The Merger Of Daimler Benz With Chrysler Finance Essay - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 7 Words: 2032 Downloads: 6 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Finance Essay Type Research paper Did you like this example? Over the recent past, the motor industry has faced a lot of mergers between companies in the bid to get more clients and internationalize their horizons. The well planned mergers have arguably led to relative success while those that might have omitted some vital factor have had to contend with the pain of getting into detrimental losses. Examples of such mergers include the partnership between Ford and Jaguar, GM and Saab, Ford and Mazda or even the BMW and the rover. Only a few companies like Toyota and VW have been able to acquire and maintain their clients through solo efforts (Bruner et. Al., 1998, p. 13). However, the most outspoken and widely renowned automobile story is the hopefully planned, yet ill-fated, merger between Chrysler and Daimler which resulted in great losses by both companies. It is based on their failed merger that this case study is going to highlight various aspects like the strengths, weaknesses, risks, opportunities, challenges and the extent of success of the Chrysler and Daimler project. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "The Merger Of Daimler Benz With Chrysler Finance Essay" essay for you Create order Even before the 1998 merger, both Daimler and Chrysler had to face surmountable challenges ranging from stiff market competition, diversification of products and services, global recession among many other factors. Nevertheless, through their hardworking leaders and ingenious contribution from various innovative individuals, both companies were able to stay afloat of the murky waters of the automobile industry. By the end of 1997, both companies had already reestablished themselves as dominant forces in automobile dealership with Daimler being in the German frontline while Chrysler having a lions-share of the American market (Milne Reed, May 15, 2007). It is however from the growing competition from other automobile companies, the need to expand markets into international horizons, the need to share the vast potentiality and expertise from both companies that Jrgen Schrempp-the CEO of Daimler- and Robert Eaton-Chryslers CEO-saw the need to form a merger. Bruner et. Al., (1998, p. 17) opines that in such a merger; companies agreed to exchange of stocks which ultimately led to formation of one new superior company. This posed great possibilities for companies for example; it could enhance saving of costs through elimination of redundant mechanisms, improve the quality of products and services based on the uniqueness of technologies, expand territorial conquest for the involved parties, increase employment of people residing in the place where the company is to be incepted among others. So in spite of the high numbers of documented failures; Chrysler and Daimler were greatly determined towards forming a merger and recording good outpu t (p. 17-24). As explicated later, this determination and hope backfired on them as they faced greater challenges that led to the downfall of two of the most revered automobile companies in the whole world. 1 i) To what extent is it fair to say that the merger of Daimler-Benz with Chrysler was a logical realization of the stated strategy of either company? Very little can be shown for the immense positivity and hope that Daimler and Chrysler when their merger began. Apart from a slight increase in the GDP rates in both Germany and the U.S, much of the merger results were considered as one of the most devastating partnerships of all time. Of course there were little positive mobility in terms of development of new products and services. Mackintosh Milne (2005) exemplify this by citing the increased sales and profits between the year 2000 and 2003 that resulted from the 300c saloon. However, cumulatively, the products were not able to give returns as earlier projected by the planners. In fact, there were not even enough returns to cater for the huge amount of money that were pumped into the project (Bruner et. Al., 1998, p. 42-44). Mackintosh Milne (2005) additionally say that in the latter years of the merger, there was a relative increase in employment which greatly boosted the economic status of both Germany and U.S.A. The duo further document that this merger was resulted in the opening up of more trading fronts for vehicles, spare parts as well as other vital automobile accessories which relatively boosted the financial output of the Chrysler-Daimler partnership. 1 ii)To what extent is it fair to say that the merger of Daimler-Benz with Chrysler was a relevant response to any of the principal issues emerging from a SWOT analysis of either company conducted at the end of 1997? In spite of the relatively increased profit margins of both Daimler and Chrysler, both companies were facing surmountable challenges that greatly required the formation of a merger. This is going to be analyzed below based on the SWOT analysis i.e. the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats/Risks. a) Strengths As of 2007, both companies were dominant in their respective states. The formation of a merger would therefore not only increase their domination locally but also open international fronts for more market and sales of their various products and services. The merger also offered a chance to further the strength of the companies in terms of developing new products and services which was very vital for an increase in profit margins. Lastly, both companies were strong in terms of their technical expertise. By merging, both of the companies had the chance to learn from one another, incorporate their unique skills and invent new strategies or systems of operation even as they worked to further the common goal of ensuring the overall growth of the company as a unified entity. b) Weaknesses According to LEX column (1997), merging the companies would mean that new designs that incorporate technology from both Chrysler and Daimler. This was greatly inhibiting since both companies had previously tried redesigning or remodeling new products based on the new technology but ended up failing. The prospects of succeeding this time round were therefore seen as being quite limited (Simonian, 1987). Again, the German market tended to be freer as opposed to the U.S market which was quite rigid in terms of the policies governing sales, marketing and circulation of money. This, therefore, made it difficult for the formation of a unified cash-flow system that was accommodative of both ends. c) Opportunities As stated earlier, this merger would open a vista of opportunities for the expansion of market bases, inception of new products, joining of superior technologies and even creating employment opportunities. d) Threats Mackintosh Milne (2005) say that such a merger would pose threats like the facing out of some unique designs in the name of creating new ones, lack of independence amongst the companies, overcapacity of equipment, development of unstable products and services based on the incorporation of numerous technologies among many others. Similarly, there was the risk of competition amongst the partners in the bid for who gets the lions share of profits or benefits from the company. This would in turn inhibit positive growth of the partners. 3. Do you believe that management was slow to identify, or to respond to, the problems which emerged at Chrysler from 2000 onwards? If so, what do you think was the reason for the delayed reaction? It would be subjective to ultimately vest the problems faced by Chrysler on the management. This is because all the people in the organization had a part to play; and their failure meant that the management would also no be able to ardently perform its job. On the flipside, I still believe that the management had a huge role to play and their laxity in terms of identifying or responding to the withstanding problems hugely affected the outcome of the organization. The reasons for the delayed reaction might have been because of: Firstly, the partnership between Chrysler and Daimler ensured that both parties had a say on the managerial issues. In order for a decision to be passed, both parties had to consult one another. It is only after a consensus was reached that a decision move was able to be made. This process was quite tiresome and involved many bureaucratic steps that hugely devoured the available time thus leading to the laxity. Secondly, different managerial factors played differently in various regions. This means that the problem faced by one Chrysler branch did not necessarily mean that the other was affected. This disparity therefore dragged the pace at which problems were discovered or even rectified by those in the management. Thirdly, some implementation procedures were quite advanced and needed to be first tested on a pilot basis. As a result, the process of implementation was snail-paced since full implementation could only take place once it was tested and proven on a small scale basis. Consequently, a lot of time was consumed in the processes. Finally, some problems were not easily identifiable by the management. For example, if a new vehicle was taken for a test drive, it was upon those who tested it to notify the management of any problems witnessed. Failure to do so by the testers therefore means that; the management does not get to know of the problem and thus not able to solve it. In such cases, the problem might even go unnoticed even to the point of the car being launched and then the blames coming back later to the management who were not necessarily aware of the problem. 4. Do you believe that management was slow to take the decision to sell off a controlling interest in Chrysler? Again, if so, what do you think is the reason for any delay? Here, I believe-and therefore strongly oppose- the argument that the management procrastinated in selling off the controlling interest in Chrysler. Taking into account Simonian (1987) sentiments, the management could not make such an apt decision just because they were facing difficulties; in the previous times, Chrysler faced similar difficulties and through their patience, they were able to come out victoriously. In this case too, their patience was justified. In addition, market conditions are subject to constant changes. And based on the vibrancy in the automobiles industry, it is very vital to give an opportunity for all the vital factors to first play out before making a decision to sell or buy something. It is only when you have reached your irreducible minimum that professionalism dictates you to make a change. This is the same scenario witnessed in the case of Chrysler; the management had to take time first and try all its options before throwing the towel on the battle for success and increase in profits. When making a sale, it is also important not just to look at the prospects of getting rid of a product or service, it is vital that you also factor in the prospects of getting a considerable and worthwhile amount from your sale. Even in the case of selling something at a throw away price-like in the instance of Chrysler-, some modicum amount of positive earnings has to be realized by the seller. In spite of going below their targeted mark, Milne and Reed (2007) cite the sale of shares by Chrysler to Cerberus as a good deal that positively changed the automobile environment in the United States (Simonian, 1997). Yet still, it is important to note that selling of vital company shares can only be done in consultation with the (major) stakeholders of the company. Prior to their approval, the management is as good as silent since its opinion will not really matter. This is exhibited by the deal between Chrysler and Cerberus which was only possible after a go ahead from the shareholders and the investors. Shortly, it is inherent to note that the merger did not live up to the expectation of its founders. A lot of technical know-how, money, expertise and time was put into it but very little was realized. The many cases in courts-some not yet even solved to date-attest of the misdoings of both Chrysler and Daimler in the management of their merger. On a positive note though, several other developing-and developed-countries have learnt from Daimler and Chryslers mistake and have ended up with success in their mergers. So instead of just blanketing the whole issue of merger, it is highly recommended that more research and trials are done into mergers so as to ensure future success to those who would like to use this risky yet rewarding partnership.

Communist Manifesto And Abraham Kuyper s The Problem Of...

The skies are an eternal grey, the sun is hardly seen, and people hurriedly rush to a meaningless job only to stumble back to a home in squalor. The grey of the skies is a perfect match for the people’s spirits. Hope, like the sun, becomes shrouded in a smoky cloud as the jobs provided to these people offer little in wages and even less in purpose. This is the life facing the proletariat, wage-labor social class or working poor. In contrast, the employers of the poor caste live rather lavish lives of wealth and stature. The bourgeois, upper middle-class consisting of business owners, shop owners, landlords, otherwise known as the wealthy employers. It is this contrast of social struggle that produced Karl Marx’s Communist Manifesto and Abraham Kuyper’s The Problem of Poverty. Both Marx and Kuyper’s writings focus on the social struggle between the privileged, wealthy, and unprivileged, poor; however, Marx presents the struggle and his solution from an econ omic viewpoint while Kuyper presents the struggle and his solution from a religious viewpoint. Marx begins his presentation with a defining of both socio-economic groups then presents the political movement of Communism as a solution to the contrast. Kuyper, on the other hand, focuses his presentation on the idolization of monetary wealth over the sovereignty of God beginning at the conclusion of the French Revolution. Kuyper’s writing not only presents a religious solution to class struggle, but is also a response of

The British Government Vs the US Government Free Essays

The United States and Britain are two powerful democracies in the world that always tried to uphold the values of democratic system and propagate those values across the globe. In most cases, they share same views and opinions in restoration of peace and democracy in different parts of the world. There are several factors that bring the countries closer. We will write a custom essay sample on The British Government Vs the US Government or any similar topic only for you Order Now The similarity in the political system of both the countries is one of those factors. Their political systems also differ in many aspects. However, still they share almost the same values and principles. The government system of these counties are so strong and convincing that many countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and others have adopted their constitution from these countries. The British Government, a Brief Overview Britain has a parliamentary democratic system with a constitutional monarch. Queen is regarded as head of the state. Unlike other constitutions in the world, the British constitution is made up of a combination of laws and practices that are not legally enforceable. However, they are considered as vital to the functioning of the government. â€Å"The British government system is divided into four parts: the Monarch, the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary. Although Queen is not involved in the day-to-day operation of the government, she is an integral part of all branches of the British government system† (James, 1999: 41). Britain provides a unique example of balance between the monarchy and democracy. Both Queen and the democratic head of the country perform their responsibilities without any conflict. The US Government, an Overview The political system of the United States gives a strong framework for a federal presidential form of democratic government. There is no monarchy in the United States. Unlike some other democracies in the world, the President keeps most powers in his hands. The president is both head of state and head of government. He is also the head of a two-party legislative and electoral system. â€Å"The US government system includes the Executive headed by the President, the legislature and the judiciary. Legislative power is vested in the Congress that has two chambers, the Senate and the House of Representatives. Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature and is comprised of the US Supreme Court and lower courts† (Vile, 1999: 31). The judiciary also has the power and authority to resolve the disputes between the executive and legislature. The British Parliament and the US Congress â€Å"The major difference between the government systems of Britain and the United States is the basis on which they are formed. While Britain has the parliamentary form of government, the United States has the presidential form of government† (Lijphart, 1992: 31). The legislature in Britain is known as the Parliament. It is made up of the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the Queen as constitutional monarch. â€Å"The House of Commons has 651 elected representatives who are called the Members of Parliament. They represent local constituencies. The House of Lords is comprised of 1,185 members who are selected on hereditary terms, two archbishops and the 24 most senior bishops† (James, 1999: 45). The center of parliamentary power in Britain is the House of Commons. â€Å"The House of Lords has limited powers in the functioning of the government. Traditionally, it complements the House of Commons and does not indulge in any type of conflict† (James, 1999: 46). The British Parliament uses several procedures to control the executive branch of the government system. When any report is prepared, the House of Commons gets the ultimate power to pass the resolution. If the House rejects any proposal, that becomes tantamount to be a no-confidence against the government. Like the British government system, the US Congress is also bicameral. It is comprised of the House of Representatives and the Senate. â€Å"The House has 435 members who represent the congressional districts. They serve a two-year term. House seats are determined on the basis of population in the respective states. The US Senate has 100 members. Each state sends two senators to the Senate who serve a six-year term. Both Senators and Representatives are elected through direct election† (Vile, 1999: 54). In the British government system, the House of Lords has very limited powers to decide the passage of any bill or proposal. However, this is not the case with the US Senate. â€Å"The Senate’s advice and consent is required to confirm the President’s nominations to high-level positions in the executive and the judiciary† (Vile, 1999: 52). Voting system in the British political system and the US political system is similar. In Britain, general elections are held every five years to choose MPs. Similarly, in the US, the President and the members of the House of Representatives are elected every two years. Voting is conducted through a secret ballot and the minimum age requirement to participate in voting is 18 in both countries. Political Parties Political parties in Britain and the United States play a major role in determining the course of the government. The political party system is essential to the smooth functioning of the constitution. Although there are several small parties in Britain, the contest is always between two major political parties, the Conservative Party and the Labor Party. All the general elections have been won by these parties. The smaller parties are mostly represented in local governments. After every general election, the government is formed by the party that gains majority in the House of Commons. The leader of the winning party is appointed as Prime Minister by the Queen. â€Å"The Prime Minister appoints about 100 ministers. Out of them, at least 20 ministers get the rank of cabinet ministers. They take all major policy decisions. Ministers are responsible for government decisions, as they are party to it† (Lijphart, 1992: 46). The opposition party, which gets less number of votes, plays a constructive role to challenge government policies and present an alternative. The policies are always carried out by government departments that are accountable to the respective ministries. However, these departments are staffed by neutral civil servants who have no association with any political party. They perform the executive functions of the government. The political system of Britain and the US is quite similar. Although they function as multi-party system, only two major parties in both countries hold much importance. The United States has two major political parties, the Republican Party and the Democratic Party that dominate the political spectrum of the country. â€Å"It is true that the political parties have not been recognized or registered by the law either in Britain or in the United States. However, they are regulated by the constitutions of individual states or counties that organize elections both at local and national level. Despite having multi-party system, both countries have been limited to a bi-party system† (Lijphart, 1992: 48). Decision Making Group In Britain, the decision-making group is comprised of the Prime Minister and his group of ministers. â€Å"The government of the United Kingdom contains a number of ministries. Each of them is led by a senior minister who is supported by some junior ministers† (James, 1999: 61). Any major decision taken by the government first goes through the House of Representatives and then goes to the Queen for her approval. â€Å"In the United States, the decision-making group comprises of the President and the Cabinet appointed by him. The Cabinet includes the Secretary of State, Attorney General and secretaries of other federal executive departments† (Vile, 1999: 60). The US has separate state departments. Each department is headed by a Secretary who directly reports to the President. Once a bill is prepared, it goes through the House of Representatives and the Senate. It becomes law only after both the houses approve it. Judicial System The British judicial system is completely different from the American judicial system. Britain does not have a single judicial system. It has separate judicial systems for the member countries. â€Å"England and Wales have one judicial system while Scotland has its own judiciary. Northern Ireland has another judicial system. The Lord Chancellor, who is the head of the judiciary in England and Wales, appoints judges and magistrates for criminal courts. He plays an active role in the executive, legislature and judiciary† (James, 1999: 71). The US Constitution provides scope for a powerful judiciary. The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest judicial authority in the United States. It is regarded as the guardian of the constitution. The judiciary of the US is completely independent of the executive and the legislature. â€Å"The Justices of the Supreme Court are nominated by the President with the consent of the Senate. While the Supreme Court is established by the US Constitution, all other federal courts are created by the Congress† (Vile, 1999: 62). The Supreme Court has the authority to hold both original and appellate jurisdiction. Functions of the Government The British government makes strategies with the help of group of ministers, approval of the House of Commons and the final assent from the Queen. However, it is not possible for the government to implement the policies without the help of the government departments. Government departments and their agencies are instrumental in implementing government policy. They often work with the local authorities, statutory boards and other government-sponsored organizations. The major government departments in Britain include the Ministry of Defense, Department of Social Security, Department of Trade and Industry and Department of Employment. These departments are headed by ministers. However, there are some departments that are headed by permanent officials from Civil Service. â€Å"Many government departments are assisted by advisory councils or committees. These bodies are generally appointed by the respective ministers† (James, 1999: 79). Members from the Civil Service are integral part of the government activities. Their responsibilities range from policy formulation to carrying out the day-to-day duties of public administration. The US government carries out its operations through various departments. â€Å"Although the President and the US congress formulate strategies, the federal executive departments implement these policies in the country. They work closely with the state governments and the local governments. The federal executive departments are headed by the members of the Cabinet† (Lijphart, 1992: 65). The main government departments in the United States are the Department of State, Department of Treasury, Department of Defense, Department of Justice, Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education and Department of Homeland Security. Heads of these departments are called as Secretaries. Conclusion The United States and Britain always worked closely to restore peace and democracy in different parts of the world. Sometimes they used force to achieve their objective and received huge criticism for that. However, their dedication towards democracy, world peace and maintaining the constitutional values cannot be undermined. They always turned against the dictatorship and fascism and promoted democratic principles across the globe. The government systems of the United States and Britain are so popular that many governments have adopted them in their own countries. Bibliography James, Simon. British Cabinet Government. London: Routledge, 1999. Lijphart, Arend. Parliamentary versus Presidential Government. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1992. Vile, M. J. C. Politics in the USA. London: Routledge, 1999. How to cite The British Government Vs the US Government, Papers

Corporate Social Responsiblity A Little More Than Greenwashing

Question: Discuss about theCorporate Social Responsiblityfor a Little More Than Greenwashing. Answer: Introduction Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a concept that is dominant in reporting of the business. Every corporation annually prepares a report with the details of its activity and has a policy concerning CSR. It defines a relationship between a corporation that is global, governments of the countries and citizens. The CSR is defined as the duty of making decisions controlling the actions taken which safeguard and upgrade the well-being of the society in all and even keeping with their own interests. (Carroll and Buchholtz, 2008) Companies integrate concern for society and environment into its business operations and on a voluntary basis interact with the stakeholder. CSR is a helping hand for greenwashing the image of the company, saturates channels with constructive image of the companys identification papers covering the negative image. So it is very likely to agree with the statement that, some critics of CSR claim it little more than greenwashing. There are three basic principles for all the CSR activity and these principles are as follow: Sustainability Accountability Transparency Sustainability :this principle focus on the generation of the resources and its use in the future by the society and also it focus on the power which is to be taken in present to safeguard the resources upon the available in the future. Accountability: this principle of CSR recognizes that its action taken affects the external environment and further accepting the responsibility for the effect of such actions. Transparency: this principle aims at ascertaining the reports and analysis of the action and its external effect. The sustainability of the environment is a major issue all around the world these days. The degradation of the environment has gradually increased from the past few decades. Globalization and industrialization has contributed in the environmental degradation significantly. Pollution, emission of greenhouse gas, global warming, depletion of ozone layer etc are some major problems that are being faced due to the effect of globalization and industrialization. (Reinhardt, Stevins, 2016) Greenwashing is a practice that organizations follow to make organization look environmental- friendly than it actually is. Instead of minimizing the effect of the products on the environment the organizations make efforts on marketing the product as green by spending more time and money on them. The go green strategy is being adopted by the companies as a trend these days therefore green marketing and sustainability have become significant. And the organizations use the green marketing as their weapons to with stand the global market. And the misuse of this practice of green marketing by the organizations is to create a false green brand image in the consumers and the investors eye. This is all what is known as Greenwashing. (Aggarwal, Kadyan, 2014). There has been a range of criticism for CSR. There are many companies which pursue the CSR to take advantage of the consumers. They promote their reputation by advertising their CSR efforts. The criticism has five main category or groups: The very firstly, with the help of CSR related activities and the CSR efforts the organizations can build a highly positive brand image which may allow the business to show a positive image with less effort. Secondly, being different from the fact, using media and publicity as a source CSR creates an impression that the organization are related to the CSR activities. Thirdly, the CSR activities engaged in organizations sometimes contradict with their actual tendencies and practices. Fourth, the MNCs and the large organizations influence the society with their active participation in the issues of CSR. Fifth, CSR is only an effective public relations tool and an empty promises. These criticism clearly aims on claiming CSR being a little more than greenwashing. No companies are taking CSR seriously as the organizations are concerned about the social responsibility. So it is very reasonable to say that the employees, managers, owners, and investors of a company are the individuals who have driven the importance of the CSR. The CSR has become very popular all around the world. It is being implemented by the organizations as CSR policies. Many do incorporate it in their organizational structure such as the airline industry focusing on reducing the aircraft noise and emissions. There are many organizations which do not practice the CSR for benefiting the society. The organizational success depends upon the ethically integrated structure of the organization. The CSR activities and the principles of CSR explains the importance of CSR in an organization. Is the CSR a little more than greenwashing.? What is greenwashing and how has it been driven by the organizations. The criticism of CSR explains the darker side of CSR and how has it been used in the organizations to show a positive image of the organization, suppressing the negative one. It describes the principle that the organization should build up a positive contribution to the society. By CSR here we refer to the practice followed by the major companies rather than smaller ones. The go green strategy of the organizations is being followed to make the awareness about the environment friendly products of the organizations but from past few years the organizations are use it just for promoting their brand and do not seriously take steps concerning it. The CSR helps the companies to build an image that is loyal and positive to develop a personal connection with the customers. Greenwashing the companies image also using the media and advertisement as a source to cover the negative image. Competitive advantage is gained using the CSR activities by the companies causing it to be a corporate reaction to public mistrust. The CSR activities work as partnership for public and private and it gives various options where the companies in accordance with the government can regulate and even pool the resources they have, making a strategy for avoiding the regulations. It is important for a country to n develop economically, it may impact the CSR reporting. It is important to analyze the potential positive and negative impact of the political and governance system by the organizations practicing CSR. (Dudovisky, 2012) Reference Reinhardt, L, F, Stavins, N, R, 2016, corporate social responsibility, business strategy, and the environment, vol. 26, no. 2, p.p. 164-181 Springer open, 2016, international journal of corporate social responsibility, viewed on 22nd of December 2016, https://jcsr.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40991-016-0003-7 Fooks, J, G, Gilmore, B, A, Smith, E, K, Collin, J, Holden, C, Lee, K, 2011, Corporate social responsibility and access to policy elites: an analysis of Tabacoo industry documents, viewed on 21st December 2016, https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1001076 Karnani, A, 2010, , the wall street journal, the case against corporate social responsibility, viewed on 22nd December 2016, https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703338004575230112664504890 Ethical consumer, 2007, CSR, viewed on 22nd December 2016, https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/commentanalysis/factsvgreenwash/corporatesocialresponsibility.asp Dudovisky, J, 2012, criticism associated with corporate social responsibility(CSR), Viewed ON 22ND December 2016, https://research-methodology.net/criticism-associated-with-corporate-social-responsibility-cs Corporate watch, 2016, whats wrong with the corporate social responsibility? The argument against CSR, viewed on 22nd December 2016, https://corporatewatch.org/content/whats-wrong-corporate-social-responsibility-arguments-against-csr

Chaim Potok And The Problem Of Assimilation For The American Jew Essay

Chaim Potok And The Problem Of Assimilation For The American Jew Chaim Potok and the Problem of Assimilation for the American Jew America has been a country of immigrants since Europeans first settled it over five hundred years ago. America has always faced the problem of assimilation, a challenge faced by every country with a considerable immigrant population. Because immigrants founded America, her culture is a combination of the cultures of other countries. Should these immigrants isolate themselves from the mainstream American culture, or should they sacrifice the culture of their homelands for the benefits American culture has to offer? Judaism, one of the world's oldest religions, has remained strong over its six thousand year history by remaining distinct ? and isolated ? from other cultures. Chaim Potok, in his books The Chosen, My Name is Asher Lev, In the Beginning, and The Book of Lights, focuses on this conflict between Orthodox Judaism and the secular world. Many of Chaim Potok's characters want the American Jewry to remain isolated from the mainstream American culture: The world kills us! The world flays our skin from our bodies and throws us into the flames! The world laughs at Torah! And if it does not kill us, it tempts us! It misleads us! It contaminates us! It asks us to join in its ugliness, its abominations! (The Chosen 127) The Chosen ?deals with the problems Jews have faced in trying to preserve their heritage ? in particular, the problem of how to deal with the danger of assimilation? (Young)). The Jews have always been professionals occupying jobs in medicine, law, education, and other fields requiring a college degree. American Jews, however, face a dilemma: ?Ideas from this secular world inevitably impinge upon an individual born in a church community or a synagogue community, especially when that individual embarks ona college experience? (Potok 2). American Jews must either take on nonprofessional jobs, assuming an identity completely different from that of European Jews, or expose themselves to secular America. Isolation is thoroughly impractical for the American Jew. Chaim Potok's works often focus on main characters whose talents draw them to the outside world: When individuals are brought up in the heart of such a community or culture [as Danny's and Reuven's] they learn to commit themselves to its values ? They see the world through the system of values of that unique community. At the same time, however, they experience important ideas or values that come from the world outside their community (Potok 1). In the Beginning deals with a young Jewish boy who stumbles on a scientific way to analyze the Bible. He is able to understand difficult passages but his community disapproves of his technique (Potok 6). In The Chosen, Danny Saunder's brilliance leads him to read books forbidden by his father; these books present view points contradictory to what his community believes, and he must reconcile his newfound knowledge with his upbringing (Potok 2). My Name is Asher Lev focuses on a Jewish child with an amazing gift for art. Judaism has always discouraged art because it borders on the idolatry of Paganism and the iconography of Christianity. Asher Lev must reconcile his need to create art with his cultural ties (Potok 5). Potok's novels feature characters whose extraordinary gifts cause them to interact with the secular world as well as their Jewish communities. Chaim Potok emphasizes the connection between Orthodox Jewry and the secular world by having his characters react to major historical events (PinkMonkey.com). The Book of Lights is set against the Korean War. In that novel, Gershon Loran travels to Korea and Japan, two countries that have never been influenced by Judaism. Loran has always been taught that Judaism is the civilizing force in Western Civilization. He must reconcile his own faith in the supremity of Judaism with this beauty that was created without any Jewish impact (Potok 6-7). The Chosen deals with the aftermath of the Holocaust and the Zionist movement. In this novel the characters handle the news of the Holocaust in different ways: Reb Saunders seeks an answer from God, while David Malther becomes a Zionist, working in the world to prevent such travesties from occurring again (Young). Reb Saunders does not believe in the Zionist movement

The Role of Fate in Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet

The Role of Fate in Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet Theres no real consensus among Shakespearean scholars about the role of fate in Romeo and Juliet. Were the star-crossd lovers doomed from the start, their sad futures determined before they even met? Or are the events of this famed play a matter of bad luck and missed chances? Lets take a look at the role of fate and destiny in the story of the two teenagers from Verona whose feuding families cant keep them apart.  Ã‚   The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet Romeo and Juliets story begins in the streets of Verona. Members of two feuding families, the Montagues and Capulets, are in the midst of a brawl. When the fight is over, two young men of the Montague family (Romeo and Benvolio) agree to secretly attend a Capulet ball. Meanwhile, young Juliet of the Capulet family is also planning to attend the same ball. Romeo and Juliet meet at the ball and instantly fall in love. Each is horrified to learn that their love is forbidden, but they nevertheless secretly marry. A few days later, in another street brawl, a Capulet kills Romeos dear friend Mercutio, and Romeo, enraged, in turn, kills the Capulet. Romeo flees and is banned from Verona. Meanwhile, however, friends help him and Juliet to spend their wedding night together. After Romeo leaves the next morning, Juliet is counseled to drink a potion that will make her appear to be dead. After she is laid to rest, Romeo will rescue her from the crypt and they will live together in another city. Juliet drinks the potion, but because Romeo doesnt learn of the plot, he believes she is really dead. Seeing her dead, he kills himself. Juliet wakes, sees Romeo dead, and kills herself. The Theme of Fate in Romeo and Juliet The story of Romeo and Juliet asks the question are our lives and destinies preordained? While it is possible to see the play as a series of coincidences, bad luck, and bad decisions, most scholars see the story as an unfolding of events predetermined by fate.   In the opening lines of Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare allow the audience to be party to his characters’ destiny. We learn early on what is going to happen to the title characters: â€Å"a pair of star-crossd lovers take their life.† Throughout the story, the words of the play encourage the audience to think about fate and to what extent our actions and outcomes are preordained.Before the Capulets party, in Act 1, Scene 3, Romeo is already feeling that fate is planning his doom. He wonders if he should attend the party, as my mind misgives/Some consequence yet hanging in the stars.  Ã‚  When Mercutio shouts â€Å"a plague on both your houses† in Act 3, Scene 1, hes foreshadowing whats to come for the title couple. This bloody scene in which characters are killed gives us a glimpse of whats to come, marking the beginning of Romeo and Juliet’s tragic downfall.Later, when Mercutio dies, Romeo himself foreshadows the outcome: This days black fate on more days doth depend/This but begins the woe, others must end. The others upon whom fate later falls, of course, are Romeo and Juliet. In Act 5, when he hears of Juliets death, Romeo swears he will defy fate: Is it even so? Then I defy you, stars! Later, in Juliets tomb, as he plans his own death, Romeo says: O, here/Will I set up my everlasting rest,/And shake the yoke of inauspicious stars/From this world-wearied flesh. This brave defiance of fate is especially heartbreaking because Romeos suicide is the event that actually leads to Juliets death. The idea of fate permeates many of the events and speeches in the play. Romeo and Juliet see omens throughout the play, continually reminding the audience that the outcome will not be a happy one. Their deaths are a catalyst for change in Verona: The dueling families are united in their grief and create a political shift in the city. Perhaps Romeo and Juliet were  fated to love  and die for the greater good of Verona. Were Romeo and Juliet Victims of Circumstance? A modern reader, examining the play through the lens of happenstance and coincidence, may feel that Romeo and Juliets fates were not wholly predetermined, but rather a series of unfortunate and unlucky events. Here are just a few of the coincidental or unlucky events that force the story into its apparently preordained track: Romeo and Benvolio happen to meet and talk about love on the very day of the Capulets ball. Had they had the conversation the following day, Romeo would not have met Juliet.Friar Lawrences messenger to Romeo, who would have explained the plan by which Juliet was to pretend death, is detained. As a result, Romeo doesnt get the message.Juliet wakes just moments after Romeos suicide. Had Romeo arrived just a few moments later, all would have been well. It is certainly possible to describe the events of Romeo and Juliet as a series of unfortunate events and coincidences, but that was almost certainly not Shakespeares intent. By understanding the theme of fate and exploring the question of free will, modern readers still find the play challenging and intriguing.

Assess at least four different sources of data that could be used in a Research Paper

Assess at least four different sources of data that could be used in a digital forensic investigation - Research Paper Example In addition, discussion will also be helpful for network administrators in understanding different aspects of computer forensics, which will help them in ensuring greater security of their organizations strategically. Before assessing the topic, it is very essential to understand the definition of digital forensics that has been under the process of acquiring recognition due to dearth of research in the area and due to lack of awareness about importance of digital forensics in today’s competitive world. Briefly, forensics is the process in which experts utilize scientific means and skills to collect and analyze evidence that then can be submitted in the court for legal purpose (Kent, Chevaller, Grance, & Dang, 2006). In this regard, digital forensics is a newly-born discipline that is gradually acquiring its importance as a formal area of study that deals with scientific knowledge in collection of evidence from different sources of data related to computers that involve deskto ps, laptops, routers, CCTV, network hubs, logs, software, time packages, emails, etc (ENFSI, 2003). It is very imperative to understand that since digital forensics is a new area of study that is still under the process of standardization, therefore, discussion in this paper related to different sources of data might not be the final word. Thus, it will take further study and investigation to reach to a conclusion in terms of prioritizing these sources in terms of their utilization in different events/incidents. In addition, from a technical perspective, it is also essential to understand that besides assessing different sources of data, it is equally important to ensure fulfillment of primary goal of digital forensics that is about preservation of the identified data source. It has been an observation that investigators usually are able to identify important data sources; however, they overlook preservation of the sources that results in unacceptable of evidence in the court. SOURC ES OF DATA As mentioned earlier, digital forensic investigation has been divided into different stages of preservation, collection, examination, and analysis (ENFSI, 2003). Collection stage is relevant in this paper as it involves identification and collection of information pertinent to the case under investigation. In case of usual forensics, everything is a source since investigators are able to gather information from people and acquire fingerprints from clothes, furniture, floors, etc. However, when it comes to digital forensics, information is usually available in computers of computerized equipments, such as phone logs, web traffic, packet sniffers, network records, etc (ENFSI, 2003), and therefore, it is usually not possible to take away the whole equipment, and investigators have to collect the information while ensuring complete preservation. In digital forensics, besides four stages, one can categorize the stage of collection in two parts. Firstly, investigators collect b ackground evidence that refers to the data that is usually available and stored for usual organizational purposes (Sheldon, 2002). On the other hand, investigators also come across

Bloodsworth v. State 76 Md.App.23,543 A.2d 382 Research Paper

Bloodsworth v. State 76 Md.App.23,543 A.2d 382 - Research Paper Example Though Bloodsworth did have an idea of the actual person who committed the crime, he thought about ways to prove his innocence. It was until 1992 that Bloodsworth introduced the idea of DNA testing, which together with lawyer Bob Morin he pushed for consideration as part of the evidence. Findings by Edward Blake of the Forensic Science Associates (FSA) in April of 1993 excluded Bloodsworth. Similar tests conducted by FBI to determine correctness of the tests of FSA showed a mismatch between the DNA in the examined underwear of the victim and that of Bloodsworth (McNamara, 2009). The state then moved quickly to dismiss the charges, and the court approved $300,000 compensation to Bloodsworth for lost earning during the detention. The case is important considering that it was the first to apply DNA test to exonerate a suspect. In this case, the court did great in the admissibility of the forensic science evidence to determine the truth. Dawn Hamilton, a 9 years old girl visiting her father during summer in 1984 missed when searching for her cousin Lisa near their residence in Rosedale, Maryland. Someone approached Dawn and offered to help in the search into nearby forest wood where the investigators found a mutilated body of Dawn. Two boys who were fishing in a nearby lake saw the man move with Dawn into the wood. After discovery of the body, the two boys assisted the police into recreating a composite of the appearance of the suspect. Upon publication of the composite, someone claimed that image resembled Kirk Bloodsworth. The police move to present the picture of Bloodsworth to the boys for identification. One boy could not link the picture with the suspect they saw. Another claimed that the picture resembled the suspect but there was a problem with the hair. Nonetheless, police obtained arrest warrant and arrested

Success of the Communist Movement of the 1960's in Cuba and Not Research Paper

Success of the Communist Movement of the 1960's in Cuba and Not Bolivia - Research Paper Example Research demonstrates that Cuba was the third most developed country in the continent of America. Some aspects of development recorded in Cuba in 1950s surpassed European countries, such as Belgium, Spain, and Portugal. Cuba was not among the nations, which suffered from severe economic problems and reported lowest living standards of the citizens (Dolgoff). In contrast, Cuba was among the American countries that had the highest living standards before the revolution took off. Although Cuba was not a well developed nation economically and there was poverty in the country, Cuba did not face hunger as well as economic crises in the years prior to the revolution. Prior to the 1959, Cuba was reported to be relatively developed country. It was compared on economic standards of development to capitalist countries, such as Costa Rica besides Taiwan (Dolgoff). According to Eckistein (1982), at the time of revolution, Bolivia reported one of the poorest and least developed economies on the co ntinent. The GNP per capita of the country was the second lowest in South American region. The country was ruled by a small kin and land-based oligarchy. The majority of the citizens in Bolivia operated as tenant farmers as well as sharecroppers. In contrast, the Cuban economy was much developed and superior to the Bolivian economy. Cuba was one of the countries with a developed agricultural economy. Nonetheless, the heavily capitalized economy of the country was significantly dominated by foreign companies. Prior to the Cuban revolution, the agricultural economy of Cuba is reported to have been the most integrated economy in the global economy. The agricultural economy in Cuba increasingly used wage labor in the country. According to the Latin American... The Cuban revolution staged in 1959 by Fidel Castro was meant to liberate peasants and low class citizens from low standards of living and improve the economy of the country. The communist structures together with the overwhelming support of peasants from rural and urban regions ensured that the revolution was a success. Seven years later, Guevara Che, who actively participated in the Cuban revolution, set out to Bolivia to stage a revolt in the country that had similar economic problems to Cuba’s and enjoyed massive support of communism. However, 11 months later, he was captured, and killed and the revolution did not succeed as planned. There is a general misconception that poverty leads to communist uprisings and that accumulation of wealth do not contribute toward communism. This notion is misleading as demonstrated by the revolutions in Cuba and Bolivia in 1960s. Poverty does not lead to communism neither does wealth accumulation result in non-communism. Empirical data from various research materials will be reviewed to present the economic statistics and arguments indicating that before the Cuban revolution took place, Bolivia was more underdeveloped economically, yet communism did not thrive in the country as it did in Cuba, which was more developed. Subsequently, after the revolutions of which Cuba increasingly practiced communism but struggled with economic problems whereas Bolivia, which deviated toward non-communism progressively developed economically than Cuba. The political spheres, structure and organization of the communist parties in various countries, and the support of anticommunist nations contributed to the success or failure of the revolutions.

Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison | Analysis

Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison | Analysis The main protagonist of Ralph Ellison invisible man is not the only one who remains unseen as the novel unfolds. Another element also cloaked in invisibility follows our unknown character throughout the novel, changing both beat and tempo as the novel develops. Rather like the invisible man, the ongoing musical beat that runs through out the invisible man’ may not be visible yet it is very clearly felt and heard. It is the distinct incorporation of the inflowing musical beat that allows for an interloping of ideas based upon the visible, the invisible and the creative with the novel. The main theme within the ‘invisible man’ is that of the more obvious theme of invisibility. Ellison explores through the use of music such as in the form of jazz the moments or experiences where invisibility takes control. Such breaks in visibility signify a chance for the protagonist to escape and break the mould of the what can be called ‘constitutional visibility’ allowing for the exploration of ones own identity and individuality. An individuality and identity that is not in any way restricted to what is generally accepted as visible. Such breaks that allow for such explorations to take place within the novel can be seen from the very beginning where in the prologue the protagonist recalls a certain incident: Once I saw a prize-fighter boxing a yokel. The fighter was swift and amazingly scientific. His body was one violent flow of rapid rhythmic action. He hit the yokel a hundred times while the yokel held up his arms in stunned surprise. But suddenly the yokel struck one blow . The smart money hit the canvas. The long shot got the nod. The yokel had simply stepped inside of the opponent’s sense of time. Through such a passage the reader is able to see that there is an alternative to the scientific approach. The yokel uses time and space in order to overpower the violence of science allowing creativity to achieve success. The restriction imposed by science is overcome through the ability to analyze and interpret a situation differently. In the instance it was the yokel’s ability to step into the time frame of the prize-fighter and thus provide for a different strategy towards victory. One that was able to unite creativity and originality. Rather like the same way the ‘invisible man’ uses the music of Louis Armstrong with the combination of the reefer to discover a rather unconventional way of listening to Armstrong’s music, thus in that way offering new ways of interpretation. Through the work of Victor Zuckerkandl, critic Nathaniel Mackey creates a rather interesting argument. Mackey states that ‘because music exists the tangible and visible can not be the whole of the given world. The intangible and invisible is itself a part of the world, something which we encounter, something to which we respond’ this statement can be seen running throughout the ‘invisible man’. It is visible where the protagonist describes the dream like images evoked by the Louis Armstrong’s music. These images run throughout the novel as seen at the very beginning by the incorporation of the prize-fighter and the yokel. These cuts and breaks in the narrative are essential to grounding this feeling and theme of invisibility whilst at the same time allowing Ellison to create improvisation through the use of language. Such technique is central to the very framework of the novel. The novel itself flows like a piece of music, with one incident happening right after the other. Each incident offers a break, a certain point in which the protagonist is given a certain moment in which his identity and individuality are either challenged or asserted. Even so Ellison does not rely on merely the invisible man to convey the W.Bell calls the portrayal of ‘the historical quest of black American for identity in a society whose traditions simultaneously inspire and inhibit their impulse toward freedom and self-realization’.Characters like Trueblood immerge. Although he has committed the sin of incest, trueblood does not allow his guilt to bind him. He turns towards the blues for guidance and repentance. One can even say that trueblood turns inward, looking to himself and to what defines him as an individual. W.Bell says that ‘the courage and discipline that Trueblood discovers in the blues are essential values that the hero must learn by acknowledging his folk heritage’. The character of the junkman that the hero meets later in New York is also a reinforcement of the idea of the blues as being part of the cultural heritage of the black community. The idea of jazz and the blues and the power that they were able to distribute lies in their ability to parallel the then black life. Writing in ‘Living with music’ Ellison is quoted as saying ‘life could be harsh, loud and wrong if it wished, but they lived it fully and when they expressed their attitude toward the world it was with a fluid style that reduced the chaos of living to form’ This idea is reinforced through the meeting of the invisible man with the junkman who unlike Trueblood is not ultimately dismissed by the protagonist, ‘he had me grinning despite myself. I liked his words through I didn’t know the answer. Id known the stuff from childhood, but had forgotten it; had learned it back of school.’.Where as the tainted past of Trueblood causes the invisible man to cast him aside the quizzical performance of the junkman allows for him to grasp at his own heritage. A notion reinforced through the simple act of buying a baked yam from the street vendor soon afterwards.’ I yam what I am ’. It is these grasps at heritage and the acceptance of his own peoples strive for freedom that the invisible man must realise is the essential makeup of his quest for personal individuality and freedom. For they are, part of the make-up of who he is. What must also be noted is that throughout the novel and these incidents, the invisible man seems to have a certain type of plan that each time he strives to achieve. Yet as the novel progresses the plan changes. It is transformed from the mere wish of wanting to graduate and become as highly respected by the white community as Bledsoe. To wanting to work hard and be able to return to his school, to wanting assert himself within the brotherhood. To finally whilst in his hole, wanting only to assert his own humanity. In Ralph Ellison ‘The collected essays of Ralph Ellison. Ellison argues that it was the American dream that drove all Americans, ranging from different European nationalities to come to states and establish a better way of life. Even so, this was not the case for the then African slaves. Once freed these former slaves were now forced into finding a way of life that would enable them to be able to live within this European mix even though they were distinctively non-European. This, Ellison argues, resulted into an even more complex and thorough mix, eventually resulting in to the true beginnings of the American culture. Having no past in the art of Europe, they could use its elements and their inherited sense of style to improvise forms through which they could express their own unique sense of American experience. To Ellison this clearly was parallel to Jazz as it was the one form of art that could both explain and identify the American experience. Just like jazz uses improvisation, to piece together different instruments playing their own spontaneous versions of the chords that create a song, so did the many different cultures and cultural traditions come together to piece the American tradition. This piecing of the American culture and tradition is seen throughout the novel as the protagonists comes face to face with a variety of individuals, raging from different backgrounds that have all come together to form what is termed as ‘American’. Ellison comments in his ‘Shadow and Act’ that: ‘The Blues is an impulse to keep the painful details and episodes of a brutal experience alive in ones acting consciousness, to finger its jagged edge and to transcend it, not by consolation of philosophy but by squeezing from it a near-tragic, near comic lyricism. As a form the blues is an autobiographical chronicle of personal catastrophe expressed lyrically†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ In other words what Ellison is stating is that the blues offer another medium through which the philosophy of life is brought out. A philosophy as such that revolves through and around the complexities of improvisation. The crude or white-washed walls of science are completely disregarded by Ellison for a far more natural or artistic sense of being. Where ones path is life is defined by the tragedies and experiences he or she goes through, so that we are able to emerge triumphant in the end, whilst temporarily relying on the comforts of the present. This according to Ellison is the true essence of ones freedom of identity. Albert Murray further expands on this in ‘The hero and the blues’ stating that the blues present us with a near ancient tragedy sort of existence where the hero is able to persist through life and through whatever ugliness that life presents to him through what Murray calls ‘a device for making the best of a bad situation’. Such a philosophy can be partly seen through the grandfather’s words that the protagonist hears echoing through out the novel. His, the grandfathers, was a philosophy of yes-sing them. Such a philosophy may be on the surface regarded as a show of submission by the black man to the white mans dominance. Yet to the grandfather it was a way of survival. A way of like Murray says making the best out of a bad situation. In a world where the black community was regarded as lowly and inferior to the white community it is hard to see how a full on offensive would have helped in determine equality. In fact a full on offensive by the black man towards the white man would have left the black man poor, helpless and hungry. This show of submission is part of the grandfathers departing wisdom. A wisdom that urges our protagonist to fight in a defensive rather than offensive mode as this would be the fruitful result. This would be achieved by: ‘‘Live with your head in the lions mouth, I want you to overcome ‘em with yess, undermine’em with grins, agree’em to death and destruction, let ‘em swoller you till they vomit or bust open’’ Although not completely understood by the main protagonist the grandfather had imparted a rather sphinx like riddle of an advice that although appeared to be that of subjection was actually a means of survival. By urging his grandson to say yes he in not urging him to bow down to the white man but rather assert himself. He is saying ‘yes’ knowing that he has the power to say ‘no’. His ‘yes’ is a show of dignity, a statement stating that he is agreeing as a free man, not as a slave, and that that ‘yes’ is a means of survival. The grandfather is not the only one to have picked up on this idea of having to say ‘yes’ in order to survive. Bledsoe is another character who aims to ‘yeses’’ the entire white race to death. Yet the difference between Bledsoe and the grandfather is that Bledsoe does it through complete selfishness. This is the danger that as Bernard W.Bell says Ellison is ultimately implying. à ¢â‚¬Ëœ..the danger of compulsive individualism in a laissez-faire social system based on the conflicting principles of egalitarianism and racism.’ The hero’s grandfather’s words are elusive and open to a wide scope of interpretation, yet for Ellison this was the exact embodiment of the meaning of jazz. Jazz as seen in Ellison’s essay ‘The Charlie Christian Story’ was regarded by Ellison as an art of individual assertion within and against the group. Each true jazz moment springs from a contest in which each artist challenges all the rest; each solo flight or improvisation, represents a definition of his identity: as individual, as member of the collectivity and as a link in the chain of tradition. Thus because jazz finds its very life in an endless improvisation upon traditional materials, the jazzman must lose his identity even as he finds it. Ellison last words echo the very theme of the ‘the invisible man’ and the final act of the hero within the book. For in order to become visible Ellison’s hero has had to become invisible. And although our invisible man seems to have only become invisible by the end of the novel, what is conveyed through the hero himself is that he has been in fact invisible from the very beginning. This invisibility was a direct product of the white man, invisibility evoke through the hero’s blind faith in the white mans word. Although the novels hero does as his grandfather says ‘agree’em’, he does not ‘agree’em to death’. His ‘yeses’’ are ones that do not recognise his own individuality. The individuality of a black man who knows that although by agreeing the issue may not be confronted at least it is put out there. Another character in this novel that has the ability to say yes without being submissive is Mary. You have to take care of yourself, son. Don’t let this Harlem git you. I’m in New York, but New York ain’t in me, understand what I mean? Don’t git corrupted. Mary has chosen to agree in order to survive. Yet her agreement does not stretch as far as corruption ‘I’m in New York, but New York ain’t in me, understand what I mean? Don’t git corrupted’. Mary has created an ideology which allows for her survival, whilst at the same time ensuring her own honesty by not contradicting her own morals. These are the punches the yokel was able to find in order to outwit the prize fighter. These are the parallel examples to ‘the smart money hit the canvas. The long shot got the nod’. The anonymous letter received by the protagonist later on in the novel is the first time the protagonist says ‘yes’ without being submissive. This time his ‘yes’ is accompanied by resentment and fear. Tarps actions of giving his chain link to the invisible man and his words ‘don’t think of it in terms of but two words, yes and no; but it signifies a heap more’, offer another insight into the invisible mans grandfathers words. To be able to find the true meaning behind his grandfather’s word the invisible man chooses invisibility. This invisibility although offers a cloak of protection from the worlds corruption it, is unable to provide an escape from the workings of his own mind In going underground, I whipped it all except the mind, the mind. And the mind that has conceived a plan of living must never lose sight of the chaos against which that pattern was conceived. It is through the workings of the protagonists mind that the reader is told about his experiences and life. It is also through the workings of the same mind that allow the invisible man to come to conclusion. A conclusion which causes him to realise, that although he believed himself truly free he was never free from the workings of his mind. These processes or thoughts are the forces which lead him to realise that Gin, jazz and dreams were not enough. Books were not enough.† .By the end of the novel the invisible man has come to realise his grandfather words as part of his own social responsibility. It is at this point that the role of improvisation has diminished. The invisible man has come to relish his own social responsibility. A responsibility that embodies the individual yet at the same time re establishes the value of the community. A jazz player may improvise in a solo bringing out his own identity yet he must also work together with the rest of the group to bring out the larger part of the song. It is this larger part of the song, the bigger picture that allows for the protagonist to accept his social responsibilities. A bigger picture resulting not through, merely an understanding of improvisation but rather through the simple of act of forgiveness and love. It’s ’winner take nothing’ that is the great truth of our country or of any country. Life is to be lived, not controlled; and humanity is won by continuing to play in the face of certain defeat. Our fate is to become one, and yet many.

Poverty, Hunger and Malnutrition Essay -- Nutrition Pyramid Health

Poverty, Hunger and Malnutrition Every morning when I wake up the first thought in my mind is usually: FOOD! I often lie in bed for a few extra minutes, planning out what I am going to eat for breakfast. Seldom as I go through this routine do I stop to think about those who are less fortunate than me. I often take for granted that everyone wakes up and eats breakfast. But this is far from true, not everyone shares the luxuries that we have in the United States. Some people wake up and wonder if they will eat at all that day, let alone eat breakfast. Why? Because food, like many other things, is unequally distributed throughout the world. The struggle for enough food has gone on for centuries. Back in primitive days, the first task human beings undertook was the search for food. Primitive people were collectors, they would find what they could to eat and hope that it would be enough. When this failed to meet the population's needs, humans became hunters and trapped their food. Finally, some years later, humans began to farm the land. Because of the growing demand for food, those who could produce the most crops were considered the most powerful. But the limits of farming too were quickly discovered. If the earth were to produce food naturally, there would only be enough to feed about ten million individuals. With the earth's population now exceeding five billion we can see how this could pose a problem. Because of this overwhelming gap between how much the earth can produce and how much is actually needed, many agricultural advancements have been made that allow us to produce much more. One very important advancement was the irrigation system. This system supplies dry land with water by means of ditches, pipes, or st... ... flowers came from, after all it is too cold for flowers to grow in America. But these flowers are not grown here, they are grown in Mexico. Huge plantations of fertile land are bought by American coporations and instead of being used for agricultural purposes, the land is used to grow flowers for Valentine's Day. People struggle to provide enough food to feed and nurish their families, while fertile land is being wasted to grow flowers. Atrocities such as this are commited by the rich countries every day. We take from other less fortunate countries valuable resources that they truly need, though we have plenty of our own resources to work with. Perhaps if people in the US (as well as the other rich countries) began conserving more and wasting less on luxuries that we do not really need, we could take the first step towards helping those less fortunate than we are.

Macbet Act II Scene II Essay

This scene was one of the most significant, as it the scene where Macbeth murders Duncan, but feels remorse and guilt afterwards. The murder is not shown so that it is left to the audience’s imagination. Also, to signify that the murder has taken place, an owl shrieks. This was thought to be a sign of a bad omen, and it suggests that it is upsetting the natural balance of things (at that time people believed that everything had a natural order and to change this would change other things), as even the natural world knows that Duncan has been murdered. Shakespeare creates tension by setting the scene at night so that when Macbeth returned, Lady Macbeth did not know who it was at first and for a moment she thinks that Macbeth had not succeeded in killing Duncan and the attendants had woken up, and she says; â€Å"†¦th’attempt and not the deed confounds us†¦Ã¢â‚¬  meaning that if Macbeth only tried to murder Duncan and did not succeed then they would be ruined. Macbeth’s character so far is shown as noble and loyal, as in act 1 scene 2 Macbeth is talked about as being; â€Å"A good and hardy soldier† (line 4). In reward for his greatness, Duncan awards Macbeth the title of Thane of Cawdor (as the witches predicted). Macbeth does have some ambition, because when the witches tell him he is going to be king, he wants to speak more to Banquo about it. However, in his letter to Lady Macbeth, he says; â€Å"Art not without ambition, but without the illness should attend it† meaning that he would like to be king but not attain it by bad deeds. Lady Macbeth’s thoughts are that she wants Duncan to be killed. She calls on evil spirits to give her the strength to do it; â€Å"Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here and fill me from the crown to toe topfull of direst cruelty; make thick my blood, stop th’access and passage to remorse† (Act 1 scene 5, lines 39-43) which means ‘evil spirits- make me as strong willed as a man and fill me with cruelty, and make me have no remorse’. The setting of act 2 scene 2 is Macbeth’s castle. This is shown as quit an eerie setting, as you can hear noises from the outside, and it very dark. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are on stage. In lines 1-8, Lady Macbeth is feeling bold, from line 1; â€Å"That which hath made them drunk, hath made me bold†. She comments on how she had drugged the attendants, and she says in lines 7-8; â€Å"That death and nature do contend about them, whether they live, or die†. This shows that she is not really concerned whether they live or die. However, in line 9 she begins to worry that they have been caught, and also says; â€Å"Had he [Duncan] not resembled my father as he slept, I had done’t†, showing that she is not completely evil, as she could not murder Duncan as he resembled her father. At the end of the scene she becomes strong, as she takes the daggers from Macbeth (as he brought them back) and goes and puts them back. Macbeth’s mood is that of distress and remorse. This is shown by the fact that he accidentally brings back the daggers when he was supposed to place the by the attendants. This creates dramatic tension, as this would incriminate Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. At he end of the scene, Macbeth feels he can’t live with himself, and says in line 76; â€Å"To know my deed, ’twere best not know my self† meaning that if he is to acknowledge what he has done, he must assume a new identity, as a murderer, and forget who he really is. Dialogue on and off the stage is that of death. Lady Macbeth tries to reassure Macbeth that he has he has done the right thing, as he is very disturbed about what he has done. The dialogue also shows how the outside and natural world is reacting to what has been done; the owl hooting, the crickets crying, the knocking and also when someone laughed in their sleep and one cried â€Å"Murder!† (Line 25) The effect of these noises reflects the beliefs of that time that to change the natural order of things (how things naturally turn out) is to affect everything. It creates tension by suggesting that the outside world will find out and Macbeth will be punished. The audience’s response is that they feel that something supernatural is happening, due to the noises, and to the images Macbeth sees and sounds he hears, like the voice he hears (lines 44-46) saying he will sleep no more. When Macbeth first appears on the scene, his first words are (line 14); â€Å"I have done the deed. Didst thou not hear a noise?† The words ‘I have done the deed’ suggest that he cannot bring himself to admit what he has done. The words ‘didst thou not hear a noise?’ suggest that he expected to be caught, and that someone would have heard and come after him. His conversation with Lady Macbeth is that he is in some way shocked about what has happened. He says what he heard, and in lines 38-39, and 33-34, Lady Macbeth talks to him but he doesn’t hear her as he is too deep in his own thoughts. Macbeth uses short, sharp sentences; like â€Å"†¦ when?†¦As I descended?†¦Hark, who lies i’th’second chamber?†¦This is a sorry sight†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (lines 17, 19, 21 and 23), because he is repeating what happened, and he is very distraught about what he has done. This effects the audience by creating tension, as Macbeth see ms to have gone mad. In lines 29-36 Macbeth says how he could not pronounce ‘Amen’ after someone cried ‘God bless us’. This shows that Macbeth does not feel he deserves God’s blessings, as he is too evil. In lines 38-46, Macbeth says that he heard a voice saying that he had murdered sleep. This shows his guilt that he will never be able to sleep again, and his remorse, as he shall never have peace from what he has done. Lady Macbeth’s reaction is to tell him not to keep thinking about these thoughts, and to reassure him. She is aware that they must put the daggers back, so at this point she has no guilt or remorse. When Macbeth comes back after murdering Duncan, he is carrying the daggers he used. This suggests to the audience that he is not in a proper frame of mind, and is still shocked by what he has done. It also suggests that he is not in control. Lady Macbeth had told him to leave them by the attendants to incriminate them. When he comes back, Lady Macbeth tells him to go and put them, back, but when he won’t, she does it. This shows that she does not mind blaming innocent people. The audience’s reaction is that she is very much in control, and knows what both of them must do. Macbeth will not go back because he says; â€Å"I’ll go no more. I am afraid to think what I have done; look on’t again, I dare not.† This reveals his guilt because he can hardly comprehend that he has done something so awful. This also shows his conscience, as he says ‘I dare not’, showing he does not know what his reaction would be, so knows he is not in control of h imself. When Macbeth returns, his hands are red with Duncan’s blood. Once Lady Macbeth puts the daggers back, her hands are also red. Macbeth says in lines 63-65; â€Å"Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand? No: this my hand will rather the multitudinous sea incarnadine†. This means that he feels that all the seas in the world could not ash the blood off his hands, and that instead his hands would turn all the oceans red, and also that it will never wash off the blood stain on his conscience, so he feels that he will never be as innocent as he was before the murder. Lady Macbeth says in lines 67-68; â€Å"My hands are of your colour, but I shame to wear a heart so white.† The words ‘my hands are of your colour’ mean that her hands are red, but also that she is now as guilty of the murder as Macbeth is. The words ‘but I shame to wear a heart so white’ means that she is criticising her husband, by saying that she would not want to be so cold and heartless. The washing of the hands is significant later because Lady Macbeth sleepwalks and washes her hands in her sleep. Macbeth’s feeling’s are of extreme guilt and in line 62 he says; â€Å"What hands are here? Ha: they pluck out mine eyes.† This means that he wishes he did not have any eyes so he did not have to see the blood of the man he murdered. At the end of the scene, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth hear knocking. Lady Macbeth does not show any guilt or conscience, as she is only concerned with them getting back to their rooms to not seem suspicious and to get rid of the blood on their hands. Macbeth says how he cannot carry on if he does not forget who he is as he has a bas conscience, and in line 77 he says; â€Å"Wake Duncan with thy knocking: I would thou couldst.† This shows that he wishes Duncan was still alive, so feels guilty about him being dead. The audience’s reaction is that they feel slightly sorry for Macbeth, as he was pressured into the murder by Lady Macbeth and know has to live with his guilt. This scene is the turning point of the play, because it is the point of no return; after Duncan is murdered there is no way Macbeth can go back. It is also the start of Macbeth’s journey from good to evil. At this point his guilt is at its highest, and later he is a bloody tyrant. This is because Lady Macbeth reassures him that once this is done everything will be fine, so he kills because he feels he has to, but later he kills because he is angry (act 4 scene 2). Lady Macbeth also changes. In the beginning, she is in control and has no conscience, but in the end, she is so out of control and so guilty that she kills herself. Her change is also shown by her speech, as in act 2, scene 2, line 70, she says; â€Å"a little water clears us of this deed†, whereas in act 5, scene 1, lines 44-45, she says:† all the perfumes in Arabia will not sweeten this little hand†. Also, she begins to sleepwalk and acts out washing her hands. Finally, in act 5, scene 9, lines 37-38, Malcolm says about Lady Macbeth; â€Å"by self and violent hands took off her life†. This has a double meaning for the audience, as it means Lady Macbeth killed herself, but it could also be interpreted and by her violence and her guilt (of her ‘blood-stained’ hands) she killed her soul. The ending of act 2 scene 2 creates dramatic tension by ending with Macbeth and Lady Macbeth both in different frames of mind; Lady Macbeth making sure they don’t get caught and Macbeth lost in thought and guilty over what he has done.

Marketing and Branding Coco Chanel The WritePass Journal

Marketing and Branding Coco Chanel 1.0 Introduction Marketing and Branding Coco Chanel ). 2.3 Brand performance 2.3.1 Applied marketing mix (4p’s) The performance of the brand in its industry could be made clear after reviewing the key elements of the marketing strategy employed for the promotion of the particular brand. In practice, emphasis is given to four of these elements, which as also known as 4Ps (Burrow, 2008). The particular elements constitute a quite known framework, the marketing mix (Burrow, 2008). The 4Ps included in the marketing mix refer to specific aspects of a marketing strategy. At the first level, reference is made to Product. The term Product, as part of the marketing mix, reflects not only an object, as a materialised element, but also the various characteristics of the object/ product, such as ‘value, packaging methods and materials and brand name’ (Lamb and McDaniel, 2011: 47). Place is the second element of marketing mix; the specific term denotes the geographical area in which the product is available or in which the product is planned to entry (Lamb and McDaniel, 2011). The term Place a lso reflects the means used by a firm for distributing its products internationally or locally (Fifield, 2008). The success of a product in a particular market is depended on the Promotion strategy used, i.e. on the means and the approaches employed for making the target consumers aware of the specific product (Satit et al., 2012). Finally, the Price of a product has to be decided taking into consideration various factors, such as the GDP in the target market, the market’s demographic characteristics/ average income and the status of the local economy (Lee, Cheng and Chen, 2008). If the marketing mix used in regard to a product is not appropriately planned, then target consumers would not be expected to buy the product. The relationship between the marketing mix and the consumer preferences is presented in Figure 3 (Appendices). On the other hand, marketing mix should be structured in such way so that it can respond to actual consumer needs, as these needs are reflected in th e 4Cs framework; the relationship between the two frameworks is presented in Figure 4 (Appendices). The issues highlighted above should be used when describing the marketing mix of Coco Channel. At the first level, in terms of its Product, the particular brand is characterised by exceptional quality (Ma, 2014). In fact, quality involves in all aspects of the brand’s product, meaning not only the materials of the products but also the materials used in the products’ packaging (Ma, 2014). For example, in the case of Chanel No.5 the uniqueness of the product was secured by employing an innovative name and by using a unique synthesis of aromas (Sicard, 2013). Also, the specific brand is related to a country well known for the quality of its cosmetics and clothing: France (Ma, 2014). The potentials of the brand to be expanded worldwide have been limited because of the following need: many of the brand’s products had to be supported by appropriate customer services schemes. Therefore, the selling points of the brand’s products are selected on the basis whether they can have a direct and close reference to France, as the source of these products (Ma, 2014). In regard to its Promotion strategy the specific brand can be characterised as unique: common marketing options are combined with less popular marketing approaches for attracting the consumers’ interest. For example, in its initial phase the marketing of Chanel No.5 has been based mostly on ‘word of mouth marketing’ (Sicard, 2013: 159). In addition, the advertisements related to the specific brand are likely to be included in media and press that are quite popular in the fashion industry, as for example ‘Elite and Vogue’ (Ma, 2014: 48). However, the high quality of the brand’s product has been secured by adopting high Prices, an approach which is considered as expected by which has set limits to the increase of the brand’s popularity (Ma, 2014). 2.3.2 Segmentation, targeting and positioning (STP) For ensuring the effectiveness of a marketing strategy used for promoting a brand marketers need to develop three, key, activities: segmentation, targeting and positioning (STP). As part of marketing, Segmentation reflects the effort of marketers to divide a market into parts/ segments; each of these segments would refer to consumers with common characteristics, such as age, marital status and so on (Cant et al., 2009). By segmenting a market marketers are able to develop marketing strategies that would be welcomed by the target consumers (Cant et al., 2009). However, in order to respond to the expectations of marketers, segmentation needs to be following by targeting. In the context of marketing the term targeting is used for showing the identification of the market segments that will be addressed by a marketing strategy (Boone and Kurtz, 2013). For example, the decision to address only teenagers among the people living in the target market is an example of targeting. As for positio ning, the specific term is used for showing the effort of marketers ‘to place a product in the mind of consumers’ (Boone and Kurtz, 2013: 98). Different approaches are likely to be used by marketers to achieve positioning, as this activity can secure consumer loyalty (Boone and Kurtz, 2013). In the case of Chanel, STP could be achieved by using various approaches. For example, in regard to the particular brand market segmentation could be based on the views of consumers in regard to luxury products. This means that global market would be divided into parts based on the expected perceptions of consumers on luxury products; the evaluation of these perceptions could be based on luxury value as of its various dimensions (Figure 5, Appendices). The market segmentation for Coco Chanel could be also based, alternatively, on the frequency of use of luxury products (Ciornea, Pop and Bacila, 2012, Figure 6, Appendices). Targeting and positioning for the particular brand could be developed using similar criteria. More specifically, in regard to targeting the marketers of Coco Chanel should take into consideration the following fact: due to the high prices of its products the particular brand could not target all social groups, as could be developed using targeting. For example, tee nagers would not be an appropriate target group for the brand’s products. As of positioning also there are certain issues that should be addressed: so far the brand has become synonym of quality; also, since its appearance in the market the brand has been among the top brands in its industry. Therefore, the best approach for positioning this brand would emphasise on ‘product’s class and on price/ quality’ (Boone and Kurtz, 2013: 298). 2.3.3 Brand illustration When referring to brand illustration reference is made to the graphical elements used for presenting the brand to the public. For example, intensive colours could be used in a brand’s logo for attracting the attention of consumers (Shimp and Andrews, 2013). In addition, symbols that denote a particular characteristic of a brand could be employed for making the brand more attractive to the public (Kumar, 2009). In order for a brand’s illustration to be successful it should not follow common patterns, especially those related to the industry involved (Kumar, 2009). In any case, the logo of the brand has not necessarily to reflect the role of the brand in the industry but it needs to offer a view on the brand’s culture, as this culture would show to the public the values and ethics on which the creation of the brand has been based. The logo of Coco Channel is based entirely on the name of its creator. The design and the elements of the specific logo aim to show the close relationship between the brand and its creator’s values; simplicity is also another issue highlighted through the logo of the above brand (Figure 1, Appendices). From this point of view, it could be supported that the brand illustration used in the case of Coco Channel can be characterized as quite successful, promoting simplicity and showing the critical role of the brand’s creator in brand’s success. 2.3.4 Detail evaluation, critical perspective – SWOT analysis As with most business strategies the effectiveness of a firm’s branding decisions is usually decided after checking the characteristics of the brand involved; the performance of the brand in its market has also to be taken into consideration for deciding whether a brand has been successful or not (Davis, 2010). In the case of Coco Chanel the SWOT framework could be used for evaluating the brand’s performance. The Strengths of the particular brand are mostly related to its brand name and its relationship to quality (Carr, 2012). In fact, the specific brand has managed to establish a unique culture, a culture based on ‘the spirit of its creator’ (Kapferer, 2008: 252). In the context of this culture, high quality in clothing would be considered not as an exceptional condition but rather as part of daily life (Kapferer, 2008). The high expansion of the brand in the global market, as compared to other luxury brands, is another important strength of the brand (Ca rr, 2012). However, the brand has an important Weakness: the price of its product is quite high, not allowing a high percentage of consumers to buy the brand’s products (Carr, 2012). On the other hand, the particular brand meets all the requirements of a luxury brand (Figure 7, Figure 8, Appendices). This means that the specific brand has important Opportunities for future growth. Still, there is the problem of continuous recession. Economic turbulences in the global market could result to the limitation of profitability of luxury brands, a fact that would be a severe Threat for the particular brand (JWT, 2009). 2.4 Brand value The achievement of profit, at a pre-specified level, is the key target of a brand, at least for brands used in businesses (Larson, 2012). In this context, a business can significantly enhance its value using one or more brands (Larson, 2012). When having to estimate the value of the brand several issues can appear: the exact profit achieved by using a brand cannot be measured since the gain from employing a brand can result either in the short term or the long term. Also, this gain may not be always monetary; the improvement of a firm’s image in the market is an example (Davis, 2010). Therefore, for measuring the value of Coco Chanel, as a brand, a mixed model would be employed: the valuation framework used by ‘BrandFinance, an organisation based in UK’ (Davis, 2010: 44). The particular framework is based on the following method: a firm estimates the level of the sales it should achieve in the future, for securing profit; then ‘a royalty rate is set for achi eving the above target’ (Davis, 2010: 44). This royalty rate can be used for estimating the current value of the brand, which is the actual brand value (Davis, 2010). The measurement of the brand value using the BrandFinance framework is made clear through the diagram in Figure 9 (Appendices). 2.5 Importance of Coco Channel for the industry Since its introduction, the specific brand has achieved the following target: it has made luxury products more attractive to consumers. More specifically, in the 1920s, when the brand first appeared, women had to face the severe consequences of the World War I; widows were increased and the interest for high quality clothing was quite low (Siddiqui, 2014). The appearance in the market of the products of the particular brand, such as the ‘short black dress and the perfume Channel No.5’ (Siddiqui, 2014), introduced a new era for the relationship between consumers and the fashion industry. Since then, fashion products and luxury products have become quite attractive as this fact has been reflected to the radical expansion of luxury brands worldwide (Figure 2, Appendices). In addition, the particular brand managed to cover the gap between fashion and the other industries. Indeed, up to the appearance of the brand’s products in the market the hierarchy of importance as of the industrial activities worldwide had a standard format: manufacturing and transport industries were mostly valued, as of their potential to cover people’s needs (Kapferer, 2008). Since the introduction of the brand’s products in the market the perspectives for growth in regard to fashion and luxury products were made clear. Entrepreneurs worldwide were initiated to invest in the particular sectors, a fact that enhanced competition and kept quality standards high (Kapferer, 2008). 3.0 Conclusion The performance of Coco Chanel as a brand can be characterised as high. In fact, as proved through the analysis made above the particular brand is one of the most powerful in the global fashion industry. The position of the brand in the luxury sector is also significant, an achievement that denotes the brand’s potentials to achieve further growth. The establishment of a unique culture has been proved to be the approach through which the particular brand secured its success. Indeed, the creator of the brand, Coco Chanel, managed to convince the women in her era that style and quality should be parts of their life style. At the same time, through the particular brand the independency of style from complex forms was achieved: instead of emphasising on heavy and multi-coloured clothing Coco Chanel preferred to use simple lines and just two colours: white and black. This approach made the brand Coco Chanel to distinguish in consumers’ minds. A similar approach was followed i n regard to the other products of the brand: simplicity and innovation have been the key elements of the brand’s products up today. In this context, the success of the brand as revealed through the examination of all its aspects could be considered as expected. In the future, further growth could be achieved on the basis that brand’s culture would remain at the centre of the brand’s strategies. 4.0 References Boone, L. and Kurtz, D. (2013) Contemporary Marketing. Belmont: Cengage Learning. Burrow, J. (2008) Marketing. Belmont: Cengage Learning. Cant, M., Strydom, J., Jooste, C. and du Plessis, P. (2009) Marketing Management. 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Siddiqui, H. (2014) What makes the House of Chanel a successful fashion brand. Dawn. Available from dawn.com/news/1127969 [Accessed: 20 December 2014]. So, S., Lui, E., Yau, V., Kan, R. and Li, T. (2013) Luxury Goods Industry Analysis. Available from slideshare.net/vy1230/luxury-goods-industry-analysis-2013 [Accessed: 20 December 2014].