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’

History of American Ethnics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

History of American Ethnics - Essay Example In their social and political lifestyle they remain naturally embodied in the simple nature of living and in a way they tend to shun away from the civilization process of life. The noble salvage are regarded as backwards and mostly admired for their simplified mode of living. According to, (The University of Texas at Austin Counseling and Mental Health Center, 2015), the minority model stereotype is a model that is characterized for it rare membership in the society and it is oftenly regarded as the highly group that has the highest positions in the socioeconomic circles of success in the society. They are characterized according to their ethnicity, religion and races among other factors. According to The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica (2014), their characterization comes into effect through their family stability and social status, education levels and their income rates that they acquire. Both the noble savage and the minority have similarities that they share in their day to day life and often, they tend to meet indirectly at different point in time in their social, political and cultural spheres. According to The University of Texas at Austin Counseling and Mental Health Center (2015), the noble salvage has the inborn nature and culture that they have to be proud of their background and that they must intend to keep it running in their lineage. This applies similarity to the minority noble stereotype that is naturally mentored to keep the family wealth and status at par and be proud of who they are and where they came from. The difference here comes in where the noble savage stereotype tend to bank so much on their origin of nature and the minority noble tend to bank so much on civilization. In this case the minority tend to be good in white collar professionalism as they also do well in their academic and educational levels, (T.K., 2010), notes. The blue