Alignment of Business Strategy and IT Strategy Essay

Alignment of Business Strategy and IT Strategy - Essay Example Fortune 50 financial services companies consented to be the respondents of this study. The research methodology used in this study was qualitative. The Alignment of Business and IT strategy department participated in the interviews to be a representative of the Business IT and balance opinions. The respondents were 17 senior managers, 5 with knowledge in balanced, 3 with knowledge with IT and 2 with a business perspective. The interviews will be 90 minutes. All of these respondents agreed that there is an alignment gap between business strategy and IT strategy. The advantage of the method used by the study is that qualitative research is the attempt to gain an in-depth understanding of the meanings of the situation presented by informants, rather than the manufacturing of a quantitative measurement of their characteristics or behavior by the researcher. This concern to reveal the subjective points of view of those being studied is common to ethnography, participant observation, and t he various other strands of qualitative research. For many qualitative researchers, the subjective beliefs of the people being studied are more important than the theoretical knowledge of the researcher. The methodology is often to ‘see through’ the eyes of those being studied. There are two considerations. First, no attempt is made to place the beliefs and behavior of the people being studied into a historical or structural context; it is considered sufficient to simply describe different forms of consciousness without trying to explain how and why they developed. The second one is the tendency to adopt an uncritical attitude to the beliefs and consciousness of informants, without considering their adequacy.

Globalization & concept Essay Example for Free

Globalization concept Essay Globalization is a concept that has emerged over recent past that have gained a lot of attention from the global people. Globalization is not anew concept because it has developed over time due to the interaction of people from ti me to time. The definition of globalization takes new direction every time because of its usage and transcends all spheres of life (Oregon State 2008). According to Robertson (1992) socialist define it a the comprehension and intensification of consciousness of the world as a whole unit. It has been elevated by the fact that the world has become more interdependent than before as from 20th century. The term is loosely used to symbolize meaning of consciousness, receptiveness and understanding of cultures, appreciation of the world socio-economics and ecological aspects. The term global village emerged in early 1960s to mean a shrinking world which was popularized by the media. The media has also tried to emphasize on the global community concept. The subject of globalization has shaped its objectiveness and subjectiveness. The evolution of globalization has been triggered by events such as wars and conflicts, the emergence of third world countries, expansion of international and supra international corporations and organizations. This is also accelerated by the idea of global economy(Robertson 1992). Globalization cuts across all academic disciplines and have implications on morals and values of people in the world. This is a problem that has generated other terms as deglobalization and globalism. Deglobalization attempts to reduce the impact of globalization while the globalism used used negatively to mean one worldism and cosmopolitanism (Robertson 1992). According to Scott (1997) globalization is visible and powerful order that directs the former concern to the geopolitical stage. It can be measured across the globe by consumers taste identity and by its homogeneity of taste. In the context of global culture it is evident in the distribution of the product. Globalization can also be defined as the historical structures established by societies over time that has exponentially increased in the present time. This has been achieved through mobility of goods and services necessitated by infrastructural development. The idea is largely cordoned by the elites terming it inevitable but the masses view it as danger to traditional life, livelihoods and values (GPF 2008). Herman (1999) emphasize it as the active process extending beyond borders, cross border structural facilities and link of corporate organizations. He adds that it is an ideology that wants to surpass its resistance and uphold it as beneficial and unstoppable. The emergence of globalization has led to theories defining its relevance and importance to world inhabitants. This has been ans issue of international systems that make demarcation of countries l which systematically create and partition separated by economic and process factors. These form the basis of global events that bring a perspective of the world as a systematic entity. This is virtually so because of given set of societies that dictate world unity trends and systems. This is referred to the capitalistic advancement of nations like America to which is characterized by division of labour, political and military relations that accompany economic trends while religion and culture follows simultaneously (Robertson 1992). Instability in the domestic and foreign structures have caused the rise of globalization as seen by the growth of communication and cultural academies, rise of movements, organizations and special interest groups. Globalization has therefore grown through several stages such as universalism, natural sociologies, internationalism, indigenization and later globalization (Robertson 1992). In this context universalism refers to scientific provision to humanity of basic principles and laws where ideas human fraternity is adhered to. While national sociologies emphasized on the professional academies that held intellectual products with high esteem. This is followed by the concept of making all countries follow the systems through internationalism as depicted by the third world creation. This was fostered by the indigenization stage that made such countries to adapt to methods and systems. Thus globalization emerged as the interaction of nationalism and internationalism which is punctuated with problems and conflicts at different life stages. The causes and mechanism behind this are the ones driving up globalization (Robertson 1992). Global issues as refer to in the context of culture have varied significance and measures. First Soules (2002) define culture as knowledge, acts, beliefs, laws, customs and aspirations of inhabitants in different settings around the world. This is identical to certain group of people. However mass culture which appeals to world wide audience is generally referred to popular culture. Any change in the traditional values, norms and daily order raise eyebrows of which is considered deviation from the normal life. But as people move there is interaction of cultures that fuse and transform into new culture that is can be described as global culture (Soules 2002). Therefore, popular culture is symbolic of globalization because of its persuasive nature which cuts across all national cultures. The popular culture referred to here represents popularity of certain personality in areas of music industry. These include stars, products and infrastructure associated with it commonly described as global communication (Scott 1997). Although globalization affects politics it has not received much attention as popular culture but film industry has been discussed at international level whether to be associated with it. It is paramount to not that though politics has not extended beyond its national jurisdiction it is much important in the global culture. Politics is limited by its weak structures at international level than popular culture that is advanced by its network of transnational corporations (Scott 1997). However, global culture may not be a definite evidence that it exists across the world because of its dependence on time, space and distributional mechanisms. But it passes across all nations based on several factors such as global production and global distribution. Whereby global production is brought about by the presence of transnational corporations which control 70 percent of the entertainment industry such as Sony and Tristar Corporations. The global distribution of this popular culture products signify the extend by which it reaches world wide audience. Technological advancement such as use of television cinema and satellite communication media channels have made popular culture received to wide audience in the world (Scott 1997). However, global culture just like the popularity of English language has received its share of criticism. For instance the spread of world single culture as advocated by the entertainment industry does not necessarily mean that the audience practice the same. It can only lead to global multiculturalism where diverse culture can be integrated in order to appeal to popular audience. Although this may lead to cultural plurality but their merger could lead to the a synthesized global culture (Scott 1997). More so the availability of the product does not mean it used for the intended purpose. For example the Soviet Union abused it as such spreading capitalistic ideology of Americans. Most view popular culture as the Americanization of the world. Hence it cannot be received globally without struggle and negotiation through the political and national structures. Global culture also faces a couple of restrictions that is largely dependent on the institutional frameworks, policies of governments, and levels of operations. Institutional frameworks play crucial role in the supply and distribution regulatory structures, education, industrial and economic climate for its operation. Policies that regulate broadcasting, copyright rights and taxation or subsidies play a significant role in the advancement of popular culture (Scott 1997). Most governments do not have cultural policies but have several that indirectly implicate culture within their national jurisdiction. this reflects their priority is promoting culture in their own country. Therefore, global culture faces an uphill task to be accommodated institutionally and into the policies of the respective governments(Scott 1997). Herman (1999) states that globalization is an ideology that is perpetuated by corporate organizations for their own interest. This is seen in the deregulation of several government on its budget, entitlement and free trade.. it does affect the nationalistic protection of indigenous companies while allowing the entry of international multinationals. This ideology has significant impact on economic status of weaker countries. Although it yields economic benefits its impact of whole society is detrimental (Alston 1998). Globalization is argued as one that weakens democracy in several countries. This is a result that governments are forced to enact regulations that give due advantage to the business community. For instance international agreements signed like the4 North American Free Trade Agreement and European Monetary Union. This has been used under the disguise of democracy to weaken the countrys ability to fight for improved wage salary of its workforce. Instead they are supposed to cut labor costs in order to obtain investment from the corporations giving the business community an upper hand to make huge profits (Herman 1999). Through such agreement most countries have fallen victim of deteriorating welfare standards of its citizens. Countries with high cost of labor have lost foreign investment because of relocation to cheap labor countries. Labor movement have also been weakened as opposed to the democratic freedom given of bargaining. This has med policy makers to make business friendly policies at the expense of state welfare. This countries have also advanced restrictive legislation that has tight grip national budget so as to absorbing inflation shocks hence accelerating unemployment and underemployment (Herman 1999). The ideological campaigns advocated b y the business community has reduced government responsibility to support its public hence making its citizens vulnerable to the corporation demands. Also limited financial sources by the individual government have accelerated their dependence on global sponsors that devise policies more favorable to them. It far negates the ability of leaders to develop mechanisms that favor its masses (Tabb 2002). This is evident in the efforts advanced by IMF and World Bank together with media support. This organizations developed conditions that were supposed to be met before funds are released to the countries in need. For instance, IMF developed structural adjustment programs to third world countries outlining conditions such as lean government and privatization. The implications was loss of jobs, increased poverty, increased wealth gap between the rich nations and poor nations (Herman 1999). Globalization in its basic fact is the ideological concept of business elite that send strong signal to people that it cannot be brushed away easily and it is better. Although it has the benefit of increasing interest rates in the stock market and income, inequality rise is more across all countries. For example in the United States productivity rose by 35 percent while underemployment, job security, loss of benefit and lean production system increased in bigger margin (Herman 1999). CONCLUSION Globalization is a new concept that cuts across a all spheres of life such as culture, academic, political, economic and socially. In this paper i have discussed mainly how globalization influenced global culture and its implications. Global culture is defined as mass culture that appeals to world wide audience. It is particularly advanced by popular culture through different media channels. Globalization also touches political and economic aspects of several countries this has a direct effect on the democracy, economic status and welfare of its citizens. Globalization has beneficial impact on the government and citizens with varied margins. REFERNCE Alston, P, 1998, Statement, UN committee, Available at: http://www. globalpolicy. org/globaliz/define/unstate. htm Global policy forum, 2008, globalization,Global policy forum, Available at; http://www. globalpolicy. org/globaliz/index. htm Herman, E, S, 1999, Treat globalization, New politics, vol. 7, No. 2, Available at: Oregon State, 2008, Definition, Available at: oregonstate. edu/instruct/anth370/gloss. html Robertson, R, 1992, Globalization, SAGE, London. Scott, A, 1997, Global culture, Routledge, London. Soules, M, 2002, Culture, History, Available at: http://www. mala. bc. ca/~soules/media112/culture. htm Tabb, W, 1999, Progressive globalism, Monthly review, Available at: http://www. globalpolicy. org/globaliz/define/progglob. htm

Arab - Israeli Wars :: essays research papers

Since the United Nations partition of PALESTINE in 1947 and the establishment of the modern state of ISRAEL in 1948, there have been four major Arab-Israeli wars (1947-49, 1956, 1967, and 1973) and numerous intermittent battles. Although Egypt and Israel signed a peace treaty in 1979, hostility between Israel and the rest of its Arab neighbors, complicated by the demands of Palestinian Arabs, continued into the 1980s. THE FIRST PALESTINE WAR (1947-49) The first war began as a civil conflict between Palestinian Jews and Arabs following the United Nations recommendation of Nov. 29, 1947, to partition Palestine, then still under British mandate, into an Arab state and a Jewish state. Fighting quickly spread as Arab guerrillas attacked Jewish settlements and communication links to prevent implementation of the UN plan. Jewish forces prevented seizure of most settlements, but Arab guerrillas, supported by the Transjordanian Arab Legion under the command of British officers, besieged Jerusalem. By April, Haganah, the principal Jewish military group, seized the offensive, scoring victories against the Arab Liberation Army in northern Palestine, Jaffa, and Jerusalem. British military forces withdrew to Haifa; although officially neutral, some commanders assisted one side or the other. After the British had departed and the state of Israel had been established on May 15, 1948, under the premiership of David BEN-GURION, the Palestine Arab forces and foreign volunteers were joined by regular armies of Transjordan (now the kingdom of JORDAN), IRAQ, LEBANON, and SYRIA, with token support from SAUDI ARABIA. Efforts by the UN to halt the fighting were unsuccessful until June 11, when a 4-week truce was declared. When the Arab states refused to renew the truce, ten more days of fighting erupted. In that time Israel greatly extended the area under its control and broke the siege of Jerusalem. Fighting on a smaller scale continued during the second UN truce beginning in mid-July, and Israel acquired more territory, especially in Galilee and the Negev. By January 1949, when the last battles ended, Israel had extended its frontiers by about 5,000 sq km (1,930 sq mi) beyond the 15,500 sq km (4,983 sq mi) allocated to the Jewish state in the UN partition resolution. It had also secured its independence. During 1949, armistice agreements were signed under UN auspices between Israel and Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. The armistice frontiers were unofficial boundaries until 1967. SUEZ-SINAI WAR (1956) Border conflicts between Israel and the Arabs continued despite provisions in the 1949 armistice agreements for peace negotiations. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinian Arabs who had left Israeli-held territory during the first war concentrated in refugee camps along Israel's frontiers and became a major source of friction when they infiltrated back to their homes or

African American Essay

In the year of 1870, it was the re invention of slavery. America could not be built without economic. The south was still a negative place and they failed to accept blacks. After decades of discrimination, the voting rights act of 1965 aimed to overcome legal barriers at the state and local levels that denied blacks to vote under the 15th amendment. The 15th amendment in 1870 gave African Americans the right to vote. The constitutional amendment passed after the civil war that it guaranteed blacks the right to vote. It affected not only freed slaves in the south but the blacks that were living in the north who was not allowed to vote(3). The amendment was favored by the Republican Party; since the votes of the slaves helped the party dominates national politics in the years after the war. During the same year, Hiram Rhodes Revels, who was a republican from Mississippi, became the first African American to sit in the United States congress when he was elected to the United States Senate. Millions of black men served in congress during reconstruction but more than 600 served in the states legislatures and many more held local offices(3). The Jim Crow laws were the era of struggle. The state and local laws in the United States enacted between 1876 and 1965. In 1890, there was a â€Å"separate but equal† status for African Americans. Jim Crow laws followed the Black codes which restricted the civil rights and civil liberties of African Americans with no equality. During the reconstruction period, the federal law provided civil rights protection in the United States for the African Americans who had formally been slaves(1). In 1890, Louisiana required by law that blacks ride in separate railroad cars. The state of Louisiana passed a law that required separate accommodations for black and whites on railroads, including separate railway cars. Plessy attempted to sit in an all-white railroad car. After refusing to sit in the black railway carriage car, Plessy was arrested for violating in1890. Louisiana statute that provided for segregated â€Å"separate but equal† railroad accommodations. Those using facilities not designated for their race were criminally liable under the statute(4). Plessy was found guilty on the grounds that the law was a reasonable exercise of the state’s police powers based upon custom, usage, and tradition in the state. Plessy filed a petition in the Supreme Court of Louisiana against Ferguson, asserting that segregation stigmatized blacks and stamped them with a badge of inferiority in violation of the Thirteenth and Fourteenth amendments(4). The case of Plessy vs. Ferguson was one of a combination of rulings passed by the U. S and the state Supreme Courts after reconstruction. Many of these decisions allowed and required Jim Crow segregation laws in southern states. At the highest level, the case was decided on May 18th in 1896, in favor of Ferguson and the state of Louisiana. The Supreme Court had given southern states all the permission they needed to let any remaining equality between the races fade away and be replaced by the Jim Crow laws standing(5). By the 1870s, many southern whites had resorted to intimidation and violence to keep blacks from voting and restore white supremacy in the region. Beginning in 1873, a series of Supreme Court decisions limited the scope of Reconstruction-era laws and federal support for the Reconstruction Amendments, particularly the 14th and 15th, which gave African Americans the status of citizenship and protection. The Compromise of 1877 occurred after the Presidential Election of 1876, when Congress formed the Electoral Commission to resolve disputed Democratic Electoral votes from the South. The republicans agreed to enact Federal legislation that would spur industrialization in the south. They agreed to withdraw federal soldiers from their remaining positions in the south(5). They did this to appoint democrats to positions in the south and to appoint a democrat to the president’s cabinet. The Compromise of 1877 effectively ended the Reconstruction era. The Southern Democrats promised to protect but the political rights of blacks were not kept. The end of federal interference in southern affairs led to widespread disenfranchisement of blacks voters(4). From the late 1870s, southern legislatures passed a series of laws requiring the separation of whites from â€Å"persons of color† on public transportation, in schools, parks, restaurants, theaters and other locations. These segregationist statutes governed life in the South through the middle of the next century, ending after the success of the civil rights movement in the 1960’s. The migration was a watershed in the history of African Americans. It lessened their overwhelming concentration in the South, opened up industrial jobs to people who had up to then been mostly farmers, and gave the first significant impetus to their urbanization. The black migration began in the 1890s as African Americans left for cities such as Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Philadelphia, and New York(8). The single largest movement of African Americans occurred during World War I, when people moved from rural areas and small towns in the South to cities in the North and the East. Even in the North, blacks encountered violence at the hands of whites, who resented competition for jobs and black economic success. Segregation and discrimination in housing, education, and jobs was pervasive in the North as well. From 1916, more than six million blacks left the South for other regions of the United States. Over the next fifteen years, more than one tenth of the country’s black population would voluntarily move north. The Great Migration lasted until 1930. This was the first step in the full nationalization of the African American population(2). The Klu Klux Klan is the oldest organization. During this time 1920’s, there were still 85 percent of African Americans in the south. The Klan was created in 1871 by the Democratic Party to prevent African Americans from voting the 15th Amendment. The Klan also became Americans 1st terrorist group and became an institutional part of American life and political colt. African Americans were intimidated and had fear towards the KKK. They hated blacks, republicans, Jews, etc(6). In the 1920s, many blacks had been brought to the south against their own will after the success of the northern states during the Civil War. Also, after the freeing of the blacks from slavery in 1865, a group was established which was designed to spread fear throughout the black population that still lived in the southern states. Most of the hatred was directed against the poor black families in the south who were very vulnerable to attack(6). The white hooded KKK burnt churches of the black population, murdered, raped, castrated etc. They were rarely caught as most senior law officers in the South were high ranking KKK men. White people who were in contact with any blacks had a reason to fear the KKK because they would be after them as well for being what they called â€Å"nigga lovers†(6). The Black Americans tried to fight back using non-violent methods. The NAACP asked Washington for new laws to help combat the KKK violence but received very little help. In the 1920’s Black Americans started to turn to the â€Å"Back to Africa† movement which told blacks that they should return to their native America. This was started by Marcus Garvey but the whole movement faltered when he was arrested for fraud and sent to prison. If African Americans were to move back to Africa, they would be giving the â€Å"white America† exactly what they asked for(6). African Americans drew to church. Going to church brought everyone closer to God despite everything that was going on in the 1920’s. In 1865, blacks started to create independent black churches. The African Methodist Episcopal and the African Methodist Episcopal Zion churches claimed southern membership in the hundreds of thousands, far outstripping that of any other organizations. They were quickly joined in 1870 by a new southern-based denomination, the Colored (Christian) Methodist Episcopal Church. The church was founded by indigenous southern black leaders. Finally, in 1894 black Baptists formed the National Baptist Convention which was an organization that is the largest black religious organization still today in the United States(8). The blossoming of the Harlem Renaissance was during 1918 through 1937. Harlem is located just north of Central Park. Harlem formally was a white residential district but by the early 1920’s, it was the becoming of a virtually black city. Harlem was a catalyst for artistic experimentation and a nightly popular nightlife destination. This was also an economic opportunity in New York(8). The Harlem Renaissance was a phase of a larger new Negro movement that emerged in the early 20th century. The movement raised issues affecting the lives of African Americans through various forms of literature, art, and drama. Its influence spread throughout the nation and beyond that included writers and philosophers. Between the 1920’s and 1930’s, about 750,000 African Americans left the south and migrated to the north to take advantage of this movement. The Harlem Renaissance appealed to a mixture audience. The literature appealed to the African American middle class and to whites. Many critics point out that the Harlem Renaissance could not escape its history and culture. Its attempt to create a new one separates from the foundational elements of White, European culture. Social foundations of this movement included the great migration of African Americans from rural to urban areas(8). The Harlem Renaissance was exposure to the African American Art and culture. It is also unusual among literary and artistic movements for its close relationship to civil rights. The Harlem renaissance set the stage for the civil rights movement of the 1950’s and the 60’s. This was very much black culture exposure. The African American artists intended to express themselves freely, no matter what the black public or white public thought. Since the 1980s, New Orleans has been the area for a new school of jazz players, among them trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and his brothers, saxophonist Branford Marsalis and trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis. New Orleans has brought widespread attention to jazz and a new appreciation of the city and its jazz tradition(7). In the 1890’s it was the beginning of the Mississippi Delta Blues. The blues is the generation of American Music. By the 1900’s New Orleans Jazz was introduced. Jazz was first originally accepted in France before anywhere else. Jazz was played by whites and blacks. Both races played jazz together. Jazz was for the middle class African American people(7). In conclusion, during the years of 1870 and 1920, African Americans still encountered a lot of continued discrimination against blacks in American and the separation of race. Through the Jim Crow laws and the segregation, Blacks kept it together through religion, and even music. When looking back at our history, African Americans had a great deal to do with the shaping of America today. Bibliography 1) â€Å"Jim Crow Law (United States [1877-1954]). † Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n. d. Web. 09 May 2013. 2) â€Å"Primary Documents in American History. † 15th Amendment to the Constitution: Primary Documents of American History (Virtual Programs & Services, Library of Congress). N. p. , n. d. Web. 09 May 2013. 3) Fifteenth Amendment. † History. com. A&E Television Networks, n. d. Web. 09 May 2013. 4) â€Å"Compromise of 1877. † History. com. A&E Television Networks, n. d. Web. 09 May 2013. 5) â€Å"Compromise of 1877. † Information about The. N. p. , n. d. Web. 09 May 2013. 6) â€Å"The KKK and Racial Problems. † The KKK and Racial Problems. N. p. , n. d. Web. 09 May 2013. 7) â€Å"A History of Jazz Music. † A History of Jazz Music. N. p. , n. d. Web. 09 May 2013. 8) Notes.

Embryonic Stem Cells for Research- Right or Wrong

Embryonic Stem Cells for Research- Right or Wrong There have been a lot of controversies regarding the latest stem cell research in recent days. People have been publishing a lot about this issue and it is all over the media lately. It has aggregated some religious groups in the world and they have been very stern towards the issue.Here is my point of view regarding this issue: Unlike other cells in our body, each of which is specialized to perform a particular function, Stem cells are characterized by the ability to renew themselves by the mitosis division and differentiate in to a diverse range of specialized cells types thereby offering medical treatment to wide range of debilitating diseases. This new area of biotechnology seems to be a major breakthrough with the same potential to change the health care as the discovery of antibiotics more than 70 years ago which gave hope to millions.But unfortunately this radical area of biology has fraught with ethical issues and controversie s which had made the process of development slow. There are two sources for obtaining stem cells, one from the layer of cells of embryo in the blast cyst stage, these are called the embryonic stem cells and the other from the adult tissues called the adult stem cells. When the stem cells are retracted from the embryo, the embryo is completely destroyed. This is where the controversies begin. According to the critics, extracting stem cells from the embryo is like killing, it is a murder. In fact some religions in the world strictly prohibit it.But I think its advantages outweigh its disadvantages. It is for the betterment of the humans and very beneficial for the society. As I feel that these stem cells have been used to save human lives and has enormous benefits. This stem cell therapy is used for the treatment of various dreadful diseases like Parkinson disease, diabetes, Alzheimer etc which does not have any cure even in the recent days. This stem cell therapy is considered to be better than organ transplant which gives rise to various infections. Moreover it also give rise to other issues like availability of the donors, tissue rejection etc.Immunosuppressant drugs are given to the patients in to have under gone transplant making them more vulnerable to other infectious diseases. Hence embryonic stem cells have significant medical potential and can lead to numerous social advantages. Other alternatives to embryonic stem cells are adult stem cells which are found in the normal differentiated tissues in the human body and therefore are very hard to extract. Also they are less effective as compared to the embryonic stem cells Embryo is the stage in very first few weeks of the pregnancy.That is the time when even heart of the baby hasn’t been transformed. Many people feel that embryos are not equivalent to human life as they can’t still swim out of the womb, so using them can’t be called killing. So I feel that killing something that is bar ely alive in order to save numerous human lives is justifiable. Therefore according to me, embryonic stem cells should be allowed for research purposes as they possess many advantages and can lead to major breakthroughs in the future. Who knows the word organ- transplant would just be history. by Makkiya Amanullah, Riyadh Saudi Arabia

Do Curfews Keep Teenagers Out of Trouble

Do Curfews Keep Teenagers Out of Trouble Introduction Over the past decade, juvenile crimes have been on the rise in many regions around the world. These have been attributed to an increase in drug abuse, media influences and negative peer pressure among the youth. As such, laws have been enacted to deter the youth from getting into trouble. In addition, parents have been advised to set curfews in order to restrict their children’s activities during certain hours of the day and night.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Do Curfews Keep Teenagers Out of Trouble? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Arguably, curfews help in the reduction of juvenile crime and victimization. However, opponents of this fact argue that curfews deny teenagers their civil rights. This paper shall argue that curfews are beneficial to society in regard to the role they play in improving the lives of teenagers, and maintain social order. This shall be done by reviewing the arguments forwarded by the opponents and proponents of the impact curfews have on teenagers’ behaviors. Impacts of Curfews on Teenagers Logically, if there are indications that teenagers are getting into trouble between certain hours of the day or night, implementing curfews may help monitor their activities. Curfews provide a convenient way of deterring teenagers from juvenile crimes and victimization (Adams, 2003). Aviram (2011), states that the implementation of a curfew decreases the likelihood of juveniles to commit violent and property crimes by 10% within the first year of its implementation. This percentage increases substantially in subsequent years (Aviram, 2011). Similarly, Williams (2012), states that curfews enable parents to set boundaries, responsibilities and sleep patterns for their adolescent children. Through curfews, teenagers are able to know what is expected of them, their responsibilities and manage their time effectively. In addition, Williams (2012), states tha t teenagers learn of the importance of rules, and the consequences of breaking those rules (for example, mistrust). These aspects help make the teenagers better citizens, while improving the bond between the parents and their teenage children.Advertising Looking for essay on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Aviram (2011) argues that curfews facilitate the preservation of social order. At the teenage stage, individuals equate their freedom to the amount of time they spend with their friends. Similarly, at this stage, individuals are more likely to get into social problems due to peer pressure and reasoning inefficiencies. As such, a teenager without restrictions is bound to do what he/she wants. In this regard, setting a curfew may help teenagers understand their responsibilities, and stay away from activities that may affect the level of trust and privilege given to them by their parents. On the same note, Puzzanchera and Sickmund (2008) suggest that curfews help teenagers develop a more structured and disciplined routine. The ultimate goal of a curfew is to ensure that a teenager is at home within specified periods of time. Failure to do so leads to punishment or restriction of freedom. In order to avoid such punishments, teenagers under a curfew ensure that they plan their time and activities carefully. However, despite these positive attributes associated with the implementation of curfews, there are people who believe that curfews do not achieve this aim. According to Zimmerman (2011), curfews cannot prevent teens from getting pregnant, smoking, drinking, or participating in criminal activities. At this age, individuals are curious, and often find a way to do such things with or without a curfew in place. The behavior exhibited by a teenager depends on the relationship he/she has with the community. For example, teenagers with positive moral and social values avoid conflict and tr ouble at all costs. On the other hand, those with negative influences in life often find themselves in trouble. Despite whether there is a curfew or not, delinquent teens always end up in trouble, while those with conservative personalities and trustworthy relationships avoid such situations. On the same note, a study on juvenile crime in Detroit indicated that while such crimes had decreased by 6% during curfew hours in 1976, it had increased by 13% during the afternoon hours of the day (non-curfew hours). Ordinarily, most curfews are between 8 p.m. and midnight depending on the parent, state or school schedule.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Do Curfews Keep Teenagers Out of Trouble? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, nationwide statistics indicate that most juvenile crimes (80%) occur between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m., which is outside the curfew hours (Zimmerman, 2011). This is a clear indication that curfews do not keep teens out of trouble. Zimmerman (2011), further states that the enacted curfew ordinances may be acceptable politically but they lack the ability to address the key issue, which is increased juvenile delinquency. The author suggests that the focus should be directed towards improving recreation centers, campaigning for youth empowerment and advocating for parental control. Such initiatives are more likely to succeed in keeping teenagers out of trouble, as compared to setting curfews, which violate teenagers’ freedom of speech and movement, as well as their right to equal protection and due process among other civil rights (Zimmerman, 2011). Discussion Both sides provide compelling cases to support their arguments regarding the implementation of curfews as a means to keeping teenagers out of trouble. However, unless they are legally declared as adults, teenagers are their parents’ responsibility, and are bound by the rules set by the parents. In as much as cur fews may not seem effective in deterring juvenile delinquency, they have played a pivotal role in fostering responsibility, respect for boundaries and effective time management among the youth. They ensure that teenagers understand what is expected of them and the consequences of noncompliance to those expectations. Similarly, parents have obligations to ensure the safety and health of their children. However, they cannot monitor and supervise their children’s activities every hour of the day. Setting curfews gives parents an opportunity to establish a trusting relationship with their children. As a result, parents are able to know where their children are, with whom and at what time to expect them back home. Despite what the teenagers do with their free time, implementation of curfews lessens their likelihood of getting into trouble. This is because they are afraid of the repercussions associated with breaking the curfew. In the long-run, curfews play a significant role in d eterring teenagers from getting into trouble. Simply put; the benefits of curfews as a deterrent mechanism far outweigh the costs.Advertising Looking for essay on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Conclusion Curfews make a significant impact on teenagers’ behaviors. They help parents to monitor their children’s activities and minimize the likelihood of teenagers getting into trouble. While some may argue that curfews are ineffective in the prevention of juvenile delinquency, there is supporting evidence that indicate otherwise. Throughout this paper, the arguments for and against curfews have been outlined and support for each offered. At the end, it has been revealed that curfews help in the reduction of juvenile crime and victimization. References Adams, K. (2003). The Effectiveness of Juvenile Curfews at Crime Prevention. Annals 587: 136–59. Aviram, H. (2011). Are teen curfews necessary?   Web. Puzzanchera, C., Sickmund, M. (2008). Juvenile Court Statistics 2005. Pittsburgh, Pa.: National Center for Juvenile Justice. Williams, L. (2012). What Can Happen When Teens Dont Have a Curfew? Web. Zimmerman, J. (2011). Curfews dont keep kids out of trouble. Web.

Free Essays on What Is The Difference

What is the Difference? â€Å"Each individual’s journey through life is unique. Some will make this journey alone, others in loving relationships- maybe in marriage or other forms of commitment. We need to ponder our own choices and try to understand the choices of others. Love has many shapes, colors, and is not finite. It can not be measured or defined in terms of sexual orientation.†** As we are all aware, there is much of a debate on homosexual couples having the right to be legally married. There are two articles that (I have found to be the best detailed) strongly support the legalizing same sex marriages are; Iowa Representative Ed Fallon’s speech to the House in 1996, and an article from the Partners Task Force for Gay and Lesbian Couples. On February 20, 1996 and Iowa Representative (Ed Fallon) was reading his speech to the House of Representatives discussing why he supports the legalization of same sex marriage. Naturally, he started his speech, by stating this debate and how their vote would affect the public’s point of view. He used many examples of â€Å"pink-baiting.† He felt that by creating gay and lesbian unions, instead of legalizing gay marriage, this would only reinforce homophobia and gay bashing. He stressed the idea that heterosexuals need only to accept homosexuals. In order to do this, Representative Fallon, had stated that we all need to put an end to fear and stereotypes, and start seeing each other as fellow human beings. (I, totally agree) that that this is a civil rights issue, and it poses no threat to the society. There is another argument that I think would help clarify the up more it was written by the co-director of the Partners Task Force for Gay and Lesbian Couples. He (like others) believes that marriage is not only a religious agreement, but also has legal and civil status. According to his article, â€Å"Legal marriage triggers 150-250 laws in every U.S. state, as well as more than... Free Essays on What Is The Difference Free Essays on What Is The Difference What is the Difference? â€Å"Each individual’s journey through life is unique. Some will make this journey alone, others in loving relationships- maybe in marriage or other forms of commitment. We need to ponder our own choices and try to understand the choices of others. Love has many shapes, colors, and is not finite. It can not be measured or defined in terms of sexual orientation.†** As we are all aware, there is much of a debate on homosexual couples having the right to be legally married. There are two articles that (I have found to be the best detailed) strongly support the legalizing same sex marriages are; Iowa Representative Ed Fallon’s speech to the House in 1996, and an article from the Partners Task Force for Gay and Lesbian Couples. On February 20, 1996 and Iowa Representative (Ed Fallon) was reading his speech to the House of Representatives discussing why he supports the legalization of same sex marriage. Naturally, he started his speech, by stating this debate and how their vote would affect the public’s point of view. He used many examples of â€Å"pink-baiting.† He felt that by creating gay and lesbian unions, instead of legalizing gay marriage, this would only reinforce homophobia and gay bashing. He stressed the idea that heterosexuals need only to accept homosexuals. In order to do this, Representative Fallon, had stated that we all need to put an end to fear and stereotypes, and start seeing each other as fellow human beings. (I, totally agree) that that this is a civil rights issue, and it poses no threat to the society. There is another argument that I think would help clarify the up more it was written by the co-director of the Partners Task Force for Gay and Lesbian Couples. He (like others) believes that marriage is not only a religious agreement, but also has legal and civil status. According to his article, â€Å"Legal marriage triggers 150-250 laws in every U.S. state, as well as more than...

ESL Beginner Dialogue Comparing the City and the Country

ESL Beginner Dialogue Comparing the City and the Country In English, the comparative is the form of an adjective or adverb that involves a comparison between greater or lesser, more or less. The comparative form changes depending on the adjective you use, but almost all  one-syllable  adjectives, along with some two-syllable adjectives, add  -er  to the  base  to form the comparative. Its important to learn a wide range of adjectives for the sake of description. A good way to practice this is by comparing the city and the country in a conversation. To describe physical locations as well as the character of the people and places, youll need to use the comparative form. Use the sample dialogue below to describe the city and the country. Then have your own conversations with others in your class. The City and the Country David: How do you like living in a big city? Maria: I like it so much more than living in the country. There are many things that make it better. David: Oh, really? Can you give me some examples? Maria:  Well, it certainly is more interesting out in the city than it is in the country. There is so much more to do and see! David: Yes, but the city is more dangerous than the country. Maria: Thats true. People in the city arent as open and friendly as those in the countryside, and the streets arent as safe. David: Im sure that the country is more relaxed, too! Maria: Yes, the city is busier than the country. However, the country feels much slower than the city. David: I think thats a good thing! Maria: Oh, I dont. The country is so boring! Being in the country is much more boring than being in the city. David: How about the cost of living? Is the country cheaper than the city? Maria: Oh, yes. Living in the city is more expensive than in the country. David: Life in the country is also much healthier than in the city. Maria: Yes, its cleaner and less dangerous in the country. But, the city is so much more exciting. Its faster, crazier and more fun. David: I think you are crazy for moving to the city. Maria: Well, Im young now. Maybe when Im married and have children Ill move back to the country. More Dialogue Practice - Includes level and target structures/language functions for each dialogue.

Violence and politics can hardly be separated Essay - 1

Violence and politics can hardly be separated - Essay Example While some authors and writers dispute the necessity of engaging in violence to get or maintain political power, there are those who contend that there can be no achievement of political power without violence. In this sense, therefore, violence is a significant part of political violence. For this reason, this paper will present an argument to ascertain whether violence plays any significant role in politics. It is an evident fact that violence and politics cannot be separated. This is because of the way that violence is considered to be a significant economic power. With it, it is possible to eliminate any chances of colonial regime within the society. As such, an oppressed society can work well using violence to ensure that it gives its citizens the much desired right to be free and safe. Most of the time, violence has been considered to be an intrinsic factor in the realm of politics. This is also the feeling that is experienced towards violence by the public. However, it is supposed to be conducted in a particular manner that brings about the desired benefits. Without this, then it turns out not to be justifiable and undesirable in politics as well as to the general public. In order to understand the important role of violence in politics, it is imperative to realize that there is a major difference between violence and force. Although the two terms might seem to be interchangeable, they are highly distinct in their nature. This can be evidenced by the Indian anti-colonial movements in India. They were non violent but as they are envisaged by Mohandas Gandhi they were displayed through the use of full force. In the same way, there were the non violent but forceful civil rights movements that were led by Martin Luther King Junior in the United States. A major distinction is shown with the majority of the civil wars, which have cracked most of the African countries in the recent past. They also include the urban

Loss of Biodiversity Due to Pollution Research Paper

Loss of Biodiversity Due to Pollution - Research Paper Example The Gulf of Mexico is opulent in biodiversity and exceptional habitats, and hosts the solitary recognized nesting shoreline of Kemp’s Ridley, the world’s rare sea turtle. It has an interesting circulation array which stretches it organic and socioeconomic significance; water from the Caribbean come into commencing the south over the Yucatan Channel amid Cuba and Mexico and, after warming up in the basin, goes out over the northern Florida Canal amid the United States and Cuba to produce the Gulf River in the North Atlantic that assists to standardize the macroclimate of the western Europe. Creeks and bays are public along Gulf seashores with other reefs, sea grasses, and coastal wetlands, principally Spartina alterniflora, usual in the north, and certain oyster’s ridges, native to national sea greenswards, and mangrove forests in the south. Off shore, coral ridges are conjoint in several areas in the southern Gulf, alongside northwest Cuba, beside Florida Keys, and one district off Texas. Creatures that call Gulf of Mexico home vary from infinitesimal to gigantic. (Day, 2013). Gulf Oil Spill Gulf oil spill is acknowledged as the nastiest spill in the account of United States. Inhabitants from the Gulf of Mexico echo that, tallies of fish, mantra rays, sharks, dolphins and sea turtles are escaping the spirals of oil and cleaners to the trivial waters off the coasts of Alabama and Florida. Marine biologists suggest that these animals feel the adjustment in water chemistry and attempt to drip the polluted water dead zones by swimming in the direction of the oxygen rich shallows (National Research Council, 2012). Immediate Impact Under normal Gulf season, death is expected during laying and nesting period (Marion, 2011). The oil spills instantaneously endangered brown pelican, the egrets, the laughing gulls and other shore and migrant birds, beached with greased fuzz as they strained to rear their young nestlings. Their fledglings faced and still face an indeterminate future, as they begin their expedition on infested water. Dead and vanishing sea creatures still attempt to leak from the oxygen depreciated water, because of methane gas from the oil, which depletes oxygen at a very high speed, as illustrated in the pictures below (Benn & Bolton, 2011). Physical Effects Physical effects comprise of demise by asphyxia, with oil hindering air openings or gills. By numbing sensual organs, oil upsets creatures’ ability to discover food or sense predators. Many birds and other inhabitants succumbed to death as a consequence of hypothermia, bec ause oil led to lessening of the protecting effect of plumages and fur. Since the oil spill, crabs have been documented hiking out of water, as a toxic gleam approaches the shoreline. During morning hours, they are observed floating stomach up in the water, in a bid to get more oxygen. Nevertheless, the air they inhale is loaded with chemicals blowing up from the water (National Research Council, 2012). Impact of the oil spill on coral reefs presents unique physical conditions. This is because healthy coral reefs are amongst the most organically assorted and economically treasured ecologies on earth, providing vital ecosystem services. They are a foundation of nourishment for millions, guard seashores from storms and corrosion, offer habitation, procreating and nursery lands for economically essential fish species, offer businesses and revenue to local economies from angling, leisure, and tourism, are a basis of treatments, and hotspots for aquatic multiplicity. Immediate spill resu lted to death of some corals, leading to subsequent smothering and sinking of them. Over time, reduction of photosynthesis, development and reproduction has been documented. Regardless of this, the extent of coral reef damage unswervingly attributable to the Gulf Spill has remained unusually minor (Marion, 2011). Toxic effects Skin ulcerations, destruction to the spleen, liver, lungs and

International Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words - 2

International Business - Essay Example For Coca-Cola, it meant duplicating a substantial part of its value-creation process—from product formulation to marketing and delivery—throughout the world. Intel’s global competitive advantage is based on attaining technological leadership and preferred component supplier status on a global basis. For a midsize company, it may mean setting up a host of small foreign subsidiaries and forging numerous alliances. For still others, it may mean something entirely different (De Kluyver & Pearce, 2006). Thus, although it is tempting to think of global strategy in universal terms, globalization is a highly company-and industry-specific issue. It forces a company to rethink its strategic intent, global architecture, core competencies, and entire current product and service mix. For many companies, the outcome demands dramatic changes in the way they do business—with whom, how, and why. In the study of management, it is already a common knowledge that it involves four basic functions: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling resources (land, labour, capital, and information) to efficiently reach a company’s goals. Controlling is the fourth basic managerial function. In management, controlling means monitoring a firm’s progress toward meeting its organizational goals and objectives, resetting the course if goals or objectives change in response to shifting conditions, and correcting deviations if goals or objectives are not being attained. Managers should strive to maintain a high level of quality—a measure of how closely goods or services conform to predetermined standards and customer expectations. Many firms control for quality through a four-step cycle that involves all levels of management and all employees. In the first step, top managers set standards, or criteria for measuring the performance of the organization as a whole. At the same time, middle

The Persuasive Research Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

The Persuasive Research Paper - Essay Example It is for this reason that they are as prosperous today as they ever were. The opposite happens in countries like the Philippines. It is apparent that most Filipinos do not effectively recognize the full worth of their indigenous traditions, institutions and capabilities. They revere other countries but neglect their own. It is ironic how the Philippines is classified as a Third World nation noted for corruption, poor governance, poverty, and a low total industrial capacity considering it has nearly everything any nation needs for great development: a strategic location, abundant natural resources and a rich supply of human capital. The only thing separating it from becoming a world power is the shortfall of self-confidence in its people. Because nationalism triggers a country’s movement toward a more prosperous future, the Filipino people’s lack thereof continues to be the root of the slow development of the Philippines. The Filipinos are the product of their colonial history. Almost four hundred years of colonization significantly disturbed the people’s mental framework, giving birth to a deep-seated colonial mentality that hindered them from showing enough concern for the national interest, which consequently slowed down the country’s rate of development. In its place, it encouraged Filipinos to believe that other nations were better than them. This, in time, ingrained itself into what is now seemingly a natural trait. At the outset, the Philippines did not come together before the Spanish settlement. It was not even a country before the Spaniards arrived and colonized the islands. In fact, the Philippines was a mere archipelago of small autonomous divisions known as barangays. As said by Guarià ±a in his historical essay, it was the Spanish settlement that unified the Philippines into a country. At the same time however, it formed Filipino societies that took little pride in their own nation and instead only deified their colonizers. As a

Western Alienation in Canadian Politics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Western Alienation in Canadian Politics - Essay Example The history of western alienation dates back to the forming of the dominion of Canada and Canada confederation in the year 1867. The conservative party prime minister J. Macdonald implemented a national policy with regard to manufactured goods and trade policies. In doing this, he was responding to the high tariffs that were in the United States. The western farmers were forced to compete with international markets when trading grains (Surhone and Miriam2010, 53). This created dissatisfaction. Western provinces thought the tariffs were freight rates were discriminatory and favored the central provinces. Western Canadian politics and culture are extremely pervaded by sentiments of an asymmetrical relationship between the two central provinces and the West (Ferguson and Simon 2009, 70-74). The feeling of being exploited is not limited to westerners. Many Canadians in Atlantic Provinces feel the same alienation (Mackenzie 1984, 29). Western alienation is both a regional and political id eology in with regard to discontent. Western alienation represents a common and shared set of political beliefs. It is viewed as both intellectual articulation and cultural expression. The alienation has a recognized constituency and history. It is got representatives and hence fundamental element of the western political culture. For many years now, Western alienation has been a vital component in the Canadian political field. The emotion and attitudes behind the term can be traced back to mid 1800s. This is pre World War I period. The term western alienation is relatively recent. Many believe Canadian political system is the main cause of this phenomenon. The federal political system is dysfunctional and unrepresentative according to many western Canadians (Alberta 2000, 41). A large portion of the literature reveals western alienation revolves around political concerns. The federal political system is accused of alienating the western provinces in Canada. The alienation has cause d ongoing struggles to defend the interest of the western Canadians (Ibbitson 2012, 2). The oil discovery in the province of Alberta, in the year 1947, led to a conflict between the province and the federal government of Canada. The premier of Alberta, Lougheed, said the province should utilize the profits from oil to propel its economy. There was a threefold agenda to complete a transcontinental railway, to create a manufacturing base and to settle prairies. The manufacturing base was to be in eastern Canada. According to J. Macdonald, this would be the solution to the problem of uniting Canada both economically and geographically. In contrast, the national policy ended up becoming a source of significant western discontent. This policy left a legacy of discriminatory freight rates. To the western Canada, the policy enhanced a resource based economy that propelled the growth of financial and manufacturing sectors in the central Canada (Mackenzie 1984, 29). It should be noted the la st half of the 20th century has witnessed enormous growth and change in western Canada. The provinces of British Columbia and Alberta have been impacted tremendously. The discovery of oil in Leduc, Alberta in 1947 changed the economy of the province although it created increasing conflict with Ottawa.

The Persuasive Research Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

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Cyber Schooling in Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Cyber Schooling in Education - Essay Example Because of these drawbacks, Boards of Education should place limitations on the extent of cyber schooling. One of the biggest problems with cyber schooling is that there are not many opportunities for students to interact with others on a daily basis. This interaction plays a large part in student completion of school, as those who feel that university is not offering them anything is likely to drop out. Students want a "sense of belonging to a larger university community, rather than simply being ... a statistic" (Lee & Chan, 2007). Several surveys have reinforced these suggestions, and have attributed the fact that "distance learners have the highest risk of dropping out ... to the isolation experienced by these students" (Lee & Chan, 2007). In addition to contact with other students, people who are enrolled in online courses miss another vital interaction: communication with their teachers. Because teachers cannot see their students, they cannot pick up on whether their students are interested in the class or losing interest. Since face-to-face interaction can reveal emotions related to learning in a traditional classroom setting, this gives distance students a disadvantage (Lee & Chan 2007). Especially in classes where some students are learning online and others in person, there can be "serious concerns of fairness and equity" (Lee & Chan, 2007). So it can be seen that cyber schooling does not give students equal footing with other students learning in person because they cannot be getting the same kinds of attention as those other students. This means cyber schooling is linked to dropout rates. Furthermore, there is mixed evidence that cyber schooling can be effective as a method of education, especially when compared to more traditional face-to-face methods of teaching students.  

Case study 2-2 Essay Example for Free

Case study 2-2 Essay Case Project 2-2 I would determine whether an investigation is required for this type of situation. I would make am initial assessment about the case that I will be investigating. Meanwhile, determining the type a design of approach for this particular case. I would then estimate the time of each step, when the check was issued and as the amount. I would ask Jonathan to interview the other individual who has access to the company’s accounting program. I would review the company computer as well as the accounting program and see if there are any significant documents; which would including the company checkbook and ledger, as well as contact the bank for the most current bank statement. Any type of information pertaining or related to that particular check, which was issued during that time. However, if cleared, then further investigation has to be done. I would examine that employee’s email for anything suspicious as well as surveillance cameras within that office. I would also study the suspects work habits as well. I would ask Jonathan to locate and itemized any details of the subcontractor’s job amounting to $10,750 and the facts of the check for the amount $12,750. I would try to find the facts of the $2,000 difference, if available by comparing bank statements, and the accounting program. I will inform him to be very watchful of any relevant information that may eventually be evidence in this type of criminal case, which could be employee theft or embezzlement. If this other person beside Jonathan is involved in this crime and not being an  accounting error, has taken place, I would recommend Jonathan to allow me to further my investigation with this company.

The Personal Research Project Animation Essay

The Personal Research Project Animation Essay This research document was undertaken to discover and analyse character acting in animation, and the different methods used to express emotion and thought process. The document is focused around how an audience is influenced by techniques of character acting, and what elements contribute to its believability. Research of various literature, articles and online sources have been ventured to aid the analysis and conclusion. The evidence researched, suggests that thought process must occur before an action takes place by the character. Developing a character with empathy through their emotions helps the audience relate to them, contributing to a richer, more believable outcome. Various techniques are used to express thought process and emotion, however, discovery has led to the understanding that body language can be just as expressive without dialogue. Internal thought process is best expressed through a characters eye movements in conjunction with body language. Introduction The aim of this research document is to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of how acting methods in character animation can be utilised and articulated to express emotions through the display of internal thought processes in a character. This research will explore the methods used by animators to create the illusion of life and discover how it can become believable and engaging for the audience. Acting is defined as the art of practise of representing a character on a stage or before cameras and derives from the Latin word agere, meaning to do an obsolete meaning for the word acting is animate. (John Kundert-Gibbs, 2009, p4) Research will be applied to specific methods of real/stage acting to develop an understanding of acting in character animation. Background to the Research Animate verb /annimayt/ 1. bring to life or activity. 2 give (a film or character) the appearance of movement using animation. adjective /annimt/ alive; having life. Derives, animator noun. Origin, Latin animare, from anima life, soul. (Oxford English Dictionary) Animation has been thought to have originated over 35,000 years ago, after the discovery of ancient wall paintings in places like Altamira and Lascaux; which depicted various types of humans, objects and animals as Richard Williams (2001, p13) explains, sometimes with four pairs of legs to show motion. In the early 1800s, Williams shows (2001, p14-15) that there were various different devices developed for the sole purpose of creating an illusion of movement such as the Thaumatrope, the Phenakistoscope, the Zoetrope, the Paxinoscope and the Flipper book. All these devices were based on the rediscovery, in 1824, of The persistence of vision by Peter Mark Roget. The principle of this rests, on the fact that our eyes temporarily retain the image of anything theyve just seen. (Williams, 2001, p13) In 1896, this sparked the interest of Thomas Edison, who ended up publicly releasing a combination of drawings, drawn by James Stuart Blackton, in sequence called Humorous Phases of Funny Faces. Since then, we have seen many different approaches to the genre of animation. With the rise of Disney animation studios, in 1928, Steamboat Willie was introduced with synchronised sound and a new character, Mickey Mouse. By 1936, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was released which received amazing success. This was the starting point of the Golden Age of animation which was shortly followed by the popular Disney titles: Pinocchio, Dumbo, Bambi and Fantasia. It wasnt until November, 1995 that Toy Story, the first full-length computer animated film was released by Pixar Animation Studios. This sparked another new era of animation. Studios like Dreamworks and Blue Sky soon followed. Acting in animation has been adopted as the key element for creating believability in an animated sequence, But to make these designs work, the movements have to be believable which leads back to realism What we want to achieve isnt realism, its believability. (Williams, 2001, p.34) All animated acting is designed to give a character personality and believability. Just like in stage acting. Doron Meir (2008) explains that believable acting is a result of the audience feeling a characters actions of its own inner motives. Williams (2001) notes that animation principles that were developed by Disney Studios very early on, are still being used today in all types of animation to bring characters to life. Research Question How are emotions and internal thought processes expressed through techniques of acting in character animation to make characters believable and engaging to the audience? Survey of Literature Works Acting is a very broad subject, and can be applied to many different genres of acting for stage and camera. Animation has had a direct influence by the techniques and discoveries on how to portray a character through movement. This is why To the Actor: On the Technique of Acting by Michael Chekhov is an ideal choice that links directly to acting. Chekhov is famously known for his in-depth acting methods, and has stood as an iconic teacher for famous actors of today. Chekhov reflects on the methods used to call up emotions, develop characters and strengthen awareness as an actor. All these things help to develop specific Psychological Gestures that he explains within the book, that show the audience what the character is trying to express through body language, which is also the key to a characters believability in an animated sequence. To get a more specific understanding of how characters move, and the principles surrounding character animation as an art, The Animators Survival Guide by Richard Williams is an in-depth manual on the style and techniques of hand-drawn animation. Containing the specific principles used by animators to achieve believable movement. Williams has been one of the true innovators, and serves as a link between the golden age of animation by hand and new computer animation successes. (Williams, 2001, blurb) Everything in this book relates to the overall aim of producing a character that moves in a believable way. Acting relies on these techniques that are shown through drawing methods of frame by frame animation. By adopting these techniques, animators can be taught to study the anatomy of the human body to further understand how to produce successful animated characters. The analysis of how characters display emotion needs to be taken into account throughout this research. Acting for Animators by Ed Hooks explains the tried and tested methods in acting that reflect personality and feeling within a character. This book takes us through Hooks lessons on acting and the theoretical approach behind his techniques. Empathy occurs a lot in this book, answering the need to create characters with feeling, for the audience to empathise with. Analysis into character movement and acting by example will allow the discovery of techniques used in popular film. Acting in Animation: A Look at 12 Films is a second book by Ed Hooks, where he analyses twelve different animated films, going through chapter by chapter, describing the expressive and emotive methods used in each scene. Led by these film examples, the techniques discovered through research, can be firmly reinforced. Theoretical Approach for Selecting Data Data will be collected, analysed and displayed from a variety of published secondary sources including: books, articles, web articles, web blogs and conferences. All data and necessary information will be collected for the purpose of research, but will not all be related to the analysis of animation. Acting technique and method will be the main subject source of research, which will provide a broader context to base opinions, ideas and thoughts discovered in secondary literature sources by other people in the industry. Literature sources containing examples of proven practise will be used to further enforce the topic of research. Description of Proposed Practise By an extended discovery and analysis on the subject of character acting in animation, I plan to produce at least six interesting and achievable artefacts that reflect the knowledge gained through this research document, that will provide further understanding about how emotion can allow an audience to empathise with an animated character. The preliminary design practise will include the development of key character poses to emphasise specific emotions directly influenced by an internal thought process. This will then indicate how a character can be developed further into a collection of believable animation sequences. Each artefact plans to contain one of the six basic emotions, as stated by Ed Hooks, happiness, surprise, fear, anger, disgust and sadness (2000, p.36) Characters used will be designed and rigged by a secondary source, which will provide a simple, easy to use marionette for the purpose of animation. Dialogue will not be used, as this may stand as a distraction from the emotions that are aimed to be expressed through body language and facial expressions. These artefacts will provide a clearer understanding of subconscious body movements that are often overlooked. Discussion Character animation can take many forms within the context of animation in both the traditional sense as well as in modern computer animation. The following principles were developed and named: 1. Squash and Stretch 2. Timing and Motion 3. Anticipation 4. Staging 5. Follow Through and Overlapping 6. Straight Ahead Action and Pose-to-Pose 7. Slow In and Out 8. Arcs 9. Exaggeration 10. Secondary Action 11. AppealPersonality in character animation is the goal of all of the above. (John Lasseter, 1987, pp. 35-44, 21:4) Lasseter explains that these specific traditional animation principles and techniques developed in the 1930s by Walt Disney Studios should be incorporated into all animated media especially character animation to develop characters look to make them more realistic and entertaining (Lasseter, 1987, pp. 35-44) Richard Williams explains, The old knowledge applies to any style of approach to the medium no matter what the advances in technology. (2001, p. 20) This shows that successful, believable animation of all types have spawned on the basis and influence of these traditional principles and techniques. Richard Williams also tells us that, in relation to classical and computer animation, Both share the same problems of how to give a performance with movement, weight, timing and empathy. (2001, p. 20) This underlines a key point into the advances of technology in animation, showing that 3D animation software packages only act as a technique of animating and not an easier way to influence believable movement. Lasseter explains, To make a characters personality seem real to an audience, he must be different than the other characters on the screen. A simple way to distinguish the personalities of your characters is through contrast of movement. No two characters would do the same action in the same way. (1994) Creating a unique character, develops its personality. John Kricfalusi (2006) reminisced of how he got drawn in by Chuck Jones cartoons, noticing the unique expressions he drew. Specifically as an example, the way he draws two whites of the eyes joined together, one bigger than the other to form a D-uh expression. We can see that individuality is very important when introducing personality to a character, Chekhov (1953, p.83) explains on the subject of characterisation, that particular features indigenous to a character; like a typical movement, manner of speech, recurrent habit, odd way of walking and so on, expresses the finishing touches to a character. Characters become more alive and more human with this small feature. Hooks (2000, p.36) explains, When we speak of creating the illusion of life in animation, it boils down not to mannerisms and naturalistic movement, but to emotion. Hooks continues to state that theoretically speaking, emotion is the essential element of acting as the point of empathy for the audience. Hooks, Empathy is as essential to dynamic acting as oxygen is to water. (2000, p.9) Characters of all descriptions, in an attempt to make them believable to an audience, need to have a particular personality. The audience needs to be directly affected by a characters on-screen emotion, to really feel a sense of empathy. Without, the audience will lose interest easily and the objectives within the storyline can diminish. Hooks (2000, p.41), reflects on Charlie Chaplin as one of the most influential comedians that used a great deal of empathy in his work to touch the audiences emotions. He explains that his innovation as a performer has had a huge influence on the world of comics and animation. As Chuck Jones has said I admire Chaplin very much because you could see him think, and plan, and you cared for him. (Hooks, 2000, p.40) Chaplins unique relationship with the audience has seen a great influence on character animation from the beginning of Walt Disneys profession. Dick Huemer (Hooks, 2000, p.40), Disney storyman, tells us Walt had an image of Mickey Mouse as a little Chaplin. In order to successfully accomplish empathy within a character, there needs to be elements of individuality to provoke emotions. These can be developed through simple recurring mannerisms that correlate with the characters thoughts and actions. In every respect, the audience needs to be the main influence when deciding a characters actions. Hooks states humans express six basic emotions, happiness, surprise, fear, anger, disgust and sadness (2000, p.36) He also tells us that there is disagreement on whether facial expression is primarily a reflection of the inner emotional state, or if it is simply a social display. Hooks concludes that it could be either, depending on the situation. Emotion can be expressed through both facial expression and body language, although the influence of each method can be different. Williams (2001, p. 324) believes that words should be kept to a bare minimum and as an animator, make everything as clear as possible through pantomime using only the body to tell the story. The movements of the body are thought about a lot more by animators than real actors, as animators have to create it rather than do it, although the physical expressive nature of emotions are identical. Different types of feelings can be expressed easily as Chekhov shows, grasping or catching (greed, avarice, cupidity, miserliness) roughly with palms turned earthward lusts to overpower, to possess. (1953, p.67) Equally, Chekhov (1953, p.73) explains here that in order to build up your characters expressive nature, hands and arms should act first for example; hands up near the chin expresses unavoidability and loneliness, palms turned outward displays self-defence and slight humour is evoked when bending the three middle fingers of each hand. Hooks agrees, The truth is that our hands and arms are the most expressive parts of our bodies. (2000, p.60) An example to this, Hooks demonstrates, Arms folded across the chest indicate that the person is closed, intractable When you are embarrassed, you tend to shrink in space. (2000, p.62) This reveals that many body language patterns in human figures are emphasised through the movement of hands and arms. Williams (2001, p. 324) explains a method called Twinning where arms and hands are doing the same thing, symmetrically. He teaches that this is used to show authority by preachers, leaders, politicians and so forth. Kevan Shorey agrees that, Symmetry is a good way of adding force to an action to get a point across! (2008) Both animators, believe that twinning should be broken up to avoid an exact mirror image of movements that would produce unbelievable messages to the audience. Jeff Lew (2004) explains that to make twinning animation look more interesting, the perspective of shot needs to be changed so they dont physically look identical at a particular camera angle. Walt Disney in 1930s found that expression is better when the whole body is involved and not only the face, Movement begins in the area of your navel and radiates outwards into your limbs. (Hooks, 2000, p.60) John Kricfalusi (2006) explains that animators have evolved a style that has become more stagy than live action by reading characters emotions through body language and poses. Evidentially, facial expressions arent enough to provoke a meaningful emotion, and that the whole body needs to be articulating through hand gestures and arm movements to compliment facial expressions, to achieve a believable emotion through a character. In an example from Toy Story 2, Hooks notes, She (Jessie) doesnt simply greet Woody enthusiastically, she turns him over and gives him nuggies! She tosses him this way and that. Her emotion is leading her to energetically celebrate. (2005, p.90) This is a specific example of how body language is reflecting emotion successfully. If this same bit of acting was acted on the stage, or in front of a camera with real actors it would have a very different outcome. The emotion may be similar, but another way of emphasising actions used in animation is through exaggeration. Shawn Kelly (2009) informs us that he was taught to exaggerate something more than it should be, then double it. Exaggeration is one of the original animation principles. Lasseter (1987, pp. 35-44, 21:4) suggests exaggeration of characters by the animator must be very carefully chosen. If there is too much distortion it could result in an unrealistic look. Looking back much earlier, to 1927, the classic film Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans was released. Without synchronised dialogue, films of this era had to rely on the characters acting and the backing compositions as the two main elements for the story. Sunrise is considered one of the finest films of the silent era, and Janets Gaynors performance is one its greatest virtues Her supple face and soulful eyes convey a range of thoughts and emotions that pages of dialogue could only suggest. (DeFreitas, 2009) Later, DeFreitas (2009) tells us that Sunrise became a winner of the 1929 Best Picture Oscar for Unique and Artistic Production. This film sets as an evidential example of how acting without dialogue can influence and empathise with an audience just as good, if not more so. Often in animation, Lasseter (1987, pp. 35-44) explains that the eye can easily pick up when the motion of a character seems to die, which can come across as looking particularly fake and unbelievable. To overcome this loss of motion, Lasseter uses a moving hold which is a technique used that continues the motion of a body part after an action. This breaks up the animation and results in a smoother and more believable sequence. Preston Blair (Hooks, 2001, p.60), states that an actor should never pause without a specific reason, and when a pause occurs, it should be shown for long enough so the audience can register it. These are both techniques that engage the audience into what the character is acting out. Before a movement of any sort can occur, thought processes need to become apparent through the character. Hooks outlines, Thinking tends to lead to conclusions; emotion tends to lead to action. (2000, p.1) Hooks defines a thought process as a method in discovering a conclusion. Lasseter (1994) mentions that every movement of a particular character must exist for a reason, and, ultimately, develop feelings in a character through their thought processes. As an observation, before a human being puts his body into action, a thought process must occur. In animation, this thought process must be shown to the audience to illustrate believability of an action that has just been revealed. To show a thought process in a character, Disney animator/teacher Eric Larson shows a technique, in Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnsons Illusion of Life, The subject gradually lowered his brows into a frown paused and then lifted one brow and glanced to the side, you immediately would sense a change from one thought to another (Richard Williams, 2001, p.320) This action was discovered when the first Mickey Mouse shorts were being created, and stands as a key element into how change of expression can reflect a meaningful thought process. Shawn Kelly (2009) expresses his ideas, explaining that there isnt anything more important than showing a characters thought process and changes which occur within it to provoke emotions and actions. It is down to these thought processes, he concludes, that drives everything we do. Looking at character animation in Toy Story 2, Hooks (2005, p.87) explains how Woodys realisation that Andy has gone to camp without him, leads him to his express sadness (emotion) which then leads him to withdraw to the back shelf, out of sight. He adds that, The more specific the characters thought process, the better the performance. (2005, p.87) Thought process in character animation, as mentioned, is very important for believability. This has been true for many years since the beginning of Disneys Golden Age in animation. Walt Disney said, In most instances, the driving force behind the action is the mood, the personality, the attitude of the character-or all three. Therefore, the mind is the pilot. We think of things before the body does them. (Lasseter, 1987, pp. 35-44, 21:4) It is widely agreed that thought process is the main building block that needs to be perfected and shown successfully in any animated character. Bill Tytla (Hooks, 2005, p.3), concluded that the pose is a reaction to something. Hooks refers to Aristotle, Aristotle referred to this as a unity of action small actions that lead to a bigger action, or objective. This simple rule lies at the base of all acting theory. An action without a thought is impossible, and action without an objective is just a mechanical thing, moving body parts. (Hooks, 2005, p.4-5) Aristotle finds that the thought process of a character separates a character with life to a robotic, lifeless machine. As mentioned earlier, Eric Larsons technique of showing a thought process in a character is very believable. But more specifically, it has been discovered that the eyes are the most important parts of the character to express and emphasis these thoughts. Williams (2001, p.325) advises on how the eyes are the focal point that people watch in a character. As an example, he notes, When listening on the phone the eyes flicker around in a Staccato fashion reflecting the listeners shifting thoughts in reaction our eyes are rarely still. (2001, p.326) The eyes, the driving force behind a characters actions. Kelly agrees that decisions can be reflected successfully with the eyes, They will very often dart their eyes around a bit as they consider and weigh their options. Its almost as if they are reading an imaginary list of possible choices! (2009) Lasseter (1987), explains that eyes lead before the action, and that the only time they wouldnt lead, would be if there was an external force acting upon the character. He mentions further, that the trick to showing thought process through the eyes of a character is with anticipation. The eyes should move first, followed by the head and then the rest of the body. The eyes of a character are the windows to its thoughts; the characters thoughts are conveyed through the actions of its eyes. (Lasseter, 1987) As well as eye movements, the timing and speed of a characters blinks can also affect the outcome of what is portrayed as a thought process. Kelly (2009), explains that different blinks can offer up our own different perceptions of what the character is thinking. A ton of blinks will feel as though the character is going to cry, is nervous, uncomfortable, shy, or possibly relieved after a big build up; while very little to no blinking will either feel dead, stoned worried, angry, or just very intense. (Kelly, 2009) Kelly teaches that blinks should be there for a reason to further enhance a particular emotion. Before an animator can even start to animate a particular thought process, they need to know about the character to be able to understand what they would be feeling at a certain moment, in an attempt to achieve a believable outcome. The most important foundation of believable character acting starts with finding out about a specific character. Williams states, Got to get inside the character. What does he/she/it want? and even more interesting why does the character want it? (2001, p.20) To develop our understanding of what a character is thinking, and in order to provoke emotion in a character, these questions need to be posed. Ed Hooks also explains to us that, Every character in a scene should be able to answer the question. What am I doing? in a theatrical sense. In other words, what action am I playing in pursuit of what objective? And what is the obstacle/conflict? (2005, p.89) Just like this, in the context of acting for an audience, Michael Chekhov suggests to, Ask yourself what the main desires of the character might be (1953, p.67) This approach sets the scene for any character in order to discover what the characters personality is trying to portray in what they are thinking or doing. Hooks notes, If you want to understand what a character is feeling, it is best to start by asking what the character is thinking and what his value system is. (2000, p.2) To understand how a character must move, the animator needs to discover the atmosphere and influence of the obstacle that the character is being confronted with. Only then can a thought process occur, and a feeling be evoked by a specific situation or conflict. Jeff Lew (2004) , expresses his thoughts on the development of a characters bio before learning how a character will react in any animated scene. This develops further understanding of a characters background that could be significant in influencing the way their emotions are expressed. This evidence shows us that there are a lot of elements contributing to developing a characters emotional state and to make it believable to the audience. To develop his understanding of a character and what they are thinking, Ed Hooks uses a definition coined by Michael Chekhov called a Psychological Gesture, which, Chekhov explains as the psychology of a character containing thoughts, feelings and a human free will which is expressed physically through external feelings, thoughts and desires. Hooks gives the example, Have you ever noticed someone who wrings his hands a lot while hes talking? A Bully punches someone in the chest with his finger. That is a psychological gesture. (2000, p.66) A psychological gesture is an internal thought process, manifesting itself into an external action to express an emotion. Chekhov gives an acting example, The qualities which fill and permeate each muscle of the entire body, will provoke within you feelings of hatred and disgust. (1953, p.64) The above, is very similar to the way animators approach the discovery of a characters psychological gesture by calling up ideas of how thoughts can influence the emotions that are displayed. Conclusion Character animation, in both the traditional and computer medium, rely heavily on the original animation principles that were discovered by Disney Studios. This emphasises how improvements in 3D animated software are used as only as a tool for the creation of animation, and does not rely on the computer to make things look believable by itself. Analysis has shown that acting techniques in animation are almost identical to stage and film acting. It is the exaggeration of body language and the ability to adapt a character in specific detail that sets it apart. It is evident that the emotional state of a character is a direct influence of its thought process. Thought process can be best expressed through body language to enhance an emotion. This research has lead to discover that eye movements are one of the focal points that enhance a characters thought. Emotions need to be manifested into an external, physical body movement, however slight, in order to engage an audience. The conclusion to the discussion has shown that creating empathy as a result of expressing an emotion, is the key element for engaging any audience. A characters believability is successful when an audience can relate to it in some way or another. This can be done by giving a character a personality through mannerisms and specific body language. Bibliography and List of Works CHEKHOV, M., CALLOW, S To The Actor: on the technique of acting, Oxon: Routledge, 2002 DEFREITAS, J MOVING PICTURES: Motion and Emotion in F.W. Murnaus Sunrise, 2009, http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2009-0212/article/32219?headline=MOVING-PICTURES-Motion-and-Emotion-in-F.W.-Murnaus-Sunrise- HOOKS, E., BIRD, B Acting for Animators, Portsmouth: Heinemann 2000 HOOKS, E Acting in Animation: A Look at 12 Films, Portsmouth: Heinemann 2005 KUNDERT- GIBBS, J, Action! Lessons for CG Animators, Oxford: John Wiley Sons, 2009 KRICFALUSI, J Personal Blog, 2006, http://johnkstuff.blogspot.com KELLY, S Animation Mentor Blog, 2009, http://www.animationtipsandtricks.com LASSETER, J Principles of Traditional Animation Applied to 3D Computer Animation, Siggraph, 1987, http://www.siggraph.org/education/materials/HyperGraph/animation/character_animation/principles/prin_trad_anim.htm

Roman Entertainment :: essays research papers

Roman Entertainment   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There were many things the Romans did for entertainment. Even though this entertainment was cruel and brutal it satisfied the Roman's need for excitment and relaxation. In Rome most people loved to watch others suffer and fight to their death. While others loved to go and get a good laugh at the theater or relax and talk about politics at the baths. In the city the state provided most of the entertainment. Outside of the city the people made their own entertainment.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the places that the state provided for entertainment was the Colosseum. The Colosseum could seat up to about 50,000 people, upper and lower class. The lower class and women had to sit in the highest level of the Colosseum. The rich and upper class had the best seating and the easiest access to the Colosseum. Even though many people think that the Colosseum was used just for gladiatorial battles, the Colosseum was also filled water so the navy could work on its strategies. The gladiatorial battles usually took place from sunrise to sunset. The gladiators not only fought against other gladiators but also against wild beast such as lions, tigers, and many other dangerous animals. In the beginning, slaves were the main fighters in the arena. Then they realized that the slave population was not enough to continue the battles; so many criminals were sent to the gladiatorial schools. Since the criminals were getting sent to the gladiatorial schools to become a gladiator, criminals thought twice before commiting a crime.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another state provided form of entertainment was chariot racing. The chariot races were held in what was called The Circus Maximus. The chariot races held in the Circus Maximus were considered the most popular form of entertainment. The Circus Maximus' entertainment was much like the Colosseum, a visitor could come and stay all day. The Circus Maximus could seat as many as 255,000 spectators. Men and women could sit together, but there was reserved seating for the Emporer, senators, knights, Vestal virgins, and women of the Imperial family. On the day of the event, there were about ten to twenty four races. Just like today there were many precautions taken before each race. The horses and the drivers were both checked to ensure that they had not been drugged, and were able to compete in the games. After each race the crowd was amused with acrobats, rope-dancers, and trick-riders.