Monday, December 30, 2019

Inside Dyson and Management Change at Faslane Research Paper

Inside Dyson and Management Change at Faslane Research Paper Inside Dyson Case Study Questions Dyson is a private company that engages in the development, design, and manufacture of high-performance appliances for different uses. Products from the company are used in many sectors but the company is well known in the manufacture of vacuum cleaners. Coupled with the production of high quality products and private ownership, the Dyson registers supernormal profits from the sale of its products. The Global network and international presence of the company enables it to enjoy substantive market shares in most of competitive markets such as the USA, UK, and China. The success of Dyson can be attributed to unique and strong strategic capabilities that enhance its competitive advantage. The strategic capabilities of Dyson can be analyzed through an evaluation of its value chain, dynamic capabilities, core competencies, and unique resources (Ferguson, 2009). Strategic Capabilities Dyson Technology Innovation and RD Dyson’s foundation is built on a distinctive engineering design and innovation with enormous investments in Research and Development. Dyson technology entails engineering and re-engineering of prototypes through the process of thinking, testing, breaking, and questioning (making-breaking-making-breaking-and-making) until the engineering ideas are transformed into creative products. Dyson’s engineers are willing to ‘take the road less travelled’ even if it looks less sensible in order to transform innovative ideas into products. Patents protect the majority of products from the company and hence, the company has an upper hand in utilizing its resources. A clear example of patented technology is the Ball Technology, which facilitates steering thereby improving maneuverability and the Root Cyclone technology that is powerful in separating dust from the air. Global Networks Dyson operates in more than 45 countries in the world including competitive markets such as Japan, USA, and China. The transfer of manufacturing operations to low cost regions such as Malaysia and Nanjing in China enables the company to minimize its cost margins while at the same time increasing the company’s profit generating capabilities and hiring capabilities (Ellram, and Feitzinger, 2007; Michael, Ireland, Hoskisson, 2010). This strategic capability enables it compete with rival firms located in high-cost regions such as the UK and US. Iconic Leadership and Secrecy Undeniably, Dyson owes its success to Sir James Dyson, who has an influential figure throughout the inception of the company to its current success story. Majority of company-wide decisions and innovations have been based on his creativity and vision. The company’s brand is tied to his image and it has remained a central brand in promotional activities. Furthermore, Sir James Dyson finances majority of engineering designs and collaborations for the company. Other than providing iconic leadership, Sir James Dyson has been very influential in maintaining the highest secrecy levels on operational matters and the company’s success stories. Distribution Channel, premium products, and value chain Dyson has one of the best online retail stores, which is responsible for most of distribution functions for the company. Customers are also willing to pay premium prices for products from the company. Additionally, the location of manufacturing facilities is not critical in reducing costs but also in locating the testing facility near to the suppliers. This enhances UK’s value chain and as well, it increases the potential competitive advantage for the company. This strategic capability is competent in theory for it provides resource and customer value and practical in the sense that it leads to increased revenues and reduced costs. SWOT Analysis Examinations of discrete operational activities of Dyson shows that they are critical in contributing to customer benefit and company revenue. The strengths and opportunities of the company include patent technologies, private ownership, high levels of success secrecy, global presence, and value chain, growing emerging markets, the Dyson brand, and rarity of strategic capabilities. The weaknesses and threats are less pronounced other than the threats associated with private ownership, expiry of patent technologies, increased government intervention, and dependency on Sir James Dyson. Imitation Although the management at Dyson has put in place stringent measures to ensure the maintenance of top-level secrecy with regard to the company’s success and operational activities, instances exist whereby competitors can imitate the strategic capabilities of the company. However, the company will most likely continue to outshine its competitors owing to the nature of its value chain, the rarity of its capabilities, and non-substitutability of its capabilities. These factors are responsible for the increasing sustainable competitive advantage for the company (Kaplan, and Norton, 2004). The instances where the capabilities can be imitated include the expiry of patented Ball and other technologies, which will give the competitors the right to use the technologies in their products (Porter, Cunningham, 2004). The death of Sir James Dyson might lead to lack of iconic leadership and revelation of the company’s success secrets. The advancement in technology might also lead to the discovery of more powerful technologies than those used by Dyson and as well, the competitors might increase their investments in research and development. Threshold capabilities I believe that Dyson technology, engineering design equipment, Innovation, and product supplies, appropriate personnel, and development hold the future for Dyson. Increased investment in research and technology will lead to the development of new product technologies that can be patented and grant the company a competitive advantage over its rivals. Equally important is the location of manufacturing operations in low cost regions of the Asia. The increasing labor costs in the UK and US might lead to increased manufacturing costs for the competitors thereby placing the company at an ideal competitive position. Sir James Dyson Sir James Dyson has provided the foundation and iconic leadership for the company since its inception. From leading engineering innovations to acting as a representative image in majority of promotional activities for the company, Sir James Dyson is, undeniably, the pillar for Dyson. Majority of company-wide decisions and innovations have been based on his creativity and vision. His demise or departure spells doom for the company because of his influential figure and the ability to provide future directions. The company is more likely to lose its innovative nature and competitive advantage should he die or sell the company. Equally important is Sir Dyson’s ability to maintain success secrets of the company. This has been a crucial factor in preventing the imitability and rarity of Dyson’s strategic capabilities. His departure might lead to the revelation of these secrets to the competitors. Managing Change at Faslane Case Study Questions The examination and analysis of managing change at Faslane reveals that there are several changes being pursued at Faslane both involving people, systems, and the organization. Changes involving the organization include re-engineering, leadership changes, structural change, fundamental and incremental organizational changes, and strategic changes. System related changes include the process-oriented change, continuous improvement changes, and benchmarking. Lastly, changes involving the people include personal changes, culture change, and customer-centered changes. Organizational changes such as re-engineering, strategic changes, leadership changes, and fundamental and incremental organizational changes can be evidenced at Faslane in a number of ways. Leadership change started with the handing over of management responsibilities from the Ministry of Defense and Royal Navy to John Howie and Craig Lockhart. The management team was also slashed from 250 to nearly half that number. Fundamental and incremental changes are evident from the MOD’s desire to reduce costs and improve operational effectiveness of the naval bases and the setting of performance targets. Strategic changes were evident from all levels within the organization right from the decision making process, the management structure to introduction of performance scorecards, and the definition of management responsibilities (Bareil, Savoie, and Meunier, 2007). Re-engineering is evident all over the case study owing to the major structural changes undertaken at Faslane in addition to the implementation of other numerous operational changes aimed at the improvement of service quality, productivity, and customer relationships. Simply put, changes involving the organization can be summarized as growth, transformational, and radical changes (Ventris, 2009). Changes involving the people entailed influencing the behaviors and attitudes of workers to bring efficiency and improved performance. Majority of such changes occurred because of other changes within the organization. For instance, the process of reviewing change was reduced from 14 days to 2 days and workers within the organization were forced to automatically provided responses within 2 days. Cultural changes involved the alteration of worker’s behavioral patterns with increased sensitivity to pertinent issues within the organization. Similarly, customer centeredness was also allocated higher priority within the organization to ensure that service delivery to the navy was not compromised at the expense of other factors within the organization (Sirkin, Keenan, and Jackson, 2005). System changes entailed the process-oriented change, continuous improvement changes, and benchmarking. Largely, system changes were aimed at cost reduction and improvement of operational effectiveness of the naval bases and management. Partnership agreements were signed among industrial firms to facilitate the efficient and quality service delivery, and as well promote saving without necessarily having to compromise service delivery. Performance scorecards were introduced to promote the measurement of output from all leaders and attain transparency within the management. Benchmarking was also critical in ensuring that Faslane was heading into the right direction and this was enhanced through the review of continuous improvement processes. John Howie and Craig Lockhart change styles John Howie was involved in most restructuring processes within the organization including focus on customer relationships, change in management responsibilities, cost reduction, and reorganization of procedural processes within the organization. John Howie was much more concerned with systems within the organization and structural processes that determined the working criteria within the organization. During his tenure, Faslane managed to beat majority of its targets if not overcoming them. Of great importance were the cost saving, service improvement, improved communication, and change in workers attitudes and behaviors. On the other hand, Craig Lockhart succeeded John Howie but with a different management style. He was less concerned with structural processes but rather performance improvement and customer relationships. For instance, he was concerned with business planning and measuring business performance where the entire workforce was aligned around the realization of common objectives. Additionally, Craig Lockhart believed in teams and implemented measures that ensured that customers and workers were heavily involved in decision-making processes within the organization. Customer-centeredness and customer collaborations comprised a large portion of Craig’s leadership and management. Eventually, he not only managed to improve relationships at the Faslane but also made it the home base for the entire submarines in the UK. Levers of Change Change levers concerning the management of change can be considered in terms of the context of change and type of change. Examples of levers that are utilized at Faslane include changing operational processes, challenging the factors taken for granted, changing organizational routines, understanding the importance of political processes, and surfacing (Cameron, Green, 2009; Hayes, 2007). These factors explains the reasons as to why change agents needed to adopt different change management styles based on different contexts and as well, in paying attention to the interests of different groups (Carnall, 2007). Both leaders, John Howie and Craig Lockhart adopted different change management styles to obtain the desired organizational goals and objectives in part due to the presented context and the interests of customers and the organization.

Sunday, December 22, 2019

Voltaire s Candide The Folly Of Human Suffering

There are two sides to every story. Indeed, while optimism may be initially perceived as a practical philosophy, Voltaire’s Candide proves this to be false. Originally published in 1759, Candide was written by Franà §ois-Marie Arouet (otherwise known by his pen name Voltaire) and employs satire in order to show the folly in Gottfried Leibniz’s prominent philosophy, Optimism. This philosophy reasons that, because god created everything and is perfect, than it follows that anything that may take place on earth (be it natural disasters or other forms of human suffering) is perfect as well. Many of the characters in Candide are representative of certain philosophical values, and Voltaire uses these characters in order to prove his own opinions to the reader. While many people may simply view Martin as a more practical foil to Pangloss, further examination of the text could contradict this. Through Martin’s advice and actions to Candide and others in comparison to th ose of Pangloss, Voltaire shows their philosophies to be ineffective for its indifference to human suffering. Furthermore, through this Voltaire also illustrates that looking at all aspects of a situation, and not just those that support one’s own opinion, allows for one’s ability to accurately perceive the world. While Pangloss serves to represent the philosophy of optimism, Martin’s character serves as a foil to his character in order to represent how these ideas are applied to pessimism. Furthermore, hisShow MoreRelatedWhat was the historical significance of Voltaires Candide and its relevance during the Enlightenment?1445 Words   |  6 PagesWhat was the historical significance of Voltaires Candide and its relevance during the Enlightenment? In his work, Candide, Voltaire uses satire as a means of conveying his opinions about many aspects of European society in the eighteenth century, a period known as the Enlightenment. This Age of Reason swept through Europe, offering differing views on science, religion, and politics. The following essay will outline the philosophical theory of Pangloss, a character of the novel and suggestRead MoreCandide, And Years After Voltaire s Death1596 Words   |  7 PagesFranà §ois-Marie Arouet known as Voltaire, born 1694 was a French Enlightenment writer and philosopher. Voltaire produced works in many forms including plays, poems, novels, and many other works. His most famous work is Candide, and years after Voltaire’s death (1778) Candide is still an amazing book to many readers. The story begins in Westphalia, where the protagonist, Candide, lives in the castle of Baron of Thunder-ten-Tronckh. Candide is the illegitimate nephew of the Baron, the town suspectsRead More`` Candide `` : A Satirical Adventure Through The Writings Of Voltaire2648 Words   |  11 PagesThe book â€Å"Candide† takes readers on a satirical adventure through the writings of Voltaire. His novel is a humorous yet ridiculous mockery of the Old Regime ideologies in which he critiques the political, social, and religious beliefs of this time; Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz’s ideas in particular. He believed that people perceive imperfections in the world only because they do not understand God’s grand plan. Voltaire does not accept the existence of a perfect God, absence of choice and blindRead MoreMWDS Candide4817 Words   |  20 Pages Major Work Data Sheet: Candide Title: Candide Author: Voltaire Date of Publication: 1759 Genre: Satire, ‘Conte Philosophique’ (Philosophical Fiction) Biographical information about the author: Francois-Marie Arouet, better known as Voltaire, was born in 1694 in Paris, France. Though his father wanted him to become a lawyer, Voltaire long held a great passion for writing, and rather than going to law school, spent his time extensively composing poetry, essays, and historical studies. His widespread

Friday, December 13, 2019

Mumbai Dabbawalah Free Essays

————————————————- Dabbawala From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Mumbai Dabbahwalas A  dabbawala  (Marathi:   ); also spelled as  dabbawalla  or  dabbawallah; literally meaning (â€Å"box person†), is a person in  India, most commonly found in the city of  Mumbai, who is employed in a unique service industry whose primary business is collecting freshly cooked food in  lunch boxes  from the residences of the  office workers  (mostly in the suburbs), delivering it to their respective workplaces and returning the empty boxes back to the customer’s residence by using various modes of transport. Tiffin† is an old-fashioned English word for a light lunch or afternoon snack, and sometimes, by extension, for the box it is carried in. For this reason, the  dabbawalas are sometimes called  Tiffin Wallahs. We will write a custom essay sample on Mumbai Dabbawalah or any similar topic only for you Order Now Contents  Ã‚  [hide]   * 1  Etymology and historical roots * 1. 1  The Nutan Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers Trust * 2  Supply chain * 2. 1  Appearance and coding * 2. 2  Uninterrupted services * 3  Economic analysis * 3. 1  Awards and recognition * 4  In Media * 5  References * 6  Further reading * 7  External links| ————————————————- edit]Etymology and historical roots A  dabba, or Indian-style tiffin box. The word â€Å"Dabbawala† in  Marathi  when literally translated, means â€Å"one who carries a box†. â€Å"Dabba† means a box (usually a cylindrical tin or aluminium container), while â€Å"wala† is a suffix, denoting a doer or holder of the preceding word. [1]  The closest meaning of the  Dabbawala  in English would be the â€Å"lunch box delivery man†. Though this profession seems to be simple, it is actually a highly specialized service in Mumbai which is over a century old and has become integral to the cultural life of this city. The concept of the  dabbawala  originated when India was under  British rule. Many British people who came to the  colony  did not like the local food, so a service was set up to bring lunch to these people in their workplace straight from their home. Nowadays, although Indian businesspersons are the main  customers  for the dabbawalas, increasingly affluent families employ them instead for lunch delivery to their school-aged children. Even though the services provided might include cooking, it primarily consists of only delivery either home-made or in that latter case, food ordered from a restaurant. edit]The Nutan Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers Trust This service originated in 1880. In 1890, Mahadeo Havaji Bachche and Ananth Mandra Reddy started a lunch delivery service with about 100 men. [2]In 1930, he informally attempted to unionize the  dabbawallas. Later a charitable trust was registered in 1956 under the name of  Nutan Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers Trust. The co mmercial arm of this trust was registered in 1968 as  Mumbai Tiffin Box Supplier’s Association. The present President of the association is Raghunath Medge. Nowadays, the service often includes cooking of food in addition to the delivery. ———————————————— [edit]Supply chain A collecting Dabbawala on a bicycle Mumbai is a very densely populated  city of millions  with huge flows of  traffic. Because of this, lengthy commutes to workplaces are common, with many workers traveling by train. Instead of going home for  lunch  or paying for a meal and eating out every day in a  cafe, many office workers have a cooked meal sent either from their home, or sometimes from a caterer who essentially cooks and delivers the meal in lunch boxes and then have the empty lunch boxes collected and re-sent the same day. This is usually done for a monthly fee of about 450 Indian rupees. The meal is  cookedin the morning and sent in lunch boxes carried by dabbawalas, who have a complex association and hierarchy across the city. Dabbawalas in action at a  Mumbai Suburban Railway  station. A  collecting dabbawala, usually on  bicycle, collects dabbas either from a worker’s home or from the dabba makers. As many of the carriers are illiterate, the dabbas have some sort of distinguishing mark on them, such as a colour or group of symbols. The dabbawala then takes them to a designated sorting place, where he and other collecting dabbawalas sort (and sometimes bundle) the lunch boxes into groups. The grouped boxes are put in the coaches of  trains, with markings to identify the destination of the box (usually there is a designated car for the boxes). The markings include the  railway station  to unload the boxes and the building address where the box has to be delivered. At each station, boxes are handed over to a  local dabbawala, who delivers them. The empty boxes are collected after lunch or the next day and sent back to the respective houses. edit]Appearance and coding Markings: (1) abbreviations for collection points, (2) colour code for starting station, (3) number for destination station and (4) markings for handling dabbawala at destination, building and floor. [3] A typical  dabbawala  lunch. It was estimated in 2007 that the dabbawala industry was still growing by 5-10%  per annum. [4] Although t he service remains essentially low-tech, with the delivery men as the prime movers, the dabbawalas have started to embrace technology, and now allow tanuj wadhi for delivery through  SMS. 5]  An on-line poll on the web site ensures that customer feedback is given pride of place. The success of the system depends on teamwork and time management. Such is the dedication and commitment of the barely literate and barefoot delivery men (there are only a few delivery women) who form links in the extensive delivery chain, that there is no system of documentation at all. A simple colour-coding system doubles as an ID system for the destination and recipient. There are no multiple elaborate layers of management either — just three layers. Each dabbawala is also required to contribute a minimum capital in kind, in the form of two bicycles, a wooden crate for the tiffins, white cotton  kurta-pyjamas, and the white trademarkGandhi cap  (topi). The return on capital is ensured by monthly division of the earnings of each unit. [edit]Uninterrupted services The service is almost always uninterrupted, even on the days of severe weather such as  monsoons. The local dabbawalas and population know each other well, and often form bonds of trust. Dabbawalas are generally well accustomed to the local areas they cater to, and use shortcuts and other low profile routes to deliver their goods on time. Occasionally, people communicate between home and work by putting messages inside the boxes; however, with the rise of instant communication such as SMS and instant messaging, this trend is vanishing. Since 1890 ,the year in which the Dabbawalas formally came into existence ,none of its members had ever gone on a strike. This trend was broken in 2011 when the members decided to head towards Azad Maidan to support Anna Hazare in his campaign against corruption. [6] ————————————————- [edit]Economic analysis Each  dabbawala, regardless of role, gets paid about eight thousand rupees per month. In 1998,  Forbes Magazine  found its reliability to be that of a  six sigma  standard. [better  source  needed]  This implies that the Dabbawalas make less than one mistake in every 6 million deliveries, despite most of the delivery staff being illiterate. 7]  More than 175,000 to 200,000 lunch boxes get moved every day by an estimated 4,500 to 5,000  dabbawalas, all with an extremely small nominal fee and with utmost punctuality. The  BBC  has produced a  documentary  on  dabbawalas[citation needed]  and  Prince Charles, during his visit to India, visited them (he had to fit in with their schedule, since their timing was too precise to permit any flexibility). Prince Charles also invited them to his wedding withCamilla Parker Bowles  in London on 9 April 2005. Owing to the tremendous publicity, some of the dabbawalas were invited to give guest lectures in some of the top  business schools  of India, which is very unusual. Most remarkably in the eyes of many Westerners, the success of the dabbawala trade has involved no advanced technology,[8]  except for trains (and as mentioned above, SMS services for booking). The New York Times  reported in 2007 that the 125-year-old  dabbawala  industry continues to grow at a rate of 5–10% per year. [4] [edit]Awards and recognition ISO 9001:2000 certified by the  Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand  [9] ————————————————- [edit]In Media On 28 December 2011, the British series, â€Å"Top Gear† broadcasted the episode â€Å"India Special† where Clarkson, Hammond, and May travel to India for a â€Å"trade mission†. In Mumbai, they ai med to beat the efficiency of the dabbawala by using a car instead of a train. The mission fails when Clarkson, in a rush to beat the train, did not take enough cargo, leaving Hammond to carry Clarkson’s load as well as his own. Hammond accidentally loses and subsequently ruins some of his cargo, and May, trying to take a ring road approach to the station, takes a wrong turn and ends up in the countryside. [10] ————————————————- [edit]References 1. ^  Pathak R. C. (1946, Reprint 2000). The Standard Dictionary of the Hindi Language, Varanasi: Bhargava Book Depot,pp. 300,680 2. ^  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Bombay Dabbawalas go high-tech†. Physorg. com. Retrieved 2011-09-15. 3. ^  Mumbai’s amazing Dabbawalas. Rediff. com  (November 11, 2005). 4.   a  b  In India, Grandma Cooks, They Deliver  from  The New York Times 5. ^  BBC News: India’s tiffinwalas fuel economy 6. ^  http://www. thehindubusinessline. com/industry-and-economy/economy/dabbawalas-to-strike-for-the-first-time-in-120-years/article2369850. ece 7. ^  The Guardian. A Bombay lunchbox  (June 24, 2002). 8. ^  Ambe rish K Diwanji, â€Å"Dabbawallahs: Mumbai’s best managed business†, Rediff. com, November 4, 2003 9. ^  Mydabbawala. com: Accolades To Dabbawala 10. ^  http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Top_Gear:_India_Special How to cite Mumbai Dabbawalah, Essay examples

Thursday, December 5, 2019

Planning Organizing Leading And Controlling-Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The Planning Organizing Leading And Controlling? Answer: Introducation: The four functions of a manager are planning, organizing, leading and controlling. Leadership is one of the primary functions of management and often complex in nature. Organization wants to be innovative and experimental for which they need to adopt a flatter structure, at the same time flatter structure reduces internal control on the employees of organization which can often lead to managerial chaos (Arsenault Faerman, 2014). The paradoxical nature of leadership can be explained by The Competing Values Framework distilled by Quinn and Rorbaugh (1983). The CVF highlights the contradictions and paradoxes that are inherent in the nature of organization and managerial leadership. In the CVF the vertical axis represents flexibility and adaptability juxtaposed by stability and control .On the contrary ,horizontal axis represents the efficient internal processes of the organization like human resource management versus external focus on customers, clients and stakeholders. Organizations need to change its stable environment to a flexible and dynamic environment to respond to the demand of the external demands of the environment which makes the culture of flexibility a priority. Similarly the focus from internal control to external focus on clients and customers become mandatory for organizations (Latham, 2013). The upper left quadrant of the CVF framework represents organizational form: Clan and orientation: Collaborate. The clan organization is driven by shared goals and visions and the organizational structure is flat. This type of organization has internal focus with less rules, regulations, procedures or control .Clan leaders play a supportive and parental role to foster a culture of openness and flexibility. The employees are encouraged to work in team, collaborate, communicate and participate in decision making. On the contrary, the lower left quadrant depicts an entirely opposite concept that is hierarchy. This form of organization focuses strictly on internal control, policies and procedures. Power and position is widely respected in the organization and hierarchical leaders closely focus on organizing and controlling. Thus, these two quadrants of the CVF framework clearly depict the paradoxical nature of leadership (Lavine, 2014). The upper right hand quadrant of the CVF framework represents adhocracy or creates orientation. This means that in adhocracy organization a culture of flexibility and independence is fostered. Prototyping and experimenting in teams is encouraged in this type of organization to adapt to the changing external environment. Leaders of adhocracy organization are visionary and innovative in nature (Taylor, Cornelius Colvin, 2014). Continuous improvement, new ideas and creative thinking are fostered in leadership of the adhocracy organization. On the contrary the lower right hand quadrant of the CVF framework represents Market with orientation competes. This type of organization has external control and focuses on customers and competitors. Environment in this type of organization is highly competitive. Power, politics and external stakeholders of this type of organization play a vital role. Leaders focus on productivity, time management and delegate responsibilities among workers. The Competing Value Framework clearly depicts the paradoxical nature of leadership. When leaders focus on internal control it is risky for them as they ignore the competitive external environment. Leaders should identify and improve areas of weakness so that they do not hinder the success of strengths (Tong Arvey 2015). Reference Lists: Arsenault, P., Faerman, S. R. (2014). Embracing paradox in management: the value of the competing values framework.Organization Management Journal,11(3), 147-158. Latham, J. R. (2013). A framework for leading the transformation to performance excellence part II: CEO perspectives on leadership behaviors, individual leader characteristics, and organizational culture.Quality Management Journal, 20 (3),22. Lavine, M. (2014). Paradoxical leadership and the competing values framework.The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science,50(2), 189-205. Taylor, C., J. Cornelius, C., Colvin, K. (2014). Visionary leadership and its relationship to organizational effectiveness.Leadership Organization Development Journal,35(6), 566-583. Tong, Y. K., Arvey, R. D. (2015). Managing complexity via the competing values framework.Journal of Management Development,34(6), 653-673

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Actual film Essay Example

Actual film Essay Arthur Miller uses characters and action to explore ideas about a number of different qualities and emotions. He uses John and Elizabeth, for example, to show the love that can break through if you try really hard at a relationship. He uses honesty, through Proctor to show the good and the bad consequences that can arise out of telling the truth and out of lying. He uses betrayal through Proctor also; by Proctor having an affair with Abigail. This shows how betrayal can rip apart a marriage with one stupid mistake. He shows greed and power through Danforth, by Danforth saying no postponement to the hangings just so his reputation wouldnt be lost. He shows honour, through Giles, because Giles didnt answer aye or nay to being a witch. His final words were more weight and then he died. He kept up to his reputation as being funny and by living up to his name.  Another way Miller connects through to the audience is by using a number of dramatic devices. I am now going to have a look at some of the different techniques and how he does this. Miller uses a number of different techniques to build and release tension. One of these techniques is leaving you on cliff hangers. He did this with Acts 1,2 and 3! With Act 1 Abigail and Betty had just made accusations of whom they had seen with the devil, Act 2 Elizabeth had just been taken away, and Act 3, Proctor has just confessed and Hale had quit the court! He uses short staccato sentences to build up tension, like in Act 4 Elizabeth says, Giles is dead so it is short and powerful. That way we feel more of an impact. Also in Act 2 where John and Elizabeth first start talking, they are saying only what they need to, not going into any detail. We will write a custom essay sample on Actual film specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Actual film specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Actual film specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Proctor says are you well today? And Elizabeth says, I am whereas she could have gone into more detail such as yes Im fine thanks, it was probably just a passing cold, and you? She kept it as short and sweet as possible, almost telling the audience that they couldnt have a long flowing conversation because she suspected him. However, I found that having watched the film, seen it performed and having read the play script, the most dramatic was the actual film. I think this is because you can use devices such as camera shots and angles and music to increase the tension. There were also a lot of different scenes in the film that I hadnt seen in the play. I think this is because it would be too hard in an actual play to move the scene props around in such a small space of time! In the film I also thought that it made it more dramatic by making them say the lords prayer just before they were hung and the number of voices gradually decreasing as one by one they got pushed off. I really didnt like, however, the fact that John didnt get to say Amen. I think that links back to the unfairness and cruelty of the time. At the end of Act 3 Miller has left us on the edge of our seats, but as we enter Act 4, Miller uses the humour of Tituba and Sarah to make our tension decrease again. In act 4 our tension goes up and down like a yo-yo with Proctors indecisive mind, we can never relax! By the end of Act 4 our tension is at its climax, especially with the stage direction the final drum roll crashes, then heightens violently, Hale weeps in frantic prayer, and the new sun is pouring in upon her face, and the drums rattle like bones in the morning air. Another technique Miller uses, is dramatic irony. He uses this to create huge amounts of tension, such as the affair between Proctor and Abigail. When John and Elizabeth were alone together for the first time in Act 2, tension was high because we knew, and John knew what he had done, but Elizabeth didnt. He uses pauses to create a sense of someone finding it hard to say something; they might be scared, or even nervous.  Arthur Miller uses language with layers of different meanings. I am now going to have a look at some of the sentences he has put together and whether or not they have more than one meaning. In Act 1, John and Abigail are left alone. They use words referring to hot and cold and animals to talk about sex indirectly. This is because it just wasnt a thing you would talk about! For example sweated like a stallion this could also mean just sex and no love, like animals.  Abigail says, You are no wintry man this could mean he is not emotionless and frigid, he is hot blooded and passionate. Unlike Elizabeth who she says is a cold, snivelling woman. Abigail is trying to say that John is the complete opposite to Elizabeth. She is wondering why John would want to be with her? She is so different and doesnt satisfy him like Abigail does.  Throughout the play Miller uses metaphorical language. In Act 2 John says I will fall like an ocean on that court I think this means that the court will be overthrown and will have a small amount of power compared to what John will have.  Arthur Miller uses this language for a number of different reasons. It may be to enliven ideas, or by making a link through language to another context and most of all to make the audience use their imaginations and think about the play, rather than just sitting down, watching it and never thinking about it again.

Monday, November 25, 2019

Muslim bin al

Muslim bin al Hadith is a report of the maxims and acts of the prophet (Peace be upon him). Compilation of these reports began during the era of the prophet and continued after his death. Ahadith (plural of Hadith) are classified according to their authenticity, mode of transmission, and chain of narrators. Muslim bin-Hajjaj al-Nisaburi endeavored to collect Ahadith by establishing the authenticity of other reports (Siddiqui). He worked closely with other teachers of religion to develop an exceptional methodology of compiling AhadithAdvertising We will write a custom essay sample on Muslim bin al-Hajjaj al-Nisaburi and his Methodology of Compiling Hadith specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Imam Muslim was born in Nishpuri in the year 204 A.H and was brought up in a religiously minded family. That left an ineffaceable religious intuition on his mind. His parents prepared him to spend his life serving God and holding fast to righteousness. According to Siddiqui, the religious atmosphere at home helped Muslim to become a saint of high caliber. He says that Muslim acquired respect at a young age because he never indulged in backbiting, which is a common human weakness. In addition, Imam Muslim excelled because he had the opportunity to travel to different parts of the world. The main regions he visited are Arabia, Egypt, Syria, and Iraq. He attended classes of some of the famous Tradition lecturers such as Harmalah b. Yahya, Ishaq b. Rahwaih, Ahmad b. Hanbal, among others, whenever he visited the regions. After finishing his studies, he travelled back to Nishapur and began teaching Traditions. Nevertheless, he maintained an interest in researching (Quran Sunnah : Saheeh Sitta†). While in Nishapur, Muslim met with Imam Bukhari and was amazed by his exceptional comprehension of Ahadith and Tradition that he attached himself to him until he passed on ( Muhammad an Sunnah.). Imam Muslim was also a disciple of another prominent Ah adith teacher Muhammad b. Yahya al. Dhuhali. Their relationship, however, did not last for long. When Imam Muhammad and UIma Bukhari differed in the belief on the subject of creation of the Holy Qur’an and the discrepancy generated into antagonism, Imam Muslim ditched Muhammad b. Yahya but remained a true supporter of Imam Bukhari (Quran Sunnah : Saheeh Sitta†). After the death of Imam Bukhari, Imam Muslim resorted to compiling his Ahadith. He incorporated new insights into his mentor’s work and produced an exceptional Hadith. Some religious commentators say Imam Muslim produced highly authentic reports on the subject than most imams, including his teacher Imam Bukhari. He worked hard, collected and examined 300, 000 traditions, out of which he retained only four thousand (Muhammad an Sunnah). He, therefore, used authentic collections to produce books and treaties on his Ahadith. People still benefit from some of these collections to date. For example, â€Å"Ja mi’† of his â€Å"Sahih† still offers outstanding insight on religion (Quran Sunnah : Saheeh Sitta†). The distinctive quality has attracted immense interest on his methodology of compiling Hadith.Advertising Looking for essay on religion theology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Imam Muslim observed several principles of the science of Hadith that Imam Bukhari, his mentor, ignored. Muslim classified his collection into three different groups: authentic (sahih), good (hasan), and weak (da’eef) information, just as Imam Bukhari. Nevertheless, he was unique because he did not incorporate both weak and good information in his final work (Siddiqui). Muslim made use of traditions that he found to be both genuine and authentic. He considered that accurate traditions must have been passed on to him by unbroken sequence of trustworthy authorities. They must have been in ideal agreement with what had been narrated by other trustworthy individuals. In addition, they must have been unanimously acknowledged to be without imperfection (Siddiqui). Moreover, Imam Muslim kept away from causing confusion when describing the sequence of narrators. He did not mention the â€Å"kunya† and in many cases avoided giving names of narrators. He applied this rule especially when dealing with Syria narrators (ShiÃÅ'„hÃÅ' £aÃÅ' 15). He also took extraordinary care to record the most accurate accounts by according the exact words of the narrators. He achieved this by pointing out even the least significant disparities in the wording of the narrators’ reports. Imam Muslim took considerable steps to connect the chain of narrators. This was helpful in eliminating confusion and recording factual encounters. He only recorded Ahadith that at least two trustworthy narrators had heard from at least two trustworthy companions. Subsequent chain of narrators has observed this principle (Siddiqui). Another key methodology was using simple language. He put a difference between the two main modes of narration: â€Å"haddathana â€Å"and â€Å"akhbarana.† These terms mean he narrated to us, and he informed us, respectively. He required the first mode to be used when the teacher is narrating the Hadith while the student is listening and the second when the student is reading before the teacher (Quran Sunnah : Saheeh Sitta†). He constantly indicated the different modes he used to collect all the traditions. Muslim bin al-Hajjaj al-Nisaburi’s early lifestyle and encounter with Imam Bukhari inspired him to compile his Ahadith with proper care. He also produced one of the best Ahadith because he was hardworking, creative, and observant. These traits helped Imam Muslim to develop better research methodologies than those of his mentor Imam Bakhari. Quran Sunnah : Saheeh Sitta. IslamiCity.com Islam The Global Muslim eCommunity . N.p., n.d . Web.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Muslim bin al-Hajjaj al-Nisaburi and his Methodology of Compiling Hadith specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More ShiÃÅ'„hÃÅ' £aÃÅ'„, KhaliÃÅ'„l MaÊmuÃÅ'„n. SÃÅ' £ahÃÅ' £iÃÅ'„hÃÅ' £ Muslim. al-TÃÅ' £abÊ »ah 1. ed. BayruÃÅ'„t, LubnaÃÅ'„n: DaÃÅ'„r al-MaÊ »rifah, 1994. Print. Siddiqui, Abdul Hamid . Imam Muslim. History of Scholars. N.p., n.d. Web. Muhammad an Sunnah. www.maaref-foundation.com. N.p., n.d. Web.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Federalist Politics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Federalist Politics - Essay Example They were instrumental in gaining popular support for a large republic. The Federalist #10 is an important document as it set out the framework for how we view special interests, majority rule, and where the power in government will reside. A major portion of the Federalist papers defined the nature of special interest groups. Madison termed them factions and warned of their ability to wield undue influence. Factions are known by the more modern term special interest groups. By concentrating money and political power a small minority can have a great impact on laws and legislation. Factions can bring about corruption and give a voice to a segment of the population that is unduly loud in comparison with the one man one vote philosophy that underpins our constitutional system. Small, well organized factions can influence local politics, elect friendly delegates, and promote laws that are favorable to their cause. In this process the average voter is shut out from the system of government and it is given over to a form of tyranny. Factions have two main impacts on the constitutional system. It has the causes, which are the organized groups attempting to subvert the system, and the results which Madison termed the effects. Madison was realistic in his analyzing of the causes and effects. He understood that there could be no law against special interest groups working to forward their agenda. ... In creating a constitutional government where factions could have their least effect, Madison examined the Democracy and the Republic. Democracy is inherently the most fair to the majority, and the most expedient. Democracy also carries with it the dangers of mob rule. It locks out the interests of the minority and does not consider individual freedom. A democracy has the ability and the function of eliminating dissent and minority viewpoints. In Madison's view this was the biggest threat of a democratic form of government. While a Democracy carried with it the threat of the majority usurping the rights of the minority, a Republic carries with it the opportunity for rule by a select few. Representative Republicanism was the lesser of the two evils as Madison viewed it. A Republic that was represented by local representatives would help establish a balance between the majority and the rights of the minority. Spreading out the political power geographically and demographically would help deter the majority from gaining absolute rule. Madison foresaw the weakness of a republic becoming elitist and ruled by factions. However, his vision of a large republic helps to minimize the effects of rule by a few special interests. Madison believed that factions could not overtake a large republic. While they may be able to promote local support, on the federal stage the constitutional form of government and the balance of power would limit their influence. When compared to a democracy, a republic was more beneficial to the people. The larger the republic, the less vulnerable to undue influence by factions it would have. Madison's Federalist #10 helped set the tone for our constitutional form of government we have today. While

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Taxes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Taxes - Essay Example Using charitable trusts is another way to reduce income tax, especially for the ones who belong to high income group as these trusts help you to give charity generously, giving you a big tax break (Karayan & Swenson, 2006). At the time of selling of valuable assets, one can easily minimize Capital Gains tax with the help of one of the most secure asset protection program known as Private Annuity Tax (PAT) which minimizes even smaller properties like artwork or jewelry. When a property is transferred into PAT, it results in smaller tax expense. Another way of minimizing Capital Gains is to get an ISA (Individual Savings Account). Investors can put sufficient funds in ISA and gains made inside this account are CGT-free. Moreover, one more strategy is used which is: Investing in small companies through special tax efficient programs. In this way, one can claim for Capital Gains tax previously paid. One of the most popular vehicles used to reduce Estate tax is to ‘uniform transfer to minors’. Such type of gifting occurs where your children are minors. The gift is handed over to a guardian and when the children reach the age of majority. Marital transfers is another useful way in which assets are transferred to a surviving spouse, who should not be a non-citizen, which minimized the estate tax which is due. Lastly, Quality Family-Owned Business Interest (QFOBI) is another way in which it reduces the gross value of the state and automatically reduces the amount of estate tax which is charged on the net value of the state (Karayan, et al., 2002). I am very much hopeful that I have provided you significant and useful amount of information about the vehicles for reducing taxes and these vehicles could be regarded as substantial means for taxes

Monday, November 18, 2019

Film Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 4

Film - Essay Example Therefore, Robert De Niro favored him by deploying other tactics and campaigns to portray him as the best. This was seen in his campaign slogans. Thirdly, Robert De Niro had a conflict of interest, which was unethical. He developed propaganda that favored the president leading to his re-election. However, the conflict of interest emanated when he felt jealous that the media did not recognize him as the person behind the president’s re-election. This made him want to call the press to tell the truth about the president re-election leading to his death. Fourthly, Robert De Niro did not strengthen the public trust, but instead fed them with lies in favor of the president. This is because he lied to the public that the president was a clean man, despite the sex scandal that was fresh in the people’s mind. When the people realized his lies, he changed the tune and fabricated information regarding the missing people in Albania. Lastly, Robert De Niro failed to foster informed decision through open communication. He was dancing to the tune of the president because he did all that the president wanted. He was not open to receive information from other people who were also interested in finding a solution to the problem. Wag the Dog may be interpreted to mean diverting the public attention from the truth or something important to a less significant issue. In the movie, the most important point, which was going to determine the outcome of the election, was the sex scandal that befell the president. It was in the public, and everyone knew it. However, Wag the Dog was realized when attention was diverted to the fake constructed was about Albanian terrorists. The aim was to divert the attention of the media to dwell on the false war and stop spending time on the sex scandal. However, this did not do much since the CIA detected the fake annotation and never wanted to fail the

Friday, November 15, 2019

Psychological Theories of Chronic Pain

Psychological Theories of Chronic Pain The operant approach to chronic pain was intended to concentrate upon external pain-induced responses and the social implications of the nature of feedback. The operant model has been particularly described by Fordyce et al (1968, 1976) based upon the work of other individuals in the behavioural field, for example Skinner. The operant theory implies that the genesis of the pain should be distinguished from pain behaviours and the articulation of pain.External displays of pain such as wincing may be conditioned just as any other type of behaviour. If the patient receives positive feedback in response to pain behaviours, they may remain after the usual time of healing for that ailment. There is a respectable body of evidence to justify the use of the operant model in response to chronic pain, yet there is a relatively miniscule level of consensus about why they work and the validity of their theoretical foundations. The operant theory is supported by research projects that intimate the success of behavioural treatments, but there are several problematic elements in these studies which have been recently addressed. The troubling issues include the antecedent belief that all pain behaviours are dysfunctional, the obstacles to continuing the learned behaviours subsequent to treatment and the reluctance of some chronic pain patients to embrace operant modes of treatment. Essentially, the nature of the sum of the problems is dualistic, and can either be addressed as complications with interpreting pain behaviours or the inevitable failure rate that all treatments face. These issues, salient though they are, are not exhaustive. The operant model fails to recognise the fact that the patient’s personal interpretation of their pain and the changes they are experiencing maybe important. Acknowledging this can clear the way for cognitive theories to add something to operant methods of treatment. Indeed, elements that influence behaviour in general and pain behaviour in particular are complex and multi-faceted. It is seldom evident that a single cause has led to a single effect. Although it is true that pain-related behaviours are often modified during the course of a treatment programme, it is not necessarily true that it is for the reasons uppermost in the minds of the experts monitoring them. In brief, rational thought cannot condone the notion that the operant model of chronic pain is true because treatment programmes utilising behavioural methods have been shown to alter the behaviour of patients suffering from chronic pain. A particular assertion that has come under scrutiny is the idea that patients modify their verbal expressions of pain in response to reactions from spouses. The methods and logic that lead to this conclusion are questionable and so must be their perceived contribution to the validity of the operant model. Further, some studies claiming to provide empirical support for the operant model only partially adhere to its theoretical roots. Other studies which are more methodologically sound have suspect sample gathering procedures. The findings of these studies still hold merit for the cognitive model of chronic pain, though ardent followers of the operant model will inevitably be disappointed. The fact is that the operant model of chronic pain does not have as strong a body of empirical evidence to back it up as its patrons would like. As a result of the questionable reliability of the operant theory, many researchers have begun to actively espouse the cognitive-behavioural theories of chr onic pain. Cognitive Behavioural Account of Chronic PainsThe cognitive-behavioural approach to chronic pain purported to contain the essentials of the operant account of chronic pain, but added space for human emotions, cognitions and mental coping mechanisms. This approach, like surgical and pharmacological interventions, attempt to eliminate or reduce it. Rates of failure in achieving this have led researchers to turn from attempted pain reduction to other objectives like active rehabilitation. One study compared and contrasted two behavioural treatments for ongoing pain.The first treatment focused on abandoning strivings to overcome pain and invest more energy in achieving other aims in life. The second treatment was a traditional cognitive behavioural treatment stressing the development of pain-reducing mechanisms. The treatment incorporating acceptance and re-focussing proved more successful than attempts to master the pain in patients suffering from chronic pain. Initial formulations of a cognitive behavioural approach to chronic pain were predicated upon the realisation that programmes with the behavioural label did not contain only behavioural content. Behavioural experts acknowledged the necessity of addressing the cognitive functioning of a patient as well as his or her behavioural patterns. At present, the role of cognition in reporting extremity of pain, endeavours to successfully deal with pain, emotions and level of pain-related incapacity is solidly documented. The relationship between cognitive functioning and pain has revealed a number of important themes. The way in which patients mentally interpret their pain is predictive of their response and their level of functioning. For example, patients to perceive their pain as an indication of more damage often spend more energy attempting to avoid their pain and become less able to function naturally as a result. Patients who catastrophise their pain may experience augmented levels of d epression compared with those who do not. Depression has also been linked to behavioural functioning and both of these may be affected by the patient’s attempts to predict or control his pain. The sum of the implications of these findings points to the near certainty that cognitive functioning must be considered when attempting to construct any comprehensive and effective model of chronic pain. The cognitive behavioural theory does not go as far as to suggest that certain cognitions lead to pain; the relationship is not as simplistic as that. There is substantial evidence to suggest that cognitive activity related to pain can help to create coping mechanisms that are either helpful or dysfunctional. The nature of the coping mechanisms can directly affect the degree to which chronic pain infringes on continued functioning. Some behaviourists allude to the role of cognitions in their research by referring to external or environmental factors. Strict behaviourism continues to be the preferred method of treatment and as such, willcontinue to concentrate on the transformation of overt behaviours. Evidence for the need to include cognitive and other factors in dealing with chronic pain is becoming increasingly pressing, and it must be acknowledged that including one treatment session on cognitive theory and praxis does not magically transform a behavioural programme into a cognitive behavioural programme. Even the cognitive behavioural theory itself is in need of more complete incorporation of cognitive methods.There are simple questions that can be raised in the minds of chronic pain patients that may transform the way that they think about and respond to their pain. The claims of balanced research pale in comparison to the pressing needs of patients suffering daily who could benefit from cognitive interve ntions. Treatment for chronic pain must be addressed in terms of cognition and behaviour; even if behaviour is the founding principle upon which a treatment is based, it must be recognised that behaviour acquires meaning in a cognitive sphere. There have been propositions to reformulate the theoretical construction of the cognitive behavioural approach. Modifications ofthe approach start with the conception that the issues arising from the presence of chronic pain stem from patient reactions to their pain.Reactions are conceptualised as covering the sum of cognitive processes and not merely external actions. Dividing characteristics between patients who are anxious and suffering a notable level o ncapacitation and those who are able to maintain a level of functioning despite their pain are not found in the sensations of pain experienced by the patient but in the content of the internal cognitive assessment the patient carries out about their own pain. Some cognitive behavioural appraisals of pain are primarily concerned with the meaning that the individual patient attributes to his or her pain. The reformulated cognitive behavioural model of chronic pain proposes that the interaction of various phenomenon such as internal appraisals of pain, learning history, mood, avoidance behaviours and environmental influences can become habitual to an extent that negative consequences of the pain, such as level of disability, may persist despite the removal of the sensory aspect of the pain. Motor behaviours that attempt to evade the pain in some way may continue after the pain has subsided or lessened and therefore the cognitions that prompted those beliefs continue. An acute sense of worry or anxiety may heighten safety or defence mechanisms perpetuate an autonomic arousal that maintains positive feedback for the notion that there is something wrong with the patient. Additionally, psychological dysfunction such as depression or mild panic can augment the chances of patients making calculative mistakes regarding their pain including assessing the pain as being worse than it actually i s. This will reinforce the cycles of avoidance that the patient has previously used. This particular reconfiguration of the cognitive behavioural model further accepts that anxiety and other maladaptive behaviours such asmisusing medica tion can easily invoke arousal encourage the continuance of maladaptive behaviours. The model also takes into account the drive for the patient to seek reassurance about their pain and they ways that they deal with it. They attempt to reconcile any feedback received with their own beliefs about their pain and its related effects. Many chronic pain patients live with the trepidation that the continued existence of chronic pain indicates that further damage is being done to their bodies, which will in turn exacerbate the pain they experience. This may raise their levels of anxiety, which affects their ability to think rationally and calmly about their pain. They may request more medical procedures—tests or treatments—to provide empirical evidence to themselves about the state of their bodies. The reconceptualised model ind icates that the response of medical professionals in these situations may unknowingly encourage this kind of cognitive presumption and therefore positively reinforce incapacity or a passive response to chronic pain. The model articulated above is extensively based upon other cognitive behavioural models of chronic pain and can even take into account theories about the nature of the meta-cognitions of the patient. If, for example, the patient cognitively interprets the pain or cognitions related to the pain indicate something negative about them as a person, then they may make efforts to overcome or control such thoughts in attempts to protect themselves from further negative consequen ces. For example, if the patient fears that thinking about his or her pain is going to make them ‘crazy’ then they may make strong efforts to alter their thoughts about the pain in order to stop themselves from descending into mental illness. This may stem from a fear that since their physical health has deteriorated, their mental health is under threat as well. In addition, some patients may think that the more time they spend thinking about their pain, the more serious and damaging it will be. The mo del asserts that the more cognitive energy is spent trying not to have pain-related thoughts, the more frequent they may become and the anxiety levels of the patient may continue to rise, prompting more and more pain-related cognitions. These thoughts may increase and the patient may feel that the more they have these thoughts, the more damage they are doing to themselves. Patients can end up caught in a web of cognitive gymnastics about their chronic pain, which diverts energy from dealing with the pain in constructive ways and maintaining a satisfactory level of functioning. The cognitions that a patient may develop concerning their chronic pain are the product of complex and intricate synthesis of experiences, cultural forces and even childhood learning. Patients do not interpret their pain only in terms of their immediate situation, but bring a variety of other elements to bear upon the way that they translate their ideas about pain and what it means into their responses to their own pain. If they have had pain in the past, or have had close relationships with individuals who have suffered pain, the express and null curriculum of their experiences will provide them with a set of beliefs about pain, what it means and what can be done about it. Cultural ideas about how to respond to pain will also affect their evaluations about the role of pain in the life of an individual. Spouseresponses can also be important factors in interpreting chronic pain.It can also be said that behaviour that demonstrates acceptance of chronic pain stems from the collaboration of past and present circumstances, as well as the emotive and interpersonal influences of the present. The way that the spouse expresses his or her beliefs about pain can either reinforce or contradict the beliefs of the patient. If the patient believes that his condition or experience of chronic pain has made him incapacitated and the spouse behaves solicitously, the patient’s beliefs about his incapacitation can be confirmed and may override any other input about the patient’s ability to function normally. The cognitive behavioural approach has built into its tenets the capacity for the patient to learn new coping strategies and introduce new cognitions without an awareness of the reality of his or her situation. This may be particularly pertinent in the area of medication, where any form of relief from pain, whether it is actual or perceived, may be a response to thoughts that the pain is out of control and the patient is unable to carry on without the presence of medication. The cognitive behavioral approach also asserts that these types of cognitions and resulting actions are cemented together and work in partnership to perpetuate one another. If a patient thinks that performing a particular action will lead to further damage and pain, he will avoid that action. Thus, he will not discover any information to the contrary and will continue to believe that the presence of pain means that he should not engage in such an activity. Even when patients try to accomplish certain activities, if they do so utilising protective methods, they may only confirm the danger of the activity in their minds and become dependent upon the protective measure instead of achieving their full potential in functioning. It is becoming more and more accepted that it is prudent to explore chronic pain from a cognitive behavioral approach. There are a number of reasons for this growing confidence. First, it has been asserted that the reformulated cognitive model explains the breadth of evidence more extensively than other models. Second, the hypotheses that are put forth by the model may easily be empirically tested in order to determine whether they are statistically supported and theoretically sound. This makes them infinitely more useful for the practical work of treatment, as they can offer statistically supported predictions for the type of treatment that will be most useful in various situations.Obtaining the ability to pinpoint pivotal cognitive functions should lead to accurate treatments in place of the relatively arbitrary approach sometimes implemented by professionals. For several years, the research and treatment of chronic pain concentrated on coping mechanisms as the pre-eminent behavioural factor in adjustment. Yet when coping approaches began to be compared with other types of behavioural approaches such as acceptance of chronic pain, significant conclusions were reached regarding the potential of the respective approaches to predict disability and distress. It has been asserted that there are fundamental problems with coping as a comprehensive adjustment mechanism. The issues with coping are conceptual and empirical in nature and stem from its reliance upon cognitive responses. An empirical study demonstrated that acceptance of chronic pain led to decreased intensity of symptoms and a better quality of life. Acceptance of pain was conclusively shown to be superior to attempting to cope with pain. It is possible that acceptance of pain may be accomplished through a variety of methods. Some of the treatments currently in use, such as those involving cognitive-behavioural methods can help to make pain more acceptable. This is true even for those cognitive-behavioural methods that focus on mastering pain. For example, it could be that diminished avoidance and augmented experience of pain as a result of more control that help patients to accept the pain in their lives. If patients are exposed to more pain they may develop diminished emotional reactions and begin to understand that pain intensity is different in various situations. This understanding can teach them that the pain they suffer is not as intense as they first thought. In addition, teaching methods of behavioural control can result in alternations to the patient’s internalised definition of a painful event, making it easier to endure. The role of values in a contextual cognitive-behavioural approach has been assessed in terms of the relationships between the values of chronic pain patients and the success of following their daily routines. It is often easy for chronic pain patients to expend great amounts of effort struggling with pain rather than focusing their energies on living according to their values. Living according to values was defined in this particular study as acting according to what they care most about and what they want their life to stand for. If pain is not then reduced, the patient may feel that not only have their limited amounts of energy been wasted, but they have also neglected their core purposes in life, which may result in further angst and anxiety. In a study examining the process of living according to personal values while suffering from chronic pain, 140 pain patients completed an inventory of values including categories such as family, friends, health, work and growth. The patients were also asked to record information regarding their pain, anxiety and depression. The results showed that the highest values for the patients were family and health, and the values of least importance overall were friends, growth and learning. The patients generally did not feel satisfied that they were living life according to their values, and this could be because of their level of physical and emotive functioning. The results of the study further demonstrated that those who achieved more succ ess atliving according to their values reported higher levels of acceptance, although acceptance could not reliably account for the sum of the success. Although patients felt that overall they were not living according to their values, there was a significantly higher rate of success at living according to family values than maintaining health. In practical terms, this means that out of the areas that patients value most, they were able to achieve much more success in one area, family than the other, health. Approaches to chronic pain that are contextually based deal with cognitive issues in a different manner than normalcogn itive-behavioural approaches. Approaches that are contextually based seek to change the operation of negative thoughts and the way in which they are experienced, which affects other behaviours. A large quantity of the work devoted to these types of approaches involves releasing maladaptive cognitive forces on behaviour and intensifying behavioural elasticity through cognitive de-fusion. Approaches that are founded upon values add an aspect to this type of treatment.Articulating values during treatment for chronic pain is equivalent to adding cognitive influences to behaviour sequences. On a practical level, the conceptualisations of the cognitive behavioural model of chronic pain can help to explain how patients deal with their pain, particularly the cognitive and meta-cognitive interactions they have with their symptoms and other factors thatinfluence their quality of life and their approach to their pain. If,for example, the patient is in the situation where the pain persists and further tests and treatments prove unsuccessful, it may be easy for the cognitive components of the mind of the patient to feel defeated and to acquire a learned helplessness. The patient may subconsciously or even consciously feel that all of their cognitive efforts to this point have proved futile and therefore they may be paralysed by the notion that whatever cognitive energy they put into dealing with their pain will be to no avail. They may even come to believe that any further medical intervention will be of no use to them. These types of thoughts can affect the effort that patient s put into their treatment.They may be less participatory and become increasingly passive even in the face of extensive medical procedures. They may cease to be emotionally and mentally invested in working with the medical professionals to achieve the best outcome possible for their situation.If patients feel that treatment will be useless and they make less effort, their treatment may not be as effective as it could have been. A treatment outcome that is less than optimal will only reinforce the patient’s sense of helplessness and they may even be dismissed as unhelpful or disengaged by medical staff. If these patients are viewed from the perspective of the cognitive behavioural model of chronic pain, however, they will be perceived not as unmotivated but as individuals with maladaptive cognitions. This understanding of their behaviour would make them prime candidates for cognitive interventions,where their chances of improvement would be quite high. There is much empirical support for the cognitive behavioural model, and it has been found consistent with a wide scope of researchout comes. There is particularly strong support for the idea that when patients worry about their pain, they are more likely to scrutinise their pain, which removes effort and thought from other activities and may make the pain worse than it is. These findings offer support for the cognitive theory that hypervigilance and anxiety are closely related. In other studies, anxiety and stress have been found to predict ambiguous ailments in patients suffering from chronic pain, which supports the theory that hypervigilance may create or exacerbate the ill health of the patient or at least the patients perception of the state of their health. In addition, pain-related trepidation was discovered to predict evading strategies more accurately than the intensity of the pain or the physical ailment. Here, the researchers concluded that their findings were not as supportive of the operant model of chronic pain as the cognitive behavioural model. Further, evidence exists that supports the notion that striving to avert pain-related cognitions may actually intensify pain sensations. Though it is advisable to treat this particular study with some caution, there is more substantial research to support the related notion that trying to block pain-related thoughts is counterproductive and will worsen anxiety. Related to this are the theories surrounding autonomic arousal, which have also received empirical backing. It has been asserted that patients suffering from chronic pain do not respond to pain in the same ways as patients whose pain is not chronic. This is true despite the fact that they do not demonstrate significant difference s from non-chronic pain patients in other areas. When the responses of chronic pain patients are measured with regard to distressing activities, the pain levels measured increased dramatically. This was not true for normal activities. Therefore, it seems safe to adhere to a model of chronic pain in which the state of arousal prompted by particular activities directly affects the pain experienced by the patient. Other elements in the cognitive behavioural model have also received support. In particular the role of medication and the appropriateness of use can affect patients’ complaints regarding symptoms and level of incapacity. One study examined the contrasting characteristics of chronic pain for patients whose pain could be justified by medical explanations and those whose pain could not be explained in medical terminology. The authors found remarkable variations in a number of variables, such as excessive prescribing and internal processing in the group of patients whose pain could not be medically explained. They went on to assert that when medical professionals in this type of situation intimate that it could be psychosomatic, they reinforce the patient’s self-concept of an ill person, if not physically, then mentally. Reacting in this fashion often fails to convince the patient that there is nothing wrong and instead, motivates their search for a plausible explanation f or their pain. They may demand more tests and interventions in search of legitimising their pain. The important point here is that the responses of medical professionals to patient expressions of pain can have a significant impact on pain-rel atedcognitions and thus on their responses to treatment. The sum of this evidence provides legitimisation for approaching chronic pain in a way that is much like the way that anxiety and obsessions are approached. This suggests that if obsessions can be treated, then so can maladaptive pain-related cognitions and behaviours. While the need for further research remains in certain areas, such as the clarification of the significance of safety behaviours and the effectiveness of specific cognitive behavioural intervention programmes, there is strong evidence that cognitive behavioural treatments will overtake operant treatments as the preferred method for addressing chronic pain. Sharp (2001) concludes his discussion of psychological theories of chronic pain by arriving at the destination of cognitive behavioural models akin to those used to treat anxiety. He regards the operant model as having too many problematic issues to be considered a reliable source of chronic pain treatment. He goes even further, to suggest that many of the cognitive behavioural modes currently in use are hampered by the fact that they continue to espouse behavioural principles that have outlived their usefulness. According to Sharp, reformulated cognitive theories are needed in order to satisfactorily assess patient cognitions regarding their pain. While behavioural factors should not be completely ignored, they should nonetheless always be considered within a cognitive framework. The concept of reformulating cognitive models is supported by the evidence and appears to be more helpful in finding real scientific meaning therein. Treatments involving cognitive behaviour therapy and behaviour therapy for chronic pain in adults have been the subject of meta-analysis. The researchers recognised that there is persuasive data for the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in augmenting the functioning ability of patients suffering from chronic pain. There is also conclusive evidence that CBT can enhance emotional states, reduce discomfort and minimise behaviour that stems from a sense of being incapacitated. However, it has been noted that in a clinical treatment context, CBT is not often presented as an option for individuals suffering from chronic pain. Physical, pharmacological and medical treatments are provided as options even though there is often less empirical evidence for their success. This study sought to do a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials in this area.The researchers indentified 25 trials that were appropriate candidates for meta-analysis and compared the effica cy of CBT with various other treatments. In this study, the experts were concerned primarily with two issues. The first was whether or not CBT is an effective treatment for chronic pain in the sense that it is better to undergo CBT than to have no treatment at all. The second issue was whether CBT was better than other available treatments which involve activity as part of the curriculum. The outcomes of the study indicated that CBT that are active in nature are effective. CBT made marked improvements in emotional state, intensity of pain and cognitive measures of coping with the pain. Additionally, pain-related behaviour and level of functioning, both in an individual and a social context were improved. The results of this study led to the conclusion that CBT is indeed an effective treatment for chronic pain in adults. So, too, is behavioural therapy. The study raised certain issues which would be best considered in other studies, because attempting to treat chronic pain from apsychological perspective is quite a difficult endeavour. The outcomes of such treatment cannot always be broken down to determine which variable caused or helped to cause a particular outcome. Especially where psychological methodologies and cognitive evaluations are concerned, there is an ambiguity in proving the cause and effect of research methods that is not easily overcome. The treatment of chronic pain must be recognised as an ongoing and complex process with a significantly complicating number of variables involved. Even when the greatest efforts are made to ensure the independent performance of professionals and to shield the patients from any hint of bias, the narrowing of treatment and research cond itions is extremely difficult. The acceptance of chronic pain involves intentionally allowing pain, with all of its cognitive and emotional implications, to be present in one’s life, when the willingness results in increased functioning capabilities for the patient. Acceptance means responding to pain without attempting to avoid or control it and continuing to function regardless of the presence of chronic pain. Acceptance is especially pertinent when previous attempts at control or avoidance have limited the quality of the patient’s life. Patients suffering from chronic pain who take steps to accept it report fewer instances of anxiety, medical intervention and depression. Two elements are needed to produce acceptance: pain willingness and activity engagement. The development of acceptance is an ongoing process that progresses with experience of pain and relevant social factors. Further, acceptance of chronic pain involves choosing not to become embroiled in fruitless internal struggles that may inc rease the intensity of the pain and its ability to disrupt active functioning. Acceptance is a new psychological approach and conceives human suffering in new terms.Acceptance is located in the cognitive and behavioural approaches and therefore has empirical psychological traditions to lend it credibility. One study demonstrated that diminishing anxiety and augmented acceptance of chronic pain might transfer sufferers from a dysfunctional coping approach to a successful one. The study empirically categorised patients suffering from chronic pain into three categories: dysfunctional, interpersonally distressed or adaptive copers. The researchers in the study believed that identifying the characteristics that distinguish one group from another may help to crystallise the behavioural mechanisms that facilitate acclimation to pain. The subjects in the study were classified according to the Multidimensional Pain Inventory and relative scores on pain acceptance and pain-related anxiety were examined. The results demonstrated that patients in the dysfunctional group cited more anxiety related to their chronic pain as well as lower acceptance of pain than those who were interpersonally distressed or copers. Add

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Othello :: essays research papers

The Significance of Othello’s Ethnicity.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In William E. Cain’s essay, â€Å"The Triumph of Will,† he clearly states, as is represented by James that Othello’s race is not an issue in the play. I strongly agree with James and believe that if Othello’s skin was white it would not affect the outcome of the play at all. Desdemona’s marriage to any other man, black or white, would have been just as upsetting to Barbantio and Roderigo, and in this paper I will further discuss my reasoning.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As I have mentioned in the introduction, the outcome of the play would have been exactly the same whether or not Desdemona’s husband in the play happened to be black or white. One of the reasons is the fact that Barbantio was not necessarily mad at Desdemona for marrying Othello. Although this might have made him a little upset he got over that very quick, but what made him really mad was that Desdemona married Othello secretly behind his back without his approval. Basically Barbantio felt betrayed by his own daughter. This made Barbantio feel that he wasn’t able to do his part as a father, and play that major role in his daughter’s life anymore. Since Othello is now Desdemona’s new husband it is his responsibility to take over those important roles. Barbantio would feel this way regardless of who his daughter married. Understandingly and respectively enough Barbantio knows that Desdemona loves Othello, and that Othello loves Desdemona just as much as he loves his daughter. In the end, Barbantio easily accepts the marriage. If the racial issue was the initial root of all evil here he would not have accepted the marriage as easily. In his acceptance to the marriage he joins the hands of Othello and Desdemona and gives them his blessings. â€Å"I here do give thee that with all my heart which, but thou hast already, with all my heart I would keep from thee for your sake, Jewel, I am glad at soul I have no other child, for thy escape would teach me tyranny, to hang clogs on them.† (Shakespeare, 31)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As for Roderigo, his main conflict is the simple fact that Desdemona has married a man whom is not himself, as he would rather love to have it. Although Iago is supposed to be a friend if Othello’s he sides with Roderigo and secretly is against Othello.

Monday, November 11, 2019

My Week as a Room-Service Waiter at the Ritz – Customer Service that Puts the “Ritz” in Ritzy

The phrase â€Å"the customer is never wrong,† has been attributed to Cesar Ritz, the founder of the Ritz-Carlton empire. Needless to say, the man knew from customer service. How does this luxury hotel keep its customers content—and coming back?Paul Hemp, a senior editor at Harvard Business Review, stepped into the shoes of a Ritz-Carlton room-service waiter to find out. One observation: Empowering your employees to provide top-notch customer service is not enough. You must also inspire them to exercise that power. by Paul Hemp  Reflecting on the experienceOne element of the Ritz-Carlton training is a follow-up session, known as Day 21. It typically takes place about three weeks after the initial orientation. The aim is to review the Gold Standards after new employees have had a chance to put them into practice. Though I didn't work the full twenty-one days, I sit in on the half-day session (which, amidst the frenzy of the hotel's early months, actually takes place on the 49th day after our orientation). Training director Tim Kirkpatrick starts with another mock lineup.He discusses the new-employee job certification test that department managers should have administered. He announces a new guest recognition hotline, which employees can use to call in guest preferences. And he unveils an updated version of the company's principles, now in the form of a three-dimensional pyramid. This supplements the existing Gold Standards with an additional category of seven â€Å"key success factors. † But for staff to delight customers, managers must do more than grant their employees the freedom to do what is necessary; they must motivate employees to exercise that freedom.— Paul Hemp Employees are asked about their experiences on the job. Erin Garrity, the new front-desk clerk from Johnson & Wales, is disappointed she has been assigned the overnight shift but looks on the bright side. â€Å"I get to see a lot of celebrities† at that time , she says. Her goal for the year is to be named one of the hotel's select five-star employees, and she intends to continue being the â€Å"friendliest person I can be. † John Rolfs reinforces his message from orientation that our sole job is to â€Å"make guests feel good so they come back.â€Å"The hotel's 320 employees have countless interactions with guests, he says, and it takes just one interaction to make a guest feel bad. â€Å"If you're thinking about doing your job well, trying to understand and master your day-to-day routines but not thinking about how guests feel, they'll have a difficult time forgiving you. They'll probably forgive us if the air-conditioning fails. But they won't forgive us for failing to make them feel good—because that's why they selected Ritz-Carlton. † Tim's final announcement concerns the results of the first monthly Gallup survey of Ritz-Carlton guests, released to managers earlier that day.The Ritz-Carlton/Boston Common lea ds the company's hotels in overall customer satisfaction. There is a stunned silence—after all, this is a new hotel still smoothing out the rough spots—followed by loud applause. As I leave the hotel and walk across the Boston Common in the gathering dusk, I reflect on what I've learned about teaching and motivating employees to provide truly memorable service. One thing seems clear. Great customer service should be based on dynamic principles rather than a rigid formula.You don't demand that employees say, â€Å"Certainly, my pleasure,† until it feels right to them. You don't mindlessly assume every guest wants to be pampered; some people just want to eat their dinners. I also ponder Ritz-Carlton's efforts to win the hearts and minds of its employees by, for example, making them feel part of a proud heritage. A recent study of hotel workers by researchers at Cornell's School of Hotel Administration found that, while job satisfaction plays a major role in employ ee retention, it isn't the key factor in a hotel's ability to provide excellent customer service.Rather, it is employees' emotional commitment—which is achieved in part through symbols and rituals that enhance employees' sense of identity with the company—that contributes most to superior performance. Ritz Carlton certainly has an unusually rich tradition to draw on in creating that feeling of identity. But every company, even a two-year-old startup, has traditions and even legends that can be tapped to help build employee commitment. Great customer service should be based on dynamic principles rather than a rigid formula.— Paul Hemp That kind of commitment serves as a driver of excellent customer service only when employees are empowered to take initiative. And that sort of empowerment has no potency unless employees are motivated to seize it. I am haunted by my failure to point out the confusing bin numbers on the hotel wine list, which led my guest to mistake nly order that half-bottle of burgundy. Certainly, I was encouraged during my time at the hotel to point out problems that needed fixing. Why didn't I follow through in this case? I'm not sure.But for staff to delight customers, managers must do more than grant their employees the freedom to do what is necessary; they must motivate employees to exercise that freedom. Doing that depends in part on the kinds of people you hire. Ritz-Carlton has an elaborate system for assessing in job candidates the qualities the company believes are crucial to its success. One night while I was working at the hotel, I went through the basic interview to see how I'd do. I was fairly confident I was just the sort of caring, conscientious person the Ritz was looking for.In fact, though, even after fudging my answers to a few questions, I got only ten points out of a possible fifteen in the composite hospitality assessment. Tim said that wasn't bad—†though, honestly, we'd shoot for someone w ith a twelve. † I later discovered that I fell short in my response to a question asking me to cite an instance when I took care of someone else. I said I'd often provided emotional support to my sister during tough times. But the company was looking for something more than this, an â€Å"extraordinary† example of caring. â€Å"Helping your sister? You better,† Tim said with a laugh.â€Å"Now, if you'd moved out of your house for a month and let her move in, that would be different. † Since instituting its candidate assessment system in 1991, Ritz Carlton says it has reduced its annual turnover rate from 55%, roughly the industry average, to 28%. Certainly, a genuine concern for the well-being of guests is key to providing superior customer service. But that isn't enough to truly anticipate customer needs. Another component of the Ritz Carlton's hospitality assessment is empathy—being able to imagine guests' emotional responses to their experience i n the hotel.I am reminded of Steve's care in preparing the champagne setting for the newlyweds that night and how he thought back to his grandparents' wedding seventy-five years before. To truly achieve empathy, however, I wonder if you need to jettison at least some of your personal perspective. One of John Rolfs's comments during the Day 21 session—about the dangers of employees focusing solely on the successful fulfillment of their duties—resonated with my experience as a waiter.If you're constantly assessing how well you're doing in your job—even in your genuine efforts to satisfy guests—you, not the guest, become the point of reference. Your self-consciousness, natural though it may be, distracts you from providing superior service. It's getting dark. And this train of thought risks hurtling far beyond the practical demands of a frenetic evening of room service. But, when you get down to it, my musings don't seem all that far from the Ritz-Carlton ph ilosophy.Companies dedicated to providing what might be called â€Å"extreme† customer service may need to recognize that—like great military, government, or religious service—it is, in the end, a truly selfless endeavor. They may need to establish such practices as the formal inculcation of a customer-centered credo. They might even consider providing workers with a weeklong immersion in the experience of being a customer! Whatever the means, the aim would be getting employees to leave their egos at the door and adopt the mind-set of the people they're serving.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Russias participation in the f essays

Russias participation in the f essays Russias participation in the First World War was not the main reason for the collapse of the tsarist system. It was merely the spark that ignited all the problems that had been brewing for some time under the tsarist regime. The strain of world war one, for which Russia was not prepared, the pressure of the opposition parties, which increasingly used personal abuse as a weapon against the imperial family, general unrest and constant agitation of the Russian workers and peasants, famine and poor leadership were all factors that proved too great a strain on the absolutist society. The downfall of Russia was due to its failure to handle the intense problems that had been intensified by the war. Although Russias economy had somewhat boomed from 1861 1913 it still was not strong enough to support a war. There can certainly be no doubt that the war will require expenditures exceeding Russias limited financial resources(Morcombe and Fielding, 1998, page 59). The problems that grew due to the financial inadequacy of Russia were catastrophic in the eyes of the tsarist system. Famine reigned over Russia and riots began to break out as people were starving and could not afford the rising price of bread. In Moscow bread has risen by 47 percent in price, in Odessa 80 percent (Morcombe and Fielding, 1998, page 63). Transport was tied up with porting weapons and soldiers to the front. On February 23rd, a hunger strike broke out in St. Petersburg, demanding food and an end to the war. But nothing was done to address these growing problems, which eventually helped lead Russia into revolution. Perhaps the greatest entity that attributed to Russias downfall was lack of leadership and support of that leadership. When Nicholas II left to be on the battlefront, his wife Alexandra was left to rule. But she was deeply influenced by Rasputan, a self-proclaimed holy man that had clawed his way ...

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

The Lamentation essays

The Lamentation essays Giotto was one of the earliest artists to portray the illusions of real life, in terms of emotion and space on a flat surface. With Cimabue, Giotto is often regarded as the founder on modern painting, as he broke away from the rigid formula that had been the foundation of religious paintings. His painting turned from the flatter, Byzantine style to a more naturalistic approach full of life even a century before the Renaissance. The Lamentation is an excellent example of the emotion displayed in Giotto's work. The Lamentation is painted on a wall of the Arena Chapel in Italy. It required the artist to paint directly on the chapel walls, hence, Giotto used a medium that would adhere to a wall, like fresco. The lamentation was another traditional subject that showed figures mourning the death of Christ. Lamentation is asymmetrical compared to Byzantine compositions with symmetry. Giotto concentrates on the dramatic scene in the lower left area where the face of Mary who is grief-stricken over the loss of her son, and the lifeless face of the dead Christ are painted. The focus is on Mary and Jesus who are surrounded by saints, people, and angels. Both earthly and heavenly mourners show individual illustrations of grief through facial expressions as well as body language. For instance the figure of a saint who bends over with his arms outspread, or the saint on the far right, who stands with his arms at his sid es, his hands clasped. The painting is three dimensional in form. This is created using foreshortening in the angels and in the saints arms, which are flung backwards. This is probably why the angels appear to be moving about like birds. The scenery a bare, rocky landscape with a dead tree, intensifies the feeling of pain and suffering which dominates the painting. The figures with the sad eyes, the partly opened mouths, the tilted or clasped hands are deeply emotional. Not to forget the m ...

Monday, November 4, 2019

HISTORY - choose 1 of the questions to answer Essay - 1

HISTORY - choose 1 of the questions to answer - Essay Example The need to abandon slavery began in the Northern States with the support of the Democrats, who demonstrated against the denial of rights to slaves (Ferrell 43). The United States Supreme Court even developed its own definition of â€Å"whiteness† where it asserted that whites were superior to other racist groups such as Native Americans, African Americans, West Indian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, amongst other racist groups (Ferrell 44). Many whites, including other Native Americans believed that slaves had no right to set themselves free, and live a fair life. Abolitionism movement groups were usually a minority within American society. This made the groups encounter heavy opposition from the majority groups, who either wanted to avoid making slavery as divisive political issue or supported slavery (Ferrell 7). Antislavery activists endured violent mob attacks on their printing presses and lecture halls, and for over two decades, a â€Å"gag rule†, in the Congress, banned antislavery activists from raising issues relating to this subject (Ferrell 7). However, this opposition only incited antislavery activists, and it made martyrs out of beaten Senator Charles Summer, insane John Brown, and murdered Editor Elijah Lovejoy (Ferrell 11). Antislavery activists were not only interested in ending slavery, but also ensuring that the Americans re-constitute the terms they apply to the concept of equality and liberty. They were looking forward to creating a society that embraced the significance of Revolution for all its people, male and fem ale, black and white. Antislavery activists were hardly perfect, and their abolitionism reform movements were characterized with differing opinions and attitude on racial responsibilities, characteristics and roles abounded within mixed races, classes and genders of abolitionism movement (Ferrell 23). Additionally, abolitionists lacked enough resources as compared to pro-slavery movements. For instance, in 1830’s, the whites dominated