Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Folk Songs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Folk Songs - Essay Example Slaves used traditional folk songs as a way to maintain their heritage in the face of not being allowed to read or write. Music has long been recognized as an effective means of passing the oral tradition as the sound and the syntax reinforce the text (Bohlman 15) Often the folk song is invoked to maintain a connection with something that is being lost to the past or to celebrate something happening in the present. They often involve the emotions that surround work such as "Pat Works on the Railway" (Lauter). Workers would sing these work songs as a way to pass the time and effort. Gandy dancers, the men who built and maintained the railroads, had a large volume of folk music that was performed as rhythmic chants to ease their mind from the grueling labor (Sloss Furnaces Presents) Folk music often is closely associated with a cultural group. As the culture changes with time, the folk music evolves with it. Religion has had a close connection with folk music, as churches would sing folk songs reflecting the groups common bond to the church. Poor whites in the south during the early 19th century would gather around camps and sing folk songs that told of, "debt, chain gangs, and deeds of drinking prowess" (Nash et al. 560). Groups that were socially outcast or politically disenfranchised would turn to folk music to maintain a common bond.

Monday, October 28, 2019

Metaphysical Poets Essay Example for Free

Metaphysical Poets Essay The term metaphysical poets was coined by the poet and critic Samuel Johnson to describe a loose group of British lyric poets of the 17th century, whose work was characterized by the inventive use of conceits, and by speculation about topics such as love or religion. These poets were not formally affiliated; most of them did not even know or read each other (Wikipedia). Their work is a blend of emotion and intellectual ingenuity, characterized by conceit or â€Å"wit†Ã¢â‚¬â€that is, by the sometimes violent yoking together of apparently unconnected ideas and things so that the reader is startled out of his complacency and forced to think through the argument of the poem. Metaphysical poetry is less concerned with expressing feeling than with analyzing it, with the poet exploring the recesses of his consciousness. The boldness of the literary devices used—especially obliquity, irony, and paradox—is often reinforced by a dramatic directness of language and by rhythms derived from that of living speech. Esteem for Metaphysical poetry never stood higher than in the 1930s and ’40s, largely because of T.S. Eliot’s influential essay â€Å"The Metaphysical Poets† (1921), a review of Herbert J.C. Grierson’s anthology Metaphysical Lyrics Poems of the Seventeenth Century. In this essay Eliot argued that the works of these men embody a fusion of thought and feeling that later poets were unable to achieve because of a â€Å"dissociation of sensibility,† which resulted in works that were either intellectual or emotional but not both at once. In their own time, however, the epithet â€Å"metaphysical† was used pejoratively: in 1630 the Scottish poet William Drummond of Hawthornden objected to those of his contemporaries who attempted to â€Å"abstrac t poetry to metaphysical ideas and scholastic quiddities.† At the end of the century, John Dryden censured Donne for affecting â€Å"the metaphysics† and for perplexing â€Å"the minds of the fair sex with nice speculations of philosophy when he should engage their hearts . . . with the softnesses of love.† Samuel Johnson, in referring to the learning that their poetry displays, also dubbed them â€Å"the metaphysical poets,† and the term has continued in use ever since. Eliot’s adoption of the label as a term of praise is arguably a better guide to his personal aspirations about his own poetry than to the Metaphysical poets themselves; his use of metaphysical underestimates these poets’ debt to lyrical and socially engaged verse. Nonetheless, the term is useful for identifying the often-intellectual character of their writing (Encyclopedia Britannica). Without doubt Samuel Johnsons choice of the word metaphysical to describe the followers of Donne was directly influenced by these earlier usages (the Clevel and passage is quoted in Johnsons Dictionary of 1755 to illustrate the definition of ‘Metaphysicks’). The category of poetry that indulged in metaphysics was a live one for later seventeenth-century poets, but for them metaphysics was a word used to mark the point at which strongly argued verse bordered on self-parody. There is more value than this, however, in the group name. Even in the earlier seventeenth century members of the core group of metaphysical poets were connected by a number of social, familial, and literary ties. Izaak Walton relates that Donne and George Herbert enjoyed ‘a long and dear friendship, made up by such a Sympathy of inclinations, that they coveted and joyed to be in each others Company’ (Walton, 57–8). Donne addressed poems to Herberts mother, Magdalen, and preached her funeral sermon, as well as writing a poem to Herberts brother, Edward, Lord Herbert. Herbert of Cherbury in turn read both Donnes poetry and that of his own brother with care, and was a friend of Thomas Carew and Aurelian Townshend. Henry Wotton was the addressee of epi stles in both verse and prose from his close friend John Donne, and at one point intended to write a life of Donne. Henry King (whose father ordained John Donne) was in daily contact with Donne at St Pauls Cathedral, where the older poet was dean while King was chief residentiary. Donne bequeathed to King a portrait of himself dressed in his winding-sheet. Not surprisingly Kings verse is haunted by that of his friend, from whom he received manuscripts, as well as books and themes for sermons. Later in the century there were other close groupings of poets, who, although not linked by direct personal familiarity with Donne and Herbert, were bound to each other by ties of family, friendship, and literary consanguinity. Thomas Stanley was a cousin of Richard Lovelace and the nephew of William Hammond, and became a friend of John Hall, one of the most underrated of the minor metaphysical poets. Cowley was a friend and eventually elegist of Richard Crashaw. Pockets of metaphysicality also survived in several institutions: it cannot be an accident that Henry King, Abraham Cowley, Thomas Randolph, William Cartwright, and John Dryden all attended Westminster School. But by the later seventeenth century the bonds of friendship and affinity that had linked Donne and Herbert were in the main replaced by looser ties of literary indebtedness. Declaratory utterances to imagined or absent addressees who are summoned into being by the force of the speakers eloquence are common among poems by members of these networks, as are works that explore the balance and imbalance between the demands of the body and the spirit. Direct attempts to persuade, either through comparisons or through arguments that self-consciously display their logical elisions, are also among the most evident legacies left by Donne to his poetical heirs. No single one of these elements constitutes a metaphysical style, and it would also be wrong to suppose that all of them must be present in a given poem for it to be regarded as belonging to the tradition. It is also incorrect to believe that a poet who sometimes wrote poems in a metaphysical manner was always and in every poem a metaphysical. The metaphysical style was various. It also changed in response to historical events. Donnes Poems and Herberts The Temple were both posthumously printed in 1633. Those publications immediately extended the literary communities of their authors through time and space, and the fact that both volumes were posthumous had a significant effect on the kind of influence they exerted. Donne and Herbert rapidly became models for imitation, but they could also be regarded as ideal representatives of an age that had passed. Imitation of them could therefore become an act not just of nostalgia, but of politically or theologically motivated nostalgia—as occurs most notably and heavy-handedly in the high Anglican pastiches of Herbert included in The Synagogue by Christopher Harvey, which was regularly bound with The Temple after 1640. In the political and ecclesiastical upheavals of the 1640s the metaphysical style moved on. Imitating Herbert in particular could signal a desire to resist the depredations suffered by the English church during the civil war. Richard Crashaws Steps to the Temple (1646) explicitly links itself by its title to Herberts volume. The editions of 1646 and 1648 include ‘On Mr. G. Herberts Booke’, which declares ‘Divinest love lyes in this booke’. Henry Vaughans preface to the second volume of Silex scintillans (1655) ascribes to Herberts influence his conversion from writing secular poems, and he marks the debt by adopting the titles of several poems by Herbert for his own works. By the second part of Silex these allusions to Herbert carried a political charge, intimating Vaughans resistant attitude to the forcible ejection of conservatively minded ministers from churches in his native Wales by commissioners acting under the parliamentary ordinance for the propagation of the gospel. The gradual replacement of networks of closely connected individuals by relationships between dead authors and their readers is perhaps a central reason for the emergence of metaphysics (in the pejorative sense) in later seventeenth-century verse. The two later poets stigmatized by Johnson as ‘metaphysical’, Cleveland and Cowley, knew Donne only as a voice in a book. Efforts to reanimate that voice often show signs of strain. But the move from personal to textual connection between members of the group did not always have undesirable consequences. Andrew Marvell, who ever since John Aubreys ‘Brief life’ has tended to be regarded as an isolated figure in the literary landscape, has perhaps the most distinctive poetic voice of any member of the group. By describing pastoral figures with wounded or sullied innocence who argue perplexedly about their own fate and the unattainability of their own desires, Marvell transformed the metaphysical style into an idiom appropriate for a period of political division and national crisis. He was not entirely disconnected from its other practitioners: he was at Trinity College, Cambridge, at the same time as Abraham Cowley, and he wrote a commemorative poem for Henry, Lord Hastings, in Lacrymae musarum (1649), a volume that included poems by Dryden as well as John Hall. He and Hall were both among those who composed dedicatory poems for Richard Lovelaces Lucasta (1648). Like Cleveland, Marvell owed his reputation in the later part of his career largely to his political and satirical poems, but his posthumously published Miscellaneous Poems (1681) shows that a reader of earlier metaphysical verse who actively responded to his changing times could transform the idiom of his predecessors (Oxford Dictionary of National Biography). Works cited Colin Burrow, ‘Metaphysical poets (act. c.1600–c.1690)’, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, online edn, Oxford University Press, Feb 2009 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/theme/95605, accessed 5 Aug 2012] Encyclopedia Britannica www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/377915/Metaphysical-poet Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaphysical_poets

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Influence Tactics Essay -- Rational Persuasion, Pressure Tactics

Rational persuasion has been found to be used in all three directions: upwards, downwards and laterally. (Yukl, & Falbe, 1990) Rational persuasion is used in all directions in organizations because it is relevant in most discussions. Another contingency affecting the use of rational persuasion is the objective of the influence attempt. (Yukl, Guinan, & Sottolano, 1995) Rational persuasion has been shown to be used most often to procure political support, resources, or approvals. Rational persuasion has been shown to be flexible and adaptable for the vast majority of situations involving influence. However, it is even more so relevant when attempting to obtain the desired results stated above. Personality Factors The use of rational persuasion, as an influence tactic, is also affected by the personality style of the influencer. Managers who score high on conscientiousness will be more likely to adopt upward influence tactics that involve rational persuasion. (Cable, & Judge, 2003) Rational persuasions are consistent with the practical, careful, thorough and organized disposition characterized by conscientious workers. Along with the direct effects of personality styles there is also an interaction between the personality traits of the influencer and the leadership style of the target superior. An individual that scores high on extraversion, and believes their leader is inspirational will be less likely to employ rational persuasion. Extraversion includes characteristics such as assertiveness, sociability, and energy. (Thoms, Moore, & Scott, 1996) Extraverts differ from some conscientious people, in that they tend to be more people focused rather than task focused. Rational persuasion focuses on the task and the reasoning t... ...nsultation tactics are, for the most part, a positive way to gain commitment of the target. Some peers or superiors, however, will use this tactic in an attempt to bring someone on board of a project simply to place blame on them if it fails. The two most effective influence tactics are rational persuasion and inspirational appeals. Inspirational appeals are the most effective when used by a superior influencing a subordinate. This type of tactic is unlikely to bring about negative actions by the target. They tend to appeal to the influencers positive emotions of enthusiasm and loyalty. Rational persuasion can be used in upward, lateral, or downward influence, and is a very versatile tactic. It has a low likelihood to cause negative reactions as well. It appeals to the intellectual and rationality side of the target, and doesn’t attack them on a personal level.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Real vs Reality TV

Television has become a â€Å"member† of almost every single family on our planet. And not just an ordinary member, but a very important one, because the time spent next to it exceeds the amount of time spent together with any other family member. You do not have to apply any efforts to talk or listen to complaints while â€Å"communicating† with it. You do not have to play with your little son after a hard working day. You are SO tired! Can anybody respect that? You can simply turn the TV on and everything is done. The kids are quiet, your significant other is not complaining. It is so simple that it has become an integral part of the culture of every family. It is the only time, when a person can forget about all the family troubles and the failures of the day. The sofa opposite the TV set has become the place of â€Å"reconciliation and spiritual unity† of the family. And what is it that we’re watching? Is it an educational or discovery channel? Although some might, the majority of the shows we consume are reality shows. But â€Å"what is reality television? † one might ask. Reality TV is defined by MSN Encarta as â€Å"television programs that present people in live, though often deliberately manufactured, situations and monitor their emotions and behavior. † Within this genre of television are subgenres such as Game or Elimination, Talent, Talk, Makeover, Documentary, and Spoofs. It was first introduced by Allen Flunt’s 1948 program Candid Camera. The show involved concealing cameras filming ordinary people being confronted with unusual situations, sometimes involving trick props, such as a desk with drawers that pop open when one is closed or a car with a hidden extra gas tank. When the joke was revealed, victims would be told the show's catch phrase, â€Å"Smile, you're on Candid Camera. † The show became a top rated TV show in both network runs and syndication. Reality television enjoyed a renewed popularity in the 2000s with shows like American Idol that featured an interactive aspect, asking viewers to call in to vote for favorites. Today you cannot turn the television on without coming across reality television. The final ratings for the 2009-2010 television seasons show that reality TV lead the pack and bring up the rear end. It is everywhere and although it has spread in popularity there is often more negative remarks made against it than positive. Critics of reality TV often argue that the shows promote sex, drinking, violence and racism. Although reality TV may be fun to watch, it is very dangerous for teenagers who don’t have set morals and self-identities. Reality TV is questionable because of the messages some of the shows depict. While these messages can have an effect on everyone who views them, the audience that may be the most susceptible is teenagers. The most contested issues are whether reality TV is, in fact, â€Å"reality† and whether teenagers may develop perceptions from the reality shows that may lead to poor choices and negative consequences. In a 2004 issue of â€Å"Pediatrics,† Rebecca L. Collins, senior behavioral scientist at the RAND Corp. , and her colleagues presented the results of a survey that measured the amount of sexual explicit television that teenagers watched and how much sexual experience the teenagers had had at a one-year follow up survey. They found that teenage exposure to sexual content on television shows increased the likelihood of initiating sexual acts and the effect of shows that depicted sexual behaviors and those that just discussed sex had the same effect on teenage audiences. Similarly, in a 2008 edition of â€Å"Pediatrics,† Anita Chandra, a behavioral scientist at the RAND Corp. , and her colleagues released the results of a survey conducted over a three-year period that measured teenagers' exposure to sexual content on television and any resulting first-hand experience with pregnancy. They found that teenagers who regularly watch television programs containing a significant amount of sexual behavior are two times more likely to become pregnant or impregnate someone than those teenagers who do not watch programs with sexual content. Reality TV is also dangerous because of the way it depicts the characters as heavy drinkers. Many programs include segments that show the main characters drinking, partying and engaging in rambunctious behavior, but they often fail to show to the consequences that the characters must face for these actions. When teenagers see these types of behaviors, they might be led to believe that they too should consume large amounts of alcohol and act in a similar manner. Television violence in reality TV is another major concern. Studies show that the amount of violence that is watched on television affects the amount of aggression and violence displayed in the individual (Fernandez, Roberto, Juan and Amy 137). Reality shows such as The Bad Girls Club and The Real World have more than its share of the violence. The target viewers for MTV are ages twelve to thirty three, this demographic makes up approximately thirty three percent of the U. S. population (Smith 89). Thirteen year olds are already susceptible to influence, and are more at risk to be adversely affected by violent television than are those of later years (Comstock 1205). If life is really like it is depicted to be on an episode of The Bad Girls Club, the average person should wake up to a side of pointless fight, brunch to a cussing war, and eat supper around the time someone breaks a nose. Studies of US television airings discovered that there was a consistent rate of five to six violent acts per hour (Fernandez, Roberto, Juan and Amy 137). In watching an episode of the Ultimate Fighter, one can expect to see at least twenty to thirty violent acts within the thirty minute airing with three minute commercial interruptions. Arriving at twenty to thirty violent acts in an episode is when you only count each individual match as one act. The numbers climb out of the ring as fast as in. If this is what young adolescents are taking is as â€Å"reality† than it is no wonder there are problems with violence and aggression in schools and on the streets. In a behavioral science study, it was stated that â€Å"Aggression [†¦ is the product of social categorization† and that it is not a natural phenomenon (Comstock 1206). According to a study conducted at Syracuse University in New York, â€Å"There is a statistically significant, positive relationship between exposure to television or film violence and aggressive and antisocial behavior† (Comstock 1186). The study concluded this theory by stating that by viewing violent television in everyday life, antisocial and aggressive behaviors and tendencies would be facilitated (Comstock 1191). With this outlook, it seems much more likely that the significant amount of aggression present in society today can very well be influenced if not caused by the vast ocean of aggression harbored in television culture. Racism is very prevalent in crime reality television. There is a vast overrepresentation of violent crime (e. g. Kooistra, Mahoney, & Westervelt 1998; Oliver, 1994; Potter et al, 1997), crimes cleared (e. g. , Kooistra et al, 1998; Oliver, 1994) and non-whites as offenders and whites as law nforcement officers. In a direct test of the cultivation hypothesis, a social theory which examined the long-term effects of television on American audiences of all ages, Oliver & Armstrong (1998) reported that whites who watched more reality TV were more likely to report higher crime prevalence estimates. The construction of these programs is considered from a cultural, qualitative perspective focusing on the ideal perspectives conveyed about law and order, social threats, and audience empowerment (Cavender, 11998; J.  Fishman, 1999). For example, Cavender and Bond-Maupin (1993) argue that these programs make use of story-telling conventions to encourage empathy with an unsuspecting victim who falls prey to evil, which, in turn, primes the notion that no place is safe. They also indicated that reality-based crime shows such as America’s Most Wanted and Unsolved Mysteries depict crime in ways similar to those used in fictionalized crime shows which reinforces existing cultural stereotypes about criminals and victims. The First 48 is one of the most watched non-fiction investigation series which aires on A&E. Set in several cities across the U. S. , the series offers an insider’s look at the real-life world of homicide investigators. Each episode picks one or more homicides in different cities, covering each alternately, showing how detectives use forensic evidence, witness interviews and other advanced detective skills to identify suspects. The cops on this show are mainly White, with the exception of a couple of Black investigators that are shown on few episodes. This show is very biased in the fact that it depicts only the black communities across the nation and that which is full of criminals, gang violence & drug saturation. One would almost think that there are no White people who commit the same types of crime(s) in those cities. Or is it that the Police Departments in the white communities of those (& other) cities don't permit the exploitation which is presented by this programming’s directors? The genre has also created a slew of reality stars, as a result of the fame game. It seems that many are random people with no apparent talent. Keeping up with the Kardashians has made famous a whole family who appear to be famous without reason except that they have a reality show. Another reality TV favorite is The Real Housewives of Atlanta. The series has been going strong for three seasons. Everything about the show is a mess. This season has been about even more drama than ever before. Will Cynthia marry Peter? Is Phaedra married to a convict? Will â€Å"NeNe† and Greg get divorced? Will Brice get it together? The craziness and complexity of it all is never ending. Why do we care? These people are just ordinary people with no real celebrity other than what we the viewers give them. The uses and gratifications perspective, the assumption that a media channel cannot influence an individual unless that person has some use for the medium or its particular message (e. g. Katz, 1959; Rubin & Rubin, 1985), may be a clear explanation of the genre’s appeal. The uses and gratifications framework includes five primary beliefs. The first is that an individual’s behavior is goal directed and motivated. Second, people select and use media to satisfy biological, psychological and social needs. Third, individuals are influenced by various social and psychological factors when selecting among communication alternatives. Fourth, those media consumers are aware of their needs and whether these needs are being satisfied by a particular medium. Fifth, that different media compete with one another for attention, selection, and use. In sum, uses and gratifications theory states that individuals are aware of their needs, evaluate various channels and content, assess functional alternatives and select the media or interpersonal channel that they believe will provide the gratifications they seek. Reality TV also offers some positive aspects as well. American Idol, which is the leader of reality TV, had over 24,000,000 viewers. The show starts off with thousands of people auditioning in hopes of becoming America’s next superstar. Some can sing, but many just make utter fools of themselves on national television. Just a week ago an American Idol hopeful auditioned in front of the judges with her opera rendition of Justin Beiber’s song â€Å"Baby†. As she belts the notes Randy immediately puts his head down and motions for her to stop. Steven Tyler and â€Å"JLo† look as if they don’t know what is going on and as she hits the high note Steven marks the end with the sound of an explosion. They break out with laughter, just as we do sitting at home watching. â€Å"What the hell was that? † may be what comes to mind. Beside it being purely entertaining because we like to see others humiliate themselves, the show offers stories of success. For the people who volunteer themselves for the likes of American Idol and America's Next Top Model, winning the show is potentially a life-changing experience and a springboard to a career in the entertainment industry. The reward is there for the taking, but it's often not just the winners who can make a name for themselves. Jennifer Hudson, a finalist on season 3 of American idol and Tocarra Jones, a participant on season 3 of America's Next Top Model, may not have won the shows, but they both went on to have major success. Jennifer Hudson made her film debut in the 2006 film Dreamgirls, which won her many awards such as an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and a Golden Globe Award. She also won a Grammy award for her debut album. Tocarra is a working plus-size model today and she is signed to the largest modeling agency in the world. Reality TV can also provide learning on dating, family relations, friendships and dealing with sensitive issues. Pedro Zamora's 1994 appearance on MTV reality show The Real World was a landmark media event: the first openly HIV-positive gay man on a nationwide TV series. Zamora, who died at 22 just as Real World: San Francisco ended, was a teen when he learned he was HIV-positive, a diagnosis that led the diminutive Miami resident to become an AIDS activist and educator. His MTV fame ultimately drew the attention of President Clinton. Zamora's role on Real World: San Francisco was memorable not only for lecturing housemates and viewers about HIV and preventative measures but also for his combative relationship with the abrasive Puck Rainey, one of the most polarizing roommates in the show's 21-year history. Things got so testy between Zamora and the politically incorrect Rainey that the roommates ultimately banned Rainey from their collective home. Even those reality shows that aren't competitions can still make a name for the stars. Lauren Conrad started her career on MTV's â€Å"Laguna Beach: The Real OC,† and with subsequent exposure on â€Å"The Hills† has become a best-selling author, spokesperson and fashion designer–not bad for a normal California girl. Watching these successes has also inspired a generation of youngsters to aspire to make something of themselves. They want to better their lives and find inspiration from the success stories after the cameras have stopped rolling. Reality TV also offers a source of distraction and diversion to everyday life. It gives you a break away from your stress and frustration. Of course this does not solve the root case, but it helps take away from the root source of the stress. Although taking a walk or reading a book may be better alternatives for distractions, reality TV still allows you to momentarily forget your problems because you’re consumed in others on television. Although reality TV offers some positive aspects such as success stories, positive learning experiences, distractions and others, the negatives outweigh them all when it comes to the teenagers which the shows are aimed at. They presume that reality TV is actually â€Å"reality†, which it is not by any means. Teenagers do not have the understanding so they could and probably will fall subject to all the negative side it can entail. Some solutions to the problem may be for the parents to parent more and as they should. Parents should have the knowledge about what reality TV is and explain it to their children. Parents or society should not rely on reality TV or any genre of television to teach our children or ourselves for that matter. It will indefinitely lead us in the wrong direction. It is not to teach, but to entertain. If we have the knowledge about what reality TV actually is, in turn, we will be able to keep it in the context of entertainment and not reality. For those who don’t take it seriously it can provide entertainment for 30 minutes or so. But if taken as â€Å"reality†, it then has a danger of harming its audience with unrealistic expectations.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

IHRM and HRM Difference

In a highly competitive global economy, where the other factors of production—capital, technology, raw materials, and information—are increasingly able to be duplicated, â€Å"the caliber of the people in an organization will be the only source of sustainable competitive advantage available to companies. Domestic HRM and international HRM are both concentrate on human resource management, but there are many differences also. No mater domestic HRM or international HRM an organization’s HRM activities are also include these 6 parts. The first part is human resource planning, before the company employs the employees the company should know what kind of employees their need. Then the second part is staffing (recruitment, selection, placement), the company select the employees what they need from the HR market. The third part is compensation (remuneration) and benefits. The company should set the employees’ wages. Then, the forth part is deal with the industrial relations. It is common in every company that there are many troubles in employees or in employees and the company, so the company should set a department which is especial deal with the problem. The fifth part is performance management. The company’s main project is to make profits, so at the end of the year the company will reward or punish according to the employee’s performance. The last part is training and development. And these parts are completed one by one. There are also many differences between domestic HRM and IHRM. IHRM complexity can be attributed to six factors. The first is more HR activities such as international taxation; international relocation and orientation; host-government relations; language translation services. For example, to a domestic company it is only concerned with the tax rates in his country, but for a international company it is not only focus on his PCN’s tax rates but also focus on his TCN’s tax rates. The second is need for a broader perspective such as program design and administration for several employee groups; long term consequences on key decisions made. For example, to a domestic company it pays all attention to his program design and administration in his country, but for a international company it is not only focus on his PCN’s program design and administration but also pays attention to his TCN’s program design and administration. The third one is more involvement in employees’ personal lives. One obvious difference between domestic and international HRM is that staff are moved across ational boundaries into various roles within the international firms foreign operations—these employees have traditionally been called expatriates. An expatriate is an employee who is transferred out of their home base into some other area of the firm’s international operations. There are many factors will determine the assignment succeed or failed such as level of support to handle for PCNs and TCNs, banking, investments, home rental while on assignment, coordinating home visits , final repatriation, level of explanations particularly on the comp. ackage components , marital status during selection process. The forth one is variations in the mix of expatriates and locals, for example if the company want maturity evolves, the company need to support expat and virtual team. All these such as foreign subsidiary increased autonomy, high potential selection and development, long term succession planning necessitates flexibility and focus fluctuation within the HR department, not needed for domestic HR to the same degree. The fifth one is risk exposure, the IHRM will face heavier financial and human consequences in case of assignment failure. The last one is broader external influences such as the type of government; the state of the economy ; generally accepted practices of doing business in host countries. We can conclude that HRM is important to every company no matter it is domestic company or international company, so the manager should pay more attention to the HRM or the company will fail.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Johnson Johnson Diversity Plan

Johnson Johnson Diversity Plan Johnson Johnson was formed in 1885 in Brunswick, New Jersey, after two brothers, James Wood and Edward Mead Johnson saw a need to develop sterile supplies for surgical procedures. During that time, doctors operated without gloves, sterile equipment and used unclean cotton from textile mills to pack the wounds so the mortality rate for surgical patients was very high. One of the first products Johnson Johnson developed was ready to use surgical dressings which to led to large reduction in surgical mortality rates. Johnson Johnson continued developing and expanding their product line and their company.In 1919, Johnson Johnson began their first international expansion. The brothers first expanded into Canada and after an around the world trip in 1923 began to develop business in many more countries. They expanded into Australia in 1931, Sweden in 1956 and Japan in 1961 (Johnson Johnson, 1997-2007). Over the next 60 years, Johnson Johnson had established companies in over 50 countr ies.Headquarters of the Johnson Johnson also diversified their product line. They eventually organized their operations into three main divisions; pharmaceutical, medical devices and diagnostics, and consumer products (Answers Corporation, 2007). They became well known for the talcum powder, band-aids and the pain reliever, Tylenol. In 1932, Robert Wood Johnson II, known as General Johnson succeeded his uncle to take over running Johnson Johnson. The General believed strongly in decentralization within the entire organization and all the divisions both in the United States and internationally were given authority to make their own decisions.The General was also responsible for developing the Johnson Johnson credo in 1943 and it is still in force today. The credo is defines the four primary responsibilities of the organization in their order of their importance. Johnson Johnson's first...

Monday, October 21, 2019

Outline and evaluate one theory of the formation of romantic relationships Essays

Outline and evaluate one theory of the formation of romantic relationships Essays Outline and evaluate one theory of the formation of romantic relationships Paper Outline and evaluate one theory of the formation of romantic relationships Paper One of the theories that helps explain why some people choose one person over the other or some relationships just don’t work is the ‘Filter Model’ (FM) which was proposed by Kerchoff and Davis in 1962.  The FM argues that relationships develop through 3 filters, so therefore, different factors are important at different times. There are many potential partners but slowly we narrow them down to potential partners that we could realistically form a romantic relationship with, through the process of filtering. The first filter looks at demographic or social variables. So we discard those people who we will never come into contact during our lives. Therefore this leaves us with the people who we tend to mix with: go to school/ work, live in the same area or do the same activities or sports. As we can’t meet everyone in the world, billions are automatically filtered out as it would be impossible to establish a relationship with them. The second filter is that of ‘Similarities of Attitudes and Values’. If couples share ideas, values and beliefs then communication will be easy but if they don’t then they would hardly have anything to talk about, so their relationship wouldn’t be able to progress. Due to this people who are very different to us are also filtered out. The last filter is ‘Complementary Needs’ where once a relationship is established we take into account how well the couple are together and how they meet each other’s needs. If the partners don’t complement each other then they will be filtered out, so therefore the relationship will end before it has properly begun. The FM is supported by various studies, for example a researcher tested the model and found that in the initial stages of a relationship, the second filter was the most important but after 18 months the third was more important. This supports the theory because it argues that different factors are important at different times in the relationship. In the initial stages, in order for the relationship to progress the couple must share things in common in order to be able to communicate with each other. However, as the relationship develops the third filter starts becoming more important as you’re starting to enrol in a long term relationship. Each partner will have to complement each other’s needs if not the relationship will inevitably end, so this is why after about 18 months filter 3 does become more important. Furthermore, Sprecher in 1998 found that those matched in physical attractiveness, social background and interests were more likely to develop a long term relationship. This also supports the FM as in the second filter, we filter out those who are very different to us and only keep those who share interest and have things in common. Taking it to a simple level, if one partner is very physically attractive but the other isn’t, then that person may feel insecure because they think that their partner should be with someone of their ‘standards’. Also, if there is nothing or very little in common then communication will be very difficult, thus leading to the end of the relationship. There are some issues with the methodology used when testing the FM. Firstly it was a longitudinal study so it could be subject to attrition. As participants had the right to withdraw, then those who felt they were inadequate in the study would have dropped out, leaving those who are better in relationships, maybe for reasons such as they are securely attached. This would have led to the results obtained being biased as the sample wouldn’t have been representative. In conjunction with this, questionnaires were used. As it was an opportunity sample the students may have responded in a way that they thought would benefit the researcher and in a way that was regarded by social norms. Therefore all these factors show that there was social desirability bias, demand characteristics and population validity. There is another type of bias; social economic bias, as student couples of the same age group and culture were used. This is further reinforced as only one generation was used. If a few generations would have been used then there may have been another trend in the results, for example older generations would have found filter 2 more important than filter 3. By explaining relationship formation in stages it fails to capture their fluid and dynamic nature. Some relationships flow at a slower or faster rate than the model suggest. It may not take a couple 18 months for the third filter to become most important and the evidence suggests. Alongside to this, the FM doesn’t account for individual differences as it has only dealt with similarities of personality and attitudes. There are some couples who have nothing in common but their relationship is as strong as others who have everything in common. Sometimes it’s better to have fewer things in common than everything because couples can get bored of each other when everything they do is the same.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Biography of Georges Seurat, Father of Pointillism

Biography of Georges Seurat, Father of Pointillism Georges Seurat (December 2, 1859 – March 29, 1891) was a French painter of the post-impressionist era. He’s best known for developing the techniques of pointillism and chromoluminarism, and one of his iconic paintings was instrumental in ushering in the era of Neo-Impressionism. Fast Facts: Georges Seurat Full Name:  Georges-Pierre SeuratOccupation: ArtistKnown For: Creating the techniques of pointillism and chromoluminarism, with scenes emphasizing smooth lines and colors blended by visual observation, not mixed pigmentsBorn: December 2, 1859 in Paris, FranceDied: March 29, 1891 in Paris, FrancePartner: Madeleine Knobloch (1868-1903)Children: Pierre-Georges (1890-1891), unnamed child (died at birth, 1891)Notable Works:  Bathers at Asnià ¨res, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, The Channel of Gravelines, Petit Fort Philippe Early Life Georges Seurat was the third and youngest child of Antoine Chrysostome Seurat and Ernestine Seurat (nà ©e Faivre). The couple already had a son, Émile Augustin, and a daughter, Marie-Berthe. Thanks to Antoine’s success in property speculation, the family enjoyed considerable wealth. Antoine lived separately from his family, visiting them weekly rather than living under the same roof. Georges Seurat began studying art early; his first studies occurred at the École Municipale de Sculpture et Dessin, an art academy run by the sculptor Justin Lequien near the Seurat family’s home in Paris. In 1878, he moved to the École des Beaux-Arts, where his studies followed the typical courses of the time, focusing on copying and drawing from existing works. He finished his artistic training in 1879 and left for a year of military service. Early Career and Innovation When he returned from his military service, Seurat shared a studio with his friend and fellow artist Edmond Aman-Jean, where he worked to master the art of monochrome drawing. In 1883, he had his first work exhibited: a crayon drawing of Aman-Jean. The same year, he spent most of his time working on his first major painting, Bathers at Asnià ¨res. Final Study for Bathers at Asnieres by Georges Seurat. Francis G. Mayer / Getty Images Although Bathers at Asnià ¨res had some impressionistic influences, specifically in its use of light and color, it broke from that tradition with its textures and outlined figures. His process also departed from impressionism, as he sketched out several drafts of the piece before actually starting to work on the final canvas itself. The painting was rejected by the Paris Salon; instead, Seurat showed it in May 1884 at the Groupe des Artistes Indà ©pendants. Among that society, he met and befriended several other artists. However, the society’s disorganization soon frustrated Seurat and some of his friends, and together, they split from the Indà ©pendants to create a new artists’ society of their own, called the Socià ©tà © des Artistes Indà ©pendants. Georges Seurat was heavily influenced by contemporary ideas about color theory, which he tried to apply to his own works. He subscribed to the idea of a scientific approach to painting with color: that there was a natural law to the way colors worked together to evoke emotion in art, similar to how musical tones worked together in harmony or dissonance. Seurat believed that he could create a new artistic â€Å"language† using perception, color, and lines. He called this theoretical visual language â€Å"chromoluminarism;† today, it’s included under the term divisionism, referring to how the technique requires the eye to combine adjacent colors, rather than the artist mixing pigments before painting. Family Life and Famous Work Right on the heels of the debut of Bathers at Asnià ¨res, Seurat began work on his next piece, which would come to be his most famous and enduring legacy. A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte depicts members of different social classes all spending a leisure afternoon at a park on the waterfront of the Seine in Paris. Sunday on the Island of la Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat. To create the painting, Seurat used his color and pointillism techniques, using tiny dots of individual colors overlapping and adjacent to each other so that they would be â€Å"blended† by viewers’ eyes, rather than mixing the paints themselves. He also prepared for the painting by spending significant time at the park he depicted, sketching his surroundings. The resulting painting measures 10 feet wide and currently is displayed at the Art Institute of Chicago. A smaller, related study, Study for A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, resides in New York City in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Although Seurat never married, he had a significant romantic relationship with Madeleine Knobloch, an artist’s model. She was the model for his 1889/1890 painting Jeune femme se poudrant, but they took pains to conceal their relationship for some time. In 1889, she moved into Seurats apartment, and she became pregnant sometime in 1889. The couple moved to a new apartment to accommodate their family, and Knobloch gave birth to their son, Pierre-Georges, on February 16, 1890. Final Years and Legacy During the summer of 1890, Seurat spent most of his time at the commune of Graveline, along the coast. He was incredibly prolific that summer, producing four canvas paintings, eight oil panels, and several drawings. Out of his works from that time period, the most notable was his painting The Channel of Gravelines, Petit Fort Philippe. The Channel at Gravelines, in the Direction of the Sea by Georges Seurat. Francis G. Mayer / Getty Images Georges Seurat began working on another painting, The Circus, but he did not live to continue innovating and working. In March 1891 he fell ill, and on March 29, he died at his parents’ home in Paris. The nature of the illness that caused his death is unknown; theories include meningitis, diptheria, and pneumonia. Whatever the illness was, he passed it on to his son Pierre-Georges, who died weeks later. Madeleine Knobloch was pregnant at the time, but their second child did not survive long after birth. Seurat was buried on March 31, 1891 at Cimetià ¨re du Pà ¨re-Lachaise, the largest cemetery in Paris. He left behind a legacy of significant artistic innovation, despite dying at the very young age of 31. Seurat’s use of color and his work with pointillism have been his most enduring artistic legacies. In 1984, nearly a century after his death, Seurat’s most famous painting became the inspiration for a Broadway musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine. Sunday in the Park with George is inspired by the painting, and the first act of the musical depicts Seurat himself in a highly fictionalized way, imagining his creative process. The musical focuses more on his artistic pursuits but also does depict a fictionalized version of his personal life, notably in the character of his mistress â€Å"Dot,† who seems to be an avatar for Madeleine Knobloch. Art students still study Georges Seurat today, and his influence on other artists began not long after his death. The cubist movement looked at his linear structures and form, which then influenced their ongoing artistic developments. And of course, even young children in the modern world learn about pointillism, usually through A Sunday Afternoon. Despite his short life, Georges Seurat established himself as a key and permanent player in the art world. Sources Courthion, Pierre. â€Å"Georges Seurat: French Painter.† Encyclopaedia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Georges-Seurat.Georges Seurat, 1859–1891. New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art. 1991Jooren, Marieke; Veldink, Suzanne; Berger, Helewise.  Seurat. Krà ¶ller-Mà ¼ller Museum, 2014.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Question about Soviet Union Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Question about Soviet Union - Essay Example Thesis statement: In the article ‘Everything you think you know about the collapse of the Soviet Union is wrong’ Leon Aron states that combination of economic, political and social factors accelerated the collapse of the Soviet Union. The popular assumptions and misunderstandings upon the collapse of the Soviet Union According to Aron, popular assumptions upon the collapse of the Soviet Union are based upon misunderstandings. For instance, people misunderstood that American influence was behind the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1990s. This is totally wrong because America did not expect rapid collapse of the Soviet Union. Aron (2011)opines that â€Å"There did not seem to be any other signs of a pre-revolutionary crisis either, including the other traditionally assigned cause of state failure -- external pressure† (p.2). To be specific, the leaders of the Communist Party in Soviet Union did not share information on the socio-political and economic scenarios. One cannot expect that the decline in GDP growth in 1980s did collapse the Soviet Union because people were conditioned to cope with problems. Besides, the financial problems faced by Soviet Union, related to the unexpected drop in oil price in 1980s did not harm her economy. There were less political problems in 9180s, so it cannot be considered as an important factor of the unexpected collapse of the Soviet Union. But the Afghan war exerted a little bit pressure upon the financial background of Soviet Union. Besides, Soviet Union cunningly suppressed the anti-communist uprisings in Hungary, Czechoslovakia and Poland. In short, Soviet Union in 1980s was a global super power with less socio-economic and political problems. Aron (2011) opines that â€Å"Certainly, there were plenty of structural reasons -- economic, political, social -- why the Soviet Union should have collapsed as it did, yet they fail to explain fully how it happened when it happened † (p.2). The popular assump tions on the collapse of the Soviet Union were based upon misunderstandings and the questions on the collapse are still answerless to an extent. If America is not behind the rapid collapse of Soviet Union, and then, who is the mastermind behind the same? From a different angle of view, one can see that the aspiration of the people in Soviet Union to regain human dignity and individual liberty accelerated the collapse of Soviet Union. The collapse of the Soviet Union and the moral quest of individual freedom The author believes that it is important today to fully understand the collapse of the Soviet Union because more and more people are misjudging the scope of innovative measures adopted by Mikhail Gorbachev (say, perestroika and glasnost). Gorbachev considered that these political polices can renovate the Russian society to morality and liberalization. He very well knew that the Russians were fed up with the single party system in Soviet Union. First of all, Gorbachev decided to s eek answer to the moral problems faced by the people. The political policies like perestroika and glasnost, adopted by Gorbachev, were able to solve the social problems in the Russian society. For instance, perestroika restructured the Russian society, and glasnost accelerated openness towards innovation. Now, it is time to take steps to solve the economic problems faced by Russia. The Soviet Model did not help the Russian society to be free from lawlessness and corruption. Instead, it

Gender Portrayal and the Idea of the Gaze Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Gender Portrayal and the Idea of the Gaze - Essay Example Gender refers to the characteristics associated with men, women and children. This is usually based on the understanding and belief that men and women behave differently and this is usually caused by their traditions, culture and experiences. People have always associated some behavior with a particular gender and this has led to stereotyping that associated one sex with a certain way of behaving (Gurley 12). Gender has been portrayed in different ways by the media, literature, society and traditions. Education has also contributed to gender stereotypes that have affected the performance of students. The media plays an important role of educating the public about various issues that affect their lives. In addition, it entertains, persuades and informs the public about past, present and the future events that play significant roles in their affairs. However, films, cartoons and documentaries aired in the media have depicted women as weak and that they cannot do anything without being assisted by men (Gurley 25). This belief has been developed in youths who think that all women are weak. On the other hand, men have been depicted as heroes and that they can manage all situations that women cannot even dream of solving. In addition, learning institutions have also contributed to gender stereotype by separating boys from girls in various activities. Schools have different games for boys and girls and it is very rare to find them playing together even if it is a similar game (Gurley 33). In addition, most girls are discouraged from taking since subjects since these are perceived to be difficult and only boys can manage them. The family has also contributed to gender stereotypes by advocating for different shoes, clothes and toys for boys and girls. It is very common to hear a parent telling a young boy to stop crying like a girl and most girls are discouraged from climbing trees since this is associated with boys. The society plays a significant role in educating

Friday, October 18, 2019

Question 3&4 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Question 3 - Assignment Example The Fourth Amendment does not apply in wiretapping there was no seizure and search. The evidence was obtained solely by hearing. Nobody entered the house of the defendant by force. Taft asserts that the words contained in the Fourth Amendment cannot be expanded to include a phone and the wires that leave the defender’s home to different parts of the world. Justice Stewart reasons that private conversations can be made in public. An individual pays for phone services with the expectation that his conversation will not be public. He expects privacy. The intrusion of this privacy via wiretapping is a violation of the Fourth Amendment. Stewart states that listening to phone conversations is equivalent to a search, which has been mentioned in the Fourth Amendment. The Weeks vs. U.S. case presented the courts with the real definition of privacy intrusion. The trial did not accept the violation of the rights of the defendants found in the Fourth Amendment. The ruling of the case stated that the trial court erred by allowing the evidence collected by forceful entry, search and seizure as part of the evidence. The defendant’s home is a personal space that should not be intruded by any government agency. The Weeks vs. U.S. case helped in defining the implication of the Fourth Amendment. The Fourth Amendment did not affect the evidence that was forcefully seized during the arrest of the defendant. In respect to the court’s conclusion, the Fourth Amendment does not expand to the acts of individuals acting without the push of the federal government. The law is present to control the power of the federal government. The question central to this course is how law written in the 18th century should be interpreted by courts to deal with the technology of the 21st century. Contrast the minority (dissenting) opinions of Brandeis in Olmstead vs. U.S. and Black in Katz vs. U.S. The interpretation of the law is not constant. The law evolves as time and people change.

Walmart overall financial health slp bus 305module 4 Essay

Walmart overall financial health slp bus 305module 4 - Essay Example So it gives you a look ahead at what to expect in terms of interest rates (Woodruff). Inflation is another aspect that would affect the organization. When the prices of essential commodities like rice, wheat, cooking gas go up and people spend more money for the same goods and services then it is inflation. Essentially inflation indicates that the value of money is going down and it takes more money to buy the same basket of goods. This will definitely lead to losses by business organizations as people would not be ready to spend such huge amount for the goods sold unless it is really essential. 3. If the Federal Reserve acts upon lowering the inflation, then it would best do it by maintaining price stability. Price stability preserves the integrity and purchasing power of the money in the economy. When prices are stable, people can hold money for transactions and other purposes without having to worry that inflation will eat away at the real value of their money balances (Bernanke). If the Federal Reserve lowers inflation by way of maintaining price stability, then the people would not worry about the prices of the goods and so purchasing goods by the consumers would get into normal routine without the fear of the increasing prices. This would help the organization benefit and indeed affects the organization

Thursday, October 17, 2019

MGT3301 Service Operations Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

MGT3301 Service Operations Management - Essay Example The library provision of standard material regarding the health services education and practise has always been severely needed the NHS took steps in order to fulfil this need by providing an online database and made the clinician’s enable to make the most of it. In a study conducted by (Taylor, Ellis, & Gallagho 2002) the scope of telephonic advice to patients was examined. It was found that the patients were very much satisfied with the advice given to them, this not only helped the patients but also helped the management in managing the primary care workload. In the same way the internet presence of NHS in shape of NHS Direct also enabled the physicians to educate their patients about their treatment, do’s and don’ts and their diet schedule in a more effective, consistent and timely manner. NHS Direct also helped the physicians to consolidate their relationships with other institutions in order to share their ideas about different discoveries and enhancements in their related field. This process is under way in some parts of the world. Williams & Ropert, (2004) under taken a project in the Universities of Australia and Philadelphia in which eighty-four students were brought together, The main purpose of the project was to determine whether Internet is an effective tool in exchanging ideas and discoveries in a useful manner. The result determined that the use of Internet was useful in exchanging the ideas about a topic, it not only enhanced the knowledge but also opened new dimensions for inquiry and research. The self-service technology or also termed as SST, has so much to do with the efficiency and the effectiveness of the NHS Direct. What really is SST and how does it work as an element of e-business? Cheryl Nakata’s book entitled â€Å"Self-Service Technology failure: Understanding the Customer Perspective† talks about the necessary factors regarding self-0service technology that could contribute to

Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector Assignment

Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector - Assignment Example and literacy skills among the learners, educators must create a conducive environment that creates conditions for learning (Avis, Fisher & Thompson, 2009). Since learners are of varying backgrounds ranging from cultural to socio-economic backgrounds, educators must provide adequate support to the learners so as to attain the set standards. Additionally, Avis, Fisher & Thompson (2009), say that teaching numeracy and literacy skills is a complex process, and it is the role of the teachers to come up with methods that will suit the multilingual learners. This involves selecting resources and planning instructions so as to meet the high and low order skills in language learning (Avis, Fisher & Thompson, 2009). For teaching literacy and numeracy classes to be productive, educators must develop deep understanding of the main concepts and principles in literacy and numeracy. Avis, Fisher & Thompson (2009), emphasize on synthesizing, explaining, analyzing, evaluating and hypothesizing in the course of teaching multilingual learners. From the lessons I have been keen on, lessons plans presented by the centre, printed materials and articles, motivation of the learners cannot be ignored (Avis, Fisher & Thompson, 2009). In an event whereby the learners are motivated, they tend to engage in the learning tasks. Teachers can motivate the learners by creating a favourable learning environment through modelling, and in turn the learners take risks in engaging in class activities, so as to learn these skills. Since effectual learning of numeracy and literacy skills is based on evidence based research, educational systems must devise literacy and numeracy programs using reliable techniques (Avis, Fisher & Thompson, 2009). Teachers must always assess and evaluate the programs, so as to understand if the learners acquire the information taught in the classroom setting. Lastly, the educators must inculcate a culture of continuity in the learning process if numeracy and literacy

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

MGT3301 Service Operations Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

MGT3301 Service Operations Management - Essay Example The library provision of standard material regarding the health services education and practise has always been severely needed the NHS took steps in order to fulfil this need by providing an online database and made the clinician’s enable to make the most of it. In a study conducted by (Taylor, Ellis, & Gallagho 2002) the scope of telephonic advice to patients was examined. It was found that the patients were very much satisfied with the advice given to them, this not only helped the patients but also helped the management in managing the primary care workload. In the same way the internet presence of NHS in shape of NHS Direct also enabled the physicians to educate their patients about their treatment, do’s and don’ts and their diet schedule in a more effective, consistent and timely manner. NHS Direct also helped the physicians to consolidate their relationships with other institutions in order to share their ideas about different discoveries and enhancements in their related field. This process is under way in some parts of the world. Williams & Ropert, (2004) under taken a project in the Universities of Australia and Philadelphia in which eighty-four students were brought together, The main purpose of the project was to determine whether Internet is an effective tool in exchanging ideas and discoveries in a useful manner. The result determined that the use of Internet was useful in exchanging the ideas about a topic, it not only enhanced the knowledge but also opened new dimensions for inquiry and research. The self-service technology or also termed as SST, has so much to do with the efficiency and the effectiveness of the NHS Direct. What really is SST and how does it work as an element of e-business? Cheryl Nakata’s book entitled â€Å"Self-Service Technology failure: Understanding the Customer Perspective† talks about the necessary factors regarding self-0service technology that could contribute to

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Has globalization improved womens political and economic conditions Essay

Has globalization improved womens political and economic conditions - Essay Example 2. Globalisation is said to have been successful and has been beneficial, but at the same time it has caused harm or damage. There are both winners and losers from globalisation.3 Globalisation has not affected all countries or regions in the same way, so that the processes of change is not the same for all.4 Because of different levels of modernisation and technological capacity, regions and countries have not felt similar effects of globalisation. Southeast Asia’s experience, for example, differs from that of the experiences of Vietnam and South Korea in terms of benefits and losses in the process of economic globalisation.5 Across regions, socio-economic groups within regions, and between sexes, the process has not been equal.6 Those who benefit from it generally assert that it, too, is beneficial for all. On the other hand, those against it, particularly the intellectuals and street protesters, declare that it is universally evil.7 Hence, there are strongly differing views on globalisation including when it concerns women. Author George Soroos,8 for example, argues that the global financial system is dangerously unstable and must be regulated. Another one, Clare Short 9 argues that the outcome of globalisation depends upon political choices made. Writing in December 2000 in Making Globalisation Work for the Poor, Short asserts that if and only if the right political choices are made, can the poor benefit. 10 Lene Sjorup11 does not look at globalisation as an arch-enemy. She says women may sometimes be victims of globalisation but can also be benefactors as actors too. Arguing that globalisation if not defined, examined, and discussed, is a very broad category, she says it can become useless as an analytical tool. For example, she warns that a myopic view of globalisation may depict it as an overwhelming enemy victimizing women, but when integrated with a nation state’s system, globalisation will even strengthen the feminist movement worldwide. To

Monday, October 14, 2019

Necessary and possible Essay Example for Free

Necessary and possible Essay Among the countless present that God endowed to men, the gift of life is the most superb of all. Everything around here on Earth is alive, and so it is our task to take good care of this grant. Reflecting on this idea, each of us must act in a way that propagates it, thus making a better world. And so the question stand still, how can we make a better world? Among the many individuals who has answers are Seyyed Hossein Nasr, he recommend two action steps first â€Å"the interiorization of ecological values† second â€Å"to reflect in what I write and what I say the significance of seeing nature as the domain of the sacred. † (1990). He refers on the importance of the environment in sustaining life, which is indeed true because we get all our needs from it in order to survive. Audrey Shenandoah also laid her answers. â€Å"It has to begin with every individual†, (1990). We should learn to give thanks on everything that we have as well as anything that are given to us. Being responsible to manage our life accordingly will result to better lives. On the other hand, Ronald Engel had another answer to the question, â€Å"making new covenant† (1990). We should exercise democracy n everything around us. Sallie Mcfague reply that â€Å"a basic metanoia, repentance, a turning around. Be submissive to Gods will is what she exemplified, furthermore He has plans for each life He create. Trusting and doing what pleases him is the central key in every aspect of our existence. Ismar Schorsch has his own response to the question. â€Å"It is necessary to have a little less self-indulgence. † (1990), we should not have inferiority towards our self for us to be able to move on and have a good living. The Dalai Lama views that, â€Å"We need a certain discipline, contentment, awareness and what I call a sense of responsibility. † (1990). While Rockefeller relates religion in his answer, â€Å"It is necessary and possible to develop ethic of sustainability that will be accepted by all the different religious traditions and by many different cultures of the world† (1990). As a whole, every creature are part of our nature, thus it should start from our self through serving as an example to others and this eventually will lead us to a better world.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Analysis of Women Characters in Victorian Literature

Analysis of Women Characters in Victorian Literature The common line of criticism made on Anne and Emily Brontes works reflects the widespread belief that the female characters are victims of male cruelty. Critics of the Bronte novels have highlighted a pattern of male dominance and female oppression. For example, Arlene Jackson, in The Question of Credibility in Anne Brontes The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, elaborates on womens powerlessness and male selfishness in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. In the same vein, Juliet McMaster, in her article Imbecile Laughter and Desperate Earnest in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, criticizes the male oppression of the woman in the novel which, she argues, is emblematic of the general treatment of women as they were given no voice in society. In addition, in Hapless Dependants, Women and Animals in Anne Brontes Agnes Grey Grey, Maggie Berg has equated the treatment of women to the treatment of animals by which women are relegated to a secondary position where they can form no true sense of the self. This trend of viewing women as the victims of male hegemony makes it challenging to market the idea that these female characters do, in fact, have enormous power that they utilize in their relationships with men. Therefore this research proposal uses Emily Brontes Wuthering Heights and Anne Brontes Agnes Grey and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall to issues pertaining to female behavior and male response that will indicate the extent of this female power. Through their strong wills, purposes, and desires, women characters in these novels often form mens characters, and define their behaviors. For example, in Wuthering Heights, Catherines headstrong and rebellious ways are partially responsible for Heathcliffs antisocial behavior, and it is through Catherines ideas of how men should behave and react to her demands that Heathcliffs character is formed and which leads him to his madness at her death. In Agnes Grey, Miss Murray manipulatively portrays women in a manner that makes Mr. Hatfield v iew women as helpless creatures in their need for rescue, protection, and provision. In light of this argument, how does the womans figuration of the patriarchal male character affect both the man and the woman,? Does this power result in ramifications for the woman as well? Are women aware of the power that they wield, and if they are, why do they blame the man for relationship problems? In my dissertation, I use evidence from the Bronte novels to show that it is womens unwillingness to engage in self-awareness and accountability that contributes to variant male behavior and perceptual outcomes. To that end, I argue that women have far more influence and power than is acknowledged by critics and this power and influence consistently contributes to the formation of male thinking and behavior. Summary Women have natural power in them. This power is not something magical or supernatural; it is part of their femininity. Women have intrinsic power by virtue of being women. In other words, a womans femininity is her powerful tool. Once used, this inherent power may constitute a strong weapon that influences mens lives either positively or negatively. An in-depth study of the emergence, construction, and outcome of female influence on men within myriad contexts is a sure way of vindicating the existence of this female power. Applying this theory to three British novels written by Emily and Anne Bronte Wuthering Heights, Agnes Grey, and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall- this study will draw important correlations between female abilities, capacities, and innate talents and the use of these elements to alter or supersede male potentialities. For example, Catherines misuse of her natural female strengths and talents is used to override Heathcliffs reticence against and desire to withdraw from her controlling manipulation, culminating in tragedy for both characters. Additionally, in Agnes Grey, the protagonists yearning for independence and power has influence on both men and women. Similarly, female power and control in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall is measured through Helen Grahams interactions with the men in her life. In this novel, Bronte reveals this power and manipulative awareness in her protagonist, but the theme remains intact: women often have inordinate amounts of power and control over men in myriad realms of their lives. In light of this argument, the purpose of this dissertation is to explore the aforementioned three novels to show the outcome of the immense power possessed by women. These powers possessed by females are mainly psychological. In other words, they affect the intellectual, spiritual, emotional and interpersonal world of men with different outcomes for both genders. Introductory Statement of Background, Purpose and Thesis I will analyze The Tenant of Wildfell Hall and Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte and Emily Brontes Wuthering Heights with the aim of showing how they developed female characters whose power influence the men around them. The analysis will prove that this female power and influence affects the intellectual, spiritual, emotional and interpersonal world of men with different outcomes for both genders. The purpose of this study will involve comparing three British novels, written by sisters, whose female characters effect masculine changes, behaviors, and affect the outcomes of various situations. Demonstrating the application of feminine power in relationship dyads will support the hypothesis that women can manipulate, control, and cause harm to men and, through them, socio-political constructs which affect everyone. In addressing the research problem, a thorough review of the selected works, combined with a thorough literature review of existing studies will serve to show how this use of power manipulates or affects outcomes. My research topic is intended to be a significant contribution to socio-cultural, gender-based, and psychological awareness of conflict source and resolution. In other words, it will contribute to understanding the origins or beginnings of problematic relationships between men and women, and suggest how these problems can be solved. While the literature is rife with widely diverse discourse and study on feminism, the body of knowledge is seriously deficient in considering the research problem. That is because this issue requires a major paradigmatic change since the major outcomes of feminism have tended to reject feminine limitations while creating male-opposition toward many of its tenets. Signe Arnfred exposes a practical sense of feminine power in a non-western setting in her article entitled Sex, Food and Female Power: Discussion of Data Material from Northern Mozambique. In this article, she shows how women in a certain part of the world harness their mastery of feminine chores in both reproduction and family into a power tool that calls for respect from men (141). It is vital to note that what the characters in the Bronte novels do is not so much removed from what Arnfred tries to show in her article. The setting and tool might be different, but the game is the same. Arnfreds and the two Brontes women play on one critical point; namely the mans need. Man is need for womens domestic duties and reproductive function as well as their emotional interest. As the women in Arnfreds article employ this need to gain power, the Brontes women make use of the mens emotional need for to them as powerful tool. Abstaining from performing the chores (Arnfreds women) or paying attention (Brontes women) can have serious influence on the man. For example, in Wuthering Heights, Catherine leaves Heathcliff for Edgar, a move that creates confusion and antagonism between Edgar, Heathcliff and Isabella and ultimately leads to Heathcliffs madness. Had Catherine not chosen to withdraw her attention from Heathcliff, he would not have experienced the emotional turmoil th at he experienced. The question that may arises then is, was it within Catherines power to control the events through avoiding any association with Edgar? The answer to this is in the affirmative, and therefore she sought to push Heathcliffs emotions to the edge of a cliff. In fact, male dominance was common in Victorian times, as was female servility; But it is this servility that supported the dominance. Critics of the Bronte novels have noticed the male dominance in these novels, and identified the role women play in perpetuating this dominance. The feminine role in the advancement of male dominance is a power in itself, which, if withdrawn, can have a regulatory outcome on male behavior. In the article The Question of Credibility in Anne Brontes The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, Arlene Jackson points out that, Anne Bronte also answers a question that other novels of her time do not ask: what happens to a marriage and to the innocent partner when one partner (specifically, the male) leads a solipsistic life, where personal pleasures are seen as deserved, where maleness and the role of husband is tied to the freedom to do as one wants, and femaleness and the role of wife is linked to providing service and pleasure not necessarily sexual, but including daily praise and ego-boosting and, quite simply, constant attention (203). On the surface, Jackson is asserting that powerlessness is another way of describing women. This is how she decodes the message that Anne Bronte is sending to society through her book. Obviously, numerous people agree with this position, considering the woman to be the victim, suffering silently without a means of escape from the cruel clutches of the man. But this is not the case because in the process of praising someone, there is the knowledge that the praise can be withheld. There is also the knowledge that the praise can lead to dependency as well as other undesirable manifestations of character that may be harmful to both the person lavishing praise, who is the woman, as well as the man, who is the recipient of the praise. An objective analysis of the message from Jackson reveals that men have a certain degree of dependency on the lavish praise they are showered with by women. As much as Jacksons work may have been an attempt to show the credibility of Anne Brontes literary skills, she helps in the identification of areas of female power that is sometimes wrongly interpreted to enhance female servitude and perpetuate male dominance. In the Bronte novels, it is not just praise that men get from women that create an atmosphere of dependency. As shown by Helen Graham, men can become dependent on the love they get from women. For example, under the chapter entitled Miniature, Anne Bronte shows how after showering Mr. Huntingdon with attention, she withdraws it, an act that upsets him. Maggie Berg, in her Hapless Dependants, Women and Animals in Anne Brontes Agnes Grey argues that, in a patriarchal society where women are faced with challenges of identity, expression and recognition- the general treatment of women is implied to be like the treatment of animals. This position is also shared by another critic of Anne Brontes The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, Juliet McMaster, who takes the position that the Victorian period was characterized by a huge power imbalance that tilted heavily in favor of men. In her article entitled Imbecile Laughter and Desperate Earnest in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, McMaster talks of a Victorian power structure that did not allow women to have a say in society. All things were done according to the rules set by men for everyone (368). However Berg and McMasters view is harsh and seems to suggest that women have no place in their society. In support of the position that goes against this perception, several published works that have a stand on womens power in relation to men will be examined too. For example Naomi Wolfs critically acclaimed book entitled Fire with Fire: The New Female Power and How to Use it deconstructs McMaster and Jacksons positions on female victimhood. Wolf believes that women have always had more power than men. The biggest problem according to her is that women have not mastered the art of utilizing this power for their benefit (23-25). She further disagrees with women whose time is spent agonizing over a male dominated society where every woman is a victim (56). Evidently, Wolf is not ready to buy into the ideas of Jackson and McMaster. The areas where the latter two see oppression and injustice, the former sees opportunity and freedom that has not been seized by women. Wolf provides solid examples of women who have managed to live happily through the realization that female power is sufficient to combat what has come to be known as male dominance. She points out that politics, business, and family life are all potential areas of female excellence if women meet fire with fire and learn to use some of the tactics men use to manage affairs in society (34). This is the basis of her phrase, fire with fire. Applied to Brontes novels, Wolfs principles would appeal to female characters to not only be aware of how powerful they are, but also how to productively utilize these powers. Wolfs belief in the existence of feminine power greatly contributes to my thesis. Agnes, Helen, and Catherine, in addition to other female characters in the novels, are not the weak victims some critics view them to be. They are women who enjoy a great level of power that they use to influence their surroundings. Another female scholar who has done research on the issue of female power and influence is Margaret Beetham. In an article entitled Thinking Back Through our Mothers Magazines: Feminisms Inheritance from Nineteenth-Century Magazines for Mothers, Beetham, whose main objective is to survey the motherhood oriented magazines that existed in the nineteenth century, makes a refreshingly different statement based on what she discovers in the magazines she reads. As much as there was injustice in society during a greater part of the Victorian period, there was the acceptance that women were equal to men, but different. The admission of equality in these magazines that were published for mothers shows that the empowering element for women was present. What lacked was the will to pursue the path of equality through the elimination of obstacles that made it difficult for women to enjoy the trappings of a free life. It helps to point out that the writers and publishers of the magazines that Margaret Beetham analyzes in her work were both men and women, with most of them being in the hands of women. The significance of this is that women had access to the tools for empowerment as early as the Victorian time, a period that is attacked as highly paternalistic and patriarchal. This point is shared by Lisa Duggan and Nan Hunter. In Sex Wars: Sexual Dissent and Political Culture, the authors poignantly state that man and woman have always tried to live as a united pair, but the truth is that each is pulling in a different direction. The struggle is purely power based and is largely to blame for much of the s uffering that goes on in society (19-21). My study will be unique in the sense that it will depart from the traditional feminist readings and exegeses like that of Jackson and McMaster and utilize the arguments of the kind proposed by Wolf and others cited above. The dissertation will prove the existence of female power and influence in Victorian society, a society that is typically known as purely chauvinistic. Even in this analysis, my study will also go beyond the stress on the female power in the political and economic spheres as perpetuated by Arnfred, Wolf and Beetham. In contrast, I will focus on the psychological and personal dimension of feminine power. Through the critical examination of the Bronte novels, I will show that the power and influence held by women is not the literal political or physical power that society is used to, but rather the psychological one. It is partially the psychological dependency that men have on women that gives women the ability to manipulate circumstances and conditions in ways that can simultaneously hurt and heal both parties. I will use feminist theory to deconstruct the myth it perpetuates about the hegemony of man and the victimhood of woman. I will also use psychoanalytic theory to highlight the psychological power and influence women have on men. Through analyzing the three novels and borrowing from the other available materials and the theoretical framework, my study will purposefully prove that women have natural power and abilities. When these innate characteristics are applied to the intellectual, spiritual, emotional and interpersonal world of men, this power can control and define the opposite sex, with various results for both genders. The Design Chapter Summaries Introduction The introduction will set the pace of the dissertation by giving the background to my thesis. In this sense, the introduction will focus on reviewing the prevailing critical views that I will challenge in my dissertation. The aim will be to set up the idea that the dominant critical perspective views women as victims who are mistreated by men, a position that will be deconstructed in the later chapters of my dissertation. Such critical claims will include Arlene Jacksons The Question of Credibility in Anne Brontes The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, Juliet McMasters Imbecile Laughter and Desperate Earnest in The Tenant of Wildfell Hal, and Maggie Bergs Hapless Dependants, Women and Animals in Anne Brontes Agnes Grey among others. Equally important, the introduction will survey some critical views that support the thesis. These include, Marilyn Graman and Maureen Walshs The Female Power Within: A Guide to Living a Gentler, More Meaningful Life and Dan Abramss Man Down: Proof Beyond a Reasona ble Doubt That Women Are Better Cops, Drivers, Gamblers, Spies, World Leaders, Beer Tasters, Hedge Fund Managers, and Just About Everything Else. In addition, Laura Donaldsons Decolonizing Feminisms: Race, Gender Empire Building will be used to reinforce the thesis. The rationale behind this literature review is to set the parameters that my study departs from and challenges. This departure will be illustrated in the chapters that follow. Chapter 1: The Bronte Women: The Dominant View This is the opening chapter of the dissertation. The purpose of this chapter will be to set the tone and lay the argument that will be refuted in later chapters. Thus, the focus will be on the picture painted in the three novels as far as women are concerned. The three sisters books present women as the abused and mistreated members of the society. For example, in Wuthering Heights, Catherine is depicted as a victim of Heathcliffs desires. Similarly, in Agnes Grey, the protagonists mother is portrayed as the gentle, loving woman who gives up her high life for the love of a poor man, Agness father. In The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, Helen is shown as a victim not only of Arthur but also Gilbert, who is shown as the angry and irrational man who whips Lawrence and hurts Helen feelings on mere suspicion that she would be allowing Lawrence to court her while knowing that Markham is already into her. The chapter will review such depiction of women in the three novels in details. However, the point that will be highlighted is that a careful analysis of some of the events in the books enables the keen reader and analyst to have a more profound view of women, a view that shows that they are not the submissive women intended or viewed to be. Since the dissertation is about the provision of evidence towards the position that women are not the victims of male hegemony as they are thought to be, this first chapter will be critical in setting up the issue that will be opposed by use of analysis of both these primary sources as well as other credible secondary sources. In this regard, the link between this first chapter and the rest of the dissertation is that it will lay the foundation for the entire dissertation through the establishment of the contested opinion, which the rest of the dissertation will tear down, while building the alternative view. Chapter 2: The Bronte Women: The Hidden Face As chapter 1 illustrates the traditional analysis of the Bronte women, chapter 2 will provide a dissenting analysis to that proposed in the first chapter. Hence this chapter comes to form the crux of the dissertation as it elaborates on the thesis. The three Bronte novels will be critically analyzed in order to portray the often unseen powers of women. Areas where the female power appears in these novels will be highlighted to substantiate the assertion that women are not victims of male domination and abuse, but powerful members of the society whose powers, though not physical, can bring either unimaginable destruction or ultimate redemption. A careful analysis of the events and characters will be conducted to supports this assertion. For example, in Emily Brontes Wuthering Heights, Catherines misuse of her natural female strengths and talents is used to override Heathcliffs reticence against and desire to withdraw from her controlling manipulation, culminating in tragedy for both characters. In Anne Brontes The Tenant of Windfell Hall, Mrs. Helen uses her feminine power to emotionally abuse Mr. Huntingdon through the withdrawal of her affection, which leaves him mad and angry. Another example of the powerful nature of women is shown by Miss Murray who is determined to use her feminine power to ensnare Mr. Weston into falling for her before she gets married to Mr. Hatfield, to whom she is already engaged. Agnes aptly describes Mr. Weston as Miss. Murrays victim (Bronte 212). Susan McKernans article entitled Feminist Literary Theory and Womens Literary History: Contradictory Projects, will be used to create a critical dialogue in this chapter. The article illustrates how some women have sought to absolve females from all that goes wrong in relationships in particular and society in general. My argument in this chapter goes against this contention and proves that women are active participants in relationship management. Another powerful secondary source that will be used in this chapter is Laura Donaldsons Decolonizing Feminisms: Race, Gender Empire Building. This carefully written book will reinforce the thesis by showing how female power has more potential that most people in society are willing to accept. It will therefore support the idea that women can only be victims of men domination willingly or unknowingly, but otherwise, they ought to have the potential to stand up for themselves. In connection to the entire dissertation, this chapter brings up the theme of the paper. It agrees with the thesis and validates the argument. Chapter 3: Female Power: When Women Admit It This chapter will support the theme of the dissertation through the usage of female voices in proving the existence of female power. The aim is to show that the claim made in the dissertation is largely shared by women themselves, and therefore has credence to it. There is no better way to confirm that someone is in possession of something than that person coming out and admitting it himself or herself. This is what this chapter does by allowing female voices to come out and assert that women are indeed powerful in their own right. The use of these female voices will be targeted towards proving the thesis with reference to the major primary sources. Examples on the secondary sources include Signe Arnfreds article entitled Sex, Food and Female Power: Discussion of Data Material from Northern Mozambique. As illustrated elsewhere in the proposal, this reference will be used to prove how the Bronte women may take advantage of the mans need to exercise their power. Another secondary source that will used in this chapter is Margaret Beethams Thinking Back Through our Mothers Magazines: Feminisms Inheritance from Nineteenth-Century Magazines for Mothers. Her article is a clear admittance that woman had access to the tools for empowerment in the Victorian period. Equally important is Naomi Wolfs book, Fire with Fire: The New Female Power and How to Use it. Along with Beethams analysis, Wolfs argument greatly contributes to my thesis. As mentioned above, it substantiates the idea that Agnes, Helen, and Catherine, in add ition to other female characters in the novels, are not the weak victims some critics view them to be. They are women who enjoy a great level of power that they use to influence their surroundings. Further careful analysis of the primary sources will be done in this chapter to substantiate this point. For example, in Wuthering Heights, Catherines headstrong and rebellious ways are partially responsible for Heathcliffs antisocial behavior, and it is through Catherines ideas of how men should behave and react to her demands that Heathcliffs character is formed and which leads him to his madness at her death. In Agnes Grey, Miss Murray manipulatively portrays women in a manner that makes Mr. Hatfield view women as helpless creatures in their need for rescue, protection, and provision. The reference to the primary sources and connection to the overarching theme will provide the necessary flow and linkage for this chapter to the rest of the paper. In more precise terms, the women voices used to reinforce the thesis provide a connection to the second chapter which endeavors to show that women are not victims but powerful individuals. It also provides the groundwork for the following chapter which surveys the impact of the womens realization or lack thereof of feminine power. Chapter 4: Female Power: Realization by Women or Lack Thereof This chapter surveys the effects that emanate from the discovery by some women that they are in possession of immense powers. It also looks at what happens when some women fail to realize that they indeed have these feminine powers that the dissertation seeks to prove that they indeed exist. Again, Naomi Wolfs book, Fire with Fire: The New Female Power and How to Use it will be of great significance to this chapter as she argues that the realization of this power provides a solution for the supposed male dominance. In addition, The Least Angelical Poem in the Language: Political Economy, Gender, and the Heritage of Aurora Leigh  by L.Dalley will also be used. Dalleys article gives insight into the Victorian womens power and thus annuls any contention for the absence of this power in women even in the supposedly most patriarchal society. Once again, this will be done with reference to Bronte novels. The focus will be on how the Bronte females realization of their potential or lack thereof creates a great difference for themselves and for the men in touch with them. The instances where women have realized how powerful they are and used this knowledge to accomplish certain actions will be dealt with. For example, Helens realization of her artistic talent encourages her to leave her husband as it constitutes a source of income. In the same vein, Agness belief in her potential for leading an independent life make her start her venture as a governess, which adds to her experience and potential. In relation to the other chapters, this chapter will be a final verdict that indeed women have powers as it will demonstrate what happens when these powers, which chapters two and three will have shown exist, are put into use by those who know of their presence, or not used, by women whose ignorance insulates them from knowing the powers at their disposal. To a large extent, this chapter legitimizes the dissertation as it takes the argument to the level of observing the outcome of what the thesis claims. At this stage, the argument is not about whether women have powers or not, but about what happens when these powers are or are not used. Conclusion The conclusion will restate the thesis as has been validated through the argument in the preceding chapters. The major ideas that are raised in support of the thesis and some of the readings, both primary and secondary, that have supported or opposed the argument will be briefly revisited. All in all, the conclusion will emphasize the validation of the thesis as logically put through the dissertation chapters. Annotated Bibliography Primary Sources Bronte, A.  The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. New York: Harper Brothers. 1999. Brontà «, C., Brontà «, E., Brontà «, A. The Brontà « Sisters: Three Novels.  New York: Penguin Books. (2009).   Secondary Sources Abrams, Dan. Man Down: Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt That Women Are Better Cops, Drivers, Gamblers, Spies, World Leaders, Beer Tasters, Hedge Fund Managers, and Just About Everything Else .New York: Abrams Image.2011. Based on evidence borrowed from the social and business world, Dan Abrams presents a powerful narrative of how women are better players in different games of life. This message resonates well with the thesis whereby it supports the claim that women have powers that can be a force for good or evil, depending on their usage. This is in opposition to the view that women are victims in society, whose suffering in the hands of men is evident throughout history. Berg, M. Hapless Dependents: Women and Animals in Anne Brontes Agnes Grey.  Studies in the Novel, 34(2), 177+. (2002). Comparing animals to the oppressed nature of women under a patriarchal society, Berg provides a viable contrast to Greys perceived fall from a moral governess to one who commoditizes relationships as she comes to see animals in relationship to food. This perspective will provide catalysts to the thesis since Agnes Grey is largely considered a non-philosophical text but has deep undercurrents to feminine power and control. Beetham, Margaret. Thinking Back Through our Mothers Magazines: Feminisms Inheritance from Nineteenth-Century Magazines for Mothers. Nineteenth Century Gender Studies. Issue 6.2, Summer 2010. Web. March 18, 2011. This article gives a picture of how mothers lived in the 19th century. This information is largely based on magazines, and the overarching message is that women were not under the apron strings of men with limited authority. Therefore, this article is part of the evidence that the is needed to validate the thesis. Braithwaite, W. S. The Bewitched Parsonage: The Story of the Brontes. New York: Coward-McCann. (1950).   Braithwaite provides germane insights into the lives of the Bronte sisters which informs their writing and perception of the world around them as well as their own influence and power (or lack thereof) in their lives. This work will contribute valuable insights into the sisters defenses, perceptions, and belief systems among an unusually tragic set of circumstances. Bump, J. The Family Dynamics of the Reception of Art.  Style, 31(2), 328+. (1997). Bumps article has been selected for this work due to his exploration of the self as it applies to understanding and applying the work of the Bronte sisters. A socially isolated and individualistic view of the self that precludes the possibility of enduring attachments or responsibilities to another (328) fully informs the thesis upon which this work is grounded. Coontz, Stephanie. A Strange Stirring: The Feminine Mystique and American Women at the Dawn of the 1960s .New York: Basic Books.2011. Stephanie Coontz is responding to the work of Betty Friedan, The Feminine Mystique. She agrees with Friedan that women may have undergone suffering in society, but they had the powers to alter these circumstances. Therefore, this book is in line with the assertion made in the thesis. Dalley, L. L. The Least Angelical Poem in the Language: Political Economy, Gender, and the Heritage of Aurora Leigh.  Victorian Poetry, 44(4), 525+. (2006). A decidedly secondary, perhaps even tertiary source to this work, Dal