The History Of Earnings Management Accounting Essay

In the last few decennaries the universe economic system has changed. Undoubtedly, major factors on its form had globalisation, concern unity and engineering. These procedures changed the operation of little, medium, and large concerns. In the beginning of twenty-first century there are many dramatic instances that are related to net incomes direction frauds. These events imbalance world-wide economic system ; they bring deficiency of trust to investors for market stock and this leads to misdirect information about net incomes. These false audits and created maltreatments brought an sentiment that shareholders will make perfectly everything to increase their net income. In fact, I have come to believe that net incomes quality is one of the most of import facets in fiscal universe in the present twenty-four hours. Management net incomes play a important function for income statements and balance sheets, as they straight affect stock markets, Bankss, investors, creditors and many fisca l establishments. The intent of this research paper is to reply the inquiry what net incomes direction is and how directors and hearers follow the regulations utilizing the guidelines of this tool. Why is it so of import? Net incomes are an sum of net income that company produce in a certain period of clip. â€Å" Net incomes quality refers to the ability of reported net incomes to reflect the company ‘s true net incomes, every bit good as the utility of reported net incomes to foretell future net incomes † . Fiscal statements are used in cognizing and foretelling the status of the company to be able to do a pick about stocks, notes, and others liquid assets. Fiscal statements besides refer to consistence, stableness and staying power in study net incomes. Accounting does non cognize one simple rating method for ciphering and demoing net incomes. That is why it is so hard to mensurate them and compare them through the markets. Net incomes appear in assorted figures: net income, grosss, ru ning net incomes and etc. Very frequently these factors do non intend anything to anybody and they do non lend for utile information about a company ‘s position. I would wish to reply what grounds and motivations drive directors to net incomes direction. I think that motivations and purposes are really of import and they can impact our ideas that lead to our actions and behaviour. I will so discourse the conceptual model for net incomes direction and its use techniques. In the past old ages audits have put more a stronger focal point on fraud sensing and fraud disincentive. This scrutinizing attempt has started giving better consequences. The legion of net incomes frauds start diminishing. However, there is still a large per centum of companies that use direction net incomes in the incorrect manner, that is why I would wish to demo what technique hearers can utilize in observing fraud in direction net incomes. On history of many frauds and bankruptcies of large houses in the United States and Europe, there has been a rise in involvement of quality of fiscal statements and fiscal studies through hearers. The term, net incomes direction is non new, it has been used in old old ages. Mrs. Katherine Schipper was one of the first who define net incomes direction. She defined it as: â€Å" aˆÂ ¦.purposeful intercession in the external fiscal coverage procedure, with the purpose of obtaining some private addition † ( Schipper ) . Another but more sophisticated account was provided by Healy and Wahlen: â€Å" Net incomes direction occurs when directors use judgements in fiscal coverage and in structuring minutess to change fiscal studies to either misdirect some stakeholders about the implicit in economic public presentation of the company or to act upon contractual results that depend on the reported accounting Numberss † ( Healy and Wahlen ) . In simple words, it is use of a ho use ‘s net incomes ( straight or indirectly ) to run into stockholders and investors outlooks in certain periods of clip. I found many different positions and positions about net incomes direction. I infer that definition of net incomes direction suffers from deficiency of consensus about the definition of net incomes direction. It kindly apprehensible that many bookmans interpret this term otherwise. For many people it is merely a originative managerial resource that shows a company from its best side. Nevertheless, in my sentiment Scott provides the best definition: â€Å" the pick by a director of accounting policies so as to accomplish specific aims. Net incomes direction can be basically classified as either accounting related, affecting the use of accounting records through aggressive or deceitful applications of accounting rules, or operating related, affecting picks made by direction sing the timing of investing or operating activities, with the consequence that repor ted net incomes are influenced by these picks † ( Scott ) . We can acknowledge assorted motivations for net incomes direction. Surely, it is non a safe operation and it binds to put on the line of harm a repute and condemnable duty. Companies will prosecute in this pattern merely if they must and it is their last option and pick. We can choose and place the five the most common motivations for this procedure: stock market benefits, concealing private information, political costs, internal motivations, and doing CEO look better. The stock market relies on information, which means that investors want to cognize the prognosis of the fiscal side of the company before they buy stock. Interaction between those two organic structures is really high because puting in stock is a really hazardous action. Investors frequently invest in successful and potentially profitable houses. Firms need to look good and strong in assorted fiscal analyzes. These elements can easy force houses towards net incomes direction. By run intoing outlook of investors, companies expect higher returns, which will ensue better hard currency flow and stableness for a company. On the other manus, by demoing negative income and pour income statement a house exposes itself to a dramatic lessening in the company ‘s value and capital. Which gives negative stock gross. The stronger inducement so the higher chance that directors will utilize net incomes direction to increase its income, which will hold consequence on better prognosis analysis f or company ( Payne and Robb ) . To sum up, company attack net incomes direction reasonably easily because they want to remain in â€Å" game † and they expect their challenger to make the same thing. Hiding private information is process whereby concealing some information directors achieve their ends. It is hard to explicate the patterns of house ‘s accounting to the public participants. If the investors can non acknowledge a method of accounting they more likely will non put their assets in the house. To better information of the company, directors may follow simpler and clearer methods which result altering in net incomes often ( S. Verbruggen, J. Christaens, and K. Milis ) . The following factor that can act upon fiscal statements is authorities. Tax Torahs and different sorts of authorities ordinances may impact greed for alterations in direction net incomes. Large companies do non desire to large affect by politicians and control by authoritiess. Equally long as politicians do non indicate at houses for deficiency of liquid or inefficient stock portions, companies do they work. Fiscal studies are really frequently tasty morsel for politicians. One of the most influential factors in my sentiment is doing the CEO expression good. It happens because of the greed in people, particularly for CEO or CFO and their compulsions with their repute. It normally exists when a company changes its Chief executive officer or when the CEO retires and he or she likes to go forth good feeling after its direction, which of class consequence in a large sum of fillips. Last illustration of a motivation for net incomes direction is internal motivations. Even if a company does non hold to demo its operations and net incomes to stakeholders or authorities, it can still utilize this powerful tool to make its annual ends and to achieve its public presentation program. I will concentrate now on patterns, process and fast one that directors use. How do houses pull off net incomes? The easiest and the fastest manner to conceal or demo a batch of net income in fiscal informations is by utilizing accumulations. Harmonizing to J. Jones and his work in â€Å" Earnings direction during of import alleviation probes † , most of the companies use unexpected accumulations or really similar to those that they use in their books to do up a difference between its existent assets to its end. He appointed each of their methods to assorted types of classs. Assorted types of these methods are net incomes direction through: specific accumulations, revelation and ‘real action ‘ , cost allotment and construction of dealing which refers to change fiscal informations. The first type of process that a house can utilize is net incomes direction through specific accumulations. It happens really frequently that direction can utilize specific accounting criterions in its fiscal statement because a house can happen itself in particular state of affairss or in particular industry. These specific state of affairss offers more room for different picks of direction because jurisprudence or regulations are non really specific. As a consequence it gives adequate grounds to hike up houses net incomes. This free pick of reading for comptrollers brings attending to hearers and their probes. Examples of these patterns are normally known in Bankss, insurance and belongings industry. In these industries houses can reasonably easy managed loan ‘s losingss, rating of belongings or pensions. The 2nd type of common patterns in net incomes direction is cost allotment. Firms can switch its income by apportioning costs to different activities. It can happen when cost, gross or an point is moved from other subordinates to another country with extra revenue enhancement or a different accounting method. Sometimes houses use charitable organisation to acquire extra options in traveling net incomes. In maintaining with Jones and Robert ‘s research ( 2006 ) † charities use the allotment of joint costs to smooth the plan ration, an frequently used index of charity efficiency † ( Jones and Robert ) . Largely, investors bring their attending to core fiscal informations, that is why it is utile for companies to switch some disbursals from chief fiscal informations to ‘special points ‘ . It happens because in nucleus fiscal information grosss and disbursals are non summed up with grosss and disbursals, for particular points, which can give infinite for net incomes direction. Large part of bookmans agree that income switching through different classs and reinvesting net incomes consequence in optimisation of revenue enhancements and study net incomes. Net incomes direction uses its â€Å" fast ones † through revelation. Directors normally use anterior net incomes sums to measure current net incomes in stock option. Under SFAS No 123 company should acknowledge pro forma stock option as an disbursal but houses manage this as a stock option in a footer. In fact, this pattern can cut down public unfavorable judgment because finally the CEO will counterbalance it and stock ‘s value can reminds the same, high. Back before 2002, multiple houses in United States normally used this process. ‘Real activities ‘ direction has a different intent of net incomes direction than old methods. Firm ‘s existent activities can by equilibrate up and down by altering a construction of dealing to be or non be able to use certain accounting criterions. Form of this pattern can be seen when an organisation cuts its budget, or selling monetary value, or follow just-in-time price reductions. Real use happens when company deviate from normal concern patterns and undertaken with primary aim of run intoing certain thresholds. ( Roychowdhury 2006 ) . Many grounds show that addition in gross revenues consequences in monetary value price reduction giving by companies, engage in overrun cut down cost of goods sold. Everything is a consequences of specific and rigorous end for a house. Besides, really clear illustrations provide just-in-time acceptance alterations in debt and revenue enhancement inducements when an organisation experiences different pattern for LIFO and FIFO tha t relates straight to income smoothing. A different manner of utilizing existent activities is clocking corporation ‘s accounting determinations. Firms give money for charity foundations, which result in grants. The clip spread between sedimentations and payout consequences in possibilities of net incomes direction. Petrovits put it good by stating â€Å" houses with high stock monetary value sensitiveness and little additions in net incomes make the most income-increasing foundation support picks. Firms with increasing net incomes despite of big income-decreasing foundation support picks in the current twelvemonth are more likely to increase net incomes in subsequent periods, consistent with the usage of cooky jar militias and net incomes smoothing † ( Petrovits ) . Relatively, directors can smooth net incomes income by hard currency flow. Playing with accumulations and altering them are most common pattern. Particularly, when discretional accumulations and derived functions accumulations are easy to pull off. If a company ‘s portfolio has a big fanciful sum and lower degrees of discretional accumulations, it will propose that both of those accumulations were modified to smooth net incomes. Is it ethical to utilize net incomes direction? I think that this pattern is likely one of the most of import ethical issues confronting the accounting profession today. Management normally has to make up one's mind either play a just game and seek to remain in frame of accounting regulations or maximising its net income utilizing every tool that directors can utilize. The job is ne'er black or white ; it is more like a gray side of net incomes direction, which can raise ethical issues. In a wide argument about ethical issues in moralss one side claim that: â€Å" net incomes direction undertaken entirely to heighten personal ends is by and large viewed as unethical † and the other side conclude that the moralss are both unethical and ethical, it depends of concern end. Others say that it is wholly unethical. Having said that the ethical effects of pull offing net incomes whether it has positive or negative influence of the moral facets and direction behaviour. Harmonizing to my research, purposes are the most influencing factor for determinations. Which can be subsequently justice as ethical or non. Research by Nelson et all ( 2003 ) concluded that it is common pattern to utilize net incomes direction today. The survey shows that day-to-day activity of companies consequences in cut downing accumulations from old periods, modifying depreciation, postponing measures, gross revenues dealing and altering categorization of income statement. The sample of 515 hearers and their list seems ne'er stoping. I can merely presume that â€Å" little † , â€Å" careless † errors are made every twenty-four hours. Those patterns can take to many effects in the hereafter. Directors can make multiple things to profit a company. These advantages can hold positive and negative results. Stock va lue, bonus pay for directors and etc. are merely on one side of the equation. The other side is more harmful because being detected for fraud will diminish in value of stock, loss of repute for company and direction, and trail for director. â€Å" If net incomes direction is considered unethical by fiscal statement users, so directors ‘ and companies ‘ reputes may endure and companies ‘ credibleness in the fiscal markets may be damaged † ( Kaplan,2001 ) . Kaplan ‘s probe showed that it is hard to make up one's mind if net incomes direction is unethical because we have to look at each instance from assorted position whether it was knowing or non. I inferred that company will ever seek to maximise its net income because it is the whole intent of a map of a company and we have to specify really particular and inside informations regulations to forestall those patterns. By doing clear criterions, comptrollers are able to cut down unethical behaviour to min imum. However, it will ever be something new and something that accounting has non defined yet. In concern everybody needs to happen a balance. I see a demand for schools to learn future hearers and directors about moralss and set up diligent penalties for corrupt comptrollers and supply good audited policies for organisation in concern universes. Many bookmans say that net incomes direction is an issue and a big part of their surveies focuses on the causes, effects and sensing of this topic. Relevant fact in research workers surveies is that defect in net incomes direction is non easy to observe. For sensing hearers use assorted techniques, which are non perfect and normally are miss specified. As I mentioned before accumulations are the most common methods that comptrollers use. It is because ; this method is ready to hand and more flexible than other ( like altering LIFO and FIFO ) . One of the most recognizable techniques is to â€Å" insulate the ‘discretionary ‘ part of the accrual constituent of net incomes † . This technique is really common but still it consists of a deficiency of power because of hapless ability to insulate specific accumulations, which has an unspecified correlativity between variables. Many alternate techniques have been found in recent old ages but they have little betterment ov er this chief method. One of them has a intent for placing discretional accumulations by Dechow and Dichev, 2002. Another method is fiting processs, which helps with misspecification but it is utile merely it matches relevant process with accurate variable. The whole intent of happening work method for sensing net incomes direction is use in accumulations, hearers will confront troubles in sensing of frauds in fiscal statements until they do non happen perfect theoretical account to utilize.Decision: start here delightMany accounting dirts shows importance of believable fiscal coverage. Net incomes direction is really accessible and common in concern in Twenty-one century. Many times when person negotiations about direction net incomes people think that it is something incorrect and negative but it can be really positive and legal. Management net incomes is a tool which aid comptrollers to demo company ‘s fiscal status in favourable manner. Law of accounting modulate many regu lations and state how to construe fiscal jurisprudence. Of class comptrollers have many option to pull strings and smooth their income. However, size of the house has positive impact on net incomes direction because large companies have strong internal control system and good define mechanisms. They besides corporate with CPA houses which they care about their reputes. These elements have decrease chance of earrings direction nevertheless the big companies can besides confront more force per unit area for positive studies. They have wider scope of histories, more bargaining power and stronger power to pull strings net incomes. Surely, motivations are the cardinal elements for net incomes direction. They explain most of directors behavior. Motivations see merely two picks. They are either favourable or no favourable for organisation. I would add something in this paragraph, assist me out my senior! Accounting alterations every twenty-four hours, directors face those alterations in processs every bit good. Government and fiscal organisation should look towards internal issues like audits instead than external factors. Accountants should set more force per unit area on audit because less audit attendings peers more deceitful net incomes direction in concern. Detection in net incomes direction is an of import issue as good and I hope I highlighted that job. It has many restriction and I think that research worker should work on more informations aggregation and less biased methods. In shutting, I recognize an ethical tradeoff throughout organisations. When one house does something rectify and the other sees chance to increases its net incomes even though it can be unethical. The job is that many companies do non look for the long position but short term net income which normally consequences in frauds and unethical behaviour. Net incomes direction is a really sophisticated and powerful tool used normally today.

”The happiest days of your life” by Penelope Lively Essay

This is an analysis of the short story â€Å"The happiest days of your life†. The short story is written by Penelope Lively, who was sent away from her home to a boarding school in the rainy England. The short story is with an omniscient narrator, and takes place in the southern England – or more preciously in a area called Sussex. The story stretches over a day while a boy named Charles and his parents is going to visit an boarding school. The Sussex area is a part of the upper class, which indicates that the environment is rich. The boarding school (St. Edwards’s Preparatory School) is very big and luxurious. That can also be seen in the fact that the school is a big mansion with a swimming pool. It’s very formal inside the school, and the parents meets the maid who is all done up – which the mom approaches a lot (page 56, line 15). The school is very expensive, which tells that it’s not middle class area. In the end of the story the parents mentions that the school is a bit pricey, which indicates that they aren’t entirely upper class, but more upper middle class. Something that underlines, that they are upper middle class is that they uses a very formal language. There is no slang, and they are very correct in what they say and with their grammar. In page 56 they are talking about cricket, which is very upper class. They uses direct speech, but most of time the short story are in is past tense. Charles is the main character in the short story, and from the text I would say that he is an only child, since the parents want to send him to a expensive boarding school. Charles parents are both very self-centured. They think they care about Charles, and his feelings but without noticing they don’t see that Charles is not very happy or positive about the boarding school. Charles parents are very positive about the boarding school. The parents have a conversation, where Charles father says â€Å"Wilcox says quite a few City people send their boys here. One or two of the merchant bankers, those kind of people. It’s the sort of contact that would do no harm at all†. Those lines dedicates that Charles’s father is a businessman. The â€Å"City† is probably London, and thinks a lot about his career and to earn money. I think one of the main reasons the father sends his son away to that particular boarding school is to get contacts, because he know that the kids at that school has great families (page 56, line  25-30). He actually mentions that he could play cricket with them, which I already mentioned, is very upper class. The mother is kind of the same way. Also very self-centered, but she don’t have the same reason as Charles father. She is concerned about her son, but not as much as she is concerned about her own image and others opinion about her and their family. When the mother first entered the school she thought about her friend Sally, who bought an entirely new cream-linen-coat just for coming there, so now she has to be fine and live up to the standard. The mother corrects the headmasters wife, when she says â€Å"You live in Finchley, is that right?†. The mentions fast, that they don’t live in Finchley, but in Hampstead instead. Hampstead is for the upper class and rich and important people, when more normal families lives in Finchley. She don’t want the headmasters wife, to get an wrong impression about them. We don’t know much about the headmaster and the headmasters wife, but we know that they are fine people. The kids at the school probably likes the headmasters wife, because when she entered a room they became quiet and when she leaves they hold the door for her. Charles might be about 6-8 years because he is about to start at a preparatory school. Charles doesn’t like the situation and he is very uncomfortable. This can be seen in the beginning of the short story, when Charles sits in the back of the car with an unopened box of chocolate and a folded comic book. That isn’t a normal behavior for at child in that age, because usually they like sweets and comic books. Charles is very quiet, so he doesn’t say much at the boarding school. In the end when he sits in the car he hears the echo of the boy who said they shall mash him next term. The boys seems to appear nice, so maybe it was a joke but Charles really takes it to him and becomes afraid. That really indicates that he is insecure, because he even don’t want to tell his parents about that episode in the short story. The main conflict in the short story is that conflict between Charles and his insecure personality. He can’t say his opinion about the boarding school to his parents. Maybe he can feel that his parents are more interested in business contacts and their own reputation instead of him being happy, and that creates a misunderstood parent-child relationship who can serious consequences later in Charles life. The short story is called â€Å"The happiest days of your life† and that is something you usually says  about the time on a boarding school, but maybe in this case it could mean that those days are over. The time in the story changes, and all before the headmaster’s wife is taking Charles away is in past tense, but after that it goes to present but in this case it could mean that those days are over. The happiest days were until the time at the boarding school and now it is over. The time until the headmaster’s wife takes Charles away is in the past tense and that is what was and is no more. The boarding school is now and in present. The beginning of the boarding is the ending of his happiest days of his lives. Penelope Lively maybe had it at the same day, when she was forced to a boarding school and her life is an inspiration to this short story.

Civil disobedience Essay

In Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay â€Å"Self Reliance† and Henry David Thoreau’s essay â€Å"Civil Disobedience,† both transcendentalist thinkers speak about being individual and what reforms and changes need to be made in a conformist society. Thoreau elaborates more on the relationship between individuality and society and to break free from conformity. Meaning to take a stance and influence man to make a social change. Emerson leans more towards nature and the connection to spirituality. He exclaims that for individuality there has to be some sort of understanding of oneself to make an impact – which is the basic nature. He believes that man’s connection to nature is the most valuable source of life because nature is what links man to God, â€Å"the divine providence.† Both authors express the need for individuality in order to possess a strong moral and become whole through their transcendentalist ideals. In Emerson’s â€Å"Self-Reliance,† social responsibility is important. The meaning behind this is that there is a time in man’s life when he will finally realize that he has a purpose, a destiny, and the responsibility to achieve goals as long as there is a tap into spiritual nature. Emerson states, â€Å"The strongest man in the world is he who stands alone,† which references the belief of individualism. Emerson notes that famous men and women are often misunderstood simply because of their opinion, ideas, and thoughts; however, this misunderstanding is why they are so respected. One large point in â€Å"Self Reliance† is that humans should not conform to society but to be independent in mind. Emerson stresses that one should connect with nature to maintain peace of mind and individual mentality. In â€Å"Civil Disobedience,† Thoreau meets a man while serving time in prison who has been locked away for burning down a barn. Even so, Thoreau sees his cellmate as an honest man by simply trusting his own intuition. Furthermore, Thoreau writes, â€Å"The government is best which governs least,† in lines 2-3, which is based on the belief that people should not conform to society but stay independent and embrace their own beliefs, goals, values, and morals. Both â€Å"Self Reliance† and â€Å"Civil Disobedience† are relevant in modern society because they discourage conformity, which is a big problem in the world today. Humans tend to lean with the majority, but should be taught to stand their ground. Both essays also mention the government and the problems involved in it. Since they were written, government has not improved; it may have even worsened. Government is best when it governs least- that perspective should still be applied to today’s government. Now, the government tries to constantly control every aspect in everyone’s life, but like Thoreau states, it should allow its people to decide major issues.

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Marketing in the digital era - Essay Example Employing effective marketing mix, competitive positioning and a wider media strategy are vital. Marketers can think and utilise these strategies in achieving successful business performance. The researcher analysed the way marketers can employ a marketing strategy that meets the expectations of customers. The marketing strategy can also provide marketers various advantages including increased financial savings and continuous engagement with customers. Marketers should focus on a strategy that can enable them to increase their financial savings and maintain their position in the competitive market. The researcher examined the way marketers can differentiate products and add value to their products. They should understand the effective distribution channels and media services effective for communicating about the available products in the market. Lastly, the essay revealed the way employing CRS model, segmentation strategy and understanding the need for cultural change are crucial. Th is is because they will enable marketers to maintain their position in the market. This is because resources are scarce; thus, the marketers may end up losing opportunities in case they mismanage the resources. Barney (1995, p. 42) asserts that an industry can defeat their rivals in case it can only create a difference that it can sustain. This is through employing an effective marketing strategy that can enable them to achieve a competitive advantage.... Electronic marketing is increasing because marketers want to achieve a competitive advantage in the competitive marketing cross the globe (Ataman, Berk, Harald and Carlf 2010, p. 871). Online marketing has become commonly used in marketing of brands; thus, marketers should change their ways of thinking and acting in order to maintain their position in the competitive market. Marketers should employ effective marketing mix and expand their brands beyond the media mix in order to widen their commitment with consumers. The wider media strategy and competitive positioning strategy are effective because they provide marketers various advantages, which include increased financial savings and continuous engagement with customers. In the marketing digital era, marketers should focus on a strategy that can enable them to increase their financial savings. Resource based view of the organisation is one of the ways that can enable the firm to utilise the scarce resources effectively in achieving their demanding goals (Fahy 2000, p.98). Organisation attributes include resources and capabilities vital for achieving a competitive advantage. Therefore, marketers should utilise them effectively in order to maintain their position in the market. This is because resources are scarce; thus, the marketers may end up losing opportunities in case they mismanage the resources. Barney (1995, p. 42)Â  asserts that an industry can defeat their rivals in case it can only create a difference that it can sustain. This is through employing an effective marketing strategy that can enable them to achieve a competitive advantage. Marketers should understand that an effective strategy is built on process; thus, they should design marketing strategies basing on the available

Assumptions on the Migrants Homesickness Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Assumptions on the Migrants Homesickness - Essay Example The essay "Assumptions on the Migrant’s Homesickness" discusses the migrant’s homesickness since the migrants are largely assumed to be "oriented towards their original community" and they remain faithful to their own motherland, even when the drawing economic benefits from their host community.Denied to harbor any patriotic rights, they are seldom seen as settlers or first-class citizens. The limitation of such essentialist view is that it seeks to reduce the plural nature of the migrant’s community and flatten out the heterogeneity into a single horizontal gaze. This assumption does not consider the alienation felt by the migrants with respect to their original homelands since the sheer change in experience has unalterably changed them and located them in nowhere in particular. The migrants have a more complex response to their new homelands. Migration largely takes place within the labor class in search of a better cultural, economic and political condition. T he host is hence unable to imagine the migrant as a part of the community and is threatened by their cultural differences. The migrants are generalized as a collective anonymous cultural force who are â€Å"rootless, unattached, and temporary residents†. This view over-simplifies the homeless condition of the migrant communities and their homesickness for their original homeland. The â€Å"imagined† rights of the migrants are left unattended. They stick to their own cultural boundaries to erase the mental agony of the diaspora.

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Analyzing news paper articles - Assignment Example Therefore, it is needed to stop and plan what exactly their policy should be and then adapt it into something that would be more economically practical, and not seek to equally modernize each leg in the nuclear triad. In this respect, the article gives certain suggestions: the â€Å"D5† submarine-launched ballistic missiles should not be produced and the fleet of nuclear-armed submarines should be decreased from fourteen to eight, keeping in mind that the reduction in number will not affect the potential or strength of this leg. Also, the present arsenal could be visibly reduced; consequently, money could be saved by closing down a few of the weapons-design labs. Moreover, spending can be reduced on missile defense, which is very superfluous. About 30 to 35 billion US$ can be saved over the next 10 years, the article states. These are good suggestions, albeit very tough, but politicians and the military have to realize that the country’s financial condition is going to become an actual security problem soon enough. In this editorial of the New York Times, President Obama’s executive order, and its rationale, is questioned. Even though this executive order puts an end to the rule that deprived groups from federal funding when and if they performed abortions or advised their patients with regard to the procedure, even if they did not use federal money to do this; however, the executive order did not undo the policy that places similar restrictions and bans on groups that use foreign aid money for abortions. Oddly enough, this rule applies even in current day war zones like Congo where rape is used as a weapon in the conflict, and even in cases of rape, even though such a policy is not ordered by any law. The article asserts that the 1973 Helms amendment, which restricts using foreign aid money to be used for abortion as a method of family planning, does not really include victims of rape or incest. It is, of course,

Saving my best friend Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Saving my best friend - Essay Example But somehow we realized and took a vital move on our part by coming a bit towards the lower side. The trees and grass on the hilltop were hustling and bustling and the little rain that was present in the clouds had touched our fists every now and then. We know a thunderstorm was there any minute since the clouds started to turn black of all a sudden. They had the gashes of a bucket full of water that was waiting to come down on us hard. We knew we needed to hurry to reach our destination otherwise there was a wet day in the fields for us. There was something different however in the making. Something extremely terrible! As we hurried down the hill, Jim’s ankle sprained and he started to come down quickly. I ran after the sliding Jim and used all my might and force which I could offer at the time. I realized this was not enough. Somehow or the other, I had the presence of mind within me which started to make its mark. This made me reach for Jim who was stuck on the rock’s edge and his both feet were in the air, leading towards the valley down under. Had he fallen, it would have been the end of Jim’s life, his future and his dreams. More than anything else, his parents and friends would have lost a soul full of energy and wit fed into him. It suddenly dawned on me that I was wasting time thinking about all this! I needed to do something – something, no – the vital thing that would eventually save his life. I quickly started looking for a rope but I knew it would not be available there. I got hold of tiny pieces of cloth here and there. I instantly picked them up and tried to stick the pieces of cloth so that the end result would be in the form of a single cloth through which I could pull back Jim and thus bring a fresh lease of life in his desolate self. All this required tact and immense patience. Also I had to be brave and physically strong to pull Jim up since his body weight and height resembled mine. The pieces of cloth were

Compare Organizations Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Compare Organizations - Research Paper Example Similarly, some of these organizations are formed to help its members acquire higher education, learn more about the profession and be well equipped to serve the people that need their services and products. Therefore, joining such professional organization is a prudent approach to professionals who want to attain more in their profession. To begin with, these organizations have some aspects which are common. First, they have a minimum limit of the number of people that should be members. For example the American Association of Heart Failure Nurses and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners have to adhere to this regulation so as to qualify to become an organization that will serve many people. This ensures that it is an organization that has a quorum and can discuss issues to greater lengths. If the number of people reach the required minimum, then the organization is likely to serve a large number of professionals in the world and in the stated region. Secondly, the organizati on must have a mission. A mission statement openly expresses the reason for formation of the organization and how it will help the members. An organization that has a strong mission is destined to serve its members without hesitation. As such, it will bank of fulfilling its mission while still maintaining high levels of service delivery. Thirdly, the professional organizations have to be open in case there is need to scrutinize the accounts, its performance and the way the internal environment in conducted. The organization is obligated to be open to its members since they have the right of association with the organization. Therefore, the members will want to know how the organization is run, its performance and any other issues that will affect the organization in the long run. As such, the members feel free to get any information that pertains to the organization. Therefore, the members are part of the scrutiny of the organization to note whether it is improving and making positi ve steps or if it is deteriorating in performance. The American Association of Heart Failure Nurses (AAHFN) is an organization that is specifically made to ensure its members are enhancing their education in nursing, getting more education in clinical practice, improving on their research and getting more information about how to improve heart failure outcomes in patients (American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, 2012). The organization has a mission to have special interests in heart failure and have a passion to treat such cases. Therefore, the organization is specialized in learning more about heart failures and how it can help heart failure patients when they are caught in such a position. In doing such, the organization has to ensure it connects with other nurses in other regions, which offers a pool of ideas. The exchange of ideas helps the organization treat these cases and contain any complexities that may arise. In so doing, the organization translates findings in research into practice, which helps find the best ways to cure any complexities that are found in heart failures. This organization welcomes all professionals who are specialized in caring for people with heart failure. As such, the organization values all the valuable professionals that could help improve care given to people who are having heart failure cases. The organization extends its services from clinics, hospitals and in many instances visit homes to

What did medieval Europe learn from Islam and Byzantium Essay Example for Free

What did medieval Europe learn from Islam and Byzantium Essay The empires of Islam and Byzantium have most definitely left an impression on the modern society we live in today. Sciences such as astronomy and biology proposed under the influences of these great domains and it was only inevitable that their teachings would spread to, what was perceived at the time, the backward existence of medieval Europe. This essay will identify the key aspects of both Islamic and Byzantium culture that most encouraged the eventual prosperity of medieval Europe and the impact on the normal lives of its citizens. During the Iberian conquest and settlement, Arab inspiration was soon to pave the way for a renaissance in Europe. Taylor stipulated that the â€Å"advent of Islamia in Spain indirectly led to the architectural magnificence of Europe’s finest cathedrals†. (Taylor, 119). The churches of western christianity in southren and central Italy as well as in southern France and Spain do show some amazing peculiarities local architects likely borrowed from their colleagues in the Islamic world. Notably, the use of coloured marble in certain Italian styles, and the peculiar use of domes in the churches of southern France show influences of Islam. However, by far the most notable influence of the Islamic world on Christian Europe was, without a shadow of doubt, the introduction of pointed arch into the west, which the Muslim architects were well acquainted with, but the development of such a construction was a major problem for entire generations of Christian architects. Without the use of pointed arch it would be impossible to develop Gothic style with its monumental and fantastic cathedrals of northern France and central Europe. This, perhaps, was the single greatest contribution of Islam to the development of the Christian architecture. A view shared by Harun â€Å"†¦foundations of Gothic traditionalism can be founded in much of Muslim contributors†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Harun, 23). The spread of such art was not limited to the influences of the Islamic world. In fact the status, both politically and culturally, of the Byzantium Empire led to a extensive replication of its work. â€Å"Art objects in great number were imported to the West from Constantinople and other Greek centres† (Simmons, 274). A perfect example of such imitation can be highlighted by the decor of many a cathedral and church in Europe during the eleventh century. Heavy bronze church doors resembled greatly some of the sarcophagi found and dating from the Byzantium era. However it is not only art that medieval Europe learnt from Islam and Byzantium traditions. Science had a huge impact on Europe also and the teachings of the Muslim scholars were soon interpreted and adapted by the early scientists of the west. While European hospitals at this time were usually simply monasteries where the sick were told they would live or die according to Gods will, not human intervention, Muslim hospitals pioneered the practices of diagnosis, cure, and future prevention. The first hospital in the Islamic world was built in Damascus in 707, and soon most major Islamic cities had hospitals, in which hygiene was emphasized and healing was a priority. Hospitals were open 24 hours a day, and many doctors did not charge for their services. Later, a central hospital was established in Baghdad by order of the Abbasid ruler, the first of thirty-four hospitals throughout the Muslim world, many of them with special wards for women. An important contribution of Byzantium is arguably the fact that it was the first Empire in which dedicated medical establishments usually set up by individual Churches or the State, which parallel modern hospitals in many ways, flourished. Although similar establishments existed in Ancient Greece and Rome, they differed in that they were usually either institutions for Military use, or places were citizens went to die in a more peaceful way. Medical Institutions of this sort were common in Imperial Cities such as Constantinople. It is clear the advancement throughout the western world during medieval times, was largely due to the influences of the Islamic and Byzantine Empires. Both respectively contributed greatly to the eventual progression found throughout Europe. As these two powers declined, the imitations and, as Dr Simmons describes, â€Å"barbaric representations† made by Europeans of such civilisations certainly preserved the existence of western Europe and perhaps even dragged them out of the commonly known â€Å"Dark Ages†.

How the misrepresentation of war and conflict can lead to a false view of events

How the misrepresentation of war and conflict can lead to a false view of events Introduction In June 2009, it was announced that there would be an Inquiry looking into the Iraq War, and the United Kingdoms involvement within it (â€Å"About the Inquiry†, 2009). The Chilcot Inquiry aimed to cover the period between the summer of 2001 and the end July 2009, looking at not only the run-up to the conflict, but also the period during, and the outcomes after measures had been taken. Its aims were set to find out the legality and legitimacy of the conflict (Hirsch, 2009), and how it was presented to the public, prior to engagement. There has been much debate over whether what the public are presented with is as truthful as it states to be. Whether it be giving a cleaner depiction, with exaggerated sophistication, or â€Å"inflated claims† (Meacher, 2010, para. 2), such as the ‘weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, it can be debated that a fair representation is somewhat hard to find. The purpose of this dissertation is to look at how conflict can become misrepresented via the media. It aims to look at the various ways that the media communicate the conflict to the public, and how it poses itself as a watchdog, supposedly working as the publics eyes and ears, as well as giving them an outlet via which their ‘voice can be heard. Whilst one initially thinks of war as a brutal and life affecting situation, more recent war seems to leave most western citizens relatively untouched, and therefore, perhaps less informed. What little they may know tends to be gathered via television or print media, and tends to somewhat be taken quite literally as the ‘way it is. Chapter one brings together these ideas, and explores how the news present conflicts to its audiences. The dissertation then goes on to address the problematic representations that have occurred, and looks at how news can be manufactured for audiences, depicting situations in differing ways to how they are really occurring. It also looks at the idea of propaganda, and the negative and positive ways in which it can be used. This second chapter also addresses the Abu Ghraib situation, and how such a horrific situation can by-pass the media, and perhaps be covered-up. The media however, proved to play a positive role, informing the public of the situation, bringing them into the loop. Other elements which must be addressed is alternative representations. From documentary to video games, people now often use media which originates from conflict as a form of entertainment. Whether it be to inform themselves further, in the cause of documentaries, or to entertain and ‘participate, the media enables audiences to approach the idea of conflict from other angles. This is therefore why it is vital that such genres be addressed when looking at the representation of war and conflict. Chapter One: The Media; Our Eyes and Ears and Voice? When considering how most people get their news and current affairs information, most tend to trust and favour certain institutions. They trust these sources to deliver them accurate and truthful reports. Few people would question their favourite institutions ability to do so, or would question the validity of the ‘stories, consuming them as factual information, and would rarely think beyond it. As discussed by McChesney and Nichols, ideally, the media is supposed to â€Å"serve as a stern watchdog over those in power and those who want to be in power† (McChesney Nichols, 2002, p.24). This supports the idea that the media can be used to aid a countrys citizenship, helping those who do not have power to have a voice. Without the media, the public would find it hard to be heard, so they need to have the media on their side, likewise, the government must have the support of the media to influence the public (Katz, 2009, p.200). But whether the media really honours its role as ‘watchdog is questionable. When considering the media, particularly in relation to reporting conflict, it seems somewhat unlikely that a completely fair and accurate representation, to all audiences, could occur. The BBC, according to Aitken (2007, p.8), is thought of as one of the most trustworthy places that one can gather news and information. This could be due to a sense of ownership in which the UK public feel (via the license fee), or due to it being the most historically established. Either way, nationally, and internationally, it has become a trusted organisation. Zelizer and Allan even argue that, particularly post September 11, the BBC has become an organisation that the American public trust to deliver what they see as more extensive information. In comparison to US media representations, the BBC â€Å"provided a much more in depth approach, [] along with [a] ‘blunter attitude† (Zelizer Allan, 2002, p.12) . According to Aitken, (2007, p.2), the BBC does have a duty under its Royal Charter, in order to maintain the license fee, that it must not be biased or favour views. This may indicate why it is seen as a more trustworthy source of information. However, as questioned by Aitken, it may be seen as the BBC holds people and organisations to account, but â€Å"who holds the BBC to account?† (Aitken, 2007, p.2). Particularly, when as Aitken suggests (2007, p.20), the political opinion within the organisation would be formed by those working within it. As Navasky discusses, â€Å"journalism, the flow of news, information, and ideas, is the circulation system of our democracy, the way we find out whats what. It is based largely on journalism that we make up our national mind† (Navasky, 2002, p.xiii). The medias influence over the public is tremendous, especially as it may be the main influence over many of ones beliefs. It therefore shows that there is a sense that the media should be aware of its power, and should therefore be regulated in such a way that it does allow diversity of representations to occur. As Doyle asserts, it is vital that there is a number of â€Å"different and independent voices, and of differing political opinions and representations† (Doyle, 2002, p.11). However, as Aitken continues, journalists report using their own views, and may do so completely unintentionally. However, when many journalists within an organisation are of similar beliefs, it could be hard for them to realise they may be bia sed. This is an â€Å"institutional deformation, invisible to the people working there, unless you were one of a small minority who happen to take a different political view† (Aitken, 2007, p.20). When considering journalism of attachment, it is easy to see where one may be unable to stand neutrally. As it is a â€Å"journalism that cares as well as knows† (Bell, 1998, p.15), the journalist is increasingly likely to be more emotionally entwined with the story, and therefore may find it harder to stand in a non-biased position. As Ellis addresses (1998, p.167), moral responsibility often takes over when journalism becomes closer to the victims. Emotion is a powerful tool used by the media, it can help to draw in an audience, and get them following along. According to Boltanski (1999, p.5), there must be sufficient contact between the ‘victim and those who are ‘fortunate for one to be able to connect with the victim or ‘unfortunate.   Despite this though, as Boltanski (1999, p.27) states, the two groups actually mean nothing to one another. Therefore, it is believed that the emotional effect of such reporting is relatively short lived for the audience consuming. Bystander journalism however, seems to be the more idealistic approach that media organisations may favour, if wishing to be non-biased. This form of journalism is more concerned with factual elements of war. This is a less biased approach, as it tends to report an overall representation via factual elements. It allows audiences to walk away without feeling an attachment or moral obligation. Whilst audiences may tend to favour this form of reporting as more accurate, it can cause problems. According to Sanders, there is â€Å"a time to be passionate and a time to be dispassionate† (Sanders, 2005, p.43). As he continues, this approach to journalism allows a â€Å"more truthful depiction of the horrors of war† (Sanders, 2005, p.43). It may give a more accurate reading into the devastation (on paper), but how one interprets that information though is where the problems occur. If one is not given the chance to physically see the devastation, it is hard to really understand. Therefore, by dispassionately reporting, one may lack the emotional tie, and get a cleaner depiction of what is ‘intended to be communicated. Whilst one may feel they understand the situation, they are only being told facts, and whether they can really translate these into reality, is problematic. If one does not get the full picture, including the emotional and social impact that such a war may have over others, it is an unfair representation. Economical and statistical figures only tell so much, and do not communicate a reality. As Nichols and McChesney discuss, we â€Å"dont see the reality of war† (Nichols McChesney, 2005, p.v). Although this is in reference to the US press and public, it could be applied to any countries depiction, according to the countries own national belief, even if not to the same extent. â€Å"War is the most serious use of state power: organised, sanctioned violence† (Nichols McChesney, 2005, p.37). It is therefore a serious issue if one is not being given the chance to see the reality of a conflict, and the arguments behind it. It is all very to have a vague understanding behind a conflict, via information received from the media, but many audiences may take this information too literally. They may not look beyond the information offered, and may take the medias chosen narrative as a truthful and fair depiction, without questioning why the media has taken that particular angle. As discussed by Aitken, it is about â€Å"constructing ‘narratives which give the audience a coherent framework within which to judge current developments† (Aitken, 2007, p.17). But as Aitken continues, most people consume and trust one narrative, despite there being many other competing versions of the same situation, which may be a more accurate representation. Narratives give audiences a platform to work on, and a basis to which they can base their beliefs. If however, there are many competing versions a situation, as Aitken suggests (2007, p.17), this demonstrates the various views that a broadcaster may possess. It would be hard for a broadcaster to deny their biases, particularly when there are other similar reports of other viewpoints. No one can truly asses a situation fairly without viewing every angle of the situation, not only from the home governments wished depiction, but also from the ‘enemies depiction. This draws onto another point. Due to the technology of today, audiences are now able to access news instantly as situations are occurring. They are led to believe this gives them a bigger picture. It is also a good position for the public to be in, as they are therefore able to access the same information as others, and are less likely to be misled. This however can be problematic for controlling bodies, particularly in relation to conflict. â€Å"Leaders must be prepared to handle the rapid pace of global communication and to avoid serious policy mistakes deriving from global televisions demands for a fast and effective response† (Gilboa, 2005, p.24). They have little time for preparation, and therefore have to be somewhat careful in what they say, and aim to be somewhat vague, to give them the ability to be able to change their angle later if necessary. Videophones have also proven problematic for those reporting via the media. Whilst they can â€Å"empower journalists [], documenting the effects of battle while capturing a dramatic but information-rich account of war† (Livingstone, Bennett Robinson, 2005, p.34), they can display more than a chosen government may have wished audiences to witness. However, it must be recognised that even with such resources, reporters are often not actually at the ‘frontline, and are still some distance from the actual action, and therefore may only have the details which they may have been given by officials. It may also vary with the type of people which they are surrounded by, i.e. civilians or the military. Another issue to discuss when considering reporting a conflict is where the information reported has been obtained from. Reporters are often â€Å"given access to a steady and predictable supply of information that is typically provided by official government sources† (Livingstone, Bennett, Robinson, 2005, p.34). This therefore, shows that the information may not be directly from the source, even if we are led to believe so. It therefore may not be the full bulk of the situation, particularly when the government is the middle man, as it may wish to represent its own view. If the government is passing the information on, they are able to edit the information into a situation that compliments their desired standpoint. Why would one wish to humiliate or inflate problems for itself when it is unnecessary to do so? This therefore raises the question of whether we should be in fact more concerned by what we are not being shown, rather than what we are. This process of eliminating a nd censoring news via gatekeeping is a way of ensuring only ‘newsworthy subjects reach the public, whilst other things they deem unnecessary, do not. The reporting of the 1990-1991 Gulf War can demonstrate where a lack of information was relayed to the public. During the conflict, the public were given a cleaner depiction, and were under the impression that bombs dropped were precise and accurate. However, â€Å"after the war it was revealed that in fact only 7 per cent of bombs were ‘precision or laser-guided weapons† (Philo McLauglin, 1995, p.149). Throughout the conflict, there was an obsession around the sophisticated weapons that were being used, which could now be seen as somewhat misleading. As cited by Philo and McLauglin (from The Daily Mirror), â€Å"The world watch in awe yesterday as Stormin Norman played his ‘home video revealing how allied plans are using Star Wars technology to destroy vital Iraqi targets. Just like Luke Skywalker manoeuvring his fighter into the heart of Darth Vaders space complex, the US pilots zeroed into the very centre of Saddam Husseins Baghdad† (Philo McLauglin, 1 995, p. 149). Such an article would give a very unfair representation of the real effect, but this may not be clear to audiences until after the situation has taken place. Surely therefore, this misleading of the public could be seen as a form of propaganda? As Rosenfeld suggests (2007, p.70), it may be necessary to represent events in certain, perhaps biased ways, as this should encourage support and patriotism within the public. Today one may assume that due to our knowledge and understanding of propaganda, it is less likely to happen to us. But as a victim of propaganda, would you really realise you were being subjected to it? According to Edward Bernays, propaganda is seen as a vital tool for societies. â€Å"Vast numbers of human beings must cooperate in this manner if they are together as a smooth functioning society† (Bernays, 2005, p.37). Essentially, propaganda is â€Å"the establishing of reciprocal understanding between an individual and a group† (Bernays, 2005, p.161). So if as Bernays suggest, propaganda is needed to obtain a joint understanding within a group, this may indicate why it may be used by governments to persuade t he public to join their beliefs, in order to get a desired outcome. This can show why, it is essential that certain representations be presented to the public, however inaccurate or biased they may be, to create an alliance of beliefs. This would also support the idea behind over-emphasising the sophistication of war and cleanliness, in order to maintain support. As you can see from this chapter, the media are there as our eyes and ears, feeding us information, but also serves, as a watchdog over government and other elite bodies. Also demonstrated is how the media have a great responsibility when reporting, due to their persuasiveness, and the fact that the public can be easily manipulated, and often follow and gather their national belief via what the media feeds them. It shows how ones understanding of a situation may differ depending on how it is reported. If reported using emotions, it may create a different perception to if it was reported factually, even if the factual representation, on paper, gives more information. This gives a good basis upon which to discuss why such reporting takes place, and how it may benefit those in power. It also raises the questions around what is not being shown to audiences, and what happens when the media or government are shown to have been untruthful. Chapter Two: Censorship, Deceit and Propaganda As discussed in Chapter One, it can be somewhat confusing to consider the various ways that the media can present particular views. As suggested previously, it is thought that they do so consciously, but other views suggest that it is often unintentional. Whilst aiming to appear open, they often present a marginal view of the information they themselves are aware of. It therefore must be questioned why such actions are implemented, rather than presenting as much as possible, and why particular views are manufactured for audiences. Ellis (1998, p.170) considers the lack of information reported about a conflict to be incredibly important. The national security of a country could be jeopardised if one were to report everything occurring, on both the front line, and the tactical decisions behind it. As Ellis continues, it is thought that the media coverage of the Vietnam War was partially to blame for the conflicts failure. It is thought that â€Å"television coverage critically sapped the support of the American public† (Ellis, 1998, p.170). As this was the first war that was able to be broadcast ‘live, the problems were unforeseen, and therefore led to a problematic position for the government. Whilst the government was saying one thing, images shown were undermining their words, subsequently making the government appear somewhat untrustworthy. This, therefore, would show that it is necessary that the media and its coverage of a conflict should be censored and paid close attention to, so that support is maintained by the public. But, if censorship is in such a way that it helps the audiences to form a chosen opinion, effectively, this could be seen as propaganda. As Bernays states, propaganda is â€Å"the conscious and intelligent manipulation of the organized habits and opinions of the masses† (Bernays, 2005, p.37). But, also adds that it is important for democratic society, and without which, it would be hard for one to live harmoniously, especially if everyone was of differing opinions. Therefore, presenting a situation in a particular way should help society to form a joint understanding. For example, when thinking in relation to Iraq, the main reason for intervention was due to supposed ‘weapons of mass destruction. If the public understand the threat, they are more likely to consent. As demonstrated durin g the ‘Iraq Enquiry, when it was discovered that there were no weapons, the public support was threatened. It therefore is essential that the politicians defend what they have formerly said, just as Alistair Campbell has demonstrated, defending their statements as not misrepresentative (â€Å"Alastair Campbell defends†, 2010). As Bernays reiterates â€Å"We are governed, our minds moulded, our tastes formed, our ideas suggested, largely by men we have never heard of† (Bernays, 2005, p. 37). Therefore, whether it is government who we have chosen, the military, or other leaders that we have not, this would support the idea that our feelings about conflict are generally dictated to us. So, as it would appear, sometimes the restriction of coverage may take place when it is not entirely necessary. As Ellis addresses, during both the Falklands War in1982 and the Gulf War of 1991 â€Å"citizens were prevented from learning information which in a democratic society, they had a right to know† (Ellis, 1998, p.170). This seems particularly unfair, as citizens were unable to witness the real war that was being fought in their name, paid for by themselves. Since technology developed though, it would appear that censorship has become more necessary. As discussed in the previous chapter, videophones and correspondents worldwide enable audiences to access the action, at a much closer distance than previously (Livingstone, Bennett Robinson, 2005, p.34). This gives an impression to audiences that there is nowhere to hide, and they may believe what they are seeing is a fully representational true account, rather than the edited snippet that it really is. This kind of opinion, of knowing more, does not take into account that there are plenty of other journalists who are not as close to the action, or those who are closer to it, who may wish to protect the interests of those surrounding them. As previously stated, there is always fear that public support may be jeopardised, which is why on occasions there may be a haze over what is reality, as well as what is fabricated truth within the media. When one is able to ‘witness war from multiple angles, from multiple genres, and even witness it live, it creates public curiosity. Especially since problematic representations of previous conflicts have been reported, the public fight harder to know the truth, so they no longer have the wool pulled over their eyes. They want to ensure the war fought in their name is a war which they support. Particularly, when considering the fact that many nations are bound together as ‘one for the purpose of the media, forgetting the fact that there are many cultures, viewpoints and faiths with differing opinions. The public need the media to take on their role of ‘watchdog, and need it to marshal what is taking place beyond their vision on their behalf. The media, therefore, it seems has begun to honour this role more greatly. In 2004, the media brought us evidence of what is referred to as Abu Ghraib. It was revealed that some Iraqi detainees had been subjected to torture and other physical abuse. According to Miles, an Al-Jazeera cameraman, who was mistakenly arrested for a crime he did not commit, found out that â€Å"torture was still standard in Americas principle military detention centre in Iraq† (Miles, 2005, p.326). According to Miles, as the time of the accusations against the American military, â€Å"few in the West believed their stories at the time, probably because they were Arabs, perhaps because they worked for Al-Jazeera† (Miles, 2005, p.326). The US government and military repeatedly denied the accusations, â€Å"Donald Rumsfeld has described Al-Jazeera as ‘consistently lying, [and] accused the network of causing ‘great damage and harm in Iraq by continuously broadcasting wrong and inaccurate information, impairing what the coalition forces [were] trying to achi eve† (Miles, 2005, p.327). As Miles describes (2005, p.328), it was US officials that were angry, believing that such allegations would fuel Iraqi hatred against the West further. At the time, the officials may have not known of the occurrences, but it cannot be ruled out that they had no knowledge of it. This demonstrates an example whereby the American media were feeding the public with false information, whether it was intentional or not. If it was intentional though, it would have been in favour of government, who would obviously not want to be painted in a bad light. It was not until the New Yorker magazine published evidential pictures of the abuse that it was uncovered and believed, and finally admitted to be the truth (Miles, 2005, p.328). However, this is not where the only problem lies. Since then, it has been debated whether or not all of the images should be released for the public to view. One the one hand, it is believed that the images should be realised due to the fact that it was the American citizens own troops causing the offences, under the American name, whilst others believe it could potentially cause further harm. According to a report, â€Å"Obama said he believes release of the abuse photos would incite hatred against American troops† (Alberts, 2009, para. 4). This again brings up the subject of national security. Understandably the release of such images during a time of conflict could incite further hatred, but due to freedom of information, what right do officials really have to withhold them? Surely if one is to fully understand war, they must have the full picture, however horrific and problematic it may be. If the images are not fully released, is there a reason behind this other than prot ecting our conscience? What is being hidden? Could it be contributing to part of a ‘cover-up, with fear of something more sinister than what we already know being revealed? If therefore, officials had known about the situation (prior to it being confirmed), yet it had not made its way to mainstream media, this is misinforming the public, giving them a one sided ‘clean account of their position in the conflict. By never witnessing the faults of ones own government, one cannot really claim to know. Even by withholding the images, it does not allow the American and Western democratic public a clear view as to what is really occurring under their name. Particularly as it is ‘our men, who are normally painted as positively heroic, committing such horrific offences. This sort of behaviour by the media and government causes other problems too. Conspiracy theories to try and help explain other supposed reasonings behind war and decisions made by government begin to emerge. It helps give a new blame figure, and is perhaps fuelled by paranoia and suspicion (Knight, 2003, p. 20). As Knight asserts, conspiracy theory may put â€Å"forward the idea that sometimes people at the very centre of power might create (or perhaps just cynically promote) a popular outburst of demonology in order to further their own political schemes. This view is sometimes known as the elitist theory of moral panics, because it suggests that the elite deliberately fuel moral panics in order to legitimate repressive measures that would otherwise be unacceptable† (Knight, 2003, p.20). When the public begin to doubt their own government, feeling they are being fed propaganda, it is obvious they should want an explanation, so may turn to conspiracy theories as an alternative and comfort. For example, the documentary The Conspiracy Files (Rudkin, 2010, January 10) demonstrates how one may begin to become suspicious. It claims that a video of Benazir Bhutto talking after her first attempted murder was edited to exclude a statement she made about Osama Bin Laden. The version it claims the BBC presented cut out this section, for no apparent reason, so it is questionable as to why it was censored. A further example where the Western governments fear of what could be revealed via the media was demonstrated in October 2009 (Gray, 2009, October 25). Lance Corporal Joe Glenton was a soldier once serving in Afghanistan, who now faces a court martial and has been arrested. He claimed that he had â€Å"witnessed sights during his time in Afghanistan that forced him to question the morality of his role† (‘Soldier arrested, 2009, para. 8). Alike him, many other documentaries and interviews with ex-soldiers seem to unveil similar situations, where soldiers have a different picture of the war than the media have led the public to believe. The sanitization that takes place in the media is a view which soldiers alike Corporal Glenton would like to set straight. Glenton began to get the medias attention when he spoke at an anti-war demonstration that called for the British troops to be brought home. He claimed that many of the soldiers and demonstrators believed that it was not longer justifiable to have troops in the Middle East, and was trying to raise public awareness of this. This particular story came at a time when the public in both the UK and America were starting to doubt whether the war was really getting anywhere. Jeremy Corbyn MP is quoted as stating that the â€Å"war in Afghanistan had no clear war aims† (â€Å"Britons believe ‘Afghan war is failing†, 2009, para. 15). He also states that it is now â€Å"the time to change policy and bring the troops home to prevent Nato involving itself in a Vietnam style quagmire† (â€Å"Britons believe ‘Afghan war is failing†, 2009, para. 17). With such stories and statements emerging in the media, it does cause the public to question why the media and government would not present the ‘full picture. Especially when thinking about how the US media is less open about situations than the UK and other countries media (Zelizer Allan, 2002, p.2). Previously, it was easier for a government to deny that they knew about a situation, but technology has now taken this advantage away, making it impossible not to know. However, as Zelizer and Allan argue, the media may be used in such a way that it helps the public. â€Å"Journalism plays a key role in moving whole populations form trauma to recovery† (Zelizer Allan, 2002, p.2). It can therefore help to unite a nation, regardless of differing backgrounds, and help them to work together, particularly through traumatic times like conflict. With this view, it would seem that the US in particular may have needed such treatment. As the targeted nation in the 9/11 attacks, the y may have required more help than other nations to come to terms with the situation, as well as needing ‘encouragement in the right direction, and perhaps protection from the truth.. However, there is no doubt that this is a form of propaganda, as it does not demonstrate a clear communication of all the information one would need to make a fair judgement in order to make a justified opinion. This may demonstrate why the American citizens have trusted foreign institutions such as the BBC for increased information, as previously addressed The media also tend to emphasise violence and negative features of the enemy in order to justify the conflict in hand. Today, â€Å"terrorists have been given a voice† (Liebes Kampf, 2004, p.78). Since technology has greatened, other views, beyond just violence, have been represented. Interviews and arguments have been appearing in the media, with direct responses from the ‘enemy. Despite perhaps this being a positive thing, it can be used by government and the media to paint their own picture. They do not have to show everything, and can edit it as they desire, as previously discussed with the Bhutto footage. Another clear example is in the Joint Forces military publication. It has a dismissive attitude when discussing anything anti-American. It even addresses the problems of ‘foreign propaganda. It gives a sense of heroism, stating that via the American efforts in the war on terror, that they will â€Å"enable populations misinformed by censorship and other impediments to hear the truth† (Dailey Webb, 2006, p.46). It does not take into account the use of their own propa

Zero Tolerance Policing

Zero Tolerance Policing Within modern society the contemporary debate from the population is, ‘what do we want from our police forces and what is an acceptable level of performance should be in terms of fairness and effectiveness of today’s policing. Bowling (2007) in his research study outlined the importance of ‘zero tolerance policing and ‘problem orientated policing’ within society. The author in this assignment will analyse what the public actually want from their police force and also outline and evaluate the concept of ‘zero tolerance policing’ and ‘problem orientated policing’ by using Bowling (2007) views within his research papers. Within police policies and powers which are governed by individual acts produced and enforced within Parliament and are sanctioned in the police and criminal evidence act (1994). This act deals with the complex interpretation of criminal and police evidence which puts these policies into application that are practical within society. The majority of these were supportive of concepts that deal with various crime and criminal activities that are socially unacceptable such as anti-social behaviour. Within communities and neighbourhoods the concept of change in the police force was needed within modern society. ‘Zero tolerance’ concept of policing started in New York (US) at a period in time when the drug trade and various other socio-economic factors showed an increase in these criminal activities. Homicide in particular saw an increase, it increased an incredible 63% within the periods of 1985-1990 (Bowling 1999). Bowling (1999) states in his research paper that the rise of Homicide in the state of New York maybe connected to the decline in the drug market and inner fights with various street gangs within New York City. Due to this increase in criminal activities within New York, the New York Police Department commissioner promised prior to becoming elected that he would try and reinvent the streets of the city of New York (McLaughlin 2007). With the full backing of the newly appointed Mayor of New York, they would now ensure that they will enforce the law and provide ‘zero tolerance’ policing with New York City. In the UK, Jack Straw and Tony Blair tried to recreate this policy on ‘zero tolerance’ within the streets of Britain. Jack Straw’s concept was to allow the police the power to, †¦..†Reclaim Britain increasingly brutalised urban spaces from winos, addicts, squeegee merchants, graffiti taggers, louts and disorderly youths’’†¦.. McLaughlin (2007). During the decades there have been a number of attempts of reforming the police force within society through legal changes that attempts to transform police cultures and accountability within the police force. During the concept of police reform within today’s modern society should be concerned with accountability and responsiveness to the communities and neighbourhood in which the police force are serving. Within the police forces geographical area, the communities should be guaranteed the maintained of peace and be protected by their local police force within society. It is clear that with the introduction of ‘the new police’ in the 18th Century, have played a pivotal role in the general literature within policing. Policing within England perceived various problems in society, concerning popular disorder within various classes, including the poorer members of society. The ‘new police’ were associated with the mechanisms of social order and control within society. The working poorer class was incorporated into a life which is seen as more of a disciplined movement in the development of reform, common and extremely recurrent in the 18th Century. The policies of the police were to find effective ways of preventing and reducing criminal activities within society and provide a positive method and concept of policing for all members of the community. The policies and procedures of policing have general law enforcement duties that include the concept of regular patrols and responding to general public’s calls for various police service. The role of the police within society goes far beyond the general public’s imagination and their roles change from day to day. Their work regime reflects on the various roles within society which can be directing traffic to homicide. In all of these activities the officer is carrying out their role in the criminal justice system.society. Within society the police are expected to fully protect and govern the streets within modern society, the concept of ‘zero tolerance’ policing was introduced to establish a safer policing regime to protect and ensure the safety of communities and neighbourhoods within society. Zero tolerance policing is extremely popular with the general public who see this as the police being tougher on any types of criminal activity. In July 2003 a poll conducted by ICM (2003) analysed and concluded that the support from ‘zero tolerance policing showed a majority of the general public were in favour of this type of policing within their neighbourhoods and communities. Zero tolerance style of policing within society can be extremely beneficial to communities and this can lead to reductions in criminal activities within the geographical area. However zero tolerance policing can have a negative effect on the communities within society, with the presence of the police presence can antagonise racial motivated criminal activities in communities if not policed correctly and effectively. Within the concept of ‘zero-tolerance’ policing the concept of ‘Broken windows theory’ is utilised by criminologists. Kelling et al (1982) they suggest that any low-level criminal activities must be solved quickly, thus, mending the ‘broken windows’ if these activities are not resolved straight away further disorders and crimes may escalate within societies community. The concept of dealing with disorderly conditions to try and prevent any criminal activity is present in police strategies where the police the police attempt to impose social and community order through strict enforcement. According to Cordner (1998) and Skogan (2006) community and problem-orientated policing concepts and strategies where police officers tried to develop order and reduce criminal activity through the method of cooperation within neighbourhoods and community members and address recurring criminal problems within society. This method of policing varies from geograph ical area across police forces, but the concept of ‘Broken windows’ is utilised in the prevention of crime control. Weisburd et al (2007) analysed that the concept of ‘broken windows’ con be defined as, †¦.Ones perception of incivilities in the neighbourhood or community that has more of an impact than the amount of incivilities within the neighbourhood or community†¦.. (Weisburd Braga, 2007). Houses that are unkempt and are not cared for gives individuals who are committing criminal activities the misconception and impression that the community does not care or value the quality of life within their neighbourhood. The environment signals the criminal individuals the freedom to steal, litter, and vandalize this geographical area within the community. Within the community if there is various types of unkempt houses this could open up the communities and neighbourhoods to be exposed to various types of disorders, such as loitering and public drunkenness, that if the problem is not dealt with could exculpate and therefore lead to more serious crimes. †¦.. Neighbourhood and community disorders can influence honest people to move out of the neighbourhood or lock themselves in their homes, but it influences the disorderly and especially criminals to move into the neighbourhood and commit criminal activities†¦.. (Harcourt, Nov. 1998:297). Within communities and neighbourhoods if certain individuals are committing disorderly activities such as, youths and teenagers gathering in front of the local small convenience store. These individuals can start to consume alcohol in front of the shop and over a period of time the area is unkempt and considered to be a problematic area of society. Community and neighbourhood members are can be therefore be approached and hassled by very persistent disorderly individuals. This can lead to local members of the community feeling that their neighbourhood is no longer safe place to live. The individuals can feel intense insecurity can therefore force the individuals to stay inside of their homes, or relocate to another area, which leads to empty houses and can lead to further deterioration of the neighbourhood. Zero tolerance method of policing can be defined in many ways. The most widely used approach involves strict non-discretionary enforcement of criminal law regardless of the circumstances and nature of the offence. Many advocates of zero tolerance stimulate that whilst it does consist of positive methods by the police, it does not automatically lead to the conviction and arrest of minor offences and criminal activities within society. Advocates also claim that zero tolerance policing can reduce criminal activity within society and also reduces the fear of crime in communities. Zero Tolerance policing can also drastically increase the confidence in the ability of the police by the community and neighbourhood members and can also be beneficial to the community and also help with problem orientated policing. The concept of Problem-Oriented Policingoffers the theory that †¦..â€Å"the more the police force are accurately and can therefore identify and minimize the immediate causes of trends and patterns of crime, hopefully the less crime there will be within society† (Sherman, 1993). In order to test this theory criminal activity has to be measured. However, the measurement of crime can be extremely problematic due to the various amount and types of crime within society and also the fact that unfortunately not all crimes are recorded. Therefore measuring how effective prevention methods are is also just as difficult. Adams (1996) research study emphasised the study on reducing youth crime in communities, he concluded that police officers can prevent the intersection of motivated criminal offenders within time and space with suitable targets of crime, the less criminal activity there will be. However the research study found that there was no obvious reduction in criminal activity by the setting of curfews for the majority of offenders which in the research study was aimed at youths in society. Another researcher Kennedy (1996) suggested the method and concept that the more police officers can remove weapons and guns from public open places and hopefully deter individuals in society carrying them in the environments of criminal events, the less criminal activities there should be. Through better knowledge and therefore application of search procedures Kennedy found that the reduction of gun carrying significantly reduced gun crime within society. Problem oriented policing can have massive benefits towards the community and hopefully it will promote more involvement in the issues of public safety, and in turn can reduce the feelings of fear and increases the feelings of safety within the general public in society. With good policing of the concept of problem orientated policing, it can promote an extremely positive perception of today’s modern police force. In conclusion most criminal activities within society are statistically increasing and the majority crime rates and especially the rates of violent related crimes are drastically increasing throughout the globe. Statistically the main targets for blame are higher drug consumption, higher inequality of individuals in communities and racial motivated crimes, and greater availability of gun and knife crimes. Within the government some politics viewpoints can favor the principle of rehabilitation and structural improvement to fight crime within society. The concept of ’zero tolerance’ and ‘problem orientated policing’ aims to prevents serious crime by controlling and clamping down on the many different categories of minor crimes that police officers believe can lead to further criminal activities and therefore needs the concept of using custodial sentences for first time offences. A major body of research and many authors on the concept policing have analysed argued that modern day policing can be seen as not being an effective way of controlling crime and that in any case the method of dealing with criminal activity is not the only section of what the police force do and therefore it is considered not the distinctly role within the modern police force in society (Neyroud and Beckley 2001). Neyroud and Beckley (2001) in their research concluded that the pivotal role and functions of the modern police force highlights a move in the methods of the principle of law enforcement and criminal reduction and prevention in modern society. This concept of zero tolerance policing and problem orientated policing will hopefully allow the general public within communities to feel safer within their neighborhood’s and have total reliance of the police force that are policing today’s modern society. 1

Macbeths Queen Essay -- Macbeth essays

Macbeth's Queen      Ã‚   There are two main characters in William Shakespeare's Macbeth, one of which is Lady Macbeth. Let us in this paper study her character in detail.    Blanche Coles states in Shakespeare's Four Giants evaluates the character of Lady Macbeth:    A woman who could speak as Lady Macbeth does, who could call upon the spirits that tend on mortal thoughts to unsex her and fell her from head to foot full of direct cruelty, who could entreat these same spirits to stop all avenues of remorse so that no compunctions of conscience will interfere with the carrying out of her purpose, who could call upon the night to wrap itself in the murkiest, gloomiest smoke of hell in order to hide, even from the keen knife she would use, the wound she would make when she herself stabs the sleeping King, such a terrible, frightful woman would not scruple at telling a little wife-to-husband lie to accomplish her purpose. (52)    In Everybody's Shakespeare: Reflections Chiefly on the Tragedies, Maynard Mack shows how Lady Macbeth complements her husband:    Her fall is instantaneous, even eager, like Eve's in Paradise Lost; his is gradual and reluctant, like Adam's. She needs only her husband's letter about the weyard sisters' prophecy to precipitate her resolve to kill Duncan. Within an instant she is inviting murderous spirits to unsex her, fill her with cruelty, thicken her blood, convert her mother's milk to gall, and darken the world "That my keen knife see not the wound it makes" (1.5.50). Macbeth, in contrast, vacillates. The images of the deed that possess him simultaneously repel him (1.3.130, 1.7.1) When she proposes Duncan's murder, he temporizes: "We will speak further" (1.5.69). (189)    ... ...Blakemore Evans. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1972.    Knights, L.C. "Macbeth." Shakespeare: The Tragedies. A Collectiion of Critical Essays. Alfred Harbage, ed. Englewwod Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1964.    Mack, Maynard. Everybody's Shakespeare: Reflections Chiefly on the Tragedies. Lincoln, NB: University of Nebraska Press, 1993.    Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Macbeth. http://chemicool.com/Shakespeare/macbeth/full.html, no lin.    Siddons, Sarah. "Memoranda: Remarks on the Character of Lady Macbeth." The Life of Mrs. Siddons. Thomas Campbell. London: Effingham Wilson, 1834. Rpt. in Women Reading Shakespeare 1660-1900. Ann Thompson and Sasha Roberts, eds. Manchester, UK: Manchester University Press, 1997.    Wilson, H. S. On the Design of Shakespearean Tragedy. Toronto, Canada: University of Toronto Press, 1957.

Edvard Grieg’s Morning Mood and In the Hall of the Mountain King :: Art

Edvard Grieg’s Morning Mood and In the Hall of the Mountain King When one thinks of the Romantic composers, the names Beethoven, Wagner, Chopin, or Liszt come to mind. Looking even further into the period one sees the names of nationalist composers like Glinka, Tchaikovsky, and Smetana. Unfortunately, there are still many composers of the Romantic era whose music is known, but for some reason there names have grown apart from there music. Edvard Grieg, a Norwegian nationalist composer, is one of these men. Many people would know Grieg’s work â€Å"In the Hall of the Mountain King† if they heard it, but would be unable to tell you who had written it or where the work originates from. Despite his lack of fame in today’s world, his music still is a prime example of the Romantic period and tendencies. Two works in particular are â€Å"Morning Mood† and â€Å"In the Hall of the Mountain King†, both from his Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, despite their very conflicting styles. Edvard Grieg is thought of in the music field as a symbol of Norway. He was born in Bergen, Norway on June 15th, 1843 the fourth of five children. Music interested Grieg from a young age and at the age of six he began piano lessons with his mother. His mother, Gescine Hagerup, was known as the best piano teacher in Bergen and led him firmly, but lovingly into the music field. At the age of fifteen in October of 1858, Grieg left to attend the Leipzig Music Conservatory. He did not have an easy time at the conservatory. During his time there, Grieg suffered an attack of pleurisy that caused permanent damage to one of his lungs. He also had problems with the institutional nature of the school. However, despite the hardships he faced, he graduated from Leipzig at Easter in 1862 with high marks. After graduation, Grieg moved to Copenhagen to broaden his musical scope. While in Copenhagen he met people that would become life long friends and idols. One of Grieg’s first idols, which he met in Copenhagen, was Niels W. Gade, the first great Scandinavian composer. Another of Grieg’s idols was Rikard Nordaak, a fellow Norwegian, whose enthusiasm for all things Norwegian was transferred to Grieg. One of the most important people he met in Copenhagen was his cousin Nina Hagerup. They were secretly engaged in 1864 and married by 1867.