginning to stagnate and decline and required management planning and policy intervention to bring about its rejuvenation (Butler, 1980). Development of Mass tourism in Calvia, Mallorca Calvià ¡ is a municipality of Mallorca which is also one of the largest tourism receiving areas. It accounted about one third of the total flow of tourists to Balearic Islands. It covers 145 km ² and has a coastal strip of 56 Km of beaches and cliffs which make it as absolutely suitable destination for mass tourism. It offers accommodation for 120,000 bedspaces and with approximately up to 1.6 million visitors a year (Aguilo, Algere and Sard, 2005). Furthermore, with its location in tiny distance from the airport of Palma creates an easily accessible to the visitors. The population of the resident increased from 3000 in habitants during 1960 up to 30,000 in the late nineties (Dodds 2007). Since 19th century, tourism began to be as main economic activity of its island (Ministerio de Economia y Hacienda, 2005). Tourism development in Calvià ¡ boomed in the 1960s and has been based on short-term economic gain. As Aguilo et al. (2005) states, it was one of the first municipalities to experience negative effects of mass tourism. Lack of planning regulations resulted in urban sprawl and lack of environmental regard, similar to many Mediterranean resorts. The model of tourism development in Mallorca has been based on short-term interest, unlimited building out of tune with local conditions, and an unsustainable exploitation of exceptional natural resources. Tourist development took place in 1960s to 1980s and was hasty and unplanned. Economy In economic point of view, tourism is important as it create job opportunities, infrastructure development as well as foreign exchange. The unemployment rate is much lower than national average (Ministerio de Trabajo 2005) as there are about 31,793 people employed in restaurant-bars, 2057 in means of transportation rental, 483 in supermarkets, 398 people employed in souvenir shops and another 1,684 work in other tourist facilities. Meanwhile 1,402 involved in beach business and 18,003 are involved in providing tourist activities. It has been estimated that Calvià ¡ owns a total number of 61749 vacancies providing tourist activities (Molz 2004). It has 30% higher income per capital of national and 5% higher of E.U. levels (Ministerio de Economia y Hacienda 2005). Looking at these figures it becomes absolutely obvious 85% of Balearic Islands GNP is from tourist industry, and tourism is the major source of income for the municipality of Calvià ¡. Therefore its economy is entirely reli ant upon it. From the statistics numbers given, it can be conclude that there is high number of labour force joining the labour market, the tourist monoculture especially during the peak seasonal pattern, labour with a low salary system, and pressure of work during high season (Local Agenda 21 2001). Socio culture impact While tourism provides certain economic benefits to a region at least in the short term, it also causes disturbance to the local way of life. For the locals the concerns may derive due to the unfulfilled promises, destruction of an older and simpler way of life, inadequacy of employment opportunities or dissatisfaction with the economic changes which came with mass tourism development. Before tourism takes place, Calvià ¡ was fundamentally a poor and rural area with little outside contact and general history of emigration with its own language and culture of Catalan roots (Ruzza 2004). However tourism has wholly altered these features; a vast number of immigration from the Spanish peninsula arrived to fulfill the demand for labour created by the growth of mass tourism, particularly in the building industry and the hotel business. Consequent to that the temporary immigrant population, has gradually turn into resident, eventually this causes the loss of cultural identity, conflict over language issues, and lack of social integration within local and immigrant population and tiny participation in local social life. Although Calvià ¡ is Spains richest municipality and one of the richest in Europe, it has the lowest level of education in Spain which itself the lowest in Europe (Ayuntament de Calvià ¡ 1995). Besides, majority of employment are for waiters and house cleaner which are lack of trained skilled professionals. Consequences of too many visitors Reason tourist choose Calvià ¡ as holiday destination The persistence of the sun and sand model (2005, 222), describes that the reason induces tourists to choose the particular sun and sand destination include the climate of 76.2%, the beaches (51.2%), the price (36.4%), and the quality of the hotels (22.2%). Among all, climate is the fundamental reason followed by the beaches which induces tourists for choosing such destination. As a result Calvià ¡ received a growing number of visitors who travel to a mass tourism holiday destination attracted by the sun, beaches and the climate. Calvià ¡ were seen as a model based on value, in terms of price competition it has lure many visitors especially from UK and German with it standardization of the holiday experience (CIITIB, 2002). Social impact For the local point of view, visitors seem to utilize the physical environment from the local however the profit that generated from the visitors are not share with the local community. Thus it create adverse impacts on livelihoods and lack of benefit sharing with the local people who will bear tourism related costs to both the human and natural environment. Eventually conflicts arise between local populations with vast number of visitors as they need to compete for limited use of resources such as water, sanitation, energy and land uses. For tourists the view is often recapitulate with the statements such as this used to be a paradise but now it is ruined because of overcrowding, over commercialization or overdevelopment. The mass tourism tackiness and the variety of problems experienced in Calvià ¡ have too often created blemish alongside beautiful natural scenery; crowded with large numbers of tourists as if they were many cattle; ruined traditional cultures and occupational patterns by creating a insidious tourism industry characterized by low paying service jobs and manipulative values; and ignored the needs of local citizens and the community values that were inconsistent with pragmatic economic requirements of the tourism industry. Environmental impact The risen numbers of visitors and residents have immense environmental pressure in Calvià ¡. As mentioned in butlers life cycle, Mallorca was in the period of stagnation in 1990s may lay on the line by emerging environmental pressure particularly water shortages and climatic change. Inadequate water supply The issue of inadequate water supply especially during peak period and summer season, water supplies is exacerbated by visitors flows for use in hotels, swimming pools and golf course. According to the statistic documented in 1995, the water consumption by visitors amounted of 160 liters per day whereby resident is only 130 liters. High demand in energy consumption Annual consumption of primary energy in Calvià ¡ amount to 72,000 TEP per year of which only 2% is renewable. However, the consumption per day was 6.47 kwh and visitors consumption amounted to 2.14 kwh per night stay in a hotel (Dodds 2007). Pollution by Transports The emissions of carbon dioxide equaled 1,400,000 tones which 58% is due to transporting tourist in and out of Mallorca. In Calvià ¡ 1995 statistic,70 million journeys per year where 50 million where from visitors which are a major cause of traffic congestion. Urban waste In 1995 Calvià ¡ produced 41000 tones of urban waste with approximately 1.25 kg per resident / day however 1kg per visitors per day. Moreover the options for disposal were limited. The production of wastewater and solid waste in visitor areas often surpass the carrying capacity of local infrastructure due the high seasonal demand. Deterioration of the Land use Building development in Calvià ¡ has been excessive with mass occupation of sandy beaches and important enclaves along the rocky coastline. With over 60% of Calvià ¡ territory was affected by soil erosion. There was continuous land occupation by urbanization and development of new infrastructure damage caused by quarries and waste dumps and devastation by forest fire. According to an accounting of the distribution of the entire area of Calvià ¡ made by Schmitt () in 1991 the build-up-area has quadrupled in the years from 1968 to 1991 (+311.6%). However 57% of archaeological heritage were at high risk of deterioration. Overcrowded beach Almost 80% of the analyzed cases show overcrowding despite an urban beach or natural beach. There is a strong seasonal concentration of visitors between June and September because of the demand for sun and beaches. Subsequently this led to overcrowded beach with less than 6 m ² of beach surface per person with increasing anthropogenic pressure over the coastal zone (Garcia and Jaume 2003, 287). Solution Calvià ¡ is an example of a mass tourism destination which, from a result of tourism pressure in the late 1980s, faced significant economic, social and environmental decline. As mentioned by Butler (1993) tourism is an activity because of its reliance upon the maintenance of natural environment and natural processes, should lent itself toward sustainable development. In the case of Calvià ¡ the decrease of tourism numbers and Balearic Island as a whole driven regulations and efforts to move towards addressing the problems of the degradation of the environment, deterioration of social systems and facilities and the threat of further tourism decline. Definition of Planning and Policy The definition of planning is extremely ambiguous and difficult to define. Chadwick (1971, 24) states that planning is a process of human thought with an action based upon the thought in point of fact, forethought, thought for the future, nothing more or less than this is planning. Meanwhile Hall (2008, 90) supported Chadwicks ideas to conclude that most important aspect of planning is that it is directed towards the future. However, planning cannot be accomplished without policy because it is closely related terms. Wilkinson (1997) linked planning and policy by stating planning is a course of action, whereas policy is the implementation of the planned course of action. Planning and policy in the case of Calvià ¡ Calvià ¡ Plan for tourist Excellent 1990 The plan was developed in 1990 as to target the threat of decline. It comes along with the Balearic Autonomous community in cooperation with the municipalities as to modernize, improve and diversify the tourism. This plan included building clearance to regain open space, try to counterbalance the seasonal nature of tourism and training and employment. However this plan is mainly focused on the industry supply side instead of sustainability of the destination and host community did not involve at all. As a result, it did not attempt to overcome the growing issues that have arisen. Calvià ¡ Local Agenda 21 (LA21) 1995 At the end of 1994, the Town council of Calvià ¡, together with a range of working groups, drew up the Local Agenda 21 for Calvià ¡ as a long term strategies integrated with economic, social, territorial and environment actions. In formulating LA21 in 1995 and Action Plan in 1997, the Municipality of Calvià ¡ actively involved the support of local community, all the stakeholders, NGO as well as national and EU governments. The key objectives for LA21 Calvià ¡ concentrating on entering a new culture based on sustainable and participatory urban and tourism planning; emphasize environmental management of the destination, look for for agreement and consensus with social representatives, control development and act for more stable employment in the area. (Calvià ¡ Agenda Local 21, Mallorca, Spain 2004). In 1998 New Balearic Law in Calvià ¡ was set out as to limit accommodation growth, restore existing hotels and to protect 40% of natural areas. The objectives of the LA21 comprises of 10 strategic lines of action and 40 initiatives. Key results that have been achieved since the implementation of Calvià ¡s 1997 plan The LA21 Action Plan which were set out in 1997 were seems to have improvement in a general movement toward sustainability within the region and as Calvià ¡ is fairly autonomous, it was able to adopt and implement many initiatives without the need for collaboration from higher government. Among those key results that have been achieved since the implementation of the LA21 action plan are stated below: Planning and Regeneration Zero increase in number of hotels and apartments as well as drop of 200 beds 1993-2002-about 30 building clearance plan actions were carried out including actual building demolition and the purchase of urban plots to prevent further construction. Demolished buildings of the entire surface area reaches more than 13,500m ². Upgraded area in Magaluf Palma Nova tourist area by creating pedestrian zones and planting tree as to improve the overall quality of the area. 32 km cycling and walking path was built in Paseo de Calvià ¡ Environmental instruments Tax on water for conservation and awareness campaigns promoting its use and conservation established Recycling urban waste reduction plans to ensure 70% of all urban waste is separated at origin, facilitating reducing cost of recycling effort, minimizing land fill. Termination of sea dredging previously used to generate beaches and more environmentally friendly measures put in place to minimize erosion New regulating for limiting anchor damage harbor congestion caused by boats Establishment of marine park terrestrial protected areas as to protect wildlife ecosystems Economic instruments Impose an eco-tax in 2002 by Balearic Government; the funds were used to carry out Calvià ¡ council rehabilitation and regenerative projects. Voluntary instruments Renovation programmes for hotels, tourist accommodation and tourist facilities established to upgrade quality and attract a higher yield tourist Socio cultural instruments Programmes to combat crime, housing and other social issues Multi-cultural and social programmes such as dance, underwater photography and language classes established to help integrate immigrants into Mallorquin culture. Calvià ¡ has been recognized internationally for its efforts conclusion Calvià ¡ 2.0 The development of mass tourism in Calvia, Mallorca. 2.1 Definition of Mass Tourism Over the last decades, tourism has increasingly playing a vital role as a source of economic sector despite for many developed and developing countries. The tourism industry has given an opportunity to millions ofpeople to travel internationally, as travel and recreation are becoming more accessible to people,it is knowable to be the world leading economic sector during this decade.

College or Univeristy Graduation Speech -- Graduation Speech, Commence

I’ve spent weeks trying to think of what it is I’d like to share with you on this special morning†¦ what words of wisdom I could possibly impart, what bits of knowledge I have obtained during these past five years that I could share. And after careful deliberation and consideration, I came to the conclusion that I have absolutely nothing to say. I’ve asked several people, "So, like, if you were listening to a speech, and, like, you wanted to enjoy it†¦ what would you want to hear?" And these several people all had the same reply, "Don’t be boring." So, that was a really big help. I refuse to start out with some sort of typical, "My fellow graduates†¦" introduction, and I’ll be gosh-darned if I start with a quote, like, "As Shakespeare once said†¦".. Basically, I realized that I’m walking away with a degree in Physics, and I cannot compose a simple graduation speech. Someone needs to explain to me how I can complete five years of college and leave here incapable of delivering a simple speech. I’m a little bitter. The problem is that I’m not sure whether the lessons I’ve learned are the types of things you talk about in a speech like this. Most of the graduation speeches I’ve heard seem to be along the lines of, "You are the future! You are the promise of tomorrow! Dream and you will succeed!" And that’s really great; those are nice things to hear. But I can honestly say that I have never reached a difficult moment in my life and then thought, "I didn’t know what to do, but then I remembered something my graduation speaker once said, and everything fell into place!" So, I’m not here to give advice, and I’m not here to impart words of wisdom, and I’m not here to inspire you to succeed. I would just like to wish you all the good and... ...ied to. Waking up five minutes before the alarm is supposed to go off. Missing your flight. Spilling your drink. Breaking a dish. Arguments over stupid things. Sunburns. Saying goodbye†¦ You may never be a CEO. You may never win an Oscar. You may never sing at the Met. You may never get married and have a family. But this is your story. That’s it. One shot. Feel it all. I don’t have the faintest idea what’s going to happen, and I think it’s great. I’ve spent five years trying to figure out what I should be doing the moment this ceremony is over, and I still don’t have an answer. And that’s okay. In fact, it’s perfect. If we knew life’s outcome, what would be the point of going through it? It’s a story, and it’s yours, and whatever happens just make sure you feel your life. One shot. My fellow graduates, as Shakespeare once said, "The readiness is all."

Ethical Issues Relating to Halliburton and Iraqi Contracts Essay

This paper examines ethical issues faced by public sector employees and employees of private sector firms that conduct business with and for government agencies. The paper discusses Halliburton, a U. S. defense contractor, in light of the primary issue, several secondary ethical issues, and the impact on stakeholders involved. The goal is to make recommendations for how prospective employees and managers can handle similar situations. Overview of Contracting Activities at Halliburton Since 2001 energy services company Halliburton and it’s subsidiary KBR have performed unspecified services to the U. S. military in Iraq, Kuwait, and serveral other countries under a no-bid, long-term global logistics contract, LOGCAP. During the course of awarding and executing these contracts at least two persons have made the decision to become whistle blowers, a government contracting employee and a Halliburton/KBR procurement employee. The government employee disclosed that Halliburton/KRB was involved in closed-door meetings with the Army Corps of Engeneers that resulted in the no-bid, multi-year, billion dollar contract being awared exclusivley to Halliburton/KBR. (Morning Edition October 29,2004) The procurement employee disclosed that activitities inside Halliburton/KBR resulted in overcharging the government and taxpayers for goods and services and eliminating competition among potential vendors. Specific allegations include soliciting higher priced products and services because the government pays a fee bassed on the total of goods/services procured and manipulating purchases orders to maintain a maximum of $2,500 to avoid the bidding process between prospective vendors. Stakeholders The stakeholders in this situation are the client, the U. S. government; taxpayers who are the investors or funders of the government; the vendors, who through the bidding process maintain a competitive and profitable business environment; and employees who make sure that their employers receive the best value for the services and products they procure. Ethical dilemmas Should employees bring wrongdoing to light and if so, how? Will the decision violate the privacy of vendors or other employees? Is it legal to disclose certain activities related to defense contracts? Secondary ethical issues relate directly to the stakeholders. Is the U. S. government unfairly awarding contracts? Is that awarding process facilitating a culture of overcharging, which is absorbed by U. S. taxpayers. Are vendors intentionally overcharging Halliburton/KBR? Are Halliburton/KBR’s procurement practices eliminating competition in the marketplace?

Write a critical appreciation of Senecas Apocolocyntosis

Seneca ‘s Apocolocyntosis provides us with one of the richest and most unusual texts to hold emerged from Rome. The Apocolocyntosis covers the narrative of Claudius, emperor of Rome and, while it is likely that the sarcasm was composed for Saturnalia in AD54, and does non incorporate a great figure of historical truths, it does possess important artistic virtue insofar as it is rich with dual entendre and critical argument. The typical qualities to Seneca ‘s Apocolocyntosis have led critics to oppugn the cogency of the text as a work by Seneca himself. Indeed, Seneca is most often known as a author of stoic philosophical treatises in a proto-Christian manner ; the Apocolocyntosis is chiefly representative of an entirely different manner. However, although these subjective responses to Seneca ‘s writing have been legion, it ‘s innately subjective nature does non travel so far as to assume that the work was written by person else. In add-on, many of the subjects in the Apocolocyntosis can be traced back through Seneca ‘s old work. Second, the rubric of the text itself is slightly deep, and is a word to depict the transmutation of a adult male into a Cucurbita pepo. Of class, in a actual sense this does non go on, although some critics have attempted to place the literary and the metaphorical togss that may hold warrant this deeply unusual rubric. This debatable rubric has led some critics to reason that the Apocolocyntosis is unfinished, or that the portion of the text where the metabolism occurs is losing. The apocolocyntosis provides a alone chance for us to look at the precise compositional nature of the Menippean sarcasm, a genre of which few texts survive. Menippean sarcasm was developed as a peculiar manner and signifier of sarcasm formulated some 300 old ages therefore by Menippus of Gadara. Its main features include are in its signifier and composing, which include a mixture of prose and poetry. The intervention of its topics is characterised by a â€Å" serio-comic † attack, where the serious implicit in subjects of the drama are obfuscated with comedic overtones. This is important both in portraying the function and the significance of the drama, every bit good as in discoursing its literary virtues. The satiric qualities of the drama focal point chiefly around the Roman province, but other subjects besides emerge and are lambasted by Seneca: historiographers are attacked from the really beginning, possibly imparting creed to the fictional manner employed by Seneca hims elf. Historians are mocked for their nonpartisanship ( 1.1 ) and besides by avoiding citations ( 9.2 ) . The usage of citations is a peculiar point in which Seneca ‘s scathing satirization flows. His usage of Homeric citations in 5.4 besides draw attending to the abuse of citations: â€Å" Claudius was really pleased that there were philologues at that place: he hoped there would be some topographic point for his ain histories. So he excessively said in Homeric poetry: ‘From Ilium the air current transporting me drove me ashore at the Kikonians ‘ † ( 5.4 ) . He continues by adding â€Å" ( But the undermentioned poetry was more true, every bit Homeric: ‘and there I sacked the metropolis and killed the people ‘ ) † The attending Seneca draws to the usage of citations to pull strings and warrant a peculiar position. The ability of Seneca to overreach Claudius is, nevertheless stating, and suggests that Claudius himself came to the throne, in many peoples eyes illicitly, on the shoulders of the Praetorian Guard. Hercules ‘ original inquiry, â€Å" Of what race of work forces are you? Where is your metropolis and your parents? † is answered in a barbed and dry manner to depict Claudius ‘s rise to power. As Fraudenberg suggests, â€Å" the inquiry posed by Hercules has, in the class of the replies offered, go a inquiry about how Claudius came to be emperor ; by ( legal ) heritage, alludes Claudius ; by ( illegal ) force, alludes the storyteller † ( 98 ) . Of class, the dismissive tone in which Seneca attacks his legitimacy via the execution of these narrative â€Å" asides † provides a rich satiric presentation of the humor Seneca was capable of. In add-on, Seneca draws attending to the difference between these two mentions to Homer – the first, a inquiry used to show exactly, is obfuscated â€Å" intelligently † by Claudius, who ab initio appears to win out on the embezzleme nt of citation until the storyteller intervenes with a citation as brash and as purportedly unprocessed as Hercules. This question of the legitimacy of Claudius is both elusive and barbarous, as it invokes attending to Claudius ‘s controversial rise to power, every bit good as the ferociousness he employed during his clip as emperor. By add-on, Hercules, who here assumes the function of the common adult male, is non ridiculed but, furthermore, is celebrated for his genuineness and his stoical attack to the usage of citation. His unfavorable judgment extends to the usage of citation by historiographers, every bit good as offering a elusive deployment of biting linguistic communication against the supposed nonpartisanship of the storyteller, who purports to be a historian despite offering a fictionalised history of Claudius ‘s reign. The complexness of the sarcasm, as to whether Seneca is mocking himself, his characters, or the state of affairss in which he finds them, are skillfully and equivocally negotiated by Seneca, whose rhetorical endowments for obfuscating, lead oning and playing with the purposes of his audience are here demonstrated with all of its biting possible. Equally good as characters themselves, and their usage of citation to add cogency to their ( illegal ) invasions of power, the formalities of argument in the Senate are besides brutally mocked and rendered absurd by Seneca ( 9.5, 11.5 ) . As such, this would impart quality to the reading that Seneca is out to mock the full political system in operation in Rome, instead than the propensities and eccentricities of one peculiar adult male. Of class, these subjects in the context of satirical plants, which lightly mock about every convention and single, can non be separated. The topic of Seneca ‘s sarcasm is Claudius himself, whose inabilit y to go a divinity is brutally and carefully dissembled and made to look farcical. The rubric of Seneca ‘s drama has provoked a ample sum of interesting argument sing its beginnings and its significance. Scholars have debated the significance of Apocolocyntosis in the rubric, and how that relates to the content of the sarcasm. The Apocolocyntosis is a drama on the ideal, with the add-on of Cucurbita pepo or gourd – literally, the word has been taken to intend â€Å" transmutation into a Cucurbita pepo or calabash † . Many have suggested that the calabash referred to in the rubric is a mention to the die box that Claudius is given. While this position has its protagonists, the metaphor seems a small stretched: Sullivan remarks that â€Å" the die box account is far fetched even for a first-century gag, and it does non run into the point about the ‘gourdification ‘ † ( 210 ) . Besides, the statement that the Apocolocyntosis is uncomplete as a text is besides a debatable one ; merely, the sarcasm, although it ends slightly sudden ly and hurriedly, ties up the secret plan and seems to non look to arouse extra scenes. One interesting statement is that the Apocolocyntosis contains a deep copiousness of â€Å" Cucurbita pepos † in the authorship: Creitz ( 1966 ) suggests that the opening sentence of the sarcasm, â€Å" Quid actum sit in caelo ante diem III, idus Octobris anno novo, initio saeculi felicissimi, volo memoriae tradere † may incorporate the concealed Cucurbita pepos in the text: â€Å" Is there any significance in the first missive, Q? Could it non be considered a kinky Cucurbita pepo or melon? † ( 202 ) . In add-on, Octobris draws attending to the missive â€Å" O † , which is a Cucurbita pepo shaped missive. In add-on October is the month for reaping Cucurbita pepos. Symbolic importance of the Cucurbita pepo may besides hold metaphorical significance in the last scene, in which the myriad of cut-off caputs may be taken as representative of Cucurbita pepos. The derogatory position of Cucurbita pepos besides draws attending to the elusive satirical devices employed by Seneca to pull attending to Claudius ‘s regulation. Creitz continues by proposing that â€Å" The sarcasm pictures a individual unwanted and deformed on Earth, undesired in Eden and even undesired in the lower universe, who, figuratively, like Cucurbita pepo seeds, purged many † ( 202 ) . While this provocative reading of the text draws attending to Seneca ‘s gaiety, it is noted that this reading does non trust to supply a historical history of Seneca ‘s existent purposes, moreover it is merely based on â€Å" what his words say to us today † ( 202 ) . Creitz argues that statements that look to show the writer ‘s purposes are likely to be subjective because small exists about Seneca ‘s purposes for the text. Other readings of the rubric of the piece expression alternatively at the nuances behind the existent significance of Apocolocyntosis ; s ome argue that it is a severely represented wordplay, intending non so much Transformation into a Cucurbita pepo and more Transformation of a pumpkin-head, a reading that would make greater analogues with the behavior of Claudius throughout the text. This is moreover given cogency by the common relationship at the clip between the word calabash and empty-headedness or folly. This, Sullivan argues, is â€Å" correspondent to the nineteenth-century association in England and the United States of the Cucurbita pepo with stupidity and ego † ( 210 ) . As such, the reading of Cucurbita pepo as stupidity prevents a actual readings of the text and focal points alternatively upon the metaphorical significance of Cucurbita pepo as stupid. The critical response to Seneca ‘s Apocolocyntosis has provoked many vindicators of Seneca ‘s work into denying that it was written by Seneca ; so, Seneca ‘s work here is radically different from other plants that he has produced, which tend towards humourless and stoical philosophical contemplation ( e.g. Letterss to Lucilus ) . In add-on, the damning of Claudius in this sarcasm does non work good with his old work, notably the Consolatio ad Polybium, which flatters Claudius. Of class, guesss over writing and genuineness of course depend to a great extent upon the given that Seneca himself had consistent sentiments about affairs. In add-on, a reading such as this denies the political function Seneca had ; so, from what is known about Seneca ‘s life, about his expatriate by Caligula and his subsequent poesy keening his expatriate, that these pieces were probably to hold been politically motivated. Sullivan remarks that Seneca ‘s â€Å" philosophical pen was barely of all time unguided by practical or political motivations † ( 212 ) . The premise environing the incompatibilities of Seneca ‘s work assumes that Seneca operated with genuineness himself ; of class, the likeliness is that Seneca himself was composing this drama in order to curry favor or to accomplish his political purposes. Incompatibility in Seneca ‘s work hence, does nil to turn out the cogency of the Apocolocyntosis as a work by Seneca. Critics have besides argued that the stylistic qualities of the Apocolocyntosis, as a visible radiation and satirical piece, appear out of topographic point in Seneca ‘s overall canon, and that the auctorial presence of Seneca is hard to identity as a consequence of this. Of class, the dismissal of the Apocolocyntosis on these evidences mask the serious implicit in political subjects of the work. The discrediting of Claudius, presumptively, satisfied some political purpose at the clip, as power shifted from Claudius to Nero. In add-on, the structural features of the Apocolocyntosis, which strictly employ Seneca ‘s typical and ample accomplishments in rhetoric and poetry, echo that of a Menippean sarcasm, which had been used extensively across Roman literature at the clip. As such, impressions of writing on evidences of incompatibility of manner can be dismissed. It is likely that the Apocolocyntosis was written hurriedly for a choice audience of a few people ; while critics have debated the relationship Seneca had to Claudius, and the incompatibilities of his attack, it is likely that this represents a more realistic portraiture of Seneca ‘s positions on Claudius – while other work flattering of Claudius was written as an effort to revoke his expatriate from Rome, the Apocolocyntosis and its scathing portraiture of Claudius is likely to stand for Seneca ‘s personal hate of Claudius. Despite the haste of its construct, the work employs and efficaciously utilises a figure of devices used by poets at the clip ; many transitions demonstrate Seneca ‘s capacity to satirise the bad poesy used by other Menippean authors ; in add-on, the subdivision praising Nero represents a aside in which Seneca shapes the narrative to include. This Aureate Age suggestion points to a more precise dating of the piece, as it was by and large accepted that the startup of a new emperor brings about a explosion of adulation. Therefore, Seneca ‘s drama can be dated to around AD54, during the clip of Nero ‘s startup. Its purpose, which is evidently an of import factor to see when discoursing Seneca ‘s work, is likely to be to discredit Claudius specifically, although some argument on philosophical evidences have suggested that Seneca was satirising the deification of all emperors instead than merely Claudius himself. The complexness of Seneca ‘s sarcasm has led to a figure of treatments about the purpose and the intent of the drama itself ; it is likely that the new epoch ushered in by Nero provided the footing for Seneca ‘s sarcasm. But there are besides sarcasms of more general, philosophical and political subjects that add grist to the factory. Seneca besides satirizes bad poets, poetic conventions and poetic linguistic communication, and utilises more conversational phrases, and even utilize these conversational phrases for the Gods themselves. The sarcasm therefore satirizes the physical stature of Claudius, but besides goes farther in its satirization of Roman civilization in general. The gaiety of the work makes it distinguishable from Seneca ‘s other work, which focuses alternatively on trying to delight Seneca ‘s many powerful disparagers and enemies. Overall, Seneca ‘s Apocolocyntosis provides us with a alone penetration into the mechanics of the Menippean sarcasm, as it provides us with the lone complete edition of such a drama. In add-on, while the drama is clearly shaped as a fictional history which attempts to jab merriment of Roman society and peculiarly of Claudius himself, it besides provides penetrations into the historical conditions that provoked the building of the drama itself. In add-on, the Apcolocyntosis besides provides us with a presentation of Seneca ‘s typical endowments for pun and elusive sarcasm, which provides us with a rich penetration into the more playful properties of this contradictory figure. While the elation of Seneca ‘s tone is unusual in the context of Seneca ‘s other plants, it besides masks more serious thematic content, notably on the abuse of rhetoric in order to acquire political addition, which is smartly satirized by the usage of Homeric citations and of historical c laims of legitimacy. The voluminous scholarship composed refering this drama has besides focussed on critical facets of the drama, notably in the map of the rubric, the mentions to Cucurbita pepos and calabashs, and of the precise map of Seneca ‘s analysis of Claudius, which radically alters by comparing to his earlier work. Overall, the penetrations offered, the considerable literary virtues of the work, and the critical treatments of this work have sparked a great trade of contention environing this unusual drama ; while argument continues over the genuineness, the quality and the authorization of this work, it besides provides us with alone penetrations into both the building of sarcasms in this manner, of the conversational manner used at the clip of its Hagiographas, and of the historical conditions that surrounded its creative activity.

Essay on English Primary Language

Essay on English Primary Language Essay on English Primary Language Uniting as One Judging from personal experience I would have to agree that English being the Native Language of the United States, should be something to strive for. Especially those who want to make a home and progress in this country. Not only is our constitution based upon the English Language, it also emphasized the fact that an individual should know English if he/she wishes to become a citizen. I believe that language disputes are all over the world, and there needs to be a change in order for us to become a greater country. It is obvious that communication is a problem in this country. Therefore, English should be a mandatory language for those living in this country. In order for all of us to communicate it is best for all living in the country to know one language. It would not only benefit this country, but to oneself as well. People who migrate to this country should strive to learn the English Language, so they can live a better life. There are a variety of jobs for those who speak more than one language. If those who migrate here only speak their native language or chose not to learn English, they’re not going to progress in life. The reason being why America is such a great country is because of the diversity that we have. That is why we are known as the melting pot. Since diversity offers a variety of ideals, and beliefs, it is beneficial to our country. I believe that the many different perspectives and views of a person is very important to this country. But it is hard for the majority of us to speak up, especially if one doesn’t know how to speak English. Speaking too many of my relatives, who are immigrants, they too agree that English should be mandatory. Their point of view based upon fact that people who migrate to this country are looking for a better life. From their experience they came into this country not knowing English and the only way to progress in any job is to know the language; Without having done so jobs would be limited and relatively hard to find. I see their struggles that they face, and I see that they try their best to be a part of this country. They came here to have th e best opportunities out there. Thus, being the reason why they learned the English Language. Becoming a citizen was my mother’s dream, and I am proud to say that she achieved it. She came into this country not knowing a word of Spanish. She told me stories that it was very hard for her

great gatsby essays

great gatsby essays The characters in The Great Gatsby illustrate that, by the 1920s, the American Dream is deteriorating. Through symbolism, F. Scott Fitzgerald shows that the lost generation brought with it the deterioration of the American Dream. Immigrants from all over the world, at the beginning of the twentieth century, came to America with the hopes of establishing new lives different from the way they lived in Europe and other parts of the world. America was that land where anything was possible. People who lived in poverty, without any way of making their lives better, could come to America and start over. Dreams could come true in America. Well-paying jobs and nice houses, complete with white picket fences, were ideals that exemplified the American Dream. Gatsbys vision is like the American Dream itself, the illusion that youth and beauty can be forever recaptured if only one can make enough money. He is the symbol for the whole American experience. Gatsby, who is in love with Daisy thinks that by turning materialistic, he can win her over. He thinks that money alone will be enough to fulfill an ideal, which shows what the American Dream had come to mean to people in the 1920s. Daisy is a depiction of the American woman of her class. She is beautiful and charming but yet very hollow. Her apparent emotion is only the illusion of love, just as her voice gives only the fallacy of sincerity; behind it is a self-satisfied smirk. Jay Gatsby never really accepted or was content with his parents who were shiftless and unsuccessful farm people(Fitzgerald 104). At seventeen years old, Gatsby changed his name from James Gatz to Jay Gatsby, and to this conception he was faithful to the end(104). In this way, Gatsby erases his past and his parentage in a very superficial manner. The name change serves as a transition for Gatsby in the same way immigrants had naive innocence and idealistic ho...

A List of Free Printable History Worksheets

A List of Free Printable History Worksheets Many different teaching approaches can bring history alive for your students. Add these printable history worksheets to your studies to reinforce your lessons and allow students to hone their knowledge of important historical events and people. President Abraham Lincoln Abraham Lincoln PrintablesUse word searches, vocabulary quizzes, crossword puzzles, and coloring pages to help students learn about Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. Activities also teach about the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial and the first lady from 1861 to 1865, Mary Todd Lincoln. Black History Month: Famous Firsts Black History Month PrintablesAt this link, teachers can find important background information about Black History Month in addition to worksheets and other activities focused on famous firsts among black Americans. The Famous Firsts Challenge, for example, has students match up a famous first for black Americans, such as the first African-American to go into space, with the correct name from a list of choices. Chinas Long and Ancient History Chinese History PrintablesWith a history spanning thousands of years, China is for many people the subject of a lifetime of study. While your students probably wont embark on such an endeavor, this link offers handouts to introduce your students to concepts related to Chinese culture and government. One handout also presents a number matching activity for students to learn how to count to 10 in Chinese. The American Civil War U.S. Civil War PrintablesAmericas Civil War might be the most studied and debated subject in U.S. history. Using the printables at this link, students can become more familiar with the names, places, and events that defined this crucial era for the American republic. Lewis and Clark and the American Frontier Lewis and Clark PrintablesExploration and expansion of the American frontier are essential elements to understanding the United States as a nation and a people. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark were hired to explore the Louisiana Territory that President Thomas Jefferson bought from the French. With the activities and worksheets at this link, students learn more about issues related to Lewis and Clark and their travels. Medieval Times Medieval Era PrintablesThe medieval era is a fascinating time for many students, with tales of knights and jousting as well as political and religious intrigue. Among the activities at this link is a detailed coloring sheet for learning all about a suit of armor. Also included is Medieval Times Theme Paper on which students can write a story, poem or essay about the period. New Seven Wonders of the World New 7 Wonders of the World PrintablesWith an announcement in July 2007, the world was introduced to the New Seven Wonders of the World. The Pyramids of Giza, the oldest and only Ancient Wonder still standing, is included as an honorary candidate. The printables here teach students about the Pyramids and the others: the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu, Chichen Itza, Christ the Redeemer, the Colosseum, and Petra. American Revolutionary War Revolutionary War PrintablesBy learning about the Revolutionary War students discover the actions and principles of the nations founders. With the activities at this link, students gain a good overview of vocabulary and names related to the Revolution, as well as particular events, such as the Surrender of Cornwallis and Paul Reveres Ride. Womens History Month (March) Womens History Month PrintablesMarch in the United States is National Womens History Month, which recognizes and celebrates womens contributions to Americas history, society, and culture. The printables at this link introduce many important women with significant historical legacies whose names students might not immediately know. These worksheets and activities will heighten students appreciation for the role of women in U.S. history. World War II Historical Timeline WWII History PrintablesStudents will use and expand their knowledge of World War II to complete the activities at this link, which include a crossword puzzle; spelling, alphabetizing and vocabulary sheets; and coloring pages.

Child Soldiers in West Africa on Security in Europe Article - 1

Child Soldiers in West Africa on Security in Europe - Article Example In West Africa, human security has become a serious issue. The security maintenance has been spoiled in past few years, the reason might be any external or internal. (Diallo and Possà ©mà ©-Rageau, pg. 8) An estimated value of the world child labor report shows that 246 million children between the ages of 5-17 are under child labor category. The highest number of working children is found in Asia, then Africa and then in US, Middle East, and other countries. Although the greatest number of working children exists in Asia, Africa has greatest child labor ratio according to its population. (Finken, pg. 4) The aim of this paper is not to focus on the child labor issue but specifically child labor in form of soldiers’ issue. Throughout the world, about 87 countries have such a setup in which children are used as soldiers. A number of children are under training and many have been passed all the training and actively participating in wars, combats and certain other actions. According to the child soldier report 1379 report; child soldiers are defined as: â€Å"†¦any person under 18 years of age who is a member of or attached to the armed forces or an armed group, whether or not there is an armed conflict. Child soldiers may perform tasks ranging from direct participation in combat; military activities such as scouting, spying, sabotage, acting as decoys, couriers or guards; training, drill and other preparations; support functions such as pottering and domestic tasks; sexual slavery and Forced labor.† â€Å"Not surprisingly, the laws of war, the rules that govern how conflict is waged, and even human rights law, do not go far enough, and children, women and the family must bear the cost, precisely because they are together essential pillars in society. War today just simply does not match the traditional conception of two opposing armies; or even of an internal conflict pitting an armed opposition force against the established government, in which each side generally abides by the â€Å"rules of the game†, respecting the basic inviolability of civilian non-combatants and the special protection due to the young.’

A critical theoretical and visual analysis of my experience of work Essay

A critical theoretical and visual analysis of my experience of work - Essay Example During my work experience I had faced situations where my favorite project was cancelled though I worked very hard on it, also there were times where the customers treated me badly though it was totally unfair, my best friend at work was terminated, my colleagues were being unfair towards me and also my boss use to shout at me although I was really working hard. All these things pile up and you feel like shouting at the top of your voice or probably run away from your work. At work showing your emotions especially negative emotions can seriously harm your professional reputation along with the productivity. Stressful situations are very common at workplace where we have to deal with budget cuts along with department changes. It becomes very hard to deal with your own emotions in such circumstances. There is a lot of work load along with a constant push of getting promoted and becoming more efficient. It was very important to know how to handle your emotions in such circumstances. It is important to know how to react in bad situations. It is important to always share positive emotions, both ways constructively and also professionally. It is very important to have that in a workplace.... It is important at work to avoid anxiety and worry. I made a worry log where I would write down all the worries which churn my head and then tried finding solutions to the problems. Physical relaxation plays an important role here with proper risk analysis. Anger is another important factor which is very obvious in the picture, anger management is very crucial at work in order to achieve success, we need to properly deal with unfair criticism. It is very important to be respectful towards others and also to be assertive if the other person is rude and unprofessional. Disappointment can be dealt positively by keeping a proper check at one’s mindset and to adjust the goals properly. My work experience taught me that smile is a very important and also a very crucial factor which helps in solving many problems. We all have to deal with negative emotions and we have to learn how to cope up with them as it is very important. It is crucial to know what type of feelings cause such emo tions and also how you can deal with them before they become very prominent. The other picture I have selected is depicting the importance of team work in an organization and how a good team can make work experience a very memorable one and amazing, and a bad team can sabotage the experience and also affect your performance negatively. Now there are few things which are important to analyze before going for team work that includes why the team is developed, what can make teamwork successful, group dynamics overview along with encouraging positive and productive groups. The picture is showing why the team is made and how various individuals with similar

US History Questions Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

US History Questions - Assignment Example The causes of the New Imperialism were economic, political and cultural causes. The economic causes involved the Western powers who were looking for sources for raw materials to run their factories. They were also looking for a future market to sell their manufactured goods and the Western bankers were looking for places to gain more profits. On the political front these Western powers were anxious for power and hence they believed that more land ownership meant more power. Having more land and colonies was also considered to be a status symbol; it showed strength and prestige of a nation. The cultural causes that led to Imperialism were the beliefs of the Western leaders. They believed that the best and strongest nation comes out only after they have faced struggle. Some racists believed that some races were better and superior to others. Some European leaders believed they had a duty to help and educate the African and Asian people. By the end of the 1800s the United States also to ok part in the Imperialism and colonial takeover. They defeated a Spanish fleet in Manila Bay and took over Philippines. They took over this territory claiming it was their obligation to civilize other parts and other people of the world. Americans had hidden motives behind this takeover. They eyed the Philippines as a stepping stone to reach the Chinese markets and they were also trying to prevent Japan to take charge of the area. United States did not treat those territories like they should have; they did not treat them morally like they claimed they would. This unit of our class examined the Progressive Era and World War I. Whether we were discussing world events or domestic problems (social problems, class issues, labor issues, technology, government, gender) it seems that all of the struggles of the era can be traced back to a few key questions: How do people live in a modern industrial society and what

Debate between Augustine and an astrologer on the validity of Essay - 1

Debate between Augustine and an astrologer on the validity of astrology - Essay Example It was Augustine who gave the most prominent, compelling, and wide-ranging criticism of astrology during his period. He stated, in the Confessions, that earlier in his life he was fascinated by astrologers and astrology but after his acceptance of the Christian faith, he fervently condemned the astrology’s fatalism as ‘having the effect to persuade men not to worship any god at all’ (Ferrari 1977, 247). At the heart of other claims, Augustine recognized that valid astrological forecasts are attributable to the aid of demons and that although the stars influence earthly evolution, ‘it does not follow that the wills of men are subject to the configurations of the stars’ (Demetra 2001, 14). Augustine, in another book, talked about the dilemma of the Star of Bethlehem and argued that it was a ‘new star that shone because Christ was born and its purpose was to point the way for the Magi to find the Word of God’ (Demetra 2001, 14). In contrast, as a challenge to these arguments of Augustine, Manuel Komnenos’s dilemma in forming a dispute where in astrology was not viewed as sacrilegious relied upon the claim that the will of God was greater than the stars’ authority (Demetra 2001). Hence, in his justification of astrology, Manuel should defend that the stars do not possess a self-sufficient will that transcends the omnipotence of God, but that the evident supremacy that prevails over them to influence outcomes in the world, is in reality God using the stars to communicate signs to the world (Demetra 2001). This possibility is strengthened by another scholar. Regarding this, it is to be distinguished that immediately at the preface of second Enncod’s third tractate Plotinus puts forth the differentiation between the stars as embodying occurrences in the future, and the stars as revealing such occurrences (Scott 1995). Almost two decades after Confessions, when writing City of God’s fifth

Business Strategies Implemented Internationally Research Paper - 1

Business Strategies Implemented Internationally - Research Paper Example How should you organize the business outside of the U.S.? Marketing department handles the sales operation in an international market. Setup of the export department that is in direct contact with the CEO. Setup of independent franchisees or subsidiaries whereby each franchise functions individually and is in direct contact with the CEO (Hodgetts & Rugman, 1995). Should you set-up reasonably independent companies, subsidiaries, in each foreign market? Yes, setting up subsidiaries in each of the international markets is one of the best ways to manage business outside the local market. The franchises are run according to the demands of that country. This is called as the multi-domestic strategy. Another similar strategy; known as international strategy, in this concept certain departments of the international franchise are still maintained by the parent company (Aswathappa, 2008). In order to exercise control over each of the subsidiary, it is important that the companies know which of the strategies it is going to implement and their relevant advantages and disadvantages. A subsidiary board of director will manage the various subsidiaries and their work and hence in this way it is easy to maintain the reputation and decrease the chances of risk in reputation. It is better not to impose a strict brand image and it is also important that all the subsidiaries be linked with the help of the internet or any other software that might be available

Developing Good Business Sense Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Developing Good Business Sense - Essay Example McDonalds is one of those organizations that are known for continuous development in their systems. Employees at McDonalds are not only involved in manufacturing of food and different aspects of operations management, they are also well-supported by automated system, hi-tech equipments and effective supply chain management system (McDonalds-UK, 2013). A critical analysis of McDonalds’ operations helped in understanding that minimum wastage, customer-oriented approach and environmental considerations are main features that govern the performance of its employees. Hence, effective cold chain, customer services and just-in time delivery by the supplier are the main features of McDonald’s operations that also govern the task performance of its employees. Like McDonalds, KFC is also supported with highly skilled labor and automation in its system. However, there is limited attention paid to materials management in terms of supplier’s selection and waste management. Wh ere McDonalds has strategic alliances to limited suppliers, KFC has a rather extensive pool of suppliers. Yearly assessment of suppliers helps in selection for the next year. Unlike KFC and McDonalds, Amazon chose to identify the top selling items and have a readily available stock of such items. It is important to note that more than warehouse management; Amazon relies on its alliances with suppliers in different regions of the world and courier services. Therefore, employees working with Amazon are more supported with IT-based interventions than the actual manufacturing processes. McDonalds and KFC use flexible operating system when it comes to operations and materials management. They have computer-aided manufacturing programs with human intervention in a supervisory role than direct involvement in production. However, as far as delivery of ready-to-cook items and real-time cooking is concerned, it is performed through their employees. Such practice helps in ensuring that a suita ble quantity of finish product is available to meet the demands of consumers without incurring actual wastages. On the other hand, Amazon focuses on small-batch production when it comes to selection of operations and materials management. The storing capacity of Amazon is rather limited and it focuses on having strategic alliances in different regions for catering customers all around the world instead of having physical facilities across the globe. Only limited items are stored based on their past selling patterns and consumers’ demands. As far as their operations and materials management costs are concerned, McDonalds and KFC incur costs in terms of raw materials purchase, plant management and basic manufacturing, labor, inventory management and distribution (Jones, 2007). All these components are inevitable to incur as these fast food chains cannot outsource manufacturing processes. On the other hand, Amazon incurs costs because of products’ purchase, warehousing an d distribution along with human resource management. Since it does not perform direct manufacturing i.e. publishing, CD burning etc, itself, therefore it purchases ready products from publishers and vendors in different regions and deliver them to customers accordingly. Main source of costs is expected to be warehousing and d

Business Strategies Implemented Internationally Research Paper - 1

Business Strategies Implemented Internationally - Research Paper Example How should you organize the business outside of the U.S.? Marketing department handles the sales operation in an international market. Setup of the export department that is in direct contact with the CEO. Setup of independent franchisees or subsidiaries whereby each franchise functions individually and is in direct contact with the CEO (Hodgetts & Rugman, 1995). Should you set-up reasonably independent companies, subsidiaries, in each foreign market? Yes, setting up subsidiaries in each of the international markets is one of the best ways to manage business outside the local market. The franchises are run according to the demands of that country. This is called as the multi-domestic strategy. Another similar strategy; known as international strategy, in this concept certain departments of the international franchise are still maintained by the parent company (Aswathappa, 2008). In order to exercise control over each of the subsidiary, it is important that the companies know which of the strategies it is going to implement and their relevant advantages and disadvantages. A subsidiary board of director will manage the various subsidiaries and their work and hence in this way it is easy to maintain the reputation and decrease the chances of risk in reputation. It is better not to impose a strict brand image and it is also important that all the subsidiaries be linked with the help of the internet or any other software that might be available

Employment Essay Example for Free

Employment Essay The Organization that we selected as our topic of discussion in our Project Paper is the Wal-Mart Corporation. Sam Walton is the founder of Wal-Mart. He opened his first store called Wal-Mart Discount City in Rogers, Arkansas in July of 1962. Their corporate office is currently located in Bentonville, Arkansas. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. incorporated its stores on October 31, 1969. In 1972, they started selling stock on the New York Stock exchange. Although, though the company has had controversial operational business practices they have grown to be the largest Retail Corporations in the world. In 1997, Wal-Mart was able to become the largest private employer in the United States. In that same year, their annual sales totaled over $105 billion. In 2010, Wal-Mart has over 2. 1 million employees worldwide. There 2010 fiscal year sales exceeded $400 billion dollars (Wal-Mart About Us, 2010). I have been a loyal customer of Wal-Mart for years. Therefore, I was shocked when I found out about some of Wal-Marts questionable unofficial policies through talks with friends and family members who worked for them in the past and some who currently employed by them. My mother in law worked for them from 2006 thru 2008. She was required to work 8-hour shifts without a lunch break on a regular basis. One of my cousins was required to clock out because he was about to be in overtime and continue to work to keep labor cost down. I decided to Google Wal-Mart, to see if other people experienced the same injustice. I was stunned to see some of the practices of this company I loyally supported. According to an article released by the Associated Press on 12/24/08 called Wal-Mart to Pay Workers Up to $640 Million it will pay as much as $640 million to settle 63 lawsuits over wage-and-hour violations, ending years of dispute. Wal-Mart faced 76 similar class action lawsuits in courts across the country as of March 31, 2008. These violations range from having employees clock out and continue to work without pay, denying them with lunch breaks that they are entitled to by law, non-payment for overtime worked. They have also had issues with discrimination against women, resulting, from denying them promotions and paying them less then their male counterpart even though they held the same position, and in some cases, women had seniority over the men (Associated 2008). It is widely known that Wal-Mart pays its associates below the average retail wages. In 2008, the average full time Associate (34 hours per week) earns $10. 84 hourly for an annual income of $19,165. That is $2,000 below the Federal Poverty Line for a family of four. In 2007, Wal-Mart CEO Lee Scott earned $29. 7 million in total compensation, or 1,551 times the annual income of the average full time Wal-Mart Associate. Consequently, large portions of their employees qualify to receive Government Assistance to support their families. They are well aware that they pay their fulltime employees below the poverty level. In fact, Wal-Mart actually encourages their employees to take advantage of the Government Assistant Programs (Wake Up Wal-Mart, 2008). Wal-Mart does not offer its associates affordable healthcare insurance benefits. According to Wal-Mart employees, when they complained about high the cost of the insurance and lack of coverage it offers their managers would simply suggest that they try to qualify for Medicaid or Medicare. According to Wal-Mart Facts. om, If an average full-time Wal-Mart employee chooses the least expensive family coverage plan, they would have to spend over 20% of their income before the health insurance provided any reimbursement. An average full time Wal-Mart Associate faces a serious family health issue. They have to pay the entire out-of-pocket maximum for the least expensive health plan, which adds up to pay 53% of their income (Wake Up Wal-Mart, 2008). I am just a customer of Wal-Mart. I am an accountant, so I budget my money pretty well and I love a good bargain. However, when I look at this organization and their business practices all I see is greed. Therefore, as a customer I have to question my whether or not to continue to support this business if they persist on behaving in such an manner that is clearly unfair to its employees. This is not a struggling organization. It brings in sales exceeding $100 billion annually. Wal-Mart has the resources to make their employees NEEDS a priority. I would like to believe that they are sincerely willing to make the necessary changes. Wal-Mart’s management behaves immorally towards its employees. They do not value their employees’ needs, rights, or the labor laws that the US put into lace to protect them. Wal-Mart’s low price on everyday household products is what sets them apart from other discount retailers. Their employees help make it possible for them to dominate their competitors in the discount retail market and maintain their competitive advantage. It is essential for employees to feel that the company that employs them provides an ethical organizational culture in order for them to feel a sense of job security and to be motivated to be productive for the company. What is Organizational Culture? What type of OC does Wal-Mart reflect?  What effect does their OC have on employee job satisfaction, morale, and performance? What can management do to improve their employee relations? According to our text Organizational Behavior, 11th Edition, a company’s organizational culture is a shared set of beliefs and values within an organization. The culture is the behaviors that employees feel they are required to fit in order to meet the expectations of their organization (Schermerhorn, Hunt, and Osborn, Uhl-Bien, 2010, p. 12). On of the OCI’s that the Human Synergistic Study addresses the Aggressive/Defensive Culture. The cultural norms are built upon a value structure whereby management puts its own interests before those of its key constituents—its customers, employees, suppliers, and even stockholders. Members place priority on doing what is best for themselves over the long-term best interests of their organization. Previous organizational successes (due to prior leadership, technological patents, or good business strategies) fuel the arrogance and short-term orientation of management and allow Aggressive/Defensive organizations to continue to appear effective—at least for a while. However, as shown by John Kotter and James Heskett’s study of 207 organizations (and consistent with research based on the OCI), this type of value structure prevents organizations from effectively adapting to changes in their environments and ultimately has a negative impact on their financial performance (Human Synergistic 2006). Your business strategies shift; your organization’s values should not. Organizational values guide employee actions and influence business practices. They help provide meaning for employees searching for an emotional connection to work each day. Also known as ground rules or operating principles, at their best values are actionable guidelines, not to be confused with abstract beliefs that are merely â€Å"held† or posted on a plaque (Organizational Values, 2008). † In an Aggressive/Defensive Culture, management tends to have very little value for people. There focus is on setting goals and meeting them by any means necessary. They are very competitive and want to devour the competition. Some of the characteristics of this type of culture are oppositional, competitive, motivated by power, and perfection. Managers may oppose things indirectly, stubborn, always has to be right, avoids admitting mistakes, resists suggestions made by others, and have a strong need to win or dominate. Their members do not feel any sense of job security. Employees typically believe that they have to go with the follow in an effort to avoid the label â€Å"troublemaker† in order to keep their job. They fears managements’ retaliation and often feel as though they are in a hostile work environment (Human Synergistic 2006). Staff turnover is near 20-year highs for many companies. Two research firms, Walker Information and Hudson Institute, recently joined forces to conduct a nationwide employee loyalty study. Their results confirmed that staff loyalty is in short supply. Only 24 percent of employees consider themselves truly loyal, committed to their organization and its goals, and planning to stay at least two years. Thirty-three percent of employees were high risk, not committed and not planning to stay. Thirty-nine percent were classified as trapped. They plan to stay, but are not committed to their employer. Among those who felt they worked for an ethical organization, 55 percent were truly loyal. For those who did not feel they worked for an ethical organization, the loyalty figure was 9 percent (Lowenstein 2006). Creating a culture within the organization that nurtures loyalty, commitment, advocacy and productivity from the moment the new hire walks through the door and throughout the lifecycle of the employee will go a long way to sustaining customer loyalty behavior. The good news is that employees, particularly those in customer service, seek trust and trustworthiness; and they desire to be active contributors to that effort (Lowenstein 2006). The benefits for business of adopting ethical human resource management practices and viewing employees as human capital to be developed and to provide a unique advantage in the marketplace can be utilized as part of a corporate social responsibility strategy. Effective corporate social responsibility requires that along with minimizing harm to the environment, a company needs to be aware of the social impacts of its operations and ensure that they are not harming human stakeholders (Tracey Lloyd 2009). The importance of health insurance as an employee benefit is also illustrated by the fact that more than one quarter of Americans report that they or an immediate family member have encountered job lock, passed up a job opportunity, stayed at a job they would otherwise have quit, or had not retired solely because they needed to keep the health insurance coverage they were receiving. According to another survey, employees are moderately satisfied with their benefits, with 39% of full-time workers reporting this, which is a rise from 32% in 2003 (Reddick 2009). Employers who hope to retain solid, hard-working employees should be prepared to offer basic employee benefits. In addition to salary, good benefits provide important resources that not only help build a positive working relationship between employer and employee but also promote good work habits and financial practices (Thompson 2010). Wal-Mart problem is their leadership style. It reflects many of the characteristics of an Aggressive/Defensive Culture. Its issues stem from them putting their interest before the needs of their members. It does not value its employees as of Human Capital. Employees are just another resource used to achieve the organizational objectives. Wal-Mart leaders invest a lot into making decisions and strategies that will get the best prices for their customers and keep their competitive advantages. Nevertheless, they are not investing enough time and effort in training managers on how to treat their human capital. As a result, managers are presented with problems that they have no been trained for and they avoid the issue or make bad decisions. I find it hard to believe an organization as large and successful as Wal-Mart can make these types of mistakes and they go unrecognized or resolved for so long. Several people had to have been complaining about the errors before having to go before a judge. Considering the validation of the errors during the trial investigation, it is safe to say that if Wal-Mart had done its due diligence prior to trial they would have resolved this pay issue. There is no reason a company of Wal-Mart’s size and resources could not have identified and addressed the discrepancy prior to it escalating to a court issue. Which raises the question of, was this done intentionally or their employees concerns or grievances are not a priority to them. This type of mmoral behavior ultimately leads to employees distrusting the company, resulting in a low morale, lack of motivation, and high turnover. Every company has a distinct set of characteristics that drives the decisions, practices, policies, procedures, and organizational goals, which in turn affects the organizations’ atmosphere. The biggest influences are going to come from the visions and standards that the Senior Leaders of the company. Wal-Mart’s employees do not feel any emotional connection or sense of value from their organization, which leads to a lack of job satisfaction, loyalty, and commitment. Of course, this is going to show up in how employees treat customers. All Wal-Mart has to offer is low prices, there is very little customer service. For example, I pulled up to customerservicescoreboard. com and some one posted this comment. â€Å"Wal-Mart has the worst customer service, worse yet, they ignore any inquiry and advertise that they value it I really have to commit to not shopping there any more lines are long, cashiers are slow and dont even help put bags in carts. Their greeters wont get carts and roll their eyes, the bathrooms are a mess, the shelves are empty, I hope they get what they deserve ower customer count and lower profits today I tried once more and wasnt disappointed, no carts, very long lines and best yet customer service said there was no manager on duty and there were not customer complaint forms go figure. mad at Wal-Mart 4/1/10 2:21PM â€Å". In order to change this Wal-Mart has to consider ways to attract and retain productive employees (Customer 2009). Another issue is the lack on emphasis on teamwork. Employees concerns and suggestions have no validity. They are not included in any part of the goal setting or decision making process on the individual store retail level. The â€Å"my way or no way† management attitude does not work. There has to be some compromise. SOLUTIONS Wal-Mart has to change their leadership style. The CEO and other major Leaderships need to take a more active role in establishing acceptable managerial behavioral procedures and rules to direct the organization. Instead of reacting to all of the bad press concerning their employee relations they need to take a more active approach to dealing with all of the stigmas attached to the company. For example, they can start by sending out a corporate communication-notifying managers and employees that the company is about to undergo so major changes to and are about to invest in an organization overhaul that will put just as much value in taking care of the associates that make their sales possible and they put into their valued customers. Wal-Mart can continue to ride the cloud of success with no regards to the long-term ramifications of lack of change, but these are the cost of avoidance. Change will be forced upon them one of two ways. The lawsuits will continue to come and the courts will make to settlements high enough that Wal-Mart will feel the financial sting of their unethical behavior. Secondly, they will start to see a significant decrease in their sales because of the poor customer services rendered by their distrusting, low morale, and unmotivated associates. Considering how large Wal-Mart’s organization is this change would be a major project they could consider doing it in-house, but I suggest they hire an outside consulting firm that to oversee the project in order to get some fresh ideas and strategies. Of course, they would be collaborating with Wal-Marts project team in order to what the deliverables are to complete the project. Wal-Mart Leaders need to ensure total participation by giving the project team the financial and staff resources needed to complete the project. The first step would be to perform a training needs analysis and determine where the practice and policy breakdowns are occurring. Then address the issue, by establishing a new uniform policy, updating the employee handbook, training managers and employees on the new policies, and finally enforcing it. This project will take about a year to prepared, reviewed, and implemented. Prioritization will be according to the most critical needs, such as proper employee pay protocol, anti- discrimination policy training, and team building programs. For example, have a workplace diversity class set up to teach managers how to cultivate diversity and to prevent discrimination. Require that managers have a complete training class annually. Address and investigate all allegations of discrimination immediately. Written documentation is required for discrimination allegation, investigation, and resolution steps that taken. The only way to ensure that employees feel a since of organizational justice is to uphold the companies policies on the matter. Consequently, immediate punishment is required if an employee found guilty of the allegation. Send out corporate communication, notifying employees of the companies’ commitment to improve employee relations. Send the communication via email and display it in high traffic areas. Express managements desire to include employees in some of the decisions that directly affect them by establishing an Employee Involvement Team to be apart of the project. That will help Management and employees address employee concerns and grievances, such as a fair and competitive wages and health insurance package. Allowing employees to be apart of the decision making process will help management get feedback on the best ways to go about achieving up coming goals, while building team commitment, loyalty, and moral. There will be annual policies will be reviews and revision if necessary. Managers and employees will complete skill assessment tests annually. There will be skill-training classes set up to teach managers how to promote effective communication and leadership abilities. Issue training results to department heads and certificates of completion to participants. Finally, collect feedback from the managers and employees to evaluate, results and feelings on the process improvements. Leave a comment section to get their feelings on the companies’ efforts to improve employee relations. Identify remaining problems and work with the In-house Project Team and the Employee Involvement Team to improve them.

Law Should Be Kept Separate From Morality Law Essay

Law Should Be Kept Separate From Morality Law Essay The statement quoted from the Wolfenden Report suggests that there should remain a line between sin and crime and that the law should not interfere in matters of private morality or immorality keeping it apart from public morality. This is a broad view and clearly, there are some areas in which the law should act as a moral guardian and interference is justifiable. I will outline some of these areas and critically analyse accordingly. However, there also areas that I feel should not be the laws business and where perhaps the criminal laws intervention cannot be justified. I will also look at the apparent blurring of private and public morality. I will also attempt to outline and clarify all these areas, providing the appropriate authorities, academic commentary and other relevant evidence in order to give a balanced view and to be able to draw a succinct informed conclusion. In order to understand the nexus between law and morality we need to establish the differences. Laws are sets of rules or boundaries established by authorities that should be obeyed and are formally enforced by the Police or the Criminal Prosecution Service. Morals on the other hand are beliefs, values or principles that are set by society or certain aspects of society, determining what is right and what is wrong. Morals do not have to be complied with, they are normally informally enforced through social or domestic pressures. Both laws and morals specify what should or should not be done and mark the boundaries between what is acceptable and unacceptable conduct. Having looked at the nature of laws and morals I will look at the historical debate and attempt to expand on whether or not laws and morals are intrinsically linked. Historically, there has been much philosophical debate as to whether in fact there is a connection between law and morality. Positivists  [2]  such as Jeremy Bentham, John Austin and H.L.A. Hart have all argued that there is not necessarily a connection between law and morality; on the other hand natural law  [3]  , thinkers such as St Thomas Aquinas  [4]  have postulated that there is a clear link between law and morality. To further complicate matters R Dworkin puts forward his own approach of interpretivism  [5]  , developed in a number of his works over the last thirty years  [6]  to try and answer the vexed question of law and morality and the nature of law and the relationship to each other. The links between law and morality can be seen in all areas of law. In Tort, for instance , in cases such as Baker v Hopkins  [7]  where two employees of the defendant company were overcome by carbon monoxide fumes in a well they were attempting to decontaminate. The plaintiff, a doctor, attempted to rescue them even though he was warned of the fumes. It could be said that he felt morally responsible . Unfortunately, all the three men died. The defendant company argued that the plaintiff doctor should either not be compensated because the doctor knowingly accepted the risk he was taking or his damages would be reduced for contributory negligence. The Court of Appeal considered that the suggestion was ungracious and that it was unseemly and irrational to say that a rescuer freely takes on the risks inherent in a rescue attempt. This would appear to be a seemingly moralistic judgement by their Lordships. Similarly, in property cases such as the High Trees Case  [8]  where Lord Denning used the equitable principle of promissory estoppel to prevent the recovery of rent or preventing what he saw as a moral wrong. These could all be seen as instances of the courts making judgements on what is morally right and wrong. In fact, in the case of Knuller v DPP  [9]  concerning a magazine containing advertisements, by homosexuals in order to procure sex, the courts were able to dictate public morality, recognising the offenc e of conspiracy to corrupt public morals established in Shaws Case  [10]  . It is the criminal law that provides us with sufficient evidence to conclude that there is indeed a link between law and morality. The Wolfenden Report itself, actually concerned the role of the law in matters of sexual morality and determining what conduct should be classed as criminal. Unfortunately, the result was not definitive as two diverging views emerged, firstly, that of Lord Devlin who concluded that the legislature was entitled to outlaw behaviour that was generally condemned as immoral on the grounds that such conduct may be likened to treason threatening the continued existence of social cohesion  [11]   and secondly, the view of Hart that immorality alone was not sufficient: law should not be used for prohibiting harm suffered by a person who is offended simply by knowing about other peoples conduct  [12]  . These opposing viewpoints probably accounted for the fact that the part of the Wolfenden Report concerning the decriminalisation of homosexuality was not implemented until the Sexual Offences Act of  1967 (following a motion by Lord Arran in the House of Lords favouring the implementation of the Wolfenden Report and a Sexual Offences Bill sponsored by Leo Abse) which eventually resulted in male homosexuality between consenting adults above the age of twenty-one being decriminalised. Another reason for the delay could be that public opinion and society in general before that time, felt that homosexuality was immoral and the law chose to reflect this, condemning homosexuality as a criminal offence. However, with the more liberated 1960s where there was a seeming relaxation of public and private morality and homosexuality could no longer be seen as immoral, the criminal law acceded to public opinion, leading to the eventual decriminalisation of homosexuality. However, the Wolfenden approach differed when contemplating the matter of prostitution. The committee readily accepted that prostitution was immoral but indicated that it was a matter of private morality, except when it creates a public nuisance. Therefore, the sale of sex was determined not to be an offence but kerb crawling was. This differing approach resulted in the report forming the basis of the Street Offences Act of 1959, an almost immediate response to the Wolfenden report. It seems then, that the criminal law should only intervene where the legislature considers there to be a public nuisance or is harmful to society or as John Stuart Mills stated That the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others.  [13]   Unfortunately, there are too many unanswered questions. Can we readily say that if something is immoral it is justifiably unlawful? Can we as a society distinguish between one persons perception of a lawful and moral activity and those that are immoral or unlawful and should the law really interfere in matters of private morality? If a person consents to something, would that not be a matter of private morality? The matter of consent and private morality is interesting. Here, criminal law has its vagaries, particularly in non-fatal offences against the person which include actual body harm, grievous bodily harm or wounding. Criminal law will not allow the consent of the victim to be available as a defence, especially if it considers the act to be unlawful. Only if the injury was a result of a lawful activity  [14]   will the defence of consent be available. This does not sit easily with the premise of the law not to interfere in matters of private morality. This has been exemplified in the case of Brown  [15]  . The criminal law deemed homosexual sado masochism as an unlawful activity and the court considered that activities in private between consenting homosexuals involving the infliction of actual bodily harm should constitute offences  [16]  . It seems then that the decision in this case was based on public morality rather than criminality, surely here consent would be a ques tion of private morality and not the laws business, indeed in Brown, Lord Mustill in dissenting, re-iterated that The issue was not whether the appellants conduct was morally right but whether it was properly charged under the 1861 Act. The standards by which questions of private morality fell to be judged were not those of criminal law. The case of Brown can be contrasted with R v Wilson  [17]  where the defendant, with the consent of his wife, branded her buttocks with the initials W and A with a hot knife. The scars led him to being charged with assaulting his wife contrary to section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. He was convicted by a Jury. However, the Court of Appeal held that the defendants conduct amounted to tattooing and that it was not in the public interest to impose a criminal sanction; The initial outcome still shows that the public and their moral judgement still has an influence in criminal law.   It appears then, that generally, the courts are keen to exercise its morality muscle in defence of a perceived public morality. Interfering in what are essentially private morality matters in order to stamp a moral dictum on society in general, however, is not necessarily in the best interest of society as a whole and issues of private morality are thorny issues. There are of course other areas of criminal law where the judiciary has, albeit slowly, intervened in matters of private morality, for the betterment of society, for example in the area of marital rape. Rape itself was enacted as statutory crime in the Offences Against the Person Act  1861. The Act indicated that it is a felony for a man to rape a woman and left the judiciary to establish the elements of the offence and to develop the factors that might allow consent. Its statutory successor, s 1 of the Sexual Offences Act  1956, failed to provide a more substantive definition. It was not until  1976  that s 1(1) of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act defined rape as unlawful sexual intercourse with a woman who at the time of the intercourse does not consent to it. However, there still appeared to be a presumption albeit rebuttable, that a married man could have sex with his wife regardless of consent. Morally, this appears to be reprehensible and surely the law should have c larified the position. However, it was not until the case of R v R  [18]  that the offence of rape was recognised if it was perpetrated by the husband, clearly an example of the law enforcing a specific moral value on society in an appropriate sphere. A further example of the entanglement of law and morality can be seen in the different approaches by Judges in cases where their own moral values or viewpoints have possibly affected judgements. Often the courts will find themselves dealing with difficult moral decisions involving life and death and often have to decide between individual rights and moral codes. This moralistic approach can be seen in various cases involving euthanasia, considered by the majority of society as both morally and legally wrong. In the case of Dianne Pretty  [19]  (a case decided by the House of Lords), for example, Mrs Pretty suffered from motor neurone disease, a progressive degenerative illness from which she had no hope of recovery. She only had a short time to live and faced the prospect of a humiliating and distressing death. She was mentally alert and wanted to bring her life to an end. Unfortunately, because of her physical incapacity she would have needed assistance. Her husband wanted to he lp, but only if he would not be prosecuted under section 2(1) of the Suicide Act 1961 for aiding and abetting her suicide. She sought confirmation through the courts that ultimately refused her appeal. Contrast this with the case of Re B  [20]  . Ms B was a tetraplegic and suffered complete paralysis from the neck down. She was, however, able to move her head and speak. She gave instructions to the hospital through her solicitors that she wanted the artificial ventilation removed. The hospital refused to stop treatment. Ms B took the hospital to court, was successful and was allowed to die. Here the courts appear to take the stance that voluntary euthanasia or assisted suicide is morally reprehensible but the request to withdraw treatment, resulting in, what is in effect, voluntary suicide or passive euthanasia was not a clear example of the complex moral and legal dilemmas faced by the courts. Further evidence of this dilemma between law and morality can be seen in the conjoined twin case  [21]  . Jodie and Mary were conjoined twins and their parents were devout Roman Catholics. Mary was the weaker twin and had she been born on her own she would not have survived. She was in fact, being kept alive by virtue of Jodies own circulatory system. Jodie was considered to be capable of surviving a separation procedure, Mary however was not. If there was no separation both would have died. The medical team wanted to separate them knowing Mary would die as a result. The twins parents would not sanction the operation. The medical team sought a ruling from the High Court, that an operation to separate the twins would not be murder. Their Lordships applied the defence of necessity but restricted the applicability of this defence (for the purposes of public policy) to the unique circumstances of the case. However, despite LJ Wards comment that this is a court of law, not of morals when the judgements are examined, it is clear that their Lordships have actually used moral concepts and language in reaching their decision, a true dichotomy. In conclusion, it is clear from the information provided that there are identifiable links between the law in general and criminal law in particular and morality. However, whether it is justifiable for the legal system in England and Wales to utilise the criminal law in the enforcement of specific moral values in society is debatable. Clearly, as we have seen, there are areas where it is justifiable in rape for example but where it is not so clear is whether it can be justified in those greyer areas such as private morality issues or cases of euthanasia. I believe that religion (which is the subject of other scholarly and academic debate) , morals and the law are all intrinsically linked and that in order to create a balanced modern society there must be some fluidity. One mans morality is different from another and the law must try to bridge the gap for the public good. Sometimes the law is rather slow in reacting to public opinion or changes in morality within society, but ultimately, it is the legislature that creates the laws and the job of the courts is only to apply the meaning of that legislation not to query its validity or to enforce moral limitations on parliament, or by implication, enforce those moral limitations on society.