Psychoanalytic Criticism Essay

Sigmund Freud, a well-known psychologist, believes the unconscious can be unlocked through dreams. He defined the unconscious as, â€Å"the storehouse of those painful experiences and emotions, those wounds, fears, guilty desires, and unresolved conflicts we do not know about because we feel we will be overwhelmed by them† (Tyson). Psychoanalytic criticism, a form of criticism which allows the reader to psychoanalyze an author’s unconscious through the characters of his or her work(s), is heavily influenced by Freudian theories of psychology. Since Sigmund Freud explored the workings of the unconscious, he found that his patients developed many defense and anxiety mechanisms to cope with disagreeable ideas, painful memories, feelings or impulses. Nella Larson, author to of Passing, created two diverse characters showing different signs to support Freud’s defense mechanisms and repression—Clare Kendry and Irene Redfield. Clare Kendry, one of the main characters in the book, represses much of her black history to meet societal expectations. At the beginning of Passing, Larson gives a short backstory to Clare’s life; portraying her biracial background. As the novel progressed, readers meet â€Å"an attractive-looking woman†¦with those dark, almost black, eyes and [a] wide mouth like a scarlet flower against the ivory of her skin† (Larson, 9). Once this eye-catching woman introduces herself to her longtime friend, Irene Redfield, as Clare, she declares she has passed into the white community. During the civil rights movement, if a biracial individual’s skin complexion appeared closer to white than black; he or she would be able to pass into the white society. As she tells the story of her lost years to Irene, one can tell Clare has repressed her black history as a result of moving in with two white aunts after her father died. She has this a locus in the family since her aunts were racist against the black community. This prejudice against black people unconsciously helped Clare in repressing her black identity. Clare’s aunts were hypocrites in their religious beliefs because â€Å"[for] all their Bibles and praying and ranting about honesty, they didn’t want anyone to know that their darling brother had seduced—ruined, they called it—a Negro girl. They could excuse the ruin, but they couldn’t forgive the tar-brush† (Larson, 19). When living with her aunts, she was conditioned to believe she was 100% white. This conditioning influences Clare to pass into the white community, leaving her black history behind. In a way, since Clare has conditioned herself to live among white people, she fears her identity will be compromised. Eventually, she marries a rich, white man named John Bellew—an extreme racist. During one of Irene’s visits, Clare confessed that she would never go through the horrors of pregnancy again because she â€Å"nearly died in terror the whole nine months before Margery (her daughter) was born† (Larson, 26) because she feared that Margery â€Å"might be dark† (Larson, 26). This fear coincides with Clare’s repression of half of her identity—something she has been trained not to accept; especially since she married a very prejudice man. After re-meeting Irene in the restaurant in Chicago, Clare begins to look up to her as more than a friend by reaching out to Irene Redfield and showing discreet signs of projection. Since she did not have a mother figure growing up, she instinctively projects that solitary need onto her friend, Irene. When Irene and Clare bump into each other at the restaurant, Clare professes her need to see Irene on a regular basis, â€Å"And now, ‘Rene dear, that I’ve found you, I mean to see lots and lots of you† (Larson, 16). This proves Clare’s need for projection, hoping that Irene would fill that motherly role. Clare’s projection could resemble many things but one stands out clear—she is starting to unconsciously revert back to her black heritage and needs that motherly role m odal to guide her back to her own identity. Unlike Clare, Irene Redfield has different psychoanalytical issues, one of which regards low self-esteem. Throughout Passing, Irene starts to despise Clare because of her confidence. Clare shows traits that she yearns to possess indicating that Irene doesn’t see her self-worth. Irene is jealous of Clare’s beauty and outgoing attitude. Irene knows Clare carries heavy baggage because she is hiding her identity from her husband but it seems like Irene hates the fact that Clare doesn’t appear to have a care in the world: Irene doubted the genuineness of it, seeing herself only as a means to an end where Clare was concerned. Nor could it be said that [Clare] had even the slight artistic or sociological interest in the race that some members of other races displayed. She hadn’t. No, Clare Kendry cared nothing for the race. She only belonged to it. (Larson, 36). This passage is the starting point of Irene’s jealousy. In her mind, Clare had it all. She is married to a rich, white man who sees her as a white woman whereas Irene is married to a black man—almost making it impossible for her to ever pass into the white community; especially because one of her sons shares his father’s skin tone. Irene also dislikes Clare’s appearance during the Negro Welfare League Dance because she thinks her husband might find Clare’s apparel attractive. When she noticed Clare’s elegant dress and features, she â€Å"regretted that she hadn’t [counseled] Clare to wear something ordinary and inconspicuous† (Larson, 53). This dance was the beginning of Irene’s fear of betrayal and abandonment. Towards the end of the book, Irene suspects her husband, Brian, is having an affair with Clare. Despite what she suspects, she doesn’t want to believe it. Because she thinks that as long as Clare’s black history is kept from John, Irene has nothing to worry about. Despite how Irene feels, Cla re is bold and daring–willing to jeopardize everything to be free of John’s grasp. Irene couldn’t bear losing Brian; especially if Clare gains marital freedom: It was that smile that maddened Irene. She ran across the room, her terror tinged with ferocity, and laid a hand on Clare’s bare arm. One thought possessed her. She couldn’t have Clare Kendry cast aside by Bellew. She couldn’t have her free (Larson, 79). This excerpt proves that Irene has a fear of abandonment and a fear of betrayal. She cannot handle her husband betraying her for Clare Kendry, and she does not want to raise the boys alone. Irene also shows signs of repression and selective memory: â€Å"†¦What happened next, Irene Redfield never afterwards allowed herself to remember. Never clearly† (Larson 79). Irene knows what had happened but repressed the memory because she wouldn’t have been able to handle having murder on her hands. When the detective asks her what had happened, she, instead, remembers what she wants to remember and tells him Clare simply fell out the window before anyone could stop her. With Irene’s unfortunate luck, he believes her—allowing the new memory of Clare Kendry’s death to take place of the actual event. Much of Irene’s responses to Clare’s persona reflect what many blacks must have felt during the Civil Rights movement. During the Civil Rights Movement, the Jim Crow laws were established and segregation was made legal. Unfortunately, the black community received the shorter end of the stick and had to endure harsh treatment. Because of the hardships many black men and women had to tolerate, a psychological illness was developed. Due to the heavy white influence, black people were subjected. Like Irene, they most likely experienced avoidance, low self-esteem, fear of intimacy, abandonment or betrayal. Biracial men and women who passed into the white society found a loop hole to escape the disadvantages of segregation. Nella Larson captured a morbid, yet perfect, moment of how fear can literally drive a person over the edge and do whatever it takes for the fear to absolve. She portrayed Sigmund Freud’s defense mechanisms and anxieties well and understood the consequences of repression and fear. Repression is a double-edged sword. It is necessary to cope with tragic events and/or thoughts but it is also a powerful vice to the human mind. The defenses and anxieties Sigmund Freud discovered through his experiments could make or break a person—depending on their mental condition. Fears can either conquer or be conquered. Clare wanted to conquer her fear by leaving her husband, John. She wanted to free herself from his prejudice attitude and start a new life where she wouldn’t have to hide her black history. On the downside, Irene Redfield allowed her fear and rage consume her conscious, giving her the weapon she needed to kill Clare Kendry—paranoia. If Irene wasn’t so afraid of losing her husband, then she wouldn’t have had to kill Clare to eliminate her fears of solitude and betrayal. Works Cited Larson, Nella. Passing. London: W.W. Norton & Company, Inc., 2007. Book. Luft, Joseph and Harrington Ingham. â€Å"SMALL GROUP INSTRUCTOR TRAINING COURSE.† 1984. Chapter 5: Johari Window. Web. 11 November 2012. . Tyson, Lois. Critical Theory Today: A User-Friendly Guide. 2nd. New York City: Taylor and Francis Group, 2009. Web.

Language of Politics Essay

Webster’s Encyclopedia defined language, from Latin lingua, â€Å"tongue†, as basically the mode by which humans express themselves vocally and communicate with others. It is the expression and communication of emotions or ideas between human beings by means of speech and hearing, the sounds spoken or heard being systematized and confirmed by usage among a given people over a period of time.[1] The art of using language in such a way that meaning is either limited or produces a new connotation, have only one purpose, that is, to manipulate people in believing other concepts or meanings so that people will not put into bad light or decipher correctly previous actions that have adverse effects to the environment, to people or to the society. Some people believe that our civilization is degenerating and becoming more immoral as time passes us by and that our own language must inevitably share in the general collapse. As the environment continued to be destroyed by our reprehensible actions, surely the abuse of language is also one of the characteristics of a decaying society. Ultimately, the decline of language will have to be traced to its political and economic causes. Language becomes ugly and inaccurate mainly because our own thoughts have become dull and foolish and frivolous. Manipulation of language to cover certain ugly deeds or to paint rosy pictures so as to maintain people support and economic stability is fast becoming the norm in today’s everyday communication. In George Orwell’s †Politics and the English Language†, two qualities that emerged among the five specimens of the English language as it is habitually written are (1) the staleness of imagery; and (2) the lack of precision. He explained that the writer must have a meaning and yet, cannot express it properly or expresses it in such a way that it gives a whole new connotation. The writer might be indifferent to what he is saying and doesn’t care if he is understood at all. Orwell said that this combination of vagueness ad sheer incompetence is one that is most unmistakably marked in terms of characteristics of modern English prose and of any kind of political writing. As soon as topics for discussion are raised, the concrete become abstract and no one seems able to think and speak words that is not hackneyed or trite. Orwell enumerated four tricks by which prose construction is habitually evaded: (1) Dying metaphors – assists thought by evoking a visual image but also a metaphor that is technically â€Å"dead† (e.g., iron resolution) has in effect, reverted to being an ordinary word and can be used without loss of vividness, metaphors that are usually used to save people from inventing new words (e.g., toe the line, stand shoulder to shoulder with, play into the hands of, etc.); (2) Operators or verbal false limbs – saves the trouble of choosing appropriate verbs and nouns and at the same time, pad each sentence with extra syllables that gives it an appearance of symmetry (i.e., render inoperative, militate against, serve the purpose of, etc.); (3) Pretentious diction – words like phenomenon, element, individual, objective, categorical, liquidate, etc. are used to dress up simple statements and give an air of scientific impartiality to biased judgments. Adjectives such as epoch-making, epic, historic, unforgettable, inevitable, etc. are words used to dignify the sordid process of international politics; and (4) Meaningless words – words and passages that are almost lacking in meaning are used (e.g., romantic, plastic, values, human, sentimental, natural, vitality, etc. are usually used in art and literary criticism.[2] Orwell provided a clear and detailed explanation as to the means by which people can destroy the usage of language through the four tricks that was enumerated above. Language can be made lively and interesting, and it can be used with malice and intention to cloud people’s perception of things and events that may be detrimental to some individuals, groups or organizations. What is language of politics? It is basically a term used to describe political or social consequences of linguistic differences between people, or on certain occasion, the political consequences of the way a language is spoken and what words are used.[3] Language, based on early definition, can be a speech of a particular nation or any means of passing on one’s thoughts or feelings to others. It is like a person such that over time, it grows and develops, changes as society changes. Often, society (particularly those in politics) uses language or words as weapons. It is used to make someone feel inferior or to hide something that will be detrimental to someone’s wellbeing. Language basically defines who we were, what we are and where we are going (direction). With its power to devastate and its power to influence, language continually evolves and changes, as the society and the environment changes.[4] For politicians, language is indeed a weapon. Creative and apt usage may cause â€Å"death† on political issues or aspirations. It may be used to cover devious acts and horrendous mistakes so that the citizenry will be clueless. Nowadays, an entire art of using language to manipulate citizens’ knowledge and inputs regarding politics has developed. Language is oftentimes used to hide mistakes or to cloud the people’s better judgment. By using misleading language like jargon, confusing syntax and hypersensitivity to very narrow definitions, politicians are able to make people believe in lies or make them act in such a way that will be greatly beneficial to the political position of a candidate. One example of this is when then Secretary of State, Alexander Haig (1981) manipulated words because he was to explain to Congress why a group of Salvadoran soldiers trained and equipped by the United States had brutally raped and killed four American nuns. Haid used every language trick imaginable to suggest that the nuns actually got involved in an â€Å"exchange of fire† with the soldiers such that the image of nuns fighting with soldiers almost obliterated the fact that a crime was committed against the nuns. This is an example of how language can be manipulated to suit the needs of the politicians.[5] Politicians also mislead its citizenry by using jargon. Jargon refers to the confusing labels that are often attached to things. This is used so that those who are knowledgeable will know precisely what is being referred to. To use it with dishonesty and deceitfulness in mind, jargon is oftentimes used to confuse people with very formal sounding language. One example of this is when a doctor tells a patient that she has â€Å"sever abdominal distension†, encouraging the patient to spend more for her hospitalization, little knowing that it just means she is experiencing â€Å"cramps†. This is oftentimes utilized during wartimes (e.g. during the Gulf War) by politicians to report about â€Å"targets being serviced† which only meant that something possible containing people in it was destroyed. William Lutz, in his book titled Doublespeak, gave another example on the usage of jargon to mislead people. He cited a US$2,043 dollar â€Å"hexaform rotatable surface compression unit†, which â€Å"suffered dramatically degraded useful operational life† when it â€Å"underwent catastrophic stress-related shaft detachment†. Upon hearing this, people will naturally think that the government should be more careful in buying such units when in actuality, it only meant a nut that has a value that is much too costly for comfort.[6] Another way of deceiving the people is when politicians use confusing syntax. Syntax basically refers to grammar and certain grammatical structures can be used to misinform and mislead people. One mistake that was covered up by using syntax was the aborted hostage rescue effort in Iran during the hostage crisis of the 1970’s. The presidential spokesman dispatched to â€Å"inform† the public of the circumstances explained that something had happened, but nothing really happened, there were or were not casualties and the US may or may not have been involved. Lutz came up with another example wherein it shows that politicians try to avoid being pinpointed as the author of bills that invariably raise taxes. Draft tax laws like â€Å"in the case of a partnership with a taxable year beginning 1 May 1986, if such partnership realized net capital gain during the period beginning†¦then such partnership may elect to treat each asset—as having been distributed to the partners†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The readers simply lose track of what is being discussed and are left with no choice but to just accept what is being reported.[7] By using very narrow definitions, politicians are able to effectively deceive people. A politician may apply a rarely used definition to mislead or use a term in its strictest sense while everyone else assumed that the more far-ranging definition applied. One example of this is when President Bill Clinton explained that â€Å"there is no sexual relationship†. Americans assumed that his â€Å"is† also referred to the past and that there has never been any sexual relationship when in fact, he meant that literally at that moment, there was no sexual relationship. Another example is when a plane crashed due to a propeller that fell off and was explained in an FAA report as a case of â€Å"uncontained blade liberation†. The horrible effect of incompetence is thus hidden in a term of â€Å"blade liberation†, misleading people to think that nothing untoward happened. Politicians have so much power when they use language in misinformation and deceit. People will just have to be constantly aware when they are being given jargons, syntax and very narrow definitions that are confusing and vague, making them robots that are programmed to accept and believe according to the whims of those who are in the position of power. References Anderson-Krome, Christopher W. What is Language? Retrieved 30 May 2007 from http://www.sebsteph.com/Professional/Bart’s%20class/Rankenfall99/candersonkrome.html. Language. Webster’s International Dictionary. 1998. Trident Press International, Florida USA. p716. Language politics. Retrieved 30 May 2007 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/language_politics. Orwell, George. Politics and the English Language. 1946. Retrieved 30 May 2007 from http://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/intrel/orwell46.html. Sample Essay. The COC Guide to Writing: Online Edition. Retrieved 30 May 2007 from http://www.coc.cc.ca.us/departments/ENGLISH/Guide/wizard1_200-599/500-599/517b.html. [1] Language. Webster’s International Dictionary. 1998. Trident Press International, Florida USA. P716. [2] Orwell, George. Politics and the English Language. 1946. Retrieved 30 May 2007 from http://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/intrel/orwell46.html. [3] Language politics. Retrieved 30 May 2007 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/language_politics. [4] Anderson-Krome, Christopher W. What is Language? Retrieved 30 May 2007 from http://www.sebsteph.com/Professional/Bart’s%20class/Rankenfall99/candersonkrome.html. [5] Sample Essay. The COC Guide to Writing: Online Edition. Retrieved 30 May 2007 from http://www.coc.cc.ca.us/departments/ENGLISH/Guide/wizard1_200-599/500-599/517b.html. [6] Sample Essay. Ibid. [7] Ibid.

Beowulf: The Man, the Legend, the Hero Essay

Beowulf is an epic poem whose earliest surviving copy was written in 1000 A.D. The story consists of three thousand one hundred and eighty two lines that follow the life of the title character. The original author of the epic poem is unknown mainly because it started as a verbal tale passed down orally through the ages. Finally someone wrote it down in a document now called the Nowell Codex. The epic tale is centered on Beowulf and his actions in an adventure to repay a debt owed by his father to Hrothgar, a Danish king. A gargantuan monster that is terrorizing Hrothgar’s mead hall is Beowulf’s target and Beowulf sails across the sea to aid his father’s friend. Doesn’t he already sound like a hero? Well that’s because he is. Beowulf is a hero in every sense of the word. From his moral code to his actions, and beliefs this Geatish legend fits the archetype of a hero down to the finest points. All heroes set out on a quest. For what is unique to every story, but a quest is made all the same. This legendary hero of English lore sails across an ocean to take on a seemingly impossible task. For twenty four hours straight he and fourteen companions brave the oceans waters but reached their destination without a hitch. This seems odd for a classic hero. A journey going exactly as planned? Not likely. This alludes to the fact that this journey across the sea wasn’t the actual voyage he set out to make. The ultimate goal is Grendel. True heroes value their reputation. Beowulf’s reputation precedes him, as the Danes already know of many of his mighty feats. The value of a good reputation is also immeasurable in Anglo-Saxon society. When someone introduces themselves they say their name, son of their father. In Beowulf’s case when initially landing on the shores of Denmark, he says â€Å"The son of King Healfdene, have come here to visit.† This let the guard on the coast know that Beowulf came from good blood. Dishonor in one’s lineage in this time period meant dishonor for many generations in the future. The importance of a legacy leads toward the hero that Beowulf is, being shown in his actions. The King remembers Beowulf and acknowledges the fact that his lineage is an impressive one and believes that the hero, Beowulf has been sent by God to save the Danes from the wicked monster Grendel. Beowulf’s strength and endurance are legendary. Upon his arrival to Herot he recants the tale of his competition with Breca. All but one of the Danes is impressed by his tale making them believe that they will be saved. Unferth challenges Beowulf’s feat but, never to be put down, Beowulf clarifies the real story. The Danes are astonished by Beowulf’s adventure and rejoice at his presence. This admiration by his peers motivates Beowulf to do the task he has set out to do. The battle with Grendel also ill ustrates Beowulf’s might. He is initially looked at as a fool for even contemplating such a thing as not using a weapon, but in the end it pays off. His bare hands can dole out more damage than any sword in Herot and in one day of being there the monster is defeated. The Danish people begin to worship Beowulf. This almost cult following fills Beowulf’s ego just like a balloon, yet he doesn’t let it get out of control. He knows the people love him and is happy that his reputation held up. Yes, he works for the repayment of his father’s debt but also for the admiration of his fellow man. The people of Herot feed Beowulf’s desire to be recognized as a hero and therefore he agrees to revenge the death of Halga. He feels that it is his fault that Grendel’s mother has come to terrorize the city. The hero in Beowulf comes out and he protects the people. The protection of the weak is another archetypal hero characteristic that Beowulf exhibits. The people he protects for the first half of the epic, aren’t even his own. He still stands strong even for Hrothgar’s people, just to ensure his father’s debt is entirely paid back. Though he has almost surely done enough to maintain his father’s good name, he stays to make sure the people who have so generously accepted him into their town, are safe forever. Going in to the swamp himself showcases Beowulf’s leadership style. He wants to make sure all of his men return home safely, and the only way to do this is to only endanger one life, his own. This also lends itself to the idea that Beowulf is in his line of duty for glory. Here in this scene he takes the approach of â€Å"If I want it done right I will do it myself.† As the leader of this band of Geats he wants them to live to recant his legacy in the off chance of his death; to be immortalized in history as a brave warrior who died in the line of battle. The swim down to Grendel’s mother’s lair exemplifies Beowulf’s super-human qualities. It was said that he swam for the better part of a day, a deed which by human standards is impossible. Once at the bottom he faces the swamp hag in a battle which once again ends with his victory. When has a story ever had the hero die in the middle of the book? The fact that Beowulf just happened to see the giant sword on the wall shows that he is a hero because things go his way. As one of the oldest written stories of a warrior hero, Beowulf was the basis for all male warriors from this point on. Everything goes their way, the adversaries are defeated, and a celebration is had. The men on the surface had given up on Beowulf. They walked away from the edge of the swap and returned to Herot. But even with the odds stacked against him, Beowulf managed to defeat his enemy, and return safely to his men. The people under Hrothgar’s rule are ecstatic upon his return. Their savior has come back alive and with a trophy to display his victory. The scene that follows his return is also typical for a hero. He is showered with gifts and the admiration of the people. He receives gifts of great significance, not only monetarily, but also symbolically. Hrothgar gives Beowulf’s men gold and other treasures. To Beowulf himself, however, he gives much more than that. He gives armor, which any great hero will need in battle, and horses with golden bridles. On one of the horses lays the most symbolically important gift; a saddle specially fashioned for a King to ride into battle. This saddle shows that Hrothgar knows Beowulf is a hero, and one day will be a king. The hero always gets put up on a pedestal, this case a throne. Beowulf is king for fifty years before his next adventure, but he is the best king the Geats have had. Heroes seem to always come out well rounded, they are fantastic warriors, amazing kings, and great leaders. Beowulf fits all three of those throughout the epic, but especially in the last battle scene. The dragon is Beowulf’s final adversary. The dragon is a symbol for all evil, much like Grendel, and his mother were. This time however Beowulf has aged past his prime, yet hasn’t abandoned his strategy of diving in, headfirst, without back up. At last Beowulf has met his match. The dragon mortally wounds Beowulf but before he dies Beowulf puts up one last fight and lays the death blow onto the dragon. He defeated all of the monsters he was put up against but this last one got the best of him. He died the way he wanted to; in battle, living his warrior lifestyle for one last moment. The way Beowulf’s life ended forever solidified him in the category of a hero. In conclusion, Beowulf is a prime example of an archetypal hero. His valor in battle is only part of the equation. A true hero must also show the importance of leadership, reputation, protection, and strength. Throughout the epic poem, the title character exhibits all of those characteristics of a hero, and others as well. Beowulf is a hero no matter which way his character is examined, and a model for all warriors to come.

Discrimination in the Workplace Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Discrimination in the Workplace - Essay Example At a personal level, I had the chance to witness high levels of discrimination at my workplace. The law gives protection to workers against the act of discrimination be it in terms of dismissal, remuneration, recruitment promotions and transfers among other aspects. Violation of these regulations, by companies, have resulted in huge costs impacted by law firms. The financial implications of discrimination at workplace normally go beyond the cash liabilities (Benjamin). The discrimination I faced in my company had great impacts on the individual, organizational, and global level, which affected the productivity of the workforce, the company's ability to keep and recruit workers. The company developed the habit of favoring one gender and looking down upon the other. The male gender was regarded as competent compared to my female gender. Concepts that aligned with discrimination included reduced job satisfaction and motivation, tarnished name of the company, and reduced loyalty accompan ied with an increased turnover level (Benjamin). Discrimination practices by the top management resulted in negative implications on my job satisfaction and motivation at an individual ground. I was a victim of demotion in the company due to the fact that I was a lady. I became demoralized at work and I lacked the zeal of being among the productive employees. The discrimination subject affected nearly all the ladies in the organization resulting into tainting of the company’s reputation at a global level. Promotion and company additional benefits are supposed to be awarded to all workers equally.

Contemporary Issues in Consumer Bahaviour Essay

Contemporary Issues in Consumer Bahaviour - Essay Example Within the broader framework of globalisation and market capitalism, consumption choices give special meanings and symbols to individuals that make it attractive to consumers and help develop consumer culture that thrives on consumption. Aldridge’s ‘classification of images of consumers in Western discourses’ therefore indicates restructuring of the social identity based on evolving consumer culture. The notion of consumer discourse is broadly social and refers to consumers’ social practices that are influenced by myriad socio-psychological compulsions which influence his/her consumption pattern. Consumption has emerged as a concept which is market driven and highlights complex relationships between interrelated elements of the market that are intrinsically linked to consumer behaviour. It is distinct in its social identity, social activity and cause. The consumption of commercial goods becomes important because of the role of external environment that tends to impact consumers through rhetorical communication used by producers of goods and services. The various discourses adopted by the market give it a unique perspective that promotes consumer culture defined by new values and based on consumption of goods. Aldridge (2003: 7) analyses the discourse on growing consumption compulsions and investigates the way people are redefining not only their values but also the way they see themselves as consumers in contemporary society. He emphasizes that the images of consumers are need driven but at the same time, those needs are continuously being manipulated by external environment of personal and professional rivalry. Thus, consumers have becomes more conscious of the way they are likely to view themselves and also the way others look at them. He also says that modes of communication like advertisements greatly influence their behavioural pattern and consumption habits.

Effect Disorders Have on Adult Neurogenesis Research Paper

Effect Disorders Have on Adult Neurogenesis - Research Paper Example Therefore, neurogenesis normally leads to production of new neuronal cells that serves to provide an additional stock of plasticity to allow the adult brain to adapt to changing environmental cues. This in the end provides the possibility of making stable modifications between the existing neuronal network and its cognitive and emotional functions. Winer, Kohl and Hage present that the generation as well as cell death of a cell of a newly generated tissue, plays a significant role in the development and maintenance of the brain of both adults and embryos. Consequently, any alterations in such processes are normally seen in the presence of a neurodegenerative disease. There are a number of such diseases that that tend to interfere with the proper functioning of the brain and other associated neurological functions. These diseases include Alzheimer’s disease, Schizophrenia, Epilepsy and Depression. This paper seeks to analyze the various effects of that these disorders have on adult neurology. Moreover, the precise effect of each of these disorders will also be highlighted with particular interest on the specific part of the brain the disorders tend to affect. According to Scharfman, in the adult brain neurogenesis usually occurs in three distinct areas, the subventricular zone, the olfactory bulb and the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Winer, Kohl and Gage document that disorders that tend to interfere with the proper neurological functioning of the adult brain, are associated with certain genes that play a great part in the development of the disorders. Some of these genes include presenilin, and alpha-synuclein. They tend to have some psychological effect in the modulation of the plasticity of the brain especially on protein membranes and areas with a high concentration of synapses. Additionally, the alpha-synuclein gene also tend to interfere with the synthesis of dopamine, whose synthesis, metabolism, subsequent release or

Marketing audit or environmental scanning Essay

Marketing audit or environmental scanning - Essay Example During the contemporary period, it can be noted that organisations operate in an environment that is characterised by both internal as well as external factors over which the company in some cases has very little control.From a marketing perspective, this is referred to as marketing audit or environmental scanning (Lancaster & Reynolds 1999). Both the external as well as internal environments have a bearing on the way an organisation operates. Against this background, this report seeks to critically analyse and explore some of the external as well as the internal factors that affect the operations of LVMH Moet Hennessy particularly in the fashion and leather goods sector using PESTEL analysis, SWOT analysis, Porter’s Five Forces model as well as the TOWS matrix model. It starts by outlining a brief historical background of the organisation in question for the sake of easier understanding then followed by an analysis of the above mentioned tools for scanning the environment in which the organisation operates and this analysis will be limited to the geographical location of UK. In essence, scanning the environment enables the marketing managers of an organisation to be better positioned to know the situation obtaining on the ground for them to be able to gain a competitive advantage. Background According to its official website, world leader in luxury, LVMH Moet Hennessy - Louis Vuitton possesses a unique portfolio of over 60 prestigious and the group is active in five different sectors: wines and spirits, fashion and leather goods, perfumes and cosmetics, watches and jewellery, selective retailing (http://www.lvmh.com/groupe/pg_mot.asp?rub=2&srub=0). The report will specifically focus on fashion and leather goods sector by Louis Vuitton, a trunk-maker in Paris since 1854 which became a legend in the art of travel by creating luggage, bags and accessories as innovative as they were elegant and practical. Specific focus in this report will be limited to the activities of the organisation in UK especially on how the micro and macro environments are impacting on the organisation using the tools for analysis mentioned above. PESTEL analysis for Louis Vuitton PESTEL stands for factors which may affect the operations of business such as political, economic, social, technological, environmental as well as legal factors (Lancaster & Reynolds 1999). These are explained in detail below and appendix 1 shows a summary of the major points noted. This is a very useful tool in analysing the environment in which an organisation operates. It can be noted that there are various factors that affect the operations of any given organisation and these have to be taken into consideration by an organisation that is serious about its viability so as to achieve competitive advantage (Kottler 1999). Any given organisation is guided by certain factors that so as to ensure that it does not violate the needs and interests of the consumers as well as the other sta keholders. Political In UK, there are policies that govern the operations of all organisations that are involved in manufacturing of different products so as to meet the expected standards. Consumer law in UK is effective and under the EU law, every big organisation like Louis Vuitton is expected to protect the needs and interests of the customers. It can be noted that the current political environment prevailing in the EU is not exploitative which is seen as the reason why exclusive manufactures like Louis Vuitton continue enjoying growth and expansion since inception to the present day. Economic factors The organisation has not been spared by the impacts of the recent global economic recession though it managed to bounce back in the first half of 2010. By virtue of specialising in producing only exclusive products with premium prices, the operations of the organisation are likely to be affected during turbulent times given that premium prices charged are specifically meant for a f ew people who can shift their buying behaviour which negatively impacts on

Financial resource management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Financial resource management - Assignment Example From the year 2010 the company has focused in launching range of its venture brands. For the first half of 2011 the company profits were ?1.9 billion, there followed a period of low growth of sales attributed by the changing consumer behavior switching to budget rivals. The market in which this company operates is considered to be competitive. Its major competitors being Asda, Sainsbury, the Co-operative Food Plc. and Morrison’s and as by 2011 the market share standings in the context of United Kingdom were as follows (Schuh 2012). Tesco Company 30.6%, Asda Company 17.3, Sainsbury plc. 16.6% and the Co-operative Food Plc. 7.3%. Tesco plc. Financial performance The financial year for Tesco comes to an end on 27 February, thus the financial year 2010 covers 2010/2011. In this financial year there had been a registered total sales increasing by 8.3% in its first half and 8.8% in the third quarter (Infinancials 2012). For the case of international sales it increased by 15.7%. The return on equity has also increased significantly putting into consideration the impacts of the financial crisis. The company has engaged on big expansive programs notably on international markets using both retained earnings and debt financing for these projects. As at August 2010 the company balance sheet indicated a short-term debt of ?1.6 billion, ?10.5 billion long term debts with an offset of ?1.977 billion cash position which gives a net debt of ?10.1 billion (Schuh 2012). Thus the company is committed in paying down the debts. The company has greatly diversified its property assets having a gained greatly in comparison with its book value. Attributing to this is that it has provided a buffer to the current company leverage position. Better financial position of this company is attributed by the predictable and reliable earnings as well as profitability. The major products that the company is consumer staples and personal goods and the implication of recession may not signifi cantly affect its sales and profits respectively. J Sainsbury plc. J Sainsbury plc is the parent company of a chain of supermarkets in United Kingdom also referred to as Sainsbury’s. The company is the third largest chain of supermarkets thus considered to have a significant market share in the United Kingdom domestic market. This company currently operates 1012 convenience stores, supermarkets and hypermarkets and a bank as well which sells financial services. In UK market the company is ranked third as it offers high quality grocery compared to its rivals. The company controls a market share of 16.4% coming fourth after its competitors Morrison’s, Asda’s and Tesco respectively (Infinancials 2012). Subsidiary businesses include Sainsbury’s local, Sainsbury’s online, Sainsbury’s Active Kids, Sainsbury’s Local and Sainsbury’s Bank. J Sainsbury plc. Financial performance For the past years the financial performance of this compan y has been characterized with increased turnover. From 1990 to 2010 the turnover has increased significantly from ?6.9 billion to ?21.4 billion with a fall in 2005 when the company way in the transition of restructuring itself (Schuh 2012). It is notable that for most of the years the company had a pre-tax profit of between ?500 million to ?700 million. The earnings per share have also increased significantly except in 2005 and 2006 (Infinancials 201

The technology of cloning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The technology of cloning - Essay Example Cloning is the phenomenon whereby an identical copy of a living creature can be created by man. "The process of making a clone, a genetically identical copy. Cloning can refer to the technique of producing a genetically identical copy of an organism by replacing the nucleus of an unfertilized ovum with the nucleus of a body cell from the organism." (MedicineNet.com, 2012) The cloning technology involves asexual production of an egg which does not have nuclear material. It is mainly the artificial fusion of a non sexual cell with an egg. The resultant is the production of a younger identical organism which is the exact twin of the earlier organism. A physician Lewis Thomas terms human cloning as, "The  cloning of humans is on most of the lists of things to worry about from Science, along with behavior control, genetic engineering, transplanted heads, computer poetry and the unrestrained growth of plastic flowers." (SearchQuotes, 2012) The process sounds relatively very simple but it is a hard fact that the execution of this process involve many complications. It is not only the complications in the processing that are a source of an issue. The main problems are the pre-requisites that need to be settled prior to the processing. On one hand there is a belief that cloning could be extremely beneficial for the human race and would bring cure to many untreated ailments. One the other hand, one school of thought argues that the concept of cloning is against the well being of the society and should completely be eliminated. Others even maintain that cloning could become a menace to the society if left un attended. So it should only be restricted to secret services and should only be used for the well being of the security and safety of the human race as a whole. My views on this topic are that since cloning is such an advanced technology its benefits should be hailed by every individual on this planet. Then only would it be possible to get benefitted by it as a soci ety. When it comes to the sanctity and survival of the human race most of us readily agree that for the survival of the human race severe steps should be taken and any technology should be modified for the betterment of the entire human race and preserved so that it can be benefitted from in times of need. There are several advantages associated with cloning. Some of them are discussed as follows: The concept of human cloning is particularly of use when it comes to the handling of the matter of fertility in human beings. Any genetic defects or any accidental damage caused to genetic organisms, any genetic defects present at the time of birth, or accidental exposure to radiation or toxic substances may result in infertility. Cloning is one of the many technologies that assist in the overcoming of the problem of infertility. Around twelve million Americans are infertile at the age of child bearing. Years of medical treatment cannot result in satisfactory remedies to infertility. It is for such infertile couples that human cloning comes s a sigh of relief. With the help of cloning such couples can dream of happening their own offspring and they would not have to undergo years of continuous and painful treatments to get able to bear an offspring. The thought of having their own biological offspring, at the cost of no uneasiness and complex medical treatment at all would eventually result in the diminishing of clinical depression, inclination towards, suicide, divorce and madness among infertile individuals. A school of thought might maintain that gene therapy is present to cure

Client-Server Networking Essay Example for Free

Client-Server Networking Essay What I can think of to return the computer to an operational state is troubling a video problem. It maybe relating to the graphic card and the program that may run with it. The graphics adapter may either be corrupted or installed wrong under a different version. For example if the graphic is supposed to be run on a x64 based window 7 instead of a x86 version. Making sure that your video card must have a display driver installed in order to do anything but the most basic drawing to the screen. If youre having any problems with your video card, one of the first things you should do is download the latest display driver, uninstall the current display driver, and then install the new driver you downloaded. This could help with any other problems that may have occurred. Another thing to remember is to uninstall your current display driver before installing one. If you dont uninstall first then you can sometimes cause some pretty obscure problems. Another potential problem solver is to try another monitor that can handle the screen resolution.

Differences of Creativity in Education Levels

Differences of Creativity in Education Levels People, who have received a formal education and those who did not, are equally creative. Paola Vasquez Yachay Tech University Abstract This project was made to prove that people who have received a formal education, as those who did not, have equally creativity. First by showing what does creativity and imagination means, and how things that are surrounding influence it. Then, proving that creativity is innate and it is for everybody no matter ages or education people have. Therefore showing that it can be developed no matter the education people have had, and how it can be developed with some examples. For last, explaining how poor people without education are as able as educated people to create and innovate using their imagination and creativity. Citing some articles, and videos, where there are some facts that help develop the topic, can prove it. It ends in the conclusion that all people have the equal opportunity to be creative, and it all depends in their desire to being it. Introduction Every child is an artist, the problem is staying an artist when you grow up (Pablo Picasso). One representative characteristic for why artists are known is their capacity of being creative, because without creativity they could never innovate or make new jobs. Children are artists as well, because nobody teaches them how to, but they have a lot of imagination. To begin, everybody should have a perception of what imagination means, and as an author said We could defend our interest in imagination by pointing out the real-life value of role playing in the young child, of vocational decision-making by way of fantasizing in the adolescent, and of working through hostility by imaginary exploits and confrontations in the adult (Lieberman, J. N. 2014 p. 1). So as she said everybody has imagination that is used for different purposes depending on the stage people are through. Now, there should be the relationship between imagination and creativity, so what does creativity means? As the same author said in the book Playfulness: Its relationship to imagination and creativity creativity is to discover new things for us, and to make things that we have never done before, and also our own way to see the world. Imagination and creativity are both developed in all people no matter ages, and they are also the most representative characteristic to be able to innovate, create, and to be original. It has been said always that children are the most creative people, but as a proof we can see that adults or also teens are those who have discovered or created the advances for the world. Therefore we can affirm not only children are benefited of creativity, but also not only people who have had a formal education. People that have been in high school, college or university are not the only who can be creative but those who have never receive that kind of education are too. Like for religion, in this case it does not matter the social classes, the races or any superficial aspect, becau se everybody can achieve what they desire. People, who received a formal education and those who did not, are equally creative, because creativity is innate and it must be cultivated, the necessity of solving problems develops creativity, and no matter the education level, there are different ways to develop creativity. Creativity is innate Innate The article Scientists are more creative than you imagine, (Ossola. A. 2014) states that creativity is innate. Therefore, it proves that creativity comes in everybodys mind; because based on Cambridge Dictionary; innate means, an ability that people were born with, and not something they have learned. Learning is something people can do everywhere, not exactly a school, or with an education system. There are a lot of people that learns all they know in streets or like it is said the school of life. Anyway creativity is not something learned, so people do not need to have a formal education, or to have learned something about life. It also does not depend on the social groups, cultures, religion, or any kind of those characteristics; any of them are irrelevant to creativity, because people are already born with the ability or capacity to be creative. Imagination and creativity. So what does it mean to be creative? If it is about an international meaning, again Cambridge Dictionary defines it as the ability to produce original and unusual ideas, or to make something new or imaginative. That last point brings us to the other topic: imagination, a word that brings to our minds the face of a child. As creativity, everybody has it. Imagination and creativity are crucial to make and create new advances and technologies, and they are adults the people who innovate, so it cannot be stated that children are the most creative beings, because adults are too. It is also said that children have more imagination or creativity than adults and it is because they have lived less, because if creativity is innate they were born with it, so nothing has changed their minds yet. Instead adults have passed through many situations and maybe problems where creativity did not result as the best solution, so people begin to use other tools instead of their imagination. As everything in our society, if people do not use it, they lose it. As people grow up, they use less their imagination every time, so they begin to lose it: but when they really need it to create or innovate, it results difficult to them find their creativity. As a toy from their childhood, adults have to start looking in every corner of their minds until they find it, because it is still in their heads. Therefore, it all depends on the use people give to their imagination. Children enjoy imagining, but some adults prefer facts or information verified, and that need to have proves. However, children, adults, or everybody has creativity in their minds, because it is innate. Creativity has to be cultivated. Everything influences in creativity. The article of Alessandra Ossola stated that creativity is innate, but the second part of her statement is that it needs to be cultivated (para.10). And what does cultivating creativity mean? Cultivate means to grow up something, and in this case it refers to creativity, so to cultivate creativity means to improve and develop creativity. Because nothing worth to have creativity, and do not use or do no try to improve it. Since people are born, everything they hear, feel, or see, influences in their lives, as it does in creativity. Every single moment is important for creativity, because it captures every stimulus that happens around us. It captures it and it uses the information. It is like the immunological system, everything it happens to us, the system learns from it, so the next time it is difficult to a virus to hurt the body because the system already knows how to attack the it. Creativity also learns how to act in similar situations that have happened before. Therefore every problem people have, happiness, feeling, stress, anxiety, fear, or concern; it all influences in creativity. Also people that surround us influence, for example family, friends, neighbors, and of course teachers, because teachers pass a lot of time with children, while they are experiencing new things, and beginning to live. That means education does influences in creativity, not just for children, but also for everybody, because adults have also passed through school. It does not mean people who have not had a formal education do not have creativity, because the lack of education is also an influence, and education does not always influence in a good way. Nowadays many schools in Latin America and in the U.S. and around the world continue to use antiquated models for education that do not serve 21st century students (Segal. S. 2016). If people do not innovate or try new things, creativity does not flow, so if children receive an antiquated education they will not be able to develop their creativity. Education is a good way to teach children mathematics, languages, and many other subjects, but it is not always the best influence in creativity. Education kills creativity. Finland is a country in Europe, which is well known for its education system. The video The Finland Phenomenon tells about its famous education system; how is seemed as the best in the world, even better than The United States, and how children are. Finland is in the top of the list of countries that have been tested by PISA exams, which are the most difficult in the world. Children in Finland have more vacation, less homework, and schools have the best technology. Students are not forced to stay quite and sit, also they do not need someone to tell them to study, because they enjoy doing it, and they know they have to (Compton. R. 2011). The film also shows how some students have created mini businesses, how in their free time they practice playing an instrument, and that kind of facts are those that make a difference or an influence in their creativity, because they enjoy learning and studying, so it actually is a good influence to children and students to be creative. Education in Finland relies very little on testing (Compton. R. 2011), which proves that it lets imagination develops, because based on an article schools place greater emphasis on learning material and taking tests; so opportunities for thoughts to flow freely are fewer now than in the past (Ossola. A. 2014). Finland education system does not emphasis on students memorizing everything, instead they want them to think for themselves and have their own thoughts. It has a great influence in creativity, but it does not mean education will definitely make students be creative. Finland has an amazing education system, but all around the world other education systems just kill creativity. It is stated in the article Do Schools Kill Creativity? that people focus on teaching children mathematics because they are known as the most difficult subjects, and they do not care too much about subjects like art which are the ones that helps to develop creativity. Teachers care just about brains and memorization. It is like they just care about their heads (Robinson. K. para. 2). It proves that people that receive a formal education are not more creative than those who did not, because even education can be the one influence that destroys their imagination to make people like machines, to do not think out of what they have learned. Everyone can develop creativity. For now, we assume that creativity is an ability, is innate, is like being imaginative, and it has to be cultivated. As it was mentioned, cultivating creativity is improving it, and making it grow; but how can people cultivate creativity? An experiment described in Scientists are more creative than you imagine states that when rap artists improvise for songs, their mind do not cares about errors, because their ideas just flow (Ossola. A. 2014), and letting their ideas flow; make them develop more imagination every time. Also it tells about the ability to imagine; it can be done when people center their attention in doing things that do not need a lot of effort: as examples are brushing the teeth, the hair, or cooking, also some actions that make people relax like taking a shower or a bath, going to walk, meditating, exercising, reading, or just staying at bed. The purpose is to stop thinking consciously and let the ideas, imagination and creativity flow (para. 16). For doing these th ings is not necessary to have a formal education, it is just needed the desire to be creative; as it is said by an author Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try (Dr. Seuss). Summing up, there are no exceptions to people to be creative or to cultivate creativity; everybody can do it if they want. Creativity for solving problems. As creativity can be developed in different ways, a way to do it for people who do not receive a formal education is the influence of solving their daily live problems, so they have also a high level of creativity as educated people do. The lack of money People, who pass through several times, may have not been benefited by the opportunity of studying. Poverty has provoked many children and teenagers to work earlier than when they should, because they need to help their families to get money to pay for their home, to buy food and first necessity things. Even if in some countries it is banned to children to work, there are some children still working around the cities because of the necessity to have what to eat. There are also many adults that obligate their kids to work instead of them. Most children work buying and selling things. Children working earlier than normal, do not let them have a formal education, as they should, because working does not leave them the time they need to study. Furthermore, there are children that do not go to school because their families do not have enough money to give them that education. Many children and teens are left with no education so they have to continue working and learning about it. Working or having to help in some things in their houses is also another big influence in childrens lives, so it is also for their creativity. Necessities or problems to people. Poor people because of their lack of money do not just have the problem of not being able to have a formal education. They have to handle with the pressure of not having what to eat, where to live, what to wear, and specially the fact to afford their families. Those problems are which most influences in people imagination, sometimes in bad or good ways. Most part of them influences to people to try to solve them and use and develop their creativity. The article A Young Tinkerer Builds a Windmill, Electrifying a Nation tells about the story of a man of 20 years who because of the lack of energy for his electrical appliances at his house, begun to think what he could do to solve the problem. He decided to build a windmill after he saw a picture of one in a textbook. He began to design it ant then he finally built it whit bubble gum trees and parts of bicycles. He has the dream of building many other windmills around the country, and there is a group of investors that trust him and send him to school (Childress. S. 2007). The idea and the creativity came before he went to school, because there is no necessity of having a formal education to be creative or to innovate, be imaginative and create something that can change maybe not the world but someones life; because you have to be burning with an idea, or a problem, or a wrong that you want to right. If youre not passionate enough from the start, youll never stick it out (Jobs. S). Conclusion Creativity is important in everybody, because it is what helps people to innovate, create and discover new things. As all that happens around us influences creativity, it is said that schools kill creativity, and also that it improves it. The fact is that creativity cannot be taught or leaned just in one place; it depends in every single moment that we live. Education does not define peoples creativity. It is a gift given to everyone, and people is who decide if they take advantage of it or if the do not. People who have received a formal education have creativity. Those who did not received education have creativity as well. All people are creative. The level of creativity developed by each person depends in how they cultivate or improve it, by ways that everybody can do. The irrelevance of social classes, money, religions, cultures and ages to creativity, proves that everybody have creativity, because it is innate, it can be cultivated by any person, and many other facts than educa tion are which influence in creativity.