Hobbit to Hero: Transformation of Bilbo Baggins Essay

In the beginning of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, Gandalf, a supporting character, describes Bilbo, the protagonist, as a great thief and the perfect member a team of dwarves require for their expedition. During the start of their adventure we see that Bilbo is not very keen on going, but as he embarks on these adventures, he gradually begins to rely on his own abilities and starts to take initiative. In The Hobbit, the protagonist, Bilbo Baggins, changes from a mere thieving hobbit to an admired hero by stepping out of his comfort zone, the strength and bravery Gandalf sees in him, and through the trials he overcomes. Hobbits are laid back, easy going, love peace and quiet, like to live in comfort and are inclined to be fat. Bilbo Baggins had all of these traits and qualities, being a hobbit, but being a Baggins also made him predictable, â€Å"†¦. you could tell what a Baggins would say on any question without the bother of asking him.† (p2). Bilbo’s mother, Belladonna Took; being a Took meant she was adventurous and did unhobbit-like things. Even with his mother’s Took blood present in him, he chose to stay home; which he’d rather do anyways, but upon the arrival of the dwarves and Gandalf, Bilbo finds something that stirs up in him and is convinced to go on the great quest. By going on such an adventure, Bilbo was going against typical hobbit behavior, in doing so, upon his arrival home his hobbit neighbors and friends lost respect for him. Knowing that Bilbo was the ‘man for the job’, Gandalf encouraged him to join him in their quest for Thorin’s gold. Even though Bilbo was just a simple hobbit, Gandalf knew that he had Took blood in him, and that he longed for adventures, so he was sure that Bilbo would be a great adventurer. The dwarves and Bilbo doubted Gandalf, but he knew that Bilbo was needed. Gandalf thought that they would doubt him, and that Bilbo would doubt himself, but he assured them that he was the one needed, â€Å"There is a lot more in him than you guess, and a deal more than he has any idea about himself.† (p19). With Gandalf’s encouragement, even with the dwarf’s doubt and Bilbo’s in himself, he goes on the expedition in search of these qualities that are seen in him. Bilbo overcomes the obstacles in his path throughout the adventure by taking initiative and by displaying leadership. When Bilbo makes a reluctant attempt at taking a troll’s wallet, he displays the beginning of his transformation from a simple hobbit into a Tookish adventurer. After Bilbo slays a spider, he displays his hidden courage and bravery that has been in him this all along. Naming his sword after killing the spider is a major turning point in his conversion into a hero; since in ancient epic literature a named sword is a sign of bravery and heroism. Bilbo finally begins to see himself as a hero when he is speaking face to face with the great dragon Smaug, as he begins to create a name for himself, â€Å"†¦ I am he that walks unseen†¦ I am the clue finder†¦ I am the Ringwinnner†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (p152). This would have been a difficult task for anyone, as everyone feared the dragon for one reason or another. As we see Bilbo went against traditional hobbit ways, but became better for it as he discovered hidden qualities in himself that made him a better hobbit. He became a hero and a leader by facing the challenges bestowed upon him head on. Even though he may have lost the respect of his fellow hobbits, due to his new Tookish nature, he has gained the title of a hero throughout the land. Bibliography Tolkien, J.R.R. The Hobbit. New York: Ballantine Books, 1989. Print. Tolkien, J.R.R. â€Å"Fellowship of The Ring.† PDF file. SparkNotes Editors. â€Å"SparkNote on The Hobbit.† SparkNotes.com. SparkNotes LLC. 2002. Web. 17 Oct. 2012.

Themes – of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men, a novella written by John Steinbeck, is a tragedy incorporating a hero with a tragic flaw, a climax, and a tragic resolution. The title of the novella, â€Å"Of Mice and Men†, is the first clue to Steinbeck’s specific cultural issues. The title is a line taken from a poem called, â€Å"To a Mouse†, by Robert Burns. This poem talks about man’s enslavement to forces of both elemental and human nature which cannot be controlled, destroying hopes and dreams. This stems into the theme of the loss of the American Dream. Along with alienation, the American Dream is a major theme explored throughout the course of the novel.Of Mice and Men is a story about the nature of human dreams and aspirations and the forces that work against them. Humans give meaning to their lives by creating dreams. George and Lennie's dream — to own a little farm of their own — is so central to Of Mice and Men that it appears in some form in five of the six c hapters. The telling of the story, which George has done so often, becomes a ritual between the two men: George provides the narrative, and Lennie, who has difficulty remembering even simple instructions, finishes George's sentences.To George, this dream of having their own place means independence, security, being their own boss, and, most importantly, being â€Å"somebody. † To Lennie, the dream is like the soft animals he pets: It means security, the responsibility of tending to the rabbits, and a sanctuary where he won't have to be afraid. This theme not only applies to George and Lennie, but also to Candy and Crooks. To Candy, who sees the farm as a place where he can assert a responsibility he didn't take when he let Carlson kill his dog, it offers security for old age and a home where he will fit in.For Crooks, the little farm will be a place where he can have self-respect, acceptance, and security. Having and sharing the dream, however, are not enough to bring it to l ife. Each man must make a sacrifice or battle some other force that seeks to steal the dream away. Some of these obstacles are external – the threat from Curley's wife, Curley's violence, and the societal prejudices that plague each man; others are internal – Lennie's strength and his need to touch soft things. For George, the greatest threat to the dream is Lennie himself; ironically, it is Lennie who also makes the dream worthwhile.In addition to dreams, humans crave contact with others to give life meaning. Alienation is present throughout this novel. On the most obvious level, we see this isolation when the ranch hands go into town on Saturday night to ease their loneliness with alcohol and women. Similarly, Lennie goes into Crook's room to find someone with whom to talk, and later Curley's wife comes for the same reason. Crooks says, â€Å"A guy goes nuts if he ain't got nobody. Don't make no difference who the guy is, long's he's with you. † Even Slim ment ions, â€Å"I seen the guys that go around on the ranches alone.That ain't no good. They don't have no fun. After a long time they get mean. † George's taking care of Lennie and the dream of the farm are attempts to break the pattern of loneliness that is part of the human condition. Similarly, Lennie's desire to pet soft things comes from his need to feel safe and secure, to touch something that gives him that feeling of not being alone in the world. For Lennie, the dream of the farm parallels that security. George and Lennie, however, similarly to the American Dream, are not the only characters who struggle against loneliness.Although present in all the characters to some degree, the theme of loneliness is most notably present in Candy, Crooks, and Curley's wife. They all fight against their isolation in whatever way they can. Until its death, Candy's dog stopped Candy from being alone in the world. After its death, Candy struggles against loneliness by sharing in George an d Lennie's dream. Curley's wife is also lonely; she is the only female on the ranch, and her husband has forbidden anyone to talk with her. She combats her loneliness by flirting with the people on the ranch. Crooks is isolated because of his skin colour.As the only black man on the ranch, he is not allowed into the bunkhouse with the others, and he does not associate with them. Of Mice and Men is a novella that tries to explain what it means to be human. Man is a very small part of a very large universe; in the greater scheme of things, individuals come and go and leave very little, lasting marks. Yet deep inside all people is a longing for a place in nature — the desire for the land, roots, and a place to call â€Å"home. † Steinbeck explores the themes of the America Dream and alienation to portray the uncertainty of success.

Growth Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Growth Strategy - Essay Example Such activities include plantation drive, cleanliness drives and others. It has been observed that many students rarely realise the importance of joining student federation and avoid these societies or federations due to politics. Student organisations exist in almost all developing and developed countries (Thomas, 2002). Student societies play a significant role in shaping an individual’s career as well as overall personality. These societies are seen to support learning activities among the members through different practical approaches as students get to meet different people, develop mentors as well as often get opportunity to earn scholarship. However, every student society or federation is not meant for every student. In any renowned university, it is possible to find at least 50 different societies. One should join societies that suitably nurture their skills and interest. It is important to be part of these organisations, but over-indulgence often results in poor grades and missed semester (Hui-ling, 2003). Student federations and similar organisations are currently active in different parts of the world. These societies have various goals and are always working towards welfare of students and the society as a whole. These organisations follow outline of real organisations as they are guided by aims and objectives, have specific structure and membership programs. The members have well-defined rights and responsibilities (Thomas, 2002). In Harvard university, the club category ranges from academic to non-academic activities such as, arts, public affairs, women’s initiatives, media, religious groups, health and wellness, culture and recreation and so on and so forth, where the group size varies from five to hundred and above (Harvard College, 2014) (Harvard University, 2014). In King’s College of Cambridge

Writer's Choice Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Writer's Choice - Movie Review Example The result was a huge loss of public money. It appears that during the early stages of this transition financial sector was favored by politicians; however, during the times of crisis considerable pressure was exerted over political forces by the previously favored financial sector. The role of academics in this regard is also controversial since the income of many such figures is largely based on their work as consultants mainly involved in favoring the working of financial sector. In my opinion, this whole move which started taking its shape in the 80s was a very well planned action which was taken by the learned elite of the society. Their knowledge of fiscal issues coupled with the mal-intent of politicians aimed at targeting the natural greed of a common person; money was used as a tool to convert opposition into friendliness. The ultimate result was the formation of a high-rise mountain of gold which filled the pockets of those who planned it; leaving the others bankrupt and

Engineering Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Engineering Management - Essay Example The ledge must always balance at all times. There are basics to know when making cashbook entries. The assets increase with a debit and decreases with credit .The revenues and the liabilities decrease with a debit and increases with a credit. Finally , the expenses are increased with a debit and decreases with a credit. Accounting is always subject to interpretation, opinion and consistency. The most important topics in this section are role of accounting and finance. The topic will help me appreciate accounting as an important entity in any thriving institution. Financial statements as a topic will help with interpretation of my personal bank statements .Accounting basics and double entry as topics will help management and development of my own personal cashbook for a local business. Journal entries as a topic will help in reconciling cash book statements of my business with the statement as per the bank. Financial analysis is very important in accounting .It helps in identifying whether the business or the company has made profits or losses. Financial analysis is always done from period to period, when a significant change has been noted or between companies to company. There are various types of financial analysis. These are: current ratios, profitability analysis ratios, activity analysis ratios, capital structure analysis ratios and capital market analysis ratio. Budget is another function of the managers. The financial analysis and statements helps managers to make financial allocations and plans for oncoming activities that require funding. Budgeting is always done annually and allocated to the respective departments. During budgeting, financial history, assumptions, external factors and flexibility must be put into consideration to make the budgeting process effective. Financial accounting also helps in planning. Financial planning helps in control of resources, coordination of activities, time management and improved productivity. Budgeting

The Media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Media - Essay Example Those who have made the change are aware of this bias and do not want to be influenced by it, especially if they are not of the same opinion. It appears to be an undeniable fact that the media has the power to influence people’s opinions, which can severely impact social and political climates; therefore, it is extremely important that the average person develop the ability to judge the quality of their news sources. First and foremost, it is vital that people understand precisely how the media impacts their opinions. According to the article entitled â€Å"How the Media Portray Issues,† author Scott London tells his audience that they must pay greater attention to how their news is framed. â€Å"A frame is the central organizing idea for making sense of relevant events and suggesting what is at issue†¦To identify frames, the informational content of news reports is less important than the interpretive commentary that attends it†(London). In essence, London is saying that the news itself does not matter, but it is how the news is presented to the audience that is very important to be aware of as it is the media’s â€Å"interpretation† of the news which can influence the public’s opinions. Since a lot of the traditional media sources are interpreted from a liberal perspective, that means that the media might not report certain aspects of a piece of news if it does not fall in line with or hurts their own opinion/interpretation of it. This type of thinking shows a lack of objectivity. According to London, â€Å"Objectivity has been the ruling principle in American journalism for the better part of the 20th century†(London). However, London believes that objectivity does not really exist in today’s world: â€Å"objectivity became a standard in journalism "precisely when the impossibility of overcoming subjectivity in presenting the news was

What do you expect to get from your electives for your subject Essay

What do you expect to get from your electives for your subject - Essay Example All of these categories are essential to our learning. Our minor courses serve as refreshment for us not to forget the basic know how of education. They are like touches of the foundation of every aspect of study. Our major subjects are essential for us to master our chosen fields of study. Finally, we have our elective subjects which give us additional knowledge and make us understand our major field better. To begin discussing what an elective subject is, let me begin with its brief definition. Elective subjects are subjects that a student chooses to deepen knowledge or skill in a particular area. This can be from another related major (UTS: Engineering FAQ, 2007). From this definition, we can conclude why students need to take up elective subjects. It is a well known fact that every field of knowledge is interrelated and interconnected with each other. Therefore, one should have an understanding of the different areas in connection with his/her major. This will give a person a wider perception of things he/she should be acquainted with in his area of specialization. As an example, you cannot expect someone to be a good doctor in the future without the basic understanding of anatomy or a background about biology. This is true in any other areas of study whether it is in the field of science or engineering. With regards to my course, I would like to extract it from point to point. The definition of Mechanical Engineering is the broadest among all other kinds of engineering (â€Å"What is†). The simplest and shortest, on the other hand, that can be found on any other internet site is the application of scientific and mathematical principles to practical ends such as the design, manufacture, and operation of operation of efficient and economical structures, machines, processes, and systems (â€Å"Engineering†). It sounds simple as it seems from the definition. On the contrary, this major is interconnected and interrelated to all

Rhetoric & Stereotypes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Rhetoric & Stereotypes - Essay Example †¨The language and rhetoric that is used to reinforce the stereotype of each group will be described. It will be examined if there some â€Å"truth† to stereotypes of these groups (and others, as well)? †¨Finally, there will be an in-depth self-appraisal about what this writer has learned based on this. The following are stereotypes generated by the writer which are not necessarily true but are commonly associated with the following respective groups. Generally, politicians have the reputation for being men who are usually lawyers, liars, crooked, long-winded, all talk and no action, cheaters, stealers, dishonest, powerful, power-hungry, ego-centric, self-centered, and egomaniacal. Tattooed persons may have the reputation of being the following: cheap; pro basketball players; losers; people who smoke; trailer trash; bikers; biker babes; self-cutters; people with low self-esteem; exhibitionists; people of low social class or socioeconomic status; people from the ghetto or who exalt ghetto life or the ghetto lifestyle; following their cultural norms; getting tattoos for fun; being sailors; being punks; being fans of â€Å"emo† music; and drunks. Feminists may be stereotyped as being annoying, loud, pushy, lesbians, dykes, whiny, single, organizers, protesters, bra-burners, peo ple who use the title â€Å"Ms.†, independent, ballbreakers, complainers, whistleblowers, strong, strong-minded, stubborn, and well-educated. Senior citizens may be labeled as grumpy, old, leaky, sickly, frail, poor, forgetful, repetitive, wistful, reminiscing, mean, doddering, docile, childlike, dependent, ornery, wise, professorial, people who live in the past, long-winded, toothless, bald or balding, frugal, cheap when it comes to money, hard-of-hearing, blind, sight-impaired, dependent on prescription drugs, unsteady, bad drivers, and people who have decreased mobility. †¨ Not all of

Comic tension Essay Example for Free

Comic tension Essay ‘Taming of the Shrew’ is the only known play written by Shakespeare to have an Induction. This Induction was written by Shakespeare to introduce the idea of a play within a play to the audience.  The Induction to the play is quite a complex structure; at the start of the induction the audience is introduced to a drunken tinker named Christopher Sly, caught in a fight with the Hostess of what is presumed to be a tavern or alehouse. There is an immediate sense of comedy to the opening of the Induction as the audience is shown Sly cussing the Hostess with foul language, â€Å"I’ll pheeze you, in faith†. In return the Hostess threatens to put Sly in a ‘pair of stocks’. This is an example of Shakespeare trying to create comic tension as this drama is clearly commenting on the sexist inequality between both genders during this time. Sly perceives himself as quite noble, stating to the Hostess that he â€Å"came in with Richard Conquer†. Being drunk this would probably be discredited as he is clearly trying to exert power over the hostess as she is a woman. Shakespeare has created this argument involving Sly to capture the attention of the audience, the language used by Sly and the Hostess, the swearing and the anger, this causes a lot of tension between the characters and additionally, this scene was created by Shakespeare to present Sly as a fool to the audience.  However, when the Lord is introduced, the audience is given an image of what seems like a descendants of royalty, the way the lord orders the huntsman to â€Å"tender well my hounds†, it gives the audience the true impression of someone who holds great power over others as he is of a higher class. When the Lord finds Sly in the street, he describes him as a â€Å"monstrous beast, how like a swine he lies†, this reference insinuates that Sly should be depicted as a lowly creature, of whom the upper classes should be disgusted of his type, that men like Sly are feeble and not worthy of anyone’s time. This parallels with Katherine in Act 1of taming of the shrew where the audience sees that Katherine has no tolerance over men as she sees them all feeble and not worthy of her presence and time. The lord’s idea to trick the tinker into believing that he is really a lord is an idea that is reflected in the taming of the shrew where Petruchio plays a trick on Kate, the purpose of this is to add to the comedy of the original play by making obvious parallels between the induction and the taming of the shrew.  The lord speaks of all the deeds that must be carried out before Sly awakes from his sleep, giving commands as to what his servants shall say to him when he awakes, â€Å"tell him of his hounds and horse, and that his lady mourns at his disease†. The extent of the planning of which the lord is going makes it easy to predict what is going to happen in the play ahead of the characters themselves. Also the element of disguise creates tension between the characters as when Sly is presented with his ‘wife’, he genuinely believes everything despite previously suspecting that he was being fooled. However, the Lord has instructed that his pageboy act as and dress as a woman to fool Sly into believing the trick is real. This then makes the trick more elaborate, thus showing how Shakespeare is managing to create comic tension on Sly, the audience can see that Sly is clearly being fooled by the lord, however the character Sly himself has no awareness of what is happening. Shakespeare’s plays were well known for their drama and the comic tension he managed to create between them, the comic tension displayed in this play, plays a big role in how the comedy is perceived by the audience.

David Foster Wallace Essay Example for Free

David Foster Wallace Essay In this essay I am going to do my best to give the reader the most informative explanation (within my constraints) of one of the most brilliant authors of the age, David Foster Wallace. He was the author of many great and insightful (at times, dark) works. Some of the more popular/well-known pieces being _The Broom of the System, Girl with Curious Hair, Infinite Jest, A Supposedly Fun Thing Ill Never Do Again, Brief Interviews with Hideous Men, Oblivion_, and finally his incomplete novel, _The Pale King_. In all honesty, to even scratch the surface of an individual with this amount of depth would require a work similar in size and time to his tree-killer of a novel, _Infinite Jest_. That being said, I hold the belief that every free-thinking individual should at least know-this mans name in hopes that it may show them the way to his works on what it means to be a fucking human being. Read more: Good people summary essay David Foster Wallace was born on 21 February 1962 and finally met his end 12 September 2008 at the age of 46. Wallace was born in Ithaca, New York, to his parents, James Wallace and Sally Foster. His father, a previous graduate student in philosophy at Cornell, was from a family of professionals. His mother, on the other hand, was an English major at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, with a more rural background with family residing in Maine and New Brunswick. She was also the first in her family to acquire a Bachelors Degree. At the age of 4, David moved with his family to Champaign-Urbana, Illinois for a better job opportunity. His home life was very structured (dinner at 5:45 p.m. and lights out at precisely 8:30 p.m.) and was very conducive for intellectual growth. It was a happy home. As he gets older, Wallace starts to realize many things. First, he had a love for tennis. With his logical and calculating mind, he could easily see the geometrical angles the ball could make as it bounced off the racket, leading him to become one of the top players in his region at that time. Other things start to surface as well; sadly, these were not among some of the happier things. He started to analyze his physical and mental self, picking at each and every flaw (compared it to sort of counting sheep), which did nothing to alleviate his problem at being socially awkward. He eventually  found his first love, Susan Perkins, who, at the time, already had a boyfriend. Its also important to note that this was the point when Wallace discovered the joys of smoking pot. After high school, Wallace planned to attend Amherst. He chose Amherst mostly because it meant he wouldnt have to go to another interview. His father was an alumni, so he was pretty much a shoo-in. By his sophomore year, he was developing a reputation for his intelligence. He was earning straight As and was actually opening up and making friends, until he returned from Christmas break at home. He was an entirely different person when the depression took him, as his college roommates described. After a few weeks of trying to tough it out, Wallace realized he was going to have to withdraw and go home. Something was clearly wrong. He returned in Fall 1984 for his senior year. Eventually, Wallace graduated and was awarded double summas for his two honors theses. _The Broom of the System_ would eventually be published and become his first serious fiction novel. This was the point when Wallace discovered his love of writing fiction. As an immature adult in an adult world, Wallace made the decision to start teaching to supplement his writing career and gain health insurance for his special needs. His first teaching job was at Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts. He hated teaching. For him, he was just wasting time with kids who didnt even want to do their homework; when he could be spending valuable time on his career as a fiction author. Up to this point, Wallace has steadily been falling deeper and deeper in to his addictions. He had been smoking pot, cigarettes, and drinking almost every night as a way to cope with the depression that can so cripple who he is as a person. As his frustration with his inability to write worsens, so does his addiction. With his frustration and addiction worsening, Wallace again breaks down and must be hospitalized. The medical professionals said he must find a different path, or he would be dead by thirty. Wallace begins rehab, and for months, will live in nothing but rehabi litation centers and halfway homes. As part of these programs, he must attend 12-step AA meetings for recovery. These really hit home for Wallace; they work for him in ways he would never have thought possible. The meetings he would attend ended up becoming major plot  points in the greatest novel he ever wrote. Shortly after getting out of rehab, Wallace started working on his novel again, this time with renewed vigor. In a letter to his editor, he said he was going to finish it or die. Upon finishing the monster novel and the following editing, summarizing, and shortening pains, the greatest achievement in his literary career thus far was finished; 1079 pages, water-tight and ready for publishing. What followed were multiple interviews and readings, which Wallace had been signed up for in order to gain publicity and sell more books. All of which, Wallace summed up as whorish. He wasnt even sure most of the people coming had even read his book. With fame comes pleasure†¦ of a sort. The more famous he became, the more women seemed to flock to him. Considering how badly his relationships had been going, one night stands were just what he thought he needed. To put it another way, he wa s really bad about taking the 13th step (getting involved with a fellow recovery partner). These relationships would start out normal, maybe a little obsessive, but as time went on they would turn into violent and controlling relationships. Many of them ended terribly, which turned out to one good thing. He had found new companions. Dogs. He adopted a lab and called him Jeeves, and later adopted a stray whom he would later name The Drone. Once his fame started to settle, he no longer had book tours or things of that nature anymore. Now magazines and newspapers were going after him with nonfictions they wanted him to review, and he ended up making short stories out of them. For the most part though, these were just distractions from his real objective, The long thing. While he continued his progress on this novel, he was switching jobs and found a new and seemingly real relationship with a lovely woman named Karen. They would grow close over time, completing one another until they were finally married on 27 December 2004. Wallace would continue his work on the long thing un til the day he died, never really bringing it to the point where he was satisfied with it. David Foster Wallaces major works include _The Broom of the System, Girl with Curious Hair, Infinite Jest, A Supposedly Fun Thing Ill Never Do Again, Brief Interviews with Hideous Men, Oblivion_, and finally his incomplete novel, _The Pale King_. During these later years of his life, he was a writing professor at the Pomona College in Claremont, California. The  publications he worked on in his spare time numbered all of one. The long thing (The Pale King) had been his project for many years, and he could not see how to turn the idea of boredom in the story in to something intriguing. David Foster Wallace died 12 September 2008 in Claremont, California. His wife arrived home at 9:30pm, after a stint at her art show, to find that her husband had hanged himself with a garden hose on the patio. After a 20 year battle with severe depression, Wallace could no longer endure. To him, the unbearable and unending pain of his depression could only be cured by deaths sweet release. Upon announcement of this tragedy, various colleges held gatherings in remembrance of one of the most influential figures in literary history, giving the friends and family who attended, a chance to grieve and say goodbye. Karen keeps his ashes in a foil-wrapped box next to a picture of both of their mothers. _Infinite Jest_ was published 1 February 1996 by Little, Brown. It was well-received with minimal, negative reviews. It depicts our culture in the truest sense, and the fact that, beyond all the noise and false happiness, something real exists. Even though this book was released more than a decade ago, the steady continuing sales is a tribute to its realism and mesmerizing intrigue. When most of his major works were published, they werent really understood, and, to some degree, they still arent. Most of the understanding of his works was left to people of a similar caliber, and everyone else left by the wayside. I believe the works of David Foster Wallace should be standard for college education. As far as high school, to really grasp the man and his work, a student must delve into the realities of his life that, at times, can be surreal, even inappropriately grotesque. Hence, I believe his work is better suited for a mature audience. In conclusion, David Foster Wallaces Infinite Jest is one of the most profound books in recent history, one that every man and woman should read in their lifetime. (should probably read it twice) David Foster Wallace, was a broken, yet brilliant man who left this life with profound hope in his  works that we could learn to be human beings, with actual feelings and actual thoughts beyond the abyss that is our oppressive culture. Works Cited Brief Interview with a Five Draft Man. _Amherst Magazine_. Amherst College, 1999. Web. 13 April 2014. Max, D.T.. _Every Love Story is a Ghost Story_. New York. Penguin Group, 2012. Print. Max, D.T.. The Unfinished. _The New Yorker_. Conde Nast, 9 March 2009. Web.14 April 2014. McInerney, Jay. Infinite Jest._The New York Times_. The New York Times Company,3 March 1996.Wen.13 April 2014. Silverman, Jacob. The artful mediation of Karen Green, David Foster Wallaces widow. _Los Angeles Times_. Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2013. Web. 14 April 2014. Weber, Bruce. David Foster Wallace, Influential Writer Dies 46. _The New York Times_. The New York Times Company, 14 September 2008. Web. 13 April 2014.

Self Reflection on Communication Skills | Essay

Self Reflection on Communication Skills | Essay Introduction: The desire to have an understanding of the methods to use in improving relationships has led to the emergence of interpersonal communication. People normally assume that to effectively understand the process of interpersonal communication, they have to give an explanation of how relationships emerge and grow, factors that lead to their deterioration, and what makes these relationships to become static (Webster, 2002). Ever since scholars managed to demonstrate that people are able to grow relationally or personally through communication, information experts are sensitive on the importance of interpersonal interaction. It is virtually impossible to understand this process of interpersonal communication, without understanding the various theories and principles formed to explain the concept of interpersonal communication (Cherniss, 2001). Most of these theoretical frameworks normally address a wide range of topics, and some of themes they address include, social conflict, quality of relationship, interaction, communication competence and planning, accuracy required for people to understand one another. Therefore, the intention of this assignment is to compare two theoretical frameworks that are within the scope of interpersonal communication. These theories are, social penetration theory, and uncertainty reduction theory (Ellis, 2002)s. This paper is divided into five sections. The first section is the introduction, the second section highlights the concepts and philosophies of these theories, the third section identifies the similarities of these two theoretical frameworks, the fourth section highlights their differences, and the fifth section is a conclusion. The conclusion is a summary of the major points highlighted in this paper. Uncertainty Reduction Theory and Social Penetration Theory: Uncertainty reduction is a theoretical framework that seeks to understand the manner which people are able to reduce any uncertainty that occurs between them, during the early stages of interaction. This is always based on a sense of self-disclosure. Furthermore, this theoretical framework seeks to explain the different communication techniques that can be used for purposes of reducing uncertainty amongst two people, or a group of people, who have just met (Cherniss, 2001). The developers of this theoretical framework denoted that uncertainty is always unpleasant feeling that people normally want to avoid. For purposes of reducing this unpleasant feeling, people would try to look for information that seeks to address this uncertain feeling, hence create a more comfortable feeling. On the other hand, social penetration theory normally involves the development of a deeper intimacy, between the communicating parties, through a mutual self-disclosure. This theoretical framework has four major assumptions, and they include (Goleman and Boyatzis, 2004), The progress of relationships normally moves from non-intimate level, to the stage of intimacy. Development of relationships is systematic and predictable. The aspect of self-disclosure forms an integral part, in developing relationships. The development of relationships normally includes depenetration and dissolution. It is important to explain that the closeness between individuals under the social penetration theory is normally achieved through a sense of self disclosure. Without this aspect, it is virtually impossible for any relationship to occur. This is also one of the methods advocated by the uncertainty reduction theory, aimed at reducing uncertainties, and a feeling of uneasiness. Similarities: One of the major similarities between these two theoretical frameworks is that they deal with the creation of a relationship between individuals or people. For example, the social penetration theory explains that developing a close relationship with people, is achieved in an orderly and gradual manner, leading from a less intimate, to a more intimate relationship. On the other hand, uncertainty reduction theory explains that relationships are built through effective communication, between the parties involved (Blundel and Blundel, 2011). This means that the two theoretical frameworks are concerned with the creation and sustenance of relationships. Another similarity is that both theoretical frameworks advocate for a systematic and gradual process of building relationships. This means that a relationship is built through a systematic process that involves efficiency in the use of language tools and standards. For example, the two theories denote that it is possible to achieve and develop a close relationship through the process of self-disclosure (McLuhan and McLuhan, 2011). Differences: One major difference that exists between these two theoretical frameworks is on the process they use, to achieve their objectives. Under the uncertainty reduction theory, there are a series of steps and processes that an individual should use, for purposes of acquiring information. It seeks to acquire this information, by creating seven basic assumptions (Childre and Rozman, 2005). Some of these assumptions are, experience of uncertainty on personal issues, uncertainty is normally an aversive state, and it has the capability of generating cognitive stress, etc. On the other hand, under the social penetration theory, a relationship is created by disclosing information about an individual. Tools to use in improving my performance: For purposes of improving my communication performance, in a work related situation, there is a need of using the following tools of communication, Memos. Computer systems and technology, i.e. communicating through emails. Mobile phones and gadgets. Face to face communication. Conclusion: Interpersonal theories play an important role, in explaining the most efficient methods that an individual should use while communicating with other people. The social penetration theory and the uncertainty reduction theory are effective in explaining the most efficient methods of creating a personal, social, and work related relationships. Reflection Paper: This paper contains a reflection on my strengths and weaknesses in relation to how I communicate, and relate with my friends, family members, and colleagues. As an individual, I have come to appreciate the importance of developing and coming up with strong and good communication skills. This is because they would play an important role in determining whether I would sustain, create or develop a relationship. One of my major strengths lies in my ability to maintain a face to face conversation, through eye contacts (Worth, 2004). This is an important strength, mainly because I have the capability of gazing into the eyes of an individual that I communicate with, and hence instilling a sense of confidence, and creating some trusts. For efficient communication to occur, the parties to the communication must show some elements of confidence, and trust, amongst one another. Eye contact is one of the major methods that can be used to create a sense of confidence, amongst the parties to the c ommunication. It is important to explain that most people are always reluctant and unable to maintain some eye contacts. This is because they do not feel confidence about themselves, or some of them, are telling lies. Based on this fact, it is always difficult for an individual to maintain a relationship that is full of trust, if he or she finds it difficult to communicate while maintaining some eye contacts. It is also important to understand that, in most interviews, one of the characteristics that they look in an individual is his or her ability to maintain some elements of confidence (Worth, 2004). They are always concerned, if an individual can communicate without maintaining some eye contact. This means that the person under consideration is either telling lies, or is not confidence of him. Based on this fact, the candidate may fail an interview. Therefore, I would gladly say, that this trait, is one of my stronger points. Another major strength, that I have, is the capability of efficiently using the modern gadgets of technology to communicate (Worth, 2004). This includes, computers, mobile phones, tablets, etc. It is important to explain that these digital tools of communication are important in facilitating efficient communication between parties involved. Take for example the computers. Through the computers, an individual manages to get the capability of accessing the internet. The internet facilitates communication, mainly because it makes it possible for people to use the social media, as an avenue of meeting friends and communicating (Worth, 2004). As an individual, I have a heavy presence in the social media, and I am a member of virtually every social media platforms that exists. This includes twitter, Google +, Face book, Instagram, Linkedin, etc. These social media platforms normally help me to express myself, and to also create a network of friends. It is through these platforms, that I managed to learn on the importance of having efficient and good communication skills. However, it is important to explain that some of the relationships created through the social media platform are not necessary, and cannot last long (Stein, 2007). This is because of different personalities, and tastes that people would always have. Another major strength that I possess is my outgoing personality. I am an individual who likes to make friends, and sustain the friends under consideration. Because of this personality, I managed to develop some communication skills that involved better listening, and following up on any communication issue or problems that may occur between my friends and I. Through this personality, I have managed to create a number of friends, whom we understand each other. In conclusion, where strengths exist, weaknesses are also depicted. I have two weaknesses. One of my major weaknesses is my anger. I am an individual who is easily aroused to anger, and this is a very negative inter-personal communication skill. This is because; it has the capability of scaring my friends. This could result to inefficient communication between me, and my friends. Another major weakness is my talking habit. I am fast talkers, and it is always difficult for me to keep quiet, when I am with people. This normally compromises my ability to keep secrets, or confidential information. Despite these weaknesses, I normally make some efforts, aimed at concentrating on my strengths, while minimizing my weaknesses. Bibliography: Blundel, R., Blundel, R. (2004). Effective organisational communication:  Perspectives, principles and practices (2nd ed.). Harlow, England: Financial  Times Prentice Hall. Cherniss, C. (2001). The emotionally intelligent workplace how to select for measure,  and improve emotional intelligence in individuals, groups, and organizations.  San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Childre, D., Rozman, D. (2005). Transforming stress: The HeartMath solution for  relieving worry, fatigue, and tension. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications. Ellis, R. (2002). Communication skills stepladders to success for the professional.  Bristol, UK: Intellect. Goleman, D., Boyatzis, R. (2004). Primal leadership: Learning to lead with emotional  intelligence. Boston, Mass.: Harvard Business School Press. McLuhan, E., McLuhan, M. (2011). Theories of communication. New York: Peter  Lang. Stein, S. (2007). Make your workplace great the 7 keys to an emotionally intelligent  organization. Mississauga, Ont.: J. Wiley Sons Canada. Webster, F. (2002). Theories of the information society (2nd ed.). London: Routledge. Worth, R. (2004). Communication skills (2nd ed.). New York: Ferguson.

The Importance of the Mare in Anton Chekhov’s Misery Essay -- Anton Ch

The Importance of the Mare in Misery  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚   Iona Potapov, the main character in Anton Chekhov’s short story, "Misery," is yearning for someone to listen to his woes. Every human he comes in contact with blatantly ignores his badly-needed-to-tell-story by either shunning him or falling asleep. There is, however, one character in this story that would willingly listen to Iona, a character who is with Iona through almost the entire story. This character is his mare. Renato Poggioli describes the story as being built "around two motionless figures, an animal and a man" (316). Iona and the mare are very much alike. They appear to be each other’s only companion, and they also act a lot alike. When Iona sits quietly, covered in snow that has recently fallen on him, his little mare is described as "white and motionless too" (17). Neither man nor mare cares move; both are still, frozen in time, waiting. Another example of the similar behavior between the two occurs when "the sledge driver clicks to the horse, cranes his neck like a swan. The mare cranes her neck, too" (18). As the story opens Iona sits in his sleigh desperately waiting for his first fare, and when that fare arrives he immediately starts to talk of his son’s death (18). Although his best possible friend – the mare – is already present to listen to his story, Iona does not come to this realization until much later in the story. At the beginning, he still believes that what he needs, and will be able to find, is another human being with whom to share his woes. The fare’s response to Iona’s story is, "have you gone cracked, you old dog? Look where you are going" (18). Iona, upset at this, continues to look around at the fare, in hopes of starting his story o... ... no longer keep silence about the death of his son. He speaks to the air, and the mare is listening. She doesn’t shun him, abuse him, or ignore him. She just listens, as any good animal would do. Works Cited Beck, Alan, M., and Aaron Honoria Katcher. "Animal Companions: More Companion Than Animal." Man and Beast Revisited. Ed. Michael H. Robinson and Lionel Tiger. Washington: Smithsonian P, 1991. 265-66. Chekhov, Anton. "Misery." The Harper Anthology of Fiction. Ed. Sylvan Barnet. New York: HarperCollins, 1991. 17-21. Hildebrandt, Sherri. "Another Kind of Grief." St. Paul Pioneer Press 13 Sept. 1998: 1-4. Poggioli, Renato. "Storytelling in a Double Key." Anton Chekhov’s Short Stories. Ed. Ralph E. Matlaw. New York: W.W. Norton & Co., 1979. 316-317. Royal Bank of Canada. "Pets and Human Beings." Montreal: Royal Bank Letter, July/Aug. 1989.   

Technology and Climate in Iraq Essay -- Iraq Environment Technological

Technology and Climate in Iraq Since civilization was born in ancient Mesopotamia thousands of years ago, technology has been a driving factor in the growth and progress of the peoples of this region. Many of the new and changing technologies have been closely connected to the weather and climate of this unique part of the world. In my opinion, the three most important technological developments for Mesopotamia and Iraq over time have been irrigation, shelter and architecture, and the use of oil. Before we can make these connections between technology and the climate of Iraq, we must look at what makes this climate unique from others around the world. Iraq’s climate is classified as sub-desert and this gives the region two distinct seasons. First, the summers (May-October) in Iraq are hot, with temperatures often exceeding 120 ° F.1 Another important characteristic of the sub-desert summers is the lack of rainfall, since summer precipitation rarely climbs above one inch. On the contrary, the winter season normally has up to 10 inches of rainfall and milder, often cold temperatures. Those 10 inches of rain come in strong storms that can often lead to floods since the land is not prepared for large amounts of precipitation.2 Winter temperatures sometimes even drop to around freezing and frosts are not uncommon. Both of these distinct seasons have caused technological developments over the past 7000 years. As I wrote in my think piece, Mesopotamia is considered to be the birthplace of civilization and this development was fueled by technology. The invention of irrigation techniques around 5000 BC in the region between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers was the foundation for the development of the first towns and cities. Irrig... ...s: Monroe, ME. â€Å"Fossils into Fuel† http://www.schoolscience.co.uk/content/4/chemistry/fossils/p3.html Lamb, H.H. (1995) Climate, History, and the Modern World. Routledge Press: New York, NY Pollock, Susan. (1999) Ancient Mesopotamia. Cambridge University Press: New York, NY Roux, Georges. (1985). Ancient Iraq. Penguin Books: New York, NY â€Å"The Architecture of Irak: The Lost Art of Clay Construction† http://www.brainworker.ch/Irak/architecture.htm â€Å"The Iraqi Republic† http://i-cias.com/e.o/iraq.htm â€Å"Transportation in Iraq† http://united-states.asinah.net/american-encyclopedia/wikipedia/t/tr/transportation_in_iraq.html 1 Pollock, Susan Ancient Mesopotamia 2 Roux, Georges Ancient Iraq 3 Pollock 4 Lamb, H.H. Climate, History, and the Modern World 5 â€Å"The Architecture of Irak† 6 Everest, Larry Oil, Power, and Empire 7 â€Å"Fossils into Fuel†

Deconstruction in J.M. Coetzee’s Disgrace

Being a post-colonial text, J. M. Coetzee’s Disgrace is a multi-layered narrative of deconstruction- from the language, the characters and their values, the setting and the context. Deconstruction is a strategy employed by J. M. Coetzee to present and critique the effects of colonialism within the South African post-apartheid context. After the removal of the apartheid system that has hounded South Africa for the longest time, one would expect a complete turnabout in values, beliefs and practice amongst the people and the community-both rural and urban.Coetzee subverts this expectation by depicting a post-apartheid life and existence that is still, in the metaphorical sense, imprisoned and clinging to the misery and antiquity of the colonial past. David Lurie, the lead character and the narrator in the literary text is a man who has drunk and gobbled many of life’s bitter disappointments- from his unfulfilled teaching days in a university turned technical college to his demotion as a caretaker of terminally ill animals in his daughter’s farm.Coetzee deconstructs David’s character by portraying him as a man still shackled from his own vices and values as well as from the old world that boxed and created him instead of a free, happy man in a post-apartheid environ(ment). On another level, David’s character undergoes deconstruction by being depicted as a Caucasian South African male in a time and place (post-apartheid) where the whites do hold as much power as they once used to. In terms of language, Coetzee’s prose is anti-realist. Truth and meaning in his narrative are not laid bare explicitly; it is covered and laced with undertones, symbols and irony.The novel also deconstructs â€Å"the romantic pastoral prototype of the farm novel tradition through its portrayal of a lonely and desolate farm, and through the narrator Magda, a lonely spinster suffocated by an environment of intellectual and spiritual drought† ( Subverting the pastoral: the transcendence of space and place in J. M. Coetzee's Disgrace 2006). Coetzee transforms the farm which often conjures up an image of one that is idyllic and laidback into a setting that is marred with unhappiness and disillusionment.

Racism as defined by mass media Essay

Oscar H. Gandy Jr. defines racism as, â€Å"the process of exercising power or seeking to exercise power with regard to people defined by identifying them as a member of a particular race.†1 Racism and race stem from the identity one puts onto certain groups of individuals based on their colour. The identity that one forms is acquired from a number of places including parents, religion, school, government and, on today’s youth, mainly mass media such as television and music. In this essay one will focus on the influence that mass media has on our identity position of race. It is obvious that all forms of print and electronic media, from news media to books, films, television, radio, and all other forms of media collectively represent our image of ourselves. 2 The focus for the purpose of this essay will be on news media, television and music, being the most influential forms of media, while focusing on the youth of today, being the easiest to influence. News media has great power in influencing how people identify themselves by how they are represented on the. The stereotypes that television has shown, are viewed by many young individuals of colour, and are portraying how their race is viewed upon among society. Music has the greatest influence on young African-Americans, which view their idols as those shown in music videos. Mass media in a collective form, although may represent individuals of colour, influence the viewers of colour, how they should distinguish themselves.3 Mass media reflects what we think we are and influences what we think we should be. Beginning with the news from a nation wide news station to a local newspaper or news program. News media has the ability to stereotype and categorize people of colour, by using words such as minority. Never are minorities not called minorities even when they take up one third of Canada’s population. Along with categorizing people of colour with the use of minority, they include words like crime, poverty and others that stereotype people of colour.4 This is viewed by young non-whites, which make them believe that this how things are and how they should be. The media now have the capability to alter our perceptions of ourselves, and change the way we live our lives. Young African-Americans, who view the news and see how their race is being represented, may possibly alter their perceptions of their lives and view themselves as criminals, when the news relates their race to criminal acts. The rarity of recognition a person of colour receives in the scholastic proceedings, is viewed among the youth of today. Of course there must be someone, somewhere of colour, â€Å"writing or saying something that should be listened to, or producing art that should be seen, heard, approached with intellectual seriousness.†5 This failure to recognize individuals of colour will influence youth not to pursue intellectual readings and to learn educational subjects, which are not represented by their race. In â€Å"Postmodern Blackness† by Bell Hooks, its states, â€Å"This discourse created the idea of the ‘primitive’ and promoted the notion of an ‘authentic’ experience, seeing as ‘natural’ those expressions of black life, which conformed to a pre-existing pattern or stereotype.†6 In the news when we see a person of colour committing a crime of some sort, we look at it as being a normal act and this how things are in our society. Whites and non-whites alike look upon the news and make assumptions about how they should act, what their values should be, and how they live their daily lives. The youth of today will be the first generation to come of age in a North America where racial minorities are the numeric majority. The future of diversity will depend upon a child’s perception on the position of racial identities. The youth of all races will have to expand their conception of race and race relations in ways their parents never knew. Is it important for children to see people of their own race on television? Children of colour are most likely to think so. Caucasian and African-American children can say they see characters of their race on television while Latino and Asian children are much less likely to see their race represented.7 It is the way they are represented which will affect the influence television will have on children. While some television stations do show diversification in their programming such as OMNI, they are not providing a realistic viewpoint. When a Caucasian character on television is poor, lazy and unintelligent, the show is considered to be comical, such as ‘The Simpson’s’ or ‘Married with Children’, and not taken as realistic. Whereas, when they are successful, rich and intellectual, the show is considered to be dramatic and viewed as being realistic. African-American characters are rarely presented as being poor, lazy and unintelligent, but always rich and successful, such as ‘The Cosby Show’ and ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’, and are always meant to be comical, but never taken seriously or realistically. Shows like these influence African-American children that their race is not taken seriously and are viewed as being humorous. This would affect a young African-American’s thinking is a sense that he is suppose to be a comedian. Many television shows give minority actors, minority roles. Taxi drives in most sitcoms are always non-white, grocery store workers and gas station attendants are always non-white, in shows such as ‘Seinfeld’. Although these sitcoms are not suppose to be taken realistic, young individuals of all races are more likely to associate positive characteristics with Caucasian characters and negative characteristics with minority characters. Sitcoms and other television shows have the ability to alter these perceptions, but continue to stereotype minorities. Still focusing upon the children of today, because they have great faith in the media’s power and it’s potential to influence them. Media can teach children that people of their race are important.8 If television had shows, which evenly distributed the role of characters to all races featuring equality and diversification, they can accomplish sending a message of the importance of all races. Children look to the media for role models and imitate their favourite character. From the way they dress, talk, style their hair to following the messages sent by their characters. From the haircuts of the women on ‘Friends’ to the baggy fashions of the hip-hop scene, the influence of media on today’s children can be seen everywhere. Beyond superficial messages about style and appearance, children are getting more formative messages from the media. The characters they admire and the news stories they watch send both subtle and explicit signals about their values, their families and their race.9 This shows the importance of the messages being sent out by mass media and the importance of different characters and the characteristics they portray. Many African-American children will look to African-American characters for idols and will portray them. In â€Å"The New Cultural Politics of Difference,† Cornel West states, The widespread modern European denial of the intelligence, ability, beauty, and character of people of colour puts a tremendous burden on critics and artists of colour to ‘prove’ themselves in light of norms and models set by White elites whose own heritage devalued and dehumanized them. In short, in the court of criticism and art – or any matters regarding the life of the mind – people of colour are guilty (i.e., not expected to meet standards of intellectual achievement) until ‘proven’ innocent (i.e., acceptable to ‘us’).10 The image that people of colour are guilty until proven innocent illustrates to young individuals of all colours that because of this, people of colour are not as intellectual as Caucasians. In â€Å"Postmodern Blackness,† Bell Hooks states, It is no accident that â€Å"rap† has usurped the primary position of rhythm and blues music among young black folks as the most desired sound or that it began as a form of â€Å"testimony† for the underclass. It has enabled underclass black youth to develop a critical voice as a group of young black men told me, a â€Å"common literacy.† Rap projects a critical voice, explaining, demanding, urging.11 To all young African-Americans, this message is saying that their only voice, their only outlet, is through entertainment in the way of music. They are not enough African-American writers to allow them to consider an outlet that is scholarly. They feel they have to portray the image that is being sent to them through rappers and musicians alike to dress, talk, walk and act the way these rappers ‘say they do,’ in drinking, smoking and heading for drugs. Young African-American men that watch rap videos, sports, movies and may see many men of their race in this forms of media, but the image they represent is that if you cannot make it as a rapper, actor or athlete, you’ll never become wealthy and successful. Rarely are there images on news media about wealthy African-American businessmen unless it’s criminal; rarely are business shows on television shown where black businessmen are the portrayal of the show. They may be a rarity, but should not be and ought to be discussed in business matters. Looking at music for influences, from Stanford, Kathleen O’Toole puts in best, Music alters and intensifies their moods, furnishes much of their slang, dominates their conversations and provides the ambiance at their social gatherings. Music styles define the crowds and cliques they run in. Music personalities provide models for how they act and dress.12 This states that music alters our perception of ourselves and what we should be and how we should act. Our identity is affected and changed according to music videos. Rap videos show African-American singers as doing drinking, smoking, having naked women around them and treating them inappropriately and this is how African-American youth thinks they should act, instead musicians need to send an suitable message out to the youth of today. Also, other races will feel that this is how African-Americans act and will treat them accordingly. Many African-American rappers have lyrics, which are against authority and this influences others alike to perceive the same thoughts. Everyone of every race has an identity they’d like to call their own. But this identity is usually not their own and influenced by many sources, especially mass media. From music to television to news media, the influence these have on the children of today is immense. Music, television and news media, collectively with other mass medium, have the ability to alter one’s perceptions of oneself and the characteristics of others. Race has always been a touchy subject because of its sensitivity and although I am a person of colour, I may have made some stereotypical comments of both whites and non-whites, but I did so only with the intent of making my point. Mass media reflects what we think we are and influences what we think we should be.    Bibliography Colorado State University Cooperative Extension. â€Å"I’m Looking for Me: Children’s Perception of Race and Class in the Media.† Family Matters Newsletter. October 2002. (20 Nov. 2003). Gandy, Jr., Oscar H. â€Å"On Race and the Political Economy of Communication.† Art & Survival: An Internet Review. Issue 2, Volume 1. (23 Nov. 2003). Hall, Stuart. â€Å"Cultural Identity and Diaspora.† Colonial Discourse and Post-Colonial Theory. Patrick William & Laura Chrisman, eds., Pp. 392-403, (c) Columbia University, 1994. Hooks, Bell. â€Å"Postmodern Blackness.† Yearning: Race, Gender, and Cultural Politics, Pp. 23-31, (c) Between the Lines, 1990. Lauder, Matthew. â€Å"News Media Perpetuation of Racism in a Democratic Society.† Cancon: Articles. (21 Nov. 2003). O’Toole, Kathleen. â€Å"Rock & Roll: Does it Influence Teens’ Behavior?† Stanford Report [Online]. 1997. (20 Nov. 2003). Third Way Cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½. â€Å"Children and Race in the Media.† Racism: The Public Face. Beyond the News. (21 Nov. 2003). West, Cornel. â€Å"The New Cultural Politics of Difference.† The Cultural Reader. 2nded. Simon during, ed., Pp. 256-267, (c) Routledge, 1999. 1 Gandy, Jr., Oscar H. â€Å"On Race and the Political Economy of Communication.† Art & Survival: An Internet Review. Issue 2, Volume 1. (23 Nov. 2003). 2 Third Way Cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½. â€Å"Children and Race in the Media.† Racism: The Public Face. Beyond the News. (21 Nov. 2003). 3 Colorado State University Cooperative Extension. â€Å"I’m Looking for Me: Children’s Perception of Race and Class in the Media.† Family Matters Newsletter. October 2002. (20 Nov. 2003). 4 Lauder, Matthew. â€Å"News Media Perpetuation of Racism in a Democratic Society.† Cancon: Articles. (21 Nov. 2003). 5 Hooks, Bell. â€Å"Postmodern Blackness.† Yearning: Race, Gender, and Cultural Politics, Pp. 24, (c) Between the Lines, 1990. 6 Ibid. 26. 7 Colorado State University Cooperative Extension. â€Å"I’m Looking for Me: Children’s Perception of Race and Class in the Media.† Family Matters Newsletter. October 2002. (20 Nov. 2003). 8 Third Way Cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½. 9 Ibid 10 West, Cornel. â€Å"The New Cultural Politics of Difference.† The Cultural Reader. 2nded. Simon during, ed., Pp. 256-267, (c) Routledge, 1999. 11 Hooks, Bell. 27. 12 O’Toole, Kathleen. â€Å"Rock & Roll: Does it Influence Teens’ Behavior?† Stanford Report [Online]. 1997. (20 Nov. 2003).

Intermarriage †opposition Essay

Marshall Sklare was able to articulate the fears of many older Jews and he wrote: Intermarriage (and its sociodemographic consequences) can no longer be treated as marginal when it is the result of a deep-rooted sociopolitical ideology and value structure and a function of lifestyle, residential pattern and educational and occupational structure †¦ The intermarriage issue has become central to the internal struggles of American Jewry (1982, p. 37). Aside from the fact that the older generation seemed to be in a perpetual survival mode of existence, keeping to themselves to continue Jewish values and traditions, there is a deeper reason why many are opposed to the idea of exogamy. Steven Bayme explains that the rise of intermarriage is a threat because it can only mean the, â€Å"†¦ decline of Jewish commitment, a weakness in Jewish identity, a failure of Jewish education and the Jewish family to bring about the commitment to Jewish continuity†¦ † (2002, p. 226). If this is true then it will just reveal the error of their ways. This is because suppressing the symptoms will not make the sickness go away. If the symptom for impiety and the shortcomings of a flawed educational system is the high rate of intermarriage then opposing exogamy will not change the fact that there is problem with Judaism. Traditionalists made their opinions known; that they do not agree to intermarriages but this seems to be an idea suited for past generations who cannot see the possibility of compromise in the land of the heathen. A popular 1950s joke regarding this matter was an accurate depiction of how parents felt about their children marrying non-Jews. The following dialog is between a young Jewish soldier coming home from the Korean War and his mother. Before the young man left Korea he calls his mother to inform her about the good news (Shapiro, year, p. 233). Son: I have survived the war without being wounded. Mother: That is good. Son: I am bringing home a Korean wife Mother: That is also good. Son: We don’t have a place to live. Mother: That’s okay. You can stay in my apartment. Son: But you live in a one-bedroom apartment. Mother: That’s no problem. After I put the phone down I am going to jump out of the window, and you will have the entire apartment to yourself. According to Bayme, when it dawned upon the Jewish community that intermarriage is snowballing into something that can overwhelm them, the reaction was radical and aimed at the jugular to forcibly stop the perceived madness and he adds: When the first news of the growth of intermarriage occurred, communal leaders responded with agony and handwriting. Virtually all Jewish organizations passed resolutions and statements signaling opposition to intermarriage. Conferences were held about what we can do in the face of this tidal wave (2002, p. 226). Calvin Goldsheider pointed out that even as late as the 20th century the reaction was fairly dramatic. Opposition to the marriage was made plain by, â€Å"†¦ Jewish mourning rituals of sitting shiva or reciting kaddish†¦ † (2004, p. 29). It must have been a disconcerting sight for a son to see his parents lamenting his decision to take a bride not from his people. Rising Tide But it seems that no matter what type of measures was put in place to discourage interfaith marriages; more and more Jews chose to be joined with a non-Jew. It is therefore understandable that others may conclude rebellion to the norms and traditions of Judaism as the number one culprit. But more and more studies claim the contrary. In fact Shapiro remarked the traditional scape goat for the high rate of intermarriage no longer applies. Marshall Sklare, a noted sociologist on American Jewry, warned that, â€Å"†¦ attributing intermarriage among Jews to self-hatred, cowardice in the face of anti-Semitism, or social climbing misread its etiology †¦ because marriages with Gentiles increased while anti-Semitism was dwindling and many of the social traditional status distinctions were being swept away† (as qtd. in Shapiro, 1992, p. 235). Bayme supports the finding of Shapiro and Sklare and was very practical in his approach for he said that differences in religion are not a significant consideration to young couples of today. Bayme also added that American society values romantic love more than it values differences in religious beliefs. And to top all that Jews are contending with an unexpected external force, â€Å"†¦ 87 percent of Americans welcome marriage to a Jew†¦ † a rather surprising revelation considering what the Jews had to endure for centuries (2002, 226). Now if the reasons for the rising rate of interfaith marriages can be explained in terms of love, openness, acceptance and the realization that every human being is created equal in the sight of God then what kind of community will dare go against universally accepted principles? More so, what kind of community will have the resolve to continually fight for exogamy in the face of a â€Å"love† assault? Surely, only a few can resist the advances of a determined lover and that may well be the number one reason why this crisis – at least in the eyes of Jewish elders – could not be contained. Resolution Marshall Sklare minced no words in asserting that there are only two definitive actions that can be used to settle the issue: 1. Change the social structure and value orientation of the American Jewish community; or 2.accommodate and accept the intermarried (1982, p. 37). Since option no. 1 is clearly unacceptable then the Jewish people are only left with one choice and it is to go out and welcome the non-Jew spouse into Jewish life. This is a view espoused by Calvin Goldscheider who believes that it is a blessing in disguise and contrary to antiquated and popular opinion the high rate of intermarriage will ensure the survival of the Jewish race both in numbers and in cultural distinctiveness. A seemingly incompatible set of ideas considering the nature of Jewish life. Goldscheider summarizes his argument into the following statements: The key indicators of an ethnic community’s strength, however, are not who marries whom, but the activities that their grandchildren engage in. A group’s continuity depends on the ethnic and religious commitments of the family. Focusing on families and the ethnic commitments of the young redirects questions about assimilation away from biology and marriage and toward economic activities, cultural obligations and how parents pass on traditions to their children. In this regard, the American Jewish community is surviving, maybe even thriving† (2003, p. 282). Goldscheider arrived at the aforementioned conclusion as a consequence of the following research findings: ? The decline of the American Jewish community is a product of exaggeration and sensationalization of the facts; ? Interfaith marriages were assumed to result in complete and immediate conversion of the Jewish partner into non-Jewish religion, practices, and customs;? the terms used to define modern day Jews were biased towards the already assumed conclusion that there is a significant decline in their numbers; ? The numbers did not add up considering that there is a significant number of non-Jewish spouses who convert to Judaism, or informally integrate into the community and follow Jewish customs and traditions; and ? previous studies did not account the fact that in many intermarriages the intermarried couples decided that their children will grow up as Jews or at least encourage them to practice Jewish customs and traditions.

Aprasia

l Burns: Understanding Nursing Research, 5th Edition Appraisal Exercises Critical Appraisal Guidelines for Qualitative Studies Research Article: Stress and nursing care needs of women with breast cancer during primary treatment: A qualitative study QUALITATIVE CRITICAL APPRAISAL GUIDELINES|KEY CONCEPTS INAPPRAISAL| Problem Statement1. Identify the clinical problem and research problem that led to the study. 2. How did the author establish the significance of the study? In other words, why should the reader care about this study? || Purpose and Research Questions1. Identify the purpose of the study. . List research questions that the study was designed to answer. If the author does not explicitly provide the questions, attempt to infer the questions from the answers. 3. Were the purpose and research questions related to the problem? 4. Were qualitative methods appropriate to answer the research questions? || Literature Review1. Did the author cite quantitative and qualitative studies relevant to the focus of the study? What other types of literature did the author include? 2. Are the references current? 3. Identify the disciplines of the authors of studies cited in this paper.Does it appear that the author searched databases outside of CINAHL for relevant studies? 4. Did the author evaluate or indicate the weaknesses of the available studies? 5. Did the literature review include adequate information to build a logical argument? Another way to ask the question: Did the author provide enough evidence to support the verdict that the study was needed? | 4. The author mentioned limitations of the study by a bias. Some women who were mentally unstable, or if the nurses felt as if they would be over whelmed with the interview were excluded. 5.The author did go into detail about the many things that are need for a patient with breast cancer. | Frame of Reference 1. Did the author identify a specific perspective from which the study was developed? If so, what was it? 2. When a researcher uses the grounded theory method of qualitative inquiry, the researcher may develop a framework or diagram as part of the findings of the study. Was a framework developed from the study findings? |1. The author did not mention a specific form which the study was developed. In my opinion it was developed to help with the coping of breast cancer in women. 2.The framework was to include the specific strain influencing the women affected during the time, the needs and expectations they had of the nurses. | Research Tradition1. Identify the stated or implied research tradition upon which the study was based. 2. Were the methods used in the study consistent with the research tradition? |1. There was not a stated research tradition stated but the implied one was phenomological research because it was based on real life situations. 2. The method used was consistent with the research tradition. The participants were interviewed and allowed to answer questions.They touched on many aspects of the strains when dealing with breast cancer. | Sampling and Sample1. Identify how subjects were selected. 2. At what sites were subjects recruited for the study? Did the sites for recruitment fit the sampling needs of the study? 3. What were the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the sample? 4. Were the selected subjects able to provide data relevant to the study purpose and research questions? 5. How many people participated in the study? Did any potential subjects refuse to participate? Did any of the participants start but not finish the study? |1.The 42 women were chosen by the nurses ate the hospital. They had to meet the following criteria early tumors, no further metastases elsewhere, no malignant pre-existing disease or neoadjuvant therapy, and the ability to understand the German language. Pg. 122. The patients were recruited while impatient in the hospital. That was a proper site for recruitment for this study because they were determining the stress and nursing care. 3. The inclusion was aimed at women with breast cancer in the stage of surgical procedures as primary therapy. The average ages of the women were 55 and the youngest person was 33 and the oldest was 79. g12 | Data Collection1. How were data collected in this study? 2. What rationale did the author provide for using this data collection method? 3. Identify the time period for data collection of the study. 4. Describe the sequence of data collection events for a participant. || Protection of Human Participants1. Identify the benefits and risks of participation addressed by the authors. Were there benefits or risks the authors do not identify? 2. How were recruitment and consent techniques adjusted to accommodate the sensitivity of the subject matter and possible vulnerability of participants? . How were data collection and management techniques adapted in acknowledgment of participant sensitivity and vulnerability? || Data Management and Analysis1. Describe the data man agement and analysis methods used in the study. 2. Did the author discuss how the rigor of the process was assured? 3. What measures were used to minimize the effects of researcher bias? 4. Did the data management and analysis methods fit the research purposes and data? || Findings1. Did the findings address the purpose of the study? 2. Were the data sufficiently analyzed? 3.Were the interpretations of data congruent with data collected? 4. Did the researcher address variations in the findings by relevant sample characteristics? || Discussion1. Did the results offer new information about the target phenomenon? 2. Were the findings linked to findings in other studies or other relevant literatures? 3. Describe the clinical, policy, theoretical, and other significance of the findings. Does the author explore these applications? || Logic and Form of Findings1. Were readers able to hear the voice of the participants and gain an understanding of the phenomenon studied? . Were elements of the research report easily found by readers? 3. Did the overall presentation of the study fit its purpose, method, and findings? 4. Was there a coherent logic to the presentation of findings? || Evaluation Summary1. Do the findings provide a credible reflection of reality? If so, how can the findings be used in nursing practice? 2. What do the findings add to the current body of knowledge? 3. State the conclusion of the critical appraisal of the study. || References cited in this appraisal that were not cited in the article:

Army Essays - Digital Technology, Internet, New Media, Free Essays

rmy ntroductionAll of my life I have been around technology. I have always strived to learn more about it and become more competent. I have been building and fixing computers for as long as I can remember. Its been my life to work with computers. I encounter new issues every day that I solve one way or another. Whenever someone has an issue with technology they come to me first, and Im always glad to help. Its what I do, I help people in the only way I can. However, in more recent times there has become an issue that really cant be solved by any one person. Its how the world is losing its privacy online. BodyPeople use the internet every day and night. Theres no stopping that, its what people have become accustomed to. Its a part of our culture now, something that is unchangeable. However, the internet brings to us more than just the information we want. It also sends the information they want about us. Its almost impossible to avoid it, it happens as soon as you start your browser. hey're watching you. Each time you view a Web page, enter an online contest, complete a Web site survey or purchase items they take note. Who are "they"? Often they are Internet Service Providers (ISPs),' marketers, and businesses.' These entities want information that will let them know who you are, what type of products you buy, when you are most likely to buy them, and why. By using your consumer profile, entities can determine how to effectively advertise to you and sell you ...

Typical Marketing strategies Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Typical Marketing strategies - Research Paper Example In such a strategy, companies ensure that there, no excess cost being incurred. In the case of products, companies source raw materials from suppliers at the lowest possible cost and still maintain the necessary quality required. This aggressive concept to remaining the market director requires the firm to expand the entire market by seeking new consumers, new product uses and encouraging current consumers to use more of the service or product. All of these strategies will serve to boost quantity demanded resulting in lower costs through proper economies of scale permit the firm to reinforce its supremacy in the industry.  Wal-Mart  is the perfect example of this strategy. Wal-Mart has been flourishing using this strategy of daily low prices to attract consumers. The plan of daily low prices is to offer goods at a lower rate compared to competitors, relatively than relying on sales. This company attains this due to its great scale and resourceful supply chain. They get products from cheap local suppliers and low-wage overseas markets. This allows the corporation to sell their things at low prices and to profit off thin margins from very volume sales. Therefore, based on this approach, Wal-Mart has been a ble to acquire and control the vast market share. This Strategy is based on exploiting recognized weakness in the place of the cost leader or other companies in the market. These weaknesses might be customer dissatisfaction with the products available, consumer services or value of the product obtainable by the Cost-Leader.  Target  is an outstanding example of this approach countering with lesser, friendlier stores easier for the purchaser to navigate when in a rush. Differentiated products gain a competitive advantage as the customer derives satisfaction from the product, which is not accessible to other products. Companies that employ such a strategy can end being a monopoly in the

Manging organizastion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Manging organizastion - Essay Example Psychology is the study of human mind and their behaviors. Without this, managers would likely confront the difficulties and dilemma in understand and predicting the responses of employees, especially in time when changes are introduced. Workers, regardless of nationalities and their personal orientations, illustrate their responses to stimulus depending on their principles, social influences, and cultures (Senaratne, et al., 2008; Kotler et al., 1979). The substances of their responses can be understood when they started articulating their position to an issue or to intervening changes (Shore, 2009). As psychology is focused on the science of human behavior, psychology offers a variety of theories that can help managers understand the considerations of human behaviors. Ajzen (1991) have pointed that human actions are governed by behavioral, normative and control beliefs. Ajzen (1991) perceived that these considerations are significant in knowing the surrounding circumstances, projects and programs when changing of workers behaviors is required (Cox & Nkomo, 1990; Senaratne & Sexton, 2008).). With sufficient knowledge on human behaviors, managers can strategically identify which and who of them can help him in introducing changes within the organization and make others follow through (Rogers & Wright, 1998). It can lessen possibility of confusing, unsubstantiated, uncontextualized and unintelligible observations. Managing an organization requires ability to predict the responses and attitudes of its personnel to proposed changes (Rogers et al., 1998; Senaratne & Sexton, 2008). Such way, manager is able to make objective and concrete analysis of situation, evaluate assumptions, objective understanding on peripheral issues and the emotional discomfort affecting them when presented to complex situations (Cox, De Cieri, & Fenwick, 1998). Through it, managers will be able to note where his technical, leadership and support are needed. While behaviors and

Marketing Strategies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Marketing Strategies - Essay Example The main purpose of this essay is to develop an effective marketing strategy for Global Bikes Co. considering various significant aspects. The different major aspects include the identification of the target market, setting marketing objectives and the facets of marketing mix strategies of Global Bikes. Section 2: Target Market The target market for Global Bikes can be identified by executing certain market segmentation variables on the basis of four major categories that include demographic, psychographic, geographic and behavioural environment. The important market segmentation variable of the demographic environment is concerned with the aspect of age structure. Fundamentally, the demographic environment is very much important for the business organisations due to the fact that it significantly deals with certain vital components such as market size and population among others. In this regard, Global Bikes must consider the significant factors of age structure in relation to the s egmentation variable of demographic environment while implementing its marketing strategies. In this connection, the company should emphasise largely upon the different age groups of different people that include the teenage, children, young, old age and adults. Thus, it can be stated that the Global Bikes should target its customers or people belonging to the age group of 10-50 years that largely constitute the students, workers and children among others (Thomas, 2007). In terms of segmentation variable in relation to psychographic market environment, the Global Bikes should consider the lifestyle factor of the target consumers that generally include their attitudes, interests, emotions, values as well as beliefs. With the intention of developing effective marketing strategies, it is very much necessary for the business organisations such as Global Bikes to strictly consider the attitudes and the interests of the consumers regarding the purchase of their products. In this context, regarding psychographic market segmentation, the target market or the consumers of Global Bikes would be those customers who enthusiastically possess utmost interest towards the products such as bicycles and related accessories. This particular consideration upon the interests along with the attitudes of the customers on the basis of psychographic or lifestyle market segmentation ultimately would contribute to attain noteworthy competitive position along with expected business goals for the company (Wright, 2006). With due consideration to the behavioural market environment, Global Bikes should emphasise upon the segmentation variable of knowledge of particular products, adequate implementation of the products along with the development of understanding regarding the responses towards the different products that are generally represented by the customers. In this context, the behavioural aspects based market segmentation tends to encourage the marketer or the business organisation t o possess deeper understanding of the buying procedures of the customers. Moreover, the aspect of behavioural segmentation environment can also assist the business organisations to largely identify their potential target markets. The conception of behavioural segmentation generally include certain decisive facets such as adequate application of a specific brand, buying procedures of the customers, effective decision criterion and finally the attitudes along with the preferences of the decision makers (Beide, 2003). In terms of the

E-Logistics Ning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

E-Logistics Ning - Essay Example In practice, it has been proved that the actual benefits and drawbacks of each organizational strategy take a long time to appear; this is a problem when the change on a firm’s traditional policies is attempted since the value of the proposed strategies is difficult to be proved in advance or even in the short term. However, the elements of this strategy and its expected performance – as it can be measured using figures related to the firm’s performance within a particular period of time – can be important indicators regarding the potential value of a strategy in case that it is established in a particular organization. Current paper aims to explore the benefits and drawbacks of the global supply chain strategies of VF Brands, a firm well known in the global Apparel industry. Particular reference is made to the firm’s new global supply chain strategy, the Third Way, and its potential contribution in the improvement of the firm’s relationship with its global suppliers, thus its growth in the global market. 2. Global Supply Chain strategy in VF Brands – critical analysis and evaluation 2.1 Global supply chain strategy in the literature The literature developed in the specific field is based on a wide range of criteria; there are views, which promote a narrow perspective of supply chain management – in terms of the potentials of the specific organizational sector to be changed following the differentiations in the market trends. Moreover, different perceptions seem to exist regarding the elements of a successful supply chain management strategy: in accordance with Mangan et al. (2008) the criterion on which the value of a supply chain management strategy is decided is the level at which this strategy promotes the use of knowledge related to all organizational activities. However, Branch (2008) notes that key priority of supply chain management in modern market is the identification of practices that will mini mize the cost of production. It is further noted that in the context of the global market, the challenges for supply chain are significantly increased; global supply chain management strategies need to address all issues related to a firm’s production needs in the global market – a fact that results necessarily to the increase of complexity of the particular strategies (Branch 2008). Under these terms, the criteria on which the choice of a supplier in the global market will be based cannot be standardized; usually, ‘the differentiation from other players in the marketplace and the existence of a separate identity’ (Branch 2008, p.13) are used as criteria for choosing a supplier in the international market. However, other criteria can be also set in accordance with the needs of each organization and its potentials to respond to the demands of each supplier – demand for specific price, location, time for producing a specific volume of products with â €˜pre-arranged’ characteristics. Also, the level at which a firm accepts its potential dependency on another firm – in the context of the supply chain – can be differentiated. Supply chain, which has been defined as ‘

Cocaine Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Cocaine - Research Paper Example Cocaine use is higher in the adults aged between 18 and 25 years compared to other age groups, with cocaine use in the past month being reported by 1.5 percent young adults (NIDA, 2010). Also, cocaine use is more common in men as compared to women. The annual Monitoring and Future survey in 2009 surveyed drug use and teen attitudes, reporting a considerable reduction in the 30-day powder cocaine use prevalence among children in the 8th, 10th, and 12th grades than they were in the late 1990s (NIDA, 2010). Repeated use of cocaine leads to addiction as well as other health consequences. NSDUH reported in 2008 that as many as 1.4 million Americans complied with the criteria set by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders for abuse of cocaine or dependence on it within the previous year (NIDA, 2010). In addition to that, the 2008 Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) noted the involvement of cocaine in 482,188 of up to 2 million cases of drug abuse or misuse in the emergency departments (NIDA, 2010). This can be interpreted as one in four cases of drug abuse or misuse involving cocaine reported in the emergency department visits. Cocaine causes high addiction. It is almost impossible for an individual using cocaine to be able to control or predict the extent to which they will use it. The risk of relapse upon addiction is very high even if the individual experiences long periods of abstinence from the drug. Memory of exposure to or experience of cocaine during the periods of abstinence can trigger immense craving for the drug. Withdrawal symptoms of cocaine include but are not limited to restless behavior, agitation, fatigue, depression, generalized malaise, slowing of activity, increased appetite, unpleasant dreams and nausea (NIH, 2014). The individual can experience depression and craving for several months after cessation of heavy use of

Which aspects of McDonald's organisational culture are considered to Dissertation - 1

Which aspects of McDonald's organisational culture are considered to be strong compared to competitors - Dissertation Example Organizational culture is a topic that is well-studied, and it basically means that organizations have a certain set of values and beliefs that are unique to that organization. Because culture needs to be spread, and there must be a method for this method to spread, this is a topic of consideration and is the focus of this paper. In particular, a vision is something that permeates organizations and, if this vision is positive and committed to by the employees of the company, the vision can make the organization great. This vision thus guides the organization, and underpins the culture. Another variable is that of leadership, as leadership has a great effect on organizational culture. Toxic leaders may lead to toxic work environments, so the organizational culture would be adversely affected. Conversely, effective leaders may lead to effective teams, and this would positively affect the organizational culture. The different kinds of leaders, and how these leaders operate, is another f ocus of this paper. Lastly, since McDonald’s is a multinational corporation, the concept of cultural distance must be touched upon. This is another focus. The results sections will extrapolate the data that was found on McDonald’s and relate this data to the information presented in the literature review. Hence, it can be shown why McDonald’s is the dominant player in the fast food market around the world. The literature review is divided into four sections – literature regarding organizational culture in general, followed by literature regarding vision, literature regarding leadership, and literature regarding cultural distance. The research section is next, and describes the kind of research undertaken, which is secondary research, and how the particular topic was researched. Next comes the results, which are tied into the literature found in the literature review. A conclusion tying it all together concludes the paper. Literature Review The Meaning of Organizational Culture Organizational culture is â€Å"the coding of values and deeply-held beliefs that mold an organization's decision patterns, guide its actions, and drive individual behavior† (Dauphinais & Price, 1998, p. 190). An organizational culture is made up of patterns of belief that are rooted in the values, norms and informal activities of the organization (Ivancevich et al., 2008, p. 503). Both members and outsiders are cognizant of a particular organization’s culture, as the organization makes its organizational culture visible (Dauphinais & Price, 1998, p. 190). At the same time, because it is comprised of beliefs, values and attitudes, all intangible qualities, it is subtle and invisible. The culture may be either beneficial or destructive. If based upon a positive vision, which is discussed below, the cultural organization is beneficial to the organization. Alternatively, if the belief system upon which the organizational culture is based is flawed, and does not fit the vision, then it can be destructive and will drive the organization on to mediocrity, not greatness. Moreover, the organizational culture is often driven by the bottom up, as opposed to top down, according to Dauphinais & Price, as the ways that the broad masses of the organization behave dictates the culture of the organization. Therefore, the organizational culture may be created by rewards, measures and â€Å"carefully structured people practices† Vision as a Part of Organizational Culture Part of the organizational culture is the vision that permeates throughout the organization, especially if the organization is strong and is able to have a shared vision. According to Senge (1990), a shared vision is vital for a successful company and should be one of the top priorities. The company’s vision is one to which the people of the organization must commit themselves. Yet, the successful company also realizes that there are thousands of individual vis ions for the companies, or, in the case of McDonald’s, millions of different visions, as each employee may have their