World Cultures and Cultural Lifestyles Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

World Cultures and Cultural Lifestyles - Essay Example With new attitudes, cultures and lifestyles flooding these regions brought forward by new business growth and job opportunities, very old-world systems of family and cultural relationships are taking on a modern appeal and value system. Depending on the type of culture in a certain foreign region, the impact of new attitudes greatly increases the chances of change in cultural systems all across the world. In regions of the world such as Saudi Arabia and India, there is a collectivist mentality that puts large emphasis on the needs of group loyalty and group welfare. People who hail from collectivist nations tend to view themselves as extended members of a larger family unit and generally these individuals have a great deal of respect for tradition and the reciprocation of favors (Blodgett, Bakir & Rose, 339). Collectivist nations often perform their business activities in such a way where group membership and group affiliation are demanded from domestic and foreign business leaders. This type of traditionalist culture and those who value its family-oriented concept will often demand a different style of business meeting where friendship, camaraderie, and informal discussions are the norm. What occurs in a collectivist culture when foreign business leaders who value more individualism and self-expression bring their new ideas forward is a change in attitude that is more Westernized rather than traditionalist in the region. Why is this? New changes in business presence and ideas that form from foreign business leadership begin to restructure business principles and therefore changes the attitudes of those working within this new globalized organization. For instance, new call centers developed in Saudi Arabia, as one example, might be originally focused on providing a forum for consumers to demand changes to product variety. However, after the influx of foreign business leadership from countries such as the United States, new styles of performing call center func tions that now are geared toward individualized customer service have changed the local culture simply through business restructuring. It is important to identify that cultural interdependency is not only present in business, but can be found sociologically in a variety of different international communities. â€Å"Leaders aspiring to be effective in multi-cultural environments must develop an awareness of the different dimensions of culture that are and will be most central to their constituencies† (Shriberg & Kumari, 20). What this is suggesting is that leadership must be flexible in multi-cultural environments and be adaptable to foreign attitudes related to culture and lifestyle. It does not necessarily mean that individuals from foreign countries are, necessarily, going to be able to make changes to how domestic cultures perform their lifestyle and business activities. For example, in certain cultures, there might be a preference for older, traditionalist ways and theref ore they resist any changes that bring liberal and individualistic attitudes into the local culture hailing from foreign visitors or business leaders. Cultural interdependency has become a product of a changing globe and the demands that are placed on what was once an under-developed country in order to make the local culture more in-line with flexible and adaptable individualistic mentalities. In an environment where group norms are powerful as it is related to traditionalist values, it becomes more and more difficult to change these attitudes to make them more flexible and progressive especially if the local cultural values greatly conflict with

Anthropology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 8

Anthropology - Essay Example Scientific theories are accurate, comprehensive, and reliable aspect of the scientific knowledge, which is different from the theory definition that explains its common usage of something that exploratory or unproven. When there are evidences to support the hypothesis, the testing changes its name to a theory, which becomes a convincing justification of the phenomena. As mentioned earlier, when a theory is used in non-scientific perspective it refers to something, which is speculative or unproven. However, when used in the scientific context, it refers to a model based on experimentation, reasoning, observation, and one that is confirmed and tested as a principle that clarify and forecast natural phenomena. Typically, a scientific theory should base its concept on a rational and careful examination of facts that can be measured and observed for evidences purposes. This is because although scientists may have different analysis of the experiments observations and outcomes, the facts of the scientific method cannot change. For a theory to be a scientific theory, it should be tested regularly by different scientists in different places and should pass the test when tested. Still, it should fit in other scientific theories of difference branches such as chemistry, biology, physics, astronomy, geology among others. In this case, a scientific theory in one of the mentioned branch should hold the truth in other branches of science. For instance, atomic theory of matter was discovered in physics. However, it was later applied in other branches of sciences such as chemistry through chemicals used, biology on the living tissue, rocks learnt in geology, and planets studied in astronomy. With this in mind, it stands out that the atomic theory of matter hold true in all branches of science. The following are lists of major scientific theories with no invalidity when tested. These are atomic theory of matter, cell theory, evolution theory,

Transitional Economy of Azerbaijan Research Paper

Transitional Economy of Azerbaijan - Research Paper Example One of the transitional economic systems can be identified as the currently practiced structure of Azerbaijan which legitimately began with the execution of ‘Law on Basic Economic Development’ since the year 1991 followed by the commencement of ‘Cost of Liberalization’ in the preceding year 1992. This transition escorted to hyperinflation rates in Azerbaijan which was recorded to be approximately 1.66% by the end of the year 1994. Subsequently, since, 1991 to 1994, the national income of the country had to witness a steep decline from USD 35,006 million (in 1991) to USD 1.031 million (in 1994). The radical decline in the growth rates was further learned to have a crucial effect on the agricultural and industrial output of the country which consequently increased the rate of unemployment within the economy (Baranick & Salayeva, 2005).   The economy of Azerbaijan The economy of Azerbaijan was able to retain its growth since the year 1995 after witnessing a s ubstantial decline in terms of its income level as well as its overall industrial output. The reforms in the economic conditions have taken place in the year 1995 when the government attempted to set up a widespread stabilization approach in its economic system with the support of International Monetary Fund (IMF) with respect to its Systematic Transformation Facility (STF). The increasing growth of the economy was immensely supported by the country’s persistence towards the stabilization of policies within the private and governmental institutions. As well as the IMF, The World Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) have been identified as a few of the major prominent financial contributors in the developmental process of the economic conditions in Azerbaijan. With regards to the forecasting view of IMF towards the development of the country, it had been projected that Azerbaijan is quite likely to attain a sus tainable growth rate of around 7.1% by the year-end of 2012. It was also assumed by IMF that the inflation rate, likely to be witnessed by the country in its progress during 2012, would be around 10.3% (Mirzeyev, 2012).

Superfund Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Superfund - Research Paper Example The result is the superfund, specifically which is placing funding and aid to stop the toxins and chemicals from being dumped into various regions. The approach is one which is furthered by the pressured cleanups by corporations throughout the different regions. This paper will examine the approach which is being taken by the EPA and how this is linking to the superfund. Background of the Superfund The superfund was established in New York City in 1980. It consists of a program that is based on offering monetary support and initiatives to clean up toxic waste and chemicals that are hazardous around the area. The project began after it was noted that over 22,000 tons of toxic waste were dumped by Niagara Falls, New York, in the known Love Canal. The Love Canal was completed and purchased for the use of different environmental needs. However, corporations began to pile toxic waste and chemicals into the canal. After the inability to move the toxins, the corporations covered the canal a nd sold this to the city of New York for $1. After a certain period of time, an explosion resulted from the large amount of chemicals and toxins in the area. The Love Canal continues to be hazardous for the environmental area it surrounds and directly affects the land which one is in. The superfund was established to force companies to clean up these areas and to tax those who were not complying with the law. Today, over 1,000 sites have been cleaned with billions of dollars being spent. Over 70% of the funds are going to corporations that began to the toxic waste and chemical buildup. The money is combined with government initiatives and companies which are linked to the polluted sites (New York Times, 2011). The initiatives which began with the funds and the need to clean up various areas has continued with specific policies and procedures offered by the Environmental Protection Agency. The bill was originally introduced by a bipartisan leadership group of senators and passed by t he Senate with limiting measures for the cleanup. The House amended this and approved the final alternatives in 1980 through S.1341. However, it was also noted that the final bill and law was sidetracked and moved into different departments because of the other proposals taken earlier. In the Carter Administration, a similar bill was being passed, specifically which was based on toxic waste and oil spill cleanup. This bill had been bypassed during the time because of other political objectives which would not provide the right cleanup. The problem which arose then created Congress to approve the bill with limited measures from the past history, specifically to take care of the problem with the Love Canal without considering the overall task of the Superfund and the extra requirements and provisions from the final bill and law which would be passed. This has led to a variety of amendments as well as questions of responsibility, taxation and corporate responsibility linked to the main bill (Grad, 1982). The approach which was taken in 1980 and the outcomes have resulted in political economics that have become a part of the Superfund and initiatives which have been taken. The approach which is now being taken is to develop the activities as a space for the contaminated sites that are continuing to have waste, as opposed to being active in the continuous dumping of the

The Federal Government And The Three Strikes Law Criminology Essay

The Federal Government And The Three Strikes Law Criminology Essay Between 1993 and 1995, 26 states and the federal government passed the Three Strikes Law. Under this law, a person who is convicted of three felonies is given a mandatory 25-to-life sentence. A felony is defined as any crime punishable by 1 year or more in prison (Messerli, 2006). This law was passed in reaction to the murder of 12 year old, Polly Klass. She was kidnapped and murdered by a paroled repeat offender. Unlike the federal laws, the three-strikes laws vary by quite a bit from state to state. However, under all federal and state three-strikes law if someone is convicted of a crime three times, there is no judiciary discretion in sentencing these repeat offenders (Unknown). This means that in all cases the offender must go to jail for 25 years to life if convicted of three felonies, no matter the seriousness crime. Under the statute, a serious violent felony includes murder, manslaughter, sex offenses, kidnapping, robbery, and any offense punishable by 10 years or more which includes as an element the use of force or that, by its nature, involves a significant risk of force. The statute also enumerates certain non-qualifying felonies, including unarmed robbery offenses and arsons that posed no threat to human life (Unknown). The purpose of the three-strikes law is to put criminals out of society to keep them from committing future crimes (Roy, 2010). Pros and Cons While researching this topic I have found multiple pros and cons of the three strikes law. Some of the pros that were mentioned include: repeat offenders will stay in prison; can deter offenders who have had two felony convictions from committing another crime; and it only applies to convictions. The first pro of the Three Strikes law is that repeat offenders will stay in prison for at least 25 years after their third conviction. If criminals choose to continue to break the law then will have to pay for their crimes. These criminals will not have a fourth chance to break the law. The Three Strikes law is a way to ensure justice and to stop criminals from committing more crimes. According to Adam Gelb, director of the Pew Centers Public Safety Performance Project (2008), There is no question that putting violent and chronic offenders behind bars lowers the crime rate and provides punishment that is well deserved. The second pro of the Three Strikes law is that it might deter offenders who have been convicted two felonies from committing a third crime. This law is known by all, especially by criminals. Criminals will know the punishment before they decide to commit crimes. The hope is that this will discourage criminals from committing any crimes major and minor, from armed robbery and rape to burglary. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics 43 percent of felony probationer and 62 percent of the parolees will be rearrested within three years after beginning supervision (Unknown, 2010). The third pro of the Three Strikes law is that it applies only to convictions. This law does not apply to arrests of a person is found not guilty. However, three convictions will send criminals to prison for 25 years to life. Chances are that these criminals have committed more than three crimes, but for whatever reason they were never convicted. There are also multiple arguments against the Three Strikes law. Some of the cons that were mentioned include: a one-size-fits all form of justice; it can be considered unjust depending on the particular crime; and it arguably violates the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution (Kitchen, 2009). The first con of the Three Strikes law is that some see this as a one size fits all form of justice (Kitchen, 2009). Some believe that this law destroys the flexibility of the courts and the judge. It is no longer up to the judge to decide if the offender can be rehabilitated. Under the Three Strikes law, the offender will automatically go to prison after the third conviction. Criminal rehabilitation has many positive benefits and can impact the lives of many inmates as well as their families (Wright, 2007). The second con of the Three Strikes law is that it can be considered unjust depending on the particular crime. In some cases the third conviction may not be a violent crime but if they are convicted of a third felony they would receive the same 25 years to life sentence as if the crime were a violent act. Some believe that this punishment does not fit the crime. If a newly convicted criminal has a record of two prior felony (serious crime) convictions, the judge had to impose the maximum sentence for the third crime (Driscoll, 2003). The third con of the Three Strikes law is that it arguably violates the Eighth Amendment. The Eight Amendment prohibits the use of Cruel and unjust punishment by the state. Many argue that certain clients prosecutions violate this amendment. According to N.C. Aizenman at the Washington Post (2008), when it comes to preventing repeat offenses by nonviolent criminals- who make up about half of the incarcerated population- alternative punishments such as community supervision and mandatory drug counseling that are far less expensive may prove just as or more effective than jail time. The fourth and final con of the Three Strikes Law is the expense. Prisons are already overcrowded and some argue that there is not enough room to house additional inmates. Prison is expensive. There are also trial and court fees that many times must be covered by the state and its taxpayers. It cost as average of $23,876 to imprison someone in 2005 (Aizenman, 2008). This includes costs for food, shelter, prison staff and many other items. Student Position In my opinion, this is a great program and the pros far outweigh the cons. People should refrain from breaking the law if they do not want to spend the next 25 years of their life if prison. There are many arguments that the Three Strikes law does not have any effect on the crime rate. However, most crimes are committed by previous felons. Without this law I believe that these criminals will continue to break the law until they are stopped. This law may be the only thing that will stop them. How many people need to get hurt before we have the right to put these criminals in prison where they belong? Conclusion According to Mike Reynolds (2006) Californias total crime rate in 1993, the year prior to adoption of Three Strikes, was fourth highest among all states. By 1999, Californias total crime rate dropped to 29th among the states. During the same period, Californias homicide rate dropped from fourth highest to 19th among the states. These statistics clearly suggest that Californias falling crime rate was not just part of a national trend, or a result of demographics or economic factors as opponents have suggested. 041106CACrimeRate

SEINFELD :: essays research papers

SEINFELD: THE UNTOLD STORY   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Throughout Seinfeld’s eight-season stint on network television the show and its creator’s have stereotyped everything from young Puerto Rican boys to Jewish Priests. The main stereotype of this sit-com is the very florid portrayal of the generational age groups of the characters. The main characters represent the beginning of the Generation X culture. The parents and relatives of Jerry Seinfeld and that of George Costanza present the presence of the members of the Silent or GI generation. Throughout the television series we have seen the elderly as stereotypically helpless individuals with little or no purpose. The character’s Jerry Seinfeld, George Costanza, Elaine Benes, and Cosmo Kramer, represent the Generation X culture. These half-witted characters are often unreliable and uncaring about the society they live in. These characters often care about nothing more about life outside their own. The stereotype of these characters and the succes s of this very popular television show have contributed to the media’s wide usage of stereotyping generations. The article, â€Å"My Inner Shrimp,† can be directly correlated to George’s eccentric ego trips with his problems with shortness, unemployment, and baldness. George’s character is often portrayed as a very loud, very rambunctious person who is often seeking to be on top. Elderly: Helpless or Not   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Throughout the series we have seen the elderly characters of Seinfeld often being absent minded, senile, and often helpless. Jerry’s parents upon retirement moved to the sunny state of Florida to bask in their retirement. This proves to be a very common nomenclature among senior citizens. Throughout the nation many retired citizens have been moving eagerly across the country spending their hard earned money and moving to much more appealing climates. Throughout the show Jerry’s parents often try to impose money upon him even though he never request any money from his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Seinfeld often believe that Jerry is living a life of poverty and that he lives a very inadequate life. Throughout our nation the elderly have often saved and saved countless dollars so that they may have a better life and provide their children with the sustenance they need to live a very adequate life. Mr. and Mrs. Costanza are often portrayed as very senile indiv iduals. George’s parents often tend to exaggerate things outside the spectrum they should really include. One certain episode can attribute to there senility. During the Seinfeld’s visit of New York to see their son Jerry, the Costanza’s graciously ask the Seinfeld’s to accompany them to dinner at their home.

Expo 2012, Yeosu, South Korea

Williams Date: August, 18th, 2012 Subject: Final report on Grenades Booth at Yeses Expo 2012. The sky of Yeses was 11th up with spectacular fireworks at 9:20 p. M. On Sunday as the city celebrated the end of 93-day Yeses Expo 2012, which kicked off on May 12. Hundreds of spectators, participants and performers joined hands and danced in circles to mark the successful wrapping up of the event.The closing ceremony, which began at 7:30 p. M. Was attended by UN Secretary-General Ban Ski-moon and Prime Minister Kim Hang-ski. Who both commended the hosts for doing a sterling Job on the Expo. Yeses Expo 201 2 held under the theme â€Å"The Living Ocean and Coast† reached Its target of attracting 8 million visitors. 104 countries participated In the expo and each country, including Grenade aimed to highlight workable solutions for achieving sustainable development and co-excellences with the living ocean as seen through its underwater sculpture park display.Grenade's Participation In Expo 2012 Reflecting the Importance of Its relationship with the ocean, Grenade presented Its home through a visually impressive booth, informative exhibits, and friendly interaction. The general public was introduced to the Moline Underwater Sculpture Park, Nutmeg, Carnival, the yachting sector and Grenade as a tourist and business trading destination. The Grenadier Booth was very well received by the general public, Pips, and business participants, and was one of the most popular at Expo 2012.Participating countries were equally complimentary about the success of our booth and appreciative of its role in furthering the work in ocean conservation. Our presence at Expo 2012 was an excellent platform to promote links between Grenade and Korea through trade, investment, people-to-people and tourism contacts. 2,223,131 visitors toured Grenade's booth. In addition 65, PIP delegations, including 2 heads of state/government, 11 ministers, and senior officials and business delegations from abroad visited the booth.The Grenadier booth clearly demonstrated Its worth In terms of the violators numbers, confirming a strong Interest in our country by the general public. The key to the success of the booth was the innovative and iconic underwater sculpture marine park display which drew many people and reactions to the piece. This made Grenade's booth stand out from other participating countries in the Atlantic west pavilion by creating a conversation as to the purpose of the park. Thus, visitors were able to get a well-rounded and insightful view not only tot the sculpture but tot Grenade as a whole.Grenade also participated in Carom's Regional Day on July 30th. Six countries; Antigen & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenade, Guyana, SST. Kits & Nevis and Surname, participated in the days events. Minister Gillis Roberts represented Grenade and the Secretary General of CAROM, Mr.. La Ruche delivered the address on behalf of CAROM. Products Another important aspect to Grenade's booth wa s the Nutmeg and Nutmeg products. Many inquiries and request for information were made especially for De La Grenade products and Molehill's Nutmeg Spray and Cream.Many were given direct information on manufacturers and others information were written down whilst many left their business cards. Several visitors also requested information on the importation and distribution of nutmeg. The Nutmeg was prominently displayed in he glass cases available and all nutmeg bi products placed therein. It attracted large crowds who were given demonstrations on how to open, grate, it uses and other relevant information. Many have heard about it but never seen it and only know of it as the most expensive spice.Recommendations Grenade's booth was well traversed by thousands of visitors during its 3 month participation in the 2012 Expo. Keen interest was shown in Grenade as a travel / tourism destination and its products. Its charm and beauty captivated audiences who were introduced to images and inf ormation about Grenade. However, the theme could have been better presented in terms of the description given along with the photos. An important piece as the underwater sculpture should have clearly stated the purpose more than anything else. People who read it still had lots of question as to â€Å"why' was it done.Each piece should have had an inviting title. Instead of Just ‘Wickedest† the display could have read â€Å"From Despair to Hope† or â€Å"Ocean conservation through artificial coral reef†. The BIB was looking forward most to how each country â€Å"developed† the theme of the expo and although it was a masterpiece, he theme was not quite well explained as to how we were dealing with conservation of the ocean. During the Judging period, each BIB member spent no more than two minutes at the booths. Also, each booth operator should have had business cards by which they could be contacted.Many visitors have requested our contact information and it had to be written on scraps of paper. Visitors also had to write information on paper for us; even some were lost due the busy day to day operations from the booth. When a laptop was available, immediate responses went out to any queries. Those who requested information on De la Grenade product were handed out cards that were provided from Ms. La Grenade. One other slight hindrance was the slow response to information requested from Grenade. Albeit the difference in time. Feedback on important information was necessary for a smoother flowing operation.A thorough checklist should have been done for the required items needed for booth operators If Grenade is to participate at another expo, our Ministry should bring in the perspective booth operators earlier to assist with preparations including theme placement and checklist for required activities. Foreign Affairs should contact any diplomat representing Grenade in the Country in which the expo is to be held. Honorary Consul L ee was very disappointed that no one contacted him. He had to tint out trot the organizing committee it Grenade was represented at the Expo and contacted us directly.Before our Commissioner of section left an appointment was made to meet with Consul Lee. During the â€Å"meeting† at the MOVE Hotel, he expressed his disappointment concerning the situation and informed Mr.. Charles and myself hat he was not there on official government business since he was not informed of our participation through the right channels; but wanted to meet with us to talk about the expo and Grenade. Conclusion I worked well with the number of visitors to the booth and offered our â€Å"Grenadier warmth and welcoming smiles† to all. Questions were answered and relative information shared on manufacturers, tourism and Grenade.We shared our countries rich heritage, cultural diversity and openness for doing business with the Korea and the rest of the world Overall, I do believe that the Expo Co mmittee met its objectives in bringing the world together to highlight, promote and to create awareness of the important role that the ocean plays in every aspect of human lives The Organizing Committee of Expo 2012 must applauded for the way in which it delivered its messages about climate change, maritime resource development, and maritime environment preservation to the public in a fun and accessible manner.Our Government, especially the Environment, Ministry of Foreign Trade, and export development must also be commended for taking on this initiative for participating in EXPO 2012