Symbolism in The Joy Luck Club Essay Example

Symbolism in The Joy Luck Club Paper Symbolism is defined by the dictionary as the practice of attributing symbolic meanings or significance to objects, events, or relationships, which means creating an importance and special meaning in objects that normally would not be important. In The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan, a story of four Chinese immigrant women and their four American-born daughters, many symbols are presented. Throughout the many stories in the novel objects begin to hold significant importance to the women they are attributed to. Objects such as Suyuan Woos pendant, Lindo Jongs red candle, and Lena St. Clairs vase become symbolic for the relationships between these women and people and events that are important in their lives. The jade pendant given to Jing-mei June by her mother Suyuan Woo is symbolic for the relationship June has with her mother before and after Suyuans death. In the story narrated by June entitled Best Quality, she says, my mother gave me my lifes importance, a jade pendant on a gold chain (197). June describes it as, too large, too green, and too garishly ornate (197), she did not understand the pendant and in the same way she did not understand her mother. We will write a custom essay sample on Symbolism in The Joy Luck Club specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Symbolism in The Joy Luck Club specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Symbolism in The Joy Luck Club specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer At this point it is a symbol of their differences. In the same chapter, June recalls the conversation she had with her mother when June received the pendant, For a long time, I wanted to give you this necklace. See, I wore this on my skin, so when you put this on your skin, then you know my meaning (208). The meaning she describes is her maternal instincts to guide her daughter, but June is unable to understand this and mistakenly labels it as criticism. Suyuan is trying to tell June that her criticisms are really love and concern, but she cannot express it in words. In the same conversation Suyuan describes the pendant, This is young jade. It is a very light color now but if you wear it everyday it will become more green (209). This description represents Junes naivety towards her mother, the young jade being June. After Suyuans death, June begins to wear that pendant every day (197) as a sign that she is starting to understand her mother and her gestures for what they really were and as a sign that her light color is becoming more green. Another object that holds an interesting symbolic message is the red marriage candle of Lindo Jong. The red candle of Lindo Jong holds many symbolic messages. When Lindo was first married a special candle was lit. This candle had two ends to light, one end had the name of the bride and the other end had the name of the groom. If neither end of the candle were to extinguish before the next day Chinese customs say that the wedding would be successful. The candle already has a symbolic meaning within the Chinese culture, the success of the marriage. Within the story it also represents the beliefs, customs, and superstitions behind the marriage. That night after the servant designated to watch the candle had run away, out of fear of the Japanese, Lindo ran into the room and [her] throat filled with so much hope that it finally burst and blew out [her] husbands end of the candle (60). Blowing the candle out symbolizes Lindo taking control of her life. Her newly acquired independence is her way of escaping her marriage without dishonoring her family. Although the servant relights the candle, Lindo exposes the truth to her mother-in-law that the flame died in the night, without making intervention known. In her plan to escape her marriage, Lindo takes advantage of the Chinese culture and the superstitions of the candle to convince her mother-in-law to annul the wedding. It symbolizes how ones culture and traditions are used to identify ones own worth and character. In the story of Lena St. Clair there are two important objects that hold an important meaning to her. The vase owned by Lena St. Clair is a symbolic representation of her marriage with her husband, Harold Livotny, who built the table the vase rests on. Lena explains to her mother, Ying-Ying St. Clair, Careful, its not too sturdy (163) when Ying-Ying discovers the wobbly table. Not too sturdy can be applied to Lenas marriage as well as the table; the vase, as well as Lena, is in an unstable position. Lenas marriage is in danger of falling into ruin. Lena describes the table as a poorly designed piece that Harold made in his student days (163). To make a marriage work both people have to work at it, but Harold is not as supportive as Lena is with him. The table is a symbol of his unaccommodating, unsupportive commitment Harold has with Lena. During the middle of a fight between Lena and Harold, the vase is shattered by Ying-Ying. All Ying-Ying says in her defense is Fallen down, (165). Lena responds as she picks up the broken shards, It doesnt matter, I knew it would happen (165). Concerned, her mother asks, Then why you dont stop it (165). Lena is to blame for the insecurity her marriage and the vase are in, but even with this knowledge she does not take action against the situation. Her mother realizes this and shatters the vase to teach Lena that she cannot just sit idly and watch, but that she should prevent an oncoming disaster if she can. The shattered vase then represents an action taken to change Lenas submissiveness and grow into a stronger more self-aware person. Each womans object is an intricate symbol of the lives surrounding its owner. Suyuans pendant changes its meaning from its first introduction to its closing. It was a symbol of difference and became a symbol of concerned and love, and in this change also signifies learning and understanding. Lindos red candle ultimately represents freedom through the understanding of tradition and culture. Lenas vase when intact represents a shaking marriage while when broken describes the discovery of her own personal worth. The symbolism used in the novel weaves each object with the event and relationship it is associated with perfectly to create a complex, expressive story.

Environment and Animal Rights - Contrast and Compare

Environment and Animal Rights - Contrast and Compare Updated and Edited by  Michelle A. Rivera,  Animal Rights Expert for About.com  May 16, 2016 The environmental movement and the animal rights movement often have similar goals, but the philosophies are different and sometimes cause the two camps to oppose each other. The Environmental Movement The goal of the environmental movement is protect the environment and use resources in a sustainable manner. Campaigns are based on the big picture - whether a practice can continue without harming the balance of the ecosystem. The environment is important as it affects human health, but the environment is also, in itself, worth protecting. Popular environmental campaigns include protecting the Amazon rainforest from deforestation, protecting endangered species, reducing pollution, and fighting climate change. The Animal Rights Movement The goal of the animal rights movement is for animals to be free of human use and exploitation. Animal rights is based on a recognition that non-human animals are sentient and therefore have their own rights and interests. While some activists work on single issue campaigns such as fur, meat, or circuses; the broader goal is a vegan world where all animal use and exploitation is eliminated. Similarities Between the Environmental and Animal Rights Movements Both movements recognize we must protect the environment. Both oppose unsustainable practices, and both seek to protect wildlife from habitat loss, pollution and climate change. These threats affect not only whole ecosystems but individual animals who will suffer and die if we continue to ignore environmental issues. We also often see environmental and animal rights groups taking the same position on an issue for different reasons. While animal rights groups oppose eating meat because it infringes on the rights of the animals, some environmental groups oppose meat eating because of the environmental devastation of animal agriculture. The Atlantic Chapter of the Sierra Club has a Biodiversity/Vegetarian Outreach Committee, and calls meat a Hummer on a Plate. Both movements also work to protect endangered animal species. Animal rights activists work to protect spotted owls because they are sentient beings, while environmentalists want to see individual spotted owls protected because the individuals are important for the survival of the species; and that species is important in the web of life. Differences between the Environmental and Animal Rights Movements Most animal rights activists also try to protect the environment, but if there is a conflict between environmental protection and the lives of individual animals, animal rights activists will choose to protect the animals because the animals are sentient and the rights of the individuals cannot be infringed to protect trees or a collective group. Also, environmentalists may not object if an activity kills or threatens individual animals without threatening the species or ecosystem as a whole. For example, some environmentalists do not oppose hunting or may even support hunting if they believe that hunting will not threaten the survival of the species. The rights and interests of individual animals are not a concern to some environmentalists. However, hunting cannot be considered acceptable to animal rights advocates because killing an animal, whether it is for food or trophies, infringes on the rights of the animal. This applies whether or not the species is endangered or threatened. To an animal rights activist, the life of a single animal matters. Similarly, environmentalists often talk about conservation, which is the sustainable use of a resource. Hunters also use the word conservation as a euphemism for hunting. To animal rights advocates, animals should not be considered a resource. This difference in philosophies causes People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals to refer to the World Wildlife Fund as the Wicked Wildlife Fund. WWF is not an animal rights group, but works to conserve nature. According to PETA, WWF has demanded more animal testing of genetically modified organisms before they are approved for human consumption. To WWF, the potential threat of GMOs to the environment and to human health outweighs the lives of animals who are used for GMO safety testing. Animal rights advocates believe that we cannot exploit animals in laboratories by conducting GMO testing, or in any other testing, regardless of the possible benefits. According to PETA, WWF also does not oppose the killing of seals for fur, since they do not believe that the practice threatens the survival of the seal population. Wildlife While the deaths of individual animals are not usually considered an environmental issue, environmental groups do sometimes get involved in non-endangered wildlife issues. For example, some environmental groups work to protect all whale species, even though some whale species - such as minke whales and Brydes whales - are not endangered. The protection of large, iconic animals like whales, panda bears and elephants will probably always be championed by some environmental groups regardless of their survival status due to the popularity of these animals, which gives them a high profile.

The partisan battle in policymaking within the U.S Congress Essay

The partisan battle in policymaking within the U.S Congress - Essay Example The US Congress consist of the House of Representatives and the Senate both of whom are required to agree for the passage of laws in the US. (Schiller, 2000) The general powers of Congress are contained in Article 1, Section 8 of the US Constitution, although several amendments have added to Congressional powers. (US Constitution, Article 1, Section 8) These powers include but are not limited to the power to regulate commerce, impose taxes, make laws, levy punishments in respect of unlawful conduct, declare wars, establish post offices, regulate the value of currencies, regulate laws for the acquisition of water and land, support and maintain the military, to declare a state of emergency and to discipline the military. (US Constitution, Article 1, Section 8) The US Constitution requires that in order for either the House of Representatives or the Senate to conduct business a quorum is present. (US Constitution) A majority vote is required to indorse a cause of action and since Congress is typically comprised of two parties, the Democrats and the Republicans the vote is usually controlled by the controlling party with the result that partisanship determines policymaking rather than ideology. Roger Scully and Samuel Patterson argue that during the 80’s and 90’s American politics developed into more â€Å"deeply entrenched partisan divisions†. (Scully and Patterson, 2001, 131-155) With the two party politics that characterizes American governance it is hardly surprising that policymaking is often split along partisan lines. (Soss and Canon, 1995, 253-174) Author Ronald Brownstein refers to recent developments in Washington as â€Å"hyperpartisanship† (Brownstein, 2007, 8) According to Brownstein partisanship functions to divide the parties and only heightens disagreements not only among Congress but in â€Å"American life.† (Brownstein, 2007, 9) Put another way, parties

Personal Reflection reaction paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Personal Reflection reaction paper - Essay Example The entire scientific enterprise can be characterized as the development of sensitivities and ideas necessary to become more fully aware of what is happening all around us. Seen in this perspective, the discovery of the birthplace of the universe is a four-million-year learning event (Swimme, 1996, p. 1). In the present-day times, we face the challenge of identifying the meanings such discoveries have for human existence. It has become essential to integrate science’s understanding of the universe with more ancient intuitions concerning the meaning and destiny of the humans. This would be an opportunity to conciliate science, cultural tradition and religion. We are challenged here with understanding the significance of the human enterprise within an evolving universe. Upon our success in meeting this challenge rests the vitality of so much of the Earth Community, including the quality of life all future children will enjoy (Swimme, 1996, p. 3). The enterprise of cosmology –that is, the exploration of the origin, development and destiny of the universe– started at the beginning of humanity. As humans, we require a cultural orientation. â€Å"We are not given a fixed and final form to our orientation in life but must discover and deepen this orientation through the process of psychic development† (Swimme, 1996, p. 9). We have many different answers to the question â€Å"What does it mean to be human in this universe?† Brian Swimme proposes us to reflect on this issue, which has implications for our daily life, our family and our role in communities. From the primitive cave dwellers, people have marveled at the mystery of the cosmos, and created explanations for its origins and essence. However, Swimme points out that modern humanity might be the first culture to ignore the primordial tradition of celebrating the

The Various Present Day Marketing Perspectives Essay

The Various Present Day Marketing Perspectives - Essay Example E-marketing being a marketing perspective of the current time especially with the advancement of technology has come to be appreciated as a vital tool in the general marketing initiatives of an organization. As time goes by and technology advances e-marketing also changes and so are the approaches to achieving marketing goals and objectives. Currently, there are the mobile technologies like the 3G and PDA’s that have come to shape e-marketing and push the marketing arena to a higher level by incorporating electronic communications technology (Kalyanam 2009). Organisations need to take advantage of this marketing aspect and use the internet to distribute their products, enhancing good customer relations, advertising of products offered and to collect various responses from customers and other stakeholders through comments. An organization should incorporate into their marketing plan various e-marketing tools in order to expand their marketing horizons. In planning for this the organization needs to do a thorough audit in regards to SWOT analysis, analyze the SMART e-marketing objectives, e-marketing strategies, develop tactics that entail the e-marketing mix and thereafter evaluate the e-marketing pan performance to look into various successes and faults (Kalyanam 2009). The field of marketing has been one marred by allegations of failure to uphold ethics in conducting marketing activities like advertising and promotions (Horowitz 2005). One of the major ethical issues relates to pricing strategies that organizations put in place in order to ensure the competitive advantage over the rest. This is a practice well done by big companies and more so multinationals against smaller companies venturing into the same market. Some of the strategies employed are price skimming, bid rigging, and price fixing among others. The pricing strategies woo consumers more than others since the baseline of selling and buying are the price tag of a service or a commodity.  

Companys Resources And Competitive Position

Companys Resources And Competitive Position In Dubai, the Jumeirah groups present portfolio includes many multi-hotel complexes such as Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort Spa, Mandinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach Club Resort Spa, Jumeirah Emirates Towers and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. At the same time, it is also negotiating to operate new resorts and hotel contracts in big cities like Shanghai, Hong Kong, Milan and Beijing. The company is operating in order to achieve its vision that to become a world class international hospitality and hotel company and also committed to being the leader of the industry in all operating activities through the process of dedication to their colleagues and customers (About Jumeirah Group). The Jumeirah group also has been a member of Dubai Holding since the duration of year 2004 under the leadership of CEO Gerald Lawless. The companys achievement can be estimated by the data that in the year of 2006, the revenues were recorded more than $1 billion (About Jumeirah Group). The project would help us to analysis a companys resources and its competitive position in the world. This will aim to get deep understanding of its current strategy and to create a strategy which would be more effective as per the current scenario. This would be helpful to gain insights about the flaws and their solutions of the company as per the current scenario and current strategy. The study would analysis strength, weakness, opportunities and threats and eventually the proposed alternative can be adopted to enhance the current situation of the company. Company Background: The Jumeirah group was founded in Dubai in the year of 1997, owned by ruling Al Maktoum family with the Gerald Lawless, with an aim of becoming a global hospitality leader. After ten years of development the company has been realized with the groups portfolio that has been regarded as among the most innovative and luxurious globally (Corporate Responsibility Report 2008). The brand of the Jumeirah group can be summarized as A global brand having name synonyms of Luxury. A brand having professional team of experts and professionals having wide experience in entire aspects of hotel management that handles the functions from development phase to the daily operations. A strong distribution system with the help of more than ten sales offices in major locations of the world. A strong emphasis on an adapting approach to the owner (Corporate Responsibility Report 2008). The Jumeirah branched from the strength of Dubais ruling Maktoum family in order to develop the UAE member into one of the regions as well as in the worlds top tourism destinations. In the early period of the year 1990s, Sheikh Mohammed al Maktoum commissioned a new project for the hotel which was supposed to build on land that reclaimed from the sea in the Dubai port, called the Burj Al Arab (Corporate Responsibility Report 2008). However the first three year of the project were held in the land reclamation phase that lead to the launched of the construction by the year 1997. At the same time, Al Maktoum joined with the Gerald Lawless who was an Irish native had more than twenty year of work experience in the hotel industry and had fifteen year of experience as a head of the Forte hotel group in Dubai only. After join with the Lawless, Al Maktoum had begun to start others hotel projects for the wide market of Dubai such as Jumeirah Beach Hotel. In addition to the hotels and restaura nts, Maktoum developed Water Park and theme park also (Corporate Responsibility Report 2008). Hallmarks: The companys vision is to become a world class luxury international hotel management company that committed to the industry leader in all the operational activities through the medium of the dedication to colleagues, customers, stake holders, owners and business partners (Jumeirah Guiding Principles Vision). The companys Hallmarks considered as the reason of their success in the past as well as guidelines for the future. The Hallmarks are seems to reflects in design of inspiration and would remain in the core of operating philosophy along with the new adopted philosophy of Stay Different. In Jumeirah culture their guiding principles plays a major role which are supposed to be consider as foundation of the business and strength of their culture (Jumeirah Guiding Principles Vision). They are: Integrity :Honesty and Sincerity Teamwork: win-win attitude and mutual support Recognition: Success are supported and recognized Innovation: Implementation of new ideas Continuous Growth: Positive Environment People Focus: Focus on individual as colleagues, business associates and customers. Stay Different : provides unique experience to the customers (Jumeirah Guiding Principles Vision) Strategic Objective: The Jumeirah group strategic objective is to fulfill their vision and mission through the commitment of resources to learning and innovation. Through the Business Management System the company is delivering benefits to the business partners, customers, colleagues, society and owners by developing mutually beneficial relationships, listening and building loyalty. In order to fulfill the companys vision, the Jumeirah strategic approach is summarized in the four key components. They are Engaging stake holders in order to understand their expectations so that they can be fulfilled or expanded and value can be added. Managing key factors of the social, environmental and economical aspects like their risk, opportunity and their impacts. Embedding responsible business practices and standards in the business daily operations and activities. Reporting back to the stakeholder about the progress and development of the company. With the implementation of the above four key strategies the company is trying to be expanding and delivering services all over the world. The company is focusing on current strategy in order to fulfill their objective. The companys current strategies inclusive of global expansion, Stay different, provide unique and different services, value to stake holders, provide luxury and comfort to the customers and implementing the process of learning and innovation (Jumeirah Guiding Principles Vision). Project Undertaken/ Completed: The following are the list of projects which are undertaken or completed under the Jumeirah group are: S. no Name Specification Location Burj Al Arab Hotel Dubai (Middle East) Jumeirah Beach Hotel Hotel Dubai (Middle East) Madinath Jumeirah Three Hotels Dubai (Middle East) Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Hotel buzzing bazaar Dubai (Middle East) Jumeirah Creekside Hotel Hotel(opening summer in 2012) Dubai (Middle East) Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel, Spa, Shopping boulevard, Club and Lounge Dubai (Middle East) Jumeirah Living World Trade Centre Residence Residence Dubai (Middle East) Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Hotel Abu Dhabi (Middle East) Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel Spa (opening spring 2012) Kuwait (Middle East) Jumeirah Essex House Residence New York (America) Jumeirah Carlton Tower Spa, Club, Hotel Resort London( Europe) Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel Hotel London( Europe) Jumeirah Frankfurt Residence Germany (Europe) Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel and Spa (opening spring 2012 Mallorca Jumeirah Bilgah Beach Hotel Hotel (opening spring 2012) Europe Grosvenor House Apartments Residence London Jumeirah Grand Hotel Via Veneto Hotel Rome Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Hotel Shangai (Asia pacific) Jumeirah Dhevanafushi Island Resort Maldives(Asia pacific) Jumeirah Vittavel Five star family deluxe resort Maldives(Asia pacific) Wild Wadi waterpark Waterpark Dubai (Middle East) Talisa Spa Middle East Academy of Excellence Education Dubai( Middle East) (Jumeirah Hotels Resorts) Analyzing Current Scenario of Hospitality Industry in the UAE: During the past decade, the UAE has witnessed with the rapid growth and changes in terms of socio-economic and demographic factors. The regions economy are not perceived as oil and gas exporter but also as major investment destinations due to growing hospitality and tourism sector as well as large scale infrastructure projects. At the same time, the expansion of the Middle East is greatly contributing in the tourism receipt in the Gulf Council Corporation countries. In current situation, the region remains an attractive destination for tourists as well as for the investors for medium to long term returns. The Jumeriah group has provided tremendous growth in the hospitality sector in Dubai and globally also. The study aims to evaluate a companys resources and its competitive position in the world. This analysis will be undertaken by the following described process: Value Chain Analysis Michael Porters five force Model SWOT Analysis Benchmarking Competitive Strength Assessment After analyzing on the above aspects, we will be able to determine competitive position in the world as well as would be able to create a strategy in terms of its position. Value Chain Analysis: The value chain approach was developed for creating and sustaining superior performance in the market. The value added concept is utilized by Jumeirah Group for sustaining competitive advantage in the arena of 21st century. The organization comprises of activities that associate together in order to enhance business value. These activities include inbound logistics, operations such as purchasing, manufacturing, financing, distribution etc. The central aim of Jumeirah Group to adopt this value chain approach is exploiting value creation with minimum possible costs (Jumeirah Group, 2008). http://bettyfeng.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/a-value-chain-analysis1.jpg Source: http://bettyfeng.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/a-value-chain-analysis1.jpg By adopting the concept of value chain analysis, Jumeirah managers identify the key activities within their group and provide potential sustainable advantages to the company. In Jumeirah Company, the value chain analysis starts with the initial stage such as inbound logistics. At this stage, planning is performed for plant scheduling, plant capacity, estimate time for fulfilling objectives. After this stage the next step is operations under which company emphasized on the quality of services, customers expectations, fulfilling orders and customer visit operations. The main theme of Jumeirah Group is to enhance and implement their core services in such a way so that can meet the customers expectations and create positive and sustainable brand image in their eyes. The company more emphasized on the development of innovative programs, current strategies and their Research and Development programs in order to support business by facilitating new openings and high quality services to their customers (Jumeirah Group, 2008). Jumeirah Group incorporates value chain for synchronizing the flow of business operations from input to the delivery of benefits given to the customers. This flow comprises of inbound logistics, operations, outbound logistics, marketing and sales operations and at the end gets feed back from customers and resolve problems if there is any (Jumeirah Group, 2008). Benchmarking: Benchmarking is the process of analyzing the internal processes of organization and then identify and adapting the practices from other organization in order to considered being best for the organization. This process comprises of five stages such as operation, identification of assess, development of several alternatives, define that alternatives and at the end implementation of that alternatives. Benchmarking is the systematic tool for identifying and implementing best possible practices in the organization so that it can enhance their operations and human assets as per the todays need. In this competitive arena for sustaining in market, it is mandatory to implement benchmarking in the organization (Jumeirah Group, 2008). http://pipdev.com/content/images/wheel/RouteDiag.png Source: http://pipdev.com/content/images/wheel/RouteDiag.png Jumeirah Group has been designed this exercise for enlighten participation of organization in order to achieve outstanding results. Jumeirah Group and other organizations such as Dubai Ports World, Hutchison Whampoa Ltd, are aimed to explore best methods and practices for enhancing Human Resource Management in the view of planning, empowering, training and recognizing human efforts. It is also aimed to identify the gaps between the adopted approaches and the enhancement of improvement plans so that can analyze the effects of adopted approach in the organization. This approach develops new ideas that acts significant role in the formation of future strategic plans (Jumeirah Group, 2008). Five Force Model and Analysis: The Michael Porters five force Model articulates the Competitive position modal which describes the industry analysis and business strategy development for evaluating the competitive strength and position of any business organization or Entity. This model used to analyze the market attractiveness of the industry and competition. Porters develop the five force model to analyze to these five forces to analyze the industrial competition (porters five forces model, 2009). Five force model of Porters- http://lh3.ggpht.com/_9wN0HRTUtkk/SlYIITyreTI/AAAAAAAAAEM/4ZdtR5H9I9o/porter%20five%20forces%20model.jpg Threat of new competition. Threat of substitute products or services. Bargaining power of customers (buyers). Bargaining power of suppliers. Intensity of competitive rivalry. Threat of new competition: This step articulates the competition in the market, new entrants, brand equity, sunk cost, customer loyalty and industrial profitability in the market for the existing industry which can be challenging for the firm. Barriers to new entry- Customer switching cost Distribution channel Government Policies Economies of scales. 2. Threat of substitute products or services- Entry of substitute product in the market may increase the possibilities to the switching towards the new product it can be challenging for the existing product. Barriers of the substitute product or services- Substitute product price and performance over the existing product. Switching cost of buyer. Quality depreciation Product differentiation. 3. Bargaining power of buyers: Bargaining power of the buyer may be challenging factor for the existing industry or firm such as- Purchasing power of the buyer. Byers face new switching costs. Prices sensitivity of buyer. Buyers are concentrated Industrial product diversity. 4. Bargaining power of suppliers: Suppliers for any particular firm like supplies of raw material, components and labors can switch the firms due to the bargaining power scubas- Buyers is not the customer to the. Distribution channels. Supplier concentration Supplier switching cost. Supplier completion to the other firms. Intensity of competitive rivalry- Competitive rivalry can be the challenging factor for the existing firm some factors are- Different competitive strategies Promotional tools Competitive advantage to the other industries. From the Porters five force model we analyze the Jumeirah group world class portfolio of resorts and hotels (Corporate Responsibility Report 2008). Threat of new competition- As we analyze the competitors of the Jumeirah Group these are the competitors of the Jumeirah Group- Hyatt Hotels Corporation Fairmont Raffles Hotels International Inc. Four seasons Holdings Inc. Jumeirah Group has the partnership with the UAE government, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) in association with Tanmia (The National Human Resource Development and Employment Authority 2) Threat of substitute products or services- Jumeirah Group has a strong product and services portfolio in the luxury hospitality sector including world class hotels and resorts. In the hotels and resorts category the products of Jumeirah- Burj Al Arab Jumeirah Beach Hotels Jumeirah emirates tower Jumeirah Zabeel Sara.y Pera palace Hotel. In the services sectors- Includes of services of Jumeirah Living Jumeirah Restaurants, Wild Wadi Waterpark, Talise and The Emirates Academy of Hospitality management. Jumeirah group is offering the best services and performance over its competitors. They have brand loyalty and offering the qualitative services to its customers and Jumeirah group have different product strategies to compete with the competitors 3) Bargaining power of customers (buyers)- Jumeirah groups customers can be classified on the bases of several categories- hotel guest, clients, bulk room purchaser, customers book room for events and conferences and partner such as tour operators and airlines. Jumeirah Group has strong commitment towards its customer. Customer value feedback for the Jumeirah group is- Personalized products and services delivering high quality. Favorable impact on the community. Group offers the customer health, safety and security services. Customer privacy and information security service. Customer satisfaction result of the Jumeirah group is for the year 2008 is 81.265 which show the customer loyalty to the group over its competitors. 4) Bargaining power of suppliers- As we analyze the supplier chain of the Jumeirah group has strong corporate buying policies with its suppliers provision of high quality and good products and services. The Group follows the principles- Stability in the dealings with the suppliers Provide equal and same opportunities to the all suppliers Consistent delivery of services such as health, safety and legal aspects. Transparency in the system. Best distribution channels such as advertising for its services offering. Intensity of competitive rivalry- Jumeirah Group has the different competitive strategies over its competitors. They promote their products and services by different promotional tools such as by advertising, Sales promotion and by the different occasion. SWOT Analysis: Dubai is the fast emerging player in the worldwide along with the China and South East Asia. Dubai attracts the attention of business and corporations across the world through its infrastructural art and cosmopolitan culture. Along with the real estates and financial sectors, petroleum and tourism, it is also known for its exotic resort and hotels. Jumeirah Group is the main player in the hotel and resort industry (Jumeirah Group, 2008). This group has certain strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats which are as follows: Strength: The art of infrastructure with the surplus of international convention centers added value to the Jumeirah Group. The cosmopolitan culture in UAE gives rise to the Jumeirah Group in the hotel industry which becomes strength of this group. Crime rates are low in UAE as compared to the other nations which facilitate economic support and social support to the company. Middle East is the epicenter of trade that comprises of various standard businesses and corporations which gives hike to the hotel and resort industry. In Dubai, government has pro- active authorities that give aid to the company in order to control situations rather than just responding to it. Jumeirah Group has been linked with other nations in the world wide. Special travelling packages are the additional advantages to t he company. It offers several packages according to each living standard so that easily can be reach. Jumeirah Group is strategically placed in Dubai, which is situated between Asia and Europe while it is also closure to the Africa so there is probability that several tourists can rushed here which motivates hotel industry. This group works for the enhancement of their human resource by adopting various techniques in order to update their strategies and tools with the recent time. The Jumeirah Group diversified itself into various sectors such as academics, water parks, spa, residents etc which strengthen the company (Jumeirah Group, 2008). Weakness: In the year of 2010, Dubai is considered as the expensive city that lies at fifty five positions in the list of most costly cities. These days it is becoming extremely expensive in the terms of travelling, hospitality, hotels etc. which may affects the economy as well as businesses. In the recent time Dubai has undergone in the bubble crash of real estates because of the reason that there was a sudden drop in the investment being made in the sector and due to the lack of investments the real estate sector crashed. It affected economy and still it is on recovery mode. In the Middle East, the rate of crime is low in spite of that it had been noticed that there is an increase in sex and drug crimes and which got huge media publicity which influence the hotel industry. In Jumeirah Group, employees are working belongs to various nations that have there own culture sometimes this differences in culture affects the working of company (Jumeirah Group, 2008). Opportunities: Prospective economic development opportunities due to increase in prices of oil, this economic development leads to contribute remarkable benefits to the hospitality business. Further growth prospects in the tourism industry of UAE with 15 million foreign tourist visitors expected up to the year 2015 proves to be very helpful in the tourism business of Jumeirah group. Dubai is considered as the business and tourism hub of UAE and Middle East, it has high business growth prospects including geo political opportunities from the west and emerging authority from the east and ultimately helpful in providing good business opportunities to the Jumeriah group. Initiatives taken by UAE government towards the development of hospitality sector provides ample amount of opportunities to the Jumeirah group. Unique experience offer by the Jumeriah group in the form of ethnic heritage services pertaining to the hospitality leads to enhance the number of potential customers. UAE is the business hub of Middle East and hence various business tourists are prospective customers for the Jumeriah group. Various promotional schemes provided to the customers helps in the boosting of business of Jumeriah hotels. Enhanced brand image and brand equity for the augmented quality service deliverance to the customers helps in the further growth and expansion of the business of Jumeriah group. Jumeriah group provides a wide variety of cuisines including the Arab cuisines, Indo Thai, Chinese, Italian, Mughlai cuisines etc. to its customers which helps in increasing the profitability of the group. The augmented exteriors and interiors of the hotel in comparison to the competitors delight the customers and attract them to take the services of Jumeriah group again and again. Delivering the world class hospitality services at the affordable rate helps in increasing the number of local as well as foreign customers of the Jumeriah group (Jumeirah Group, 2008). Threats: The development of the various other cost effective and stirring competitive locations like Muscat, Kuwait City and Doha puts major barriers in the development of Jumeirah Group. Prague and Istanbul are the cities which offer effective cultural tourism along with the fabulous contemporary services at the best possible price and hence attract most of the business tourists globally. Due to political turbulence the business pertaining to the tourism and hotels affected a lot in some regions of UAE and ultimately affects the Jumeriah group in the region. Lack of proficient training and development to the human resource in the hotel industry act as a major barrier in the quality service deliverance of the group. Customer tastes and preferences and market trends pertaining to the hospitality industry changes dynamically and hence there is difficulty in the implementation of the latest trends frequently due to the limitation of cost and time. Increase in the number of guest houses act as hindrance in the development of hotel business. Various economical range hotels which provide the services at the cheapest rate are the major barriers in the developmental path of Jumeriah group (Jumeirah Group, 2008). Competitiveness of Jumeirahs Pricing Strategy: Jumeriah provides a wide range of services in the hospitality business which encompasses a wide array of activities for the customers inclusive of diving and photography. With respect to the pricing of the hospitality services, Jumeirah ensures that the prices are maintained at competitive levels in keeping with the current market standards for pricing of hospitality services. Then exact pricing of the hotels and resorts have not been disclosed by the organization but from the reports available, it can be deduced that Jumeriah has competitive pricing strategy for its services (Course Pricing). The pricing of the various courses offered by the organization are described as follows: Certification Courses AED e-Scuba Diver 1,450 e-Open Water Diver 1,850 e-Open Water Referral 1,000 e-Rescue Diver 1,850 Emergency First Response 700 Experience Programs AED Discover Scuba Diving Beach 325 Scuba Review (inc two o/w dives) 650 Scuba Review Pool Only 300 Bubble Maker (ages 8+) 275 Seal Team (ages 8+) 1,500 Master Seal Speciality Dives 275 Instructor Development Courses AED Dive master 3,000 Assistant Instructor 3,000 e-Open Water Scuba Instructor 4,000 PADI e-IDC 7,000 IDC Staff Instructor 2,500 Master Scuba Diver Trainer MSDT 2,500 Emergency First Response Instructor** 2,500 Speciality Courses AED Wreck Diver 1,400 e-Enrich Air Nitrox 700 Deep Diver 1,600 Peak Performance Buoyancy 700 Search and Recovery Diver 1,400 National Geographic Diver 1,200 Underwater Navigator 1,200 Digital Photographer 1,200 Oxygen Provider Courses 800 Night Diver 1,200 Musandam Courses AED e-Open Water Courses 2,550 e-Adventure in Diving 2,550 Source: (Course Pricing) These prices are in accordance with the industry standard for the pricing of these services which is indicative of the competitiveness of the pricing strategy of the organization. In terms of the costs incurred by the company in obtaining raw material and resources for their business units, they are able to source the requirements at competitive prices. Moreover they have undertaken efforts to minimize their operational costs by adopting green practices and this has enabled them to maintain their prices at adequate competitive levels (Course Pricing). Competitive Strength and Leverage of Jumeirah Group in comparison to its Rivals: Jumeirah is faced with adequate competition in the hospitality industry from major organizations that have provided competition on a global scale also. The main competitors of Jumeirah group are: Hyatt Hotels Corporation Fairmont Raffles Hotels International Inc. (Corporate Responsibility Report 2008) Four Seasons Holdings Inc. (Corporate Responsibility Report 2008) Jumeirah is able to manage the competition in the market adequately and this has been made possible due to the continuous adaptation of the company to the environmental changes and the incorporation of the technological advancements to provide a comprehensive set of services aimed completely at achieving consumer satisfaction. Jumeirah Group is credited with having some of the most complex and biggest projects in the hospitality industry which itself speaks about the high quality standards that the organization has assured in these facilities (Corporate Responsibility Report 2008). The organization also has its projects in America, Europe and Asia Pacific. In these regions also, the company is able to successfully manage the competition by providing a wide range of consumer oriented services are competitive pricing. One of the main strategies of the organization has been to constantly upgrade themselves in terms of technical infrastructure and the aesthetic ambience in the facilities. It is this feature which has provided Jumeriah with a significant leverage even in the international hospitality market (Corporate Responsibility Report 2008). The company has started pondering over the possibility of entering conservative foreign markets such as China as they have highly prospective business opportunities. Moreover their advanced technical infrastructural knowledge has enabled them to compete effectively even in new markets and their portfolio of globally acclaimed projects has enabled the creation of a strong brand image by means of which the organization is able to effectively reach out to the target consumer segments (Corporate Responsibility Report 2008). Strategic Issues and Challenges in the Achievement of Strategic Objectives: The achievement of strategic objectives is a challenging task and is easily affected by the presence of environmental cha

Corporate and Individual Social Responsibility :: Social Responsibility Essays

Social responsibility is a moral principle of an entity, be it an organisation or individual, to act towards betterment of society at large. It is a duty that every firm and individual should perform so as to maintain the balance between the environment and economy. Their actions should lead towards sustainable development so as to safeguard the interests of the coming generations and at the same time fulfilling the needs of present population. The responsibility can be active, by performing activities that directly advance social goals, or passive, by avoiding any engagement in socially harmful act. Individual social responsibility is the responsibility of every individual for his/her actions. It is moral responsibility that everyone should act in such a way that they do not affect people around them. Every individual should be committed towards upliftment of various social causes. Individual, instead of fiving importance to material means should focus on welfare of others, Individual social responsibility can only function if individual rise above the self-interest and opt for options which will benefit a large number of people. Every individual can make a small contribution to society be it any form- from saving natural resources to doing charity. Corporate social responsibility is the commitment by business to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of workforce and their family as well as the local community. It helps in forming the positive image of the company. Corporate social responsibility considers the impact of the company’s action on society. Many critics of CSR are of viewpoint that it dilutes the primary aim of business and restricts the free market goal of profit maximization. Limits the ability to compete in a global marketplace. Though critics may be right in their place but CSR gives company a chance to address social issues caused by business and allow business to be the part of the solution.

African Art

From Egypt to South Africa the art of Africa is rich and diverse on a scale second to no other continent. The art is a cultural heritage that has sustained a race of people over millennia. This paper will focus on the art of the 200-year span of 1400-1600 CE.   It was during this time period that the European Renaissance flowered, and saw such masters as Michelangelo, Leonardo, and Raphael arise.It likewise covers the time period that Rembrandt and the Dutch masters worked. Comparisons will be made between the two disparate cultures, examining the differences between how the art of Africa and the art of Europe relate to their culture and mores. It will examine the utility of both art genres.While the art appears to be radically different, the underlying usage for the art produced is essentially the same, with Renaissance art and African art both serving their culture’s religious beliefs and mores.For those not accustomed to abstract art it can appear to be different from wha t they even consider art. A large portion of all African art is abstract. Abstraction is the way the artist chooses to create a representation of the ancestor or the spirit with whom he wishes to communicate. By tradition the art is religious or mythical, so their option was to make a representative figure. Abstraction is the way to create such.European art of the same era solved this problem by opting to create a realistic likeness of their saints and even their god. . Europeans did not paint landscapes or sculpt animals except to give a setting to their holy families and saints.Art was for religion and for custom, culture, and mores in both cultures. â€Å"The beauty of African art lies not only on the surface or physical features of the artwork but the meaning or lesson that it tends to emanate† (All-About-African-Art.com par. 3).African art of the period under discussion is virtually always three dimensional and not only of wood. The Yoruba discovered lost-wax and cast th eir statues in metals by the 14th and 15th century (Mullen, par.10). John Reader, writing in Africa: A Biography of the Continent, discusses the use of metals in the art of the African tribes. In Sub-Saharan Africa iron and copper were the most highly valued of metals.Interestingly, he reports that the 14th century tribes would exchange their gold for copper at a rate of two-thirds gold to one of copper (287). This iron and copper went into weapons, naturally but much of it found its way into art because of its permanence was associated with the longevity of ancestors as well as the immortality of the spirits.It became then a part of their art, which is synonymous with their religious beliefs and culture.The most noticeable thing about African art is its ubiquitous nature. It permeates the lives of the African people more so than European art. The emphasis in African art is on the human figure much the same as European art between 1400 and 1600 CE. It is also a part of everyday life and relates to the culture and values of the tribes that produce it by serving as constant reminders of ancestors and traditions.The tribal masks are objects of veneration, brought out on ceremonial occasions to be ‘danced’. These masks are not simply ornaments but rather they are sacred objects.They are given names. This name is significant as more than just identifying the individual piece, but also identifies the meaning of the work. Each has a history and a dance is designated for each. The mask embodies living spirits. In African culture the meanings of the mask, the associated dance and the spirits that dwell within it are inexorably linked together.African art’s use of the human form is so pervasive that its adoption by European nations is taken as proof of the contact between the two cultures.The Church of Rome commissioned much of the great art of the European continent during the 1400-1600s. The statues and portraits of the biblical saints portray a li keness. Jesus is depicted in stone and pigment and the image is to remind the faithful of his deeds.The priests face a crucifix and make the magical signs when chanting prayer in the general direction of such art. There may be the argument that Christians do not pray to the effigies, still, the casual on-looker would have a difficult time determining the subtle difference.In this sense, the masks of African tribal art serve the same function within the community as do the pietas and crucifixions of the Italian Renaissance.Christopher Roy, Professor of Art History, University of Iowa, states that, â€Å"most African art is representative, not representational. Very little African sculpture is intended to recreate the features of a human being, either living or dead† (par. 6).Roy relates that African art, particularly the mask, is not meant to be a likeness of an ancestor, nor is it meant to be an image of a beloved, revered, or even feared leader of the tribe. The mask is a ho me for the spirits, invented by the maker of the mask.The mask, a work of art, becomes a haven for the supernatural, the unseen, the unknown, incomprehensible, so it follows that the physical home created for them must be a creation of whimsy (par. 6).In a land where diseases are rampant and life is relatively cheap the people often turn to the spirits for protection. In the years of the Black Death in Europe the people turned to the church. In Africa, where flies can carry death and swimming the rivers can infect people with deadly parasites, the spirits are all that stand between the tribe and death at times.It gives the tribe solace to know that they have a way of making the spirits visible, and they do this in their art. Art in the form of the mask gives a tangible reality to the unseen spirits. When the mask is then danced in the ceremonies and rituals of the tribe this makes the spirits accessible to the tribe.This art can span the gap between the world and the unseen realm of the spirit. The medium literally becomes the message as the diviner in the mask opens a channel to the spirits and can communicate the needs of the tribe to the only beings capable of giving aid to the tribe (Roy par. 2).Western African art in the form of wooden masks most often take the form of humans, animals, or fanciful beings. Their use in religious rites range from such as tribal initiation ceremonies to various celebrations of tribal good fortune or auspicious anniversary dates.They are danced in celebration of a good harvest as well as danced to request that their crops thrive. They are also danced in preparation for war. It does not take a great stretch of the imagination to equate these icons with the religious paintings of the Sistine Chapel and the pope’s private quarters.While some statues holy to the Catholics are brought out to view by the public on high holy days and venerated as talismans of the true cross or some other belief. The static art of the frescos can be viewed on a regular basis, and is used to put the supplicant in the proper frame of mind to believe when he kneels to ask a boon or blessing of his creator.The masks of African art are used as a gateway to ease both the wearer and his audience into a nether world where the spirits dwell. The Catholic art of the Renaissance and the centuries immediately following it are for the same purpose.The Fang tribe of Gabon are famous for their creation of guardian figures that are then affixed to the boxes containing the bones of their ancestors. Their leadership, according to The Africa Guide online website, is inherited and the leader is supposedly a direct descendant of the ancestor who founded the village.This leader is not only secular head of the tribal village, he is the spiritual leader, and can communicate with the ancestors through the wearing of masks, which are an important aspect of Fang art (par. 4).The art of Africa discussed herein is made for utilitarian purpose, makin g it, at first glance seem different from European art of the same time period. Yet while the pope may not put on a mask of Christ and dance it before the masses, he certainly carries a rod with the representation of Christ when he is seen in public.He has decorated his church and his private apartments with the figures of biblical characters to serve as a reminder of the holy word. From the Creation of Adam to the Last Judgment, artists of the European school created work to please the church.They created to invoke memories and remind the faithful of their culture and spiritual roots in the same way as the African mask. While the art appears to be radically different, the underlying usage for the art produced is essentially the same, with Renaissance art and African art both serving their culture’s religious beliefs and mores.Works CitedAll-About-African-Art.com   Abstract African Art is Mainly ConsideredTo be out of the Ordinary 9-29-08http://www.all-about-african-art.com /abstract-african-art.htmlMullen, N.   Yoruba Art and Culture 9-29-08 Wysinger Homestead 2004http://wysinger.homestead.com/yoruba.htmlRoy, C. Signs and Symbols in African Art: Graphic Patterns in BurkinaFaso 9-3-08 The University of Iowa no date

Macbeth Retold and Macbeth Similarities Essays

Macbeth Retold and Macbeth Similarities Essays Macbeth Retold and Macbeth Similarities Paper Macbeth Retold and Macbeth Similarities Paper Essay Topic: Macbeth Macbeth Retold and Macbeth share many connections, yet have essential differences. Demonstrate the truth of this comment through a detailed discussion of Brozels film and Shakespeares drama. Macbeth Retold uses themes, a modified plot to be more accessible to a contemporary audience and exaggerated characters to have an effect on viewers. Retold also utilises setting to create an emotive atmosphere. Likewise Shakespeare Macbeth employs a variety of themes that reflect Elizabethan times, a historical plot and language features, relevant to Shakespeares context. Although links and onnections do exist between the two texts differences are also apparent. These differences enhance the emotional response and the understanding that a modern audience may absorb from Brozels Macbeth Retold. Brozel created Macbeth Retold In 2005 and it Is his Interpretation of the earlier play. The plot Is similar In that key events and characters appear In both texts. Brozel chose to represent the network of the Scottish aristocrats through the hierarchy of a current restaurants kitchen, but changing the setting that events take place in. Joe Macbeth, Brozels contemporary quivalent of Shakespeares protagonist, is head chef and with his wife, Ella (Lady Macbeths filmic parallelb they plan to kill the celebrity chef/owner Duncan Docherty- so that Joe would take ownership of the restaurant. The plot, but more so the setting, was modified so It resonate with people of today. Joes character is easy to connect with as he is overworked, which is evident by the dark circles under his eyes and his lack of sleep. He also answers to a selfish boss and becomes ambitious wanting to receive what he believes he deserves of. In Shakespeares Macbeth the intended udience responded to the settings, such as the aftermath of war, and castles, for example. The concept of Scottish nobility, the divine right of Kings, Princes and Thanes is an abstract concept for many people today, so it is unlikely that Retold would have been as successful if Brozel had not made changes to the plot and setting. Similar themes are employed by both composers to evoke emotions In their respective audiences. Through the relationship of Joe and Ella, Brozel questions the dynamic of a marriage. Shakespeare uses Macbeth and Lady Macbeth to re-lnforce he role of a woman, as that of a passive companion, as expected within Elizabethan society. Ella and Lady M both have aspirations and are driven, and they manipulate their husbands. Lady Ms famous quote l fear thy nature, It is too full othmllk of human kindness. (1. 5. 15-16) indicates she is doubting Macbeths masculinity. Ella also uses a similar line for the same effect, as she attempts to persuade Joe to commit murder. Lady M and Ella share some common goals but Ellas character is able to be more of an equal to her husband. This Is due to the socially accepted role that woman have. Ella is Hostess/front of house of the restaurant where she and Joe work. She maintains a very high standard, which can be observed in the scene at the beginning of the film as she Inspects the table before they open for the night. This symbolises the importance she puts on her position and may be a factor for why she t front of house to go to waste. The Elizabethan ideal of the chain of being and natural world versus unnatural is very apparent in Macbeth. Gods represenitive on Earth is the King, and when Macbeth murders Duncan he disrupts the chain of being and causes disorder. By Macbeth usurping Duncans throne unnatural things start happening, horses eating each other, owls hunting and killing hawks are both mentioned in Act 2 scene 4. Macbeths and Lady Ms spiral into insanity and instability is also an unnatural consequences of the murder committed. Shakespeares character Macbeth was flawed, he became ambitious after his encounter with the Weird Sisters, and he wanted what they promised. He was Jealous and as the play progressed he became arrogant, which eventually lead to his death. The personal Journey that he undertakes and the actions he takes are nderstandable to audience members. They may disagree with Macbeth murdering Duncan, but the ambition that lead Macbeth to commit the murder can be seen. In contrast through Retold, Duncan was portrayed as a much more selfish and egotistical man than King Duncan. Joes character is a passionate chef who is full of enthusiasm, which is demonstrated in the first scene when he is cooking. He starts singing loudly and encourages the other staff to do so. This passion for cooking and for his livelihood is later transformed into anger and extreme behaviours. The two ays that each composer has chosen to have their Macbeth are different, but both Macbeths have the same basic flaws, making them relatable. Brozel uses film techniques due to his differing median. Whereas Macbeth uses written techniques such as dramatic irony, where the audience has an overall view and idea of the plot compared to characters who are limited to knowledge, they learn in scenes they are involved in. An example of dramatic irony in Shakespeares play is when the audience learns in Act 1 that Macbeth has been appointed Thane of Cawdor, when approached by the Weird Sisters- Macbeth himself does not know this. Making what the Sisters tell him and Macbeths reaction dramatic irony. Imagery is also used in both texts, but because Macbeth Retold is a film the imagery and use of colour is more evocative for todays responders. In the moments leading up to the celebratory breakfast scene (which parallels the banquet scene in Shakespeares play) Joe is initially depicted as standing in the hall looking at his reflection in a metal door, behind him is a deep red curtain. The image given to those watching is a distorted view of Joes face with red all around him. This image is a striking one, as it carries on he black, white, and red colour pallete but it also consolidates the idea that Joe isnt really a good guy and that looks can be deceiving. The red in Brozels film symbolises the bloodshed Macbeth causes in the original play. Brozels Macbeth Retold and Shakespeares Macbeth are linked in many ways. Through plot, characters, and some themes. Yet they share distinct differences including each Macbeths character traits, setting and views on woman in society. Because Brozel made changes to his Macbeth Retold it became successful as a film. The differences strengthened the success.

A Gathering of Old Men essays

A Gathering of Old Men essays The integration of the white and black races is the most remarkable event of the second half of this century, surpassed only by two world wars in its significance. A Gathering of Old Men is a remarkable mystery about a young white woman and seventeen old black men in an isolated Louisiana township, each of whom confess to the murder of a brutal Cajun farmer. The simple symbols used in A Gathering of Old Men have a great impact on Gaines audience. These symbols are the tractor and the sugar cane. The tractor symbolizes an image of the present, whereas the cane represents the days of the past when the blacks worked the land. The old black men are strong-minded, but the Cajun farmers changes are huge and demoralizing. The Cajuns farmers changes to the way of life means the destruction of the sugar cane fields. This is turn destroys the old mens pasts. The old mens ancestors cultivated the cane fields long before any of the present characters were alive. On their way to Mathus home, they recall the plentiful acres of cane fields; instead, they notice the destruction of the sugar cane fields. It was when they saw an empty cane field, it always made [them] feel lonely (43). The destruction of the sugar cane fields also showed the prominence of the Cajun farmers and their domination. The sugar cane fields began to look like where good friends have moved from, leaving the house empty and bare (43). Just as the sugar cane fields began to disappear, so did the familiar days. The Cajun farmers farming tactics changed as time went on. The tractor was introduced and that is what began to destroy the cane fields. This is parallel to the old mens way of life that has been destroyed by the Cajun farmers hatred. The tractor is a symbol of the progression of time from past to present. None of Marshalls residents that feel the affect of the chan...

Chinese Brushwork in Calligraphy and Painting Essay

Chinese Brushwork in Calligraphy and Painting - Essay Example The essay "Chinese Brushwork in Calligraphy and Painting" explores the history and development of Chinese Brushwork in Calligraphy and Painting. The term calligraphy, in an approving way, illustrates the Chinese use of line of painting. Brushwork can be described as an indispensable characteristic of Chinese painting. Brushwork and ink provide the basis for Chinese pictures even with employment of color. Chinese art Cognoscenti recognize the character of a line the moment they cite a painting. Chinese writing and painting developed simultaneously sharing the same techniques and tools. Some types of brushes able to create rhythmically diminishing and swelling lines developed between 4500 and 2000 BC embellished linear patterns on pottery jars. Block-like symbols characterize Chinese writing. These bock-like symbols stand for ideas. These symbols are referred to as the characters which evolved from pictograms. The ancient painters and calligraphers regularized the symbols where they de signed each one the symbols to conform to an imaginary square, whether composed of one or 64 strokes. The ancient Chinese calligraphers and painters drew the strokes in regard to a character in a certain order. Calligraphy developed swiftly yielding numerous classes of script. Regular and clerical scripts consist of short, detached strokes easily written with a brush. As the delight of writing took charge, calligraphers devised more techniques, as well as the cursive and running scripts where the calligraphers joined. character’s lines and dots they wrote independently in formal styles (Fazzioli, 1986, p. 35). The earliest form of Chinese writings was the oracle bones referred to as chia-ku-we. These writings were mainly used for sacred functions e.g. connecting with the gods. Chia-ku-we was an oracle-bone with inscriptions on tortoise shells and animal bones (Kwo, 1990, p. 61-63). Chuan-shu, a seal script, characterized the Second evolution of Chinese calligraphy. This form of writing emanated from oracle-bone script. The script was compatible other plans that calligraphers used previously (Kwo, 1990, p. 60). Another change was made to design an aspect that came up with clerical script, known as li shu. Calligraphers and painters wrote the design on silk and paper (Fazzioli, 1986, p. 67). This allowed additional fluid strokes. This is unlike previous cast of iron. The breakthrough of coming up with clerical script, which used brushes and ink marked the starting of calligraphy as a mode of expressing through art. The discovery of clerical script did not mark the end of calligraphy development, but it opened up chances for more improvements. Some of the later designed that improved the calligraphy writings include cursive script, standard script, and running a script (Kwo, 1990, p. 66). Cursive script started as a shorthand technique used in writing personal letters and notes inclusive of the writer and close friends. Invention of this script took place in the early second century B.C.E. Since cursive script allowed for more personalization, it became a channel for â€Å"individual expression that sometimes transcended the contents of the texts†. Creation of Kai-shu happened in efforts to improve the clerical script. It started from the Han Dynasty. Calligraphy gurus of Tang reign altered the previous script from the six reigns and created a â€Å"bold yet elegant standard-type script† (Nakata, 1982, p. 25) that balanced composition of character with brush movement. A simplified version and a freehand method of standard script were referred to as the running script

Mental Health Incident Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Mental Health Incident - Essay Example The Driscoll model shall be used as the reflection tool for this paper. Body: Driscoll reflective model What? A description of the event The purpose in returning to this situation is to review my actions and to evaluate whether or not these actions were in accordance with the standards of the practice. I also returned to this situation in order to establish areas of improvement and to evaluate how well I performed in the actual clinical setting. During one of my shifts in my mental health placement, I encountered an aggressive patient, who shall be referred to as Mr. Y, in order to protect his identity and maintain patient confidentiality. He was a 22 year old male patient diagnosed recently with schizophrenia. When I first approached him, he was very wary and nervous. I initially introduced myself to him and maintained a comfortable distance of about 4 feet. He was sitting on a stool looking angrily at anyone who approached him. His medication was due and I was tasked with administe ring it. Accompanied by my mentor, I approached the patient, introduced myself and said that his oral medication was due and I was there to help him take it. As I was talking, I noted that he was on the verge of aggression so I kept a safe distance from him. I waited for him to respond, but then he suddenly stood up and tried to lunge at me. I stepped away from him before he could grab me and my mentor and the other staff nurses immediately grabbed him before he could inflict any physical harm. The staff told me to proceed in giving him the medication. Since, it was an oral medication, it was difficult to administer as he clenched his jaw and tried to bite off my fingers. With some assistance from the staff members I was able to administer the medication. After the incident, he was immediately restrained and strapped to the bed. During the incident, I observed that I physically prepared myself for a possible attack from an aggressive patient, and that based on the quick response of the staff and my mentor, they were also expecting aggression from the patient. They also sensed possible aggression based on the demeanour of the patient before the incident. The assistance which was given to me during the incident was very much welcome because I would not have been able to handle the aggressive patient on my own. The main element I observed in the situation is the period of escalation from a possibly aggressive patient. The study by Beech and Leather (2003) indicate that the escalation of aggression can often be observed from the patient’s demeanour, his failure to cooperate with the staff and then finally his actual physical act of aggression. Dunn and colleagues (2007) discuss that there may be various interventions which could have been done to de-escalate his aggression and prevent the actual act of aggression. Dunn, et.al., (2007) also point out that the act of physically restraining the patient is often commonly used for these aggressive patients. Chem ical restraints could have been administered however, the staff explained that chemical restraints might not interact well with his current medications. Melillo and Houde (2011) discuss the chemical restraints administered alongside psychopharmacological drugs can have adverse interactions and can cause further agitation and confusion. Stewart, et.al., (2009) also discuss that maintaining a therapeutic distance from mental health patients is crucial in the protection of one’