(b) First, rent, view, and enjoy the film My Big Fat Greek Wedding Essay

(b) First, rent, view, and enjoy the film My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Discuss the idea of two people from different cultura - Essay Example Through her honest representation of myriad issues encountered by immigrants coming to America, she compels the audience to seriously think about the gravity of the situation. The immigrants have to deal with a variety of problems because holding on to their home culture in a foreign land is not an easy task particularly when the children born there show no interest in their parents’ old cultural values and would rather identify with only one culture. In this essay, I will contemplate how Toula along with her love interest Ian Miller attempts to handle many arduous challenges from courtship to marriage and eventually defeats the cultural myths which are famous with her family. Toula’s family, in stark contrast to that of Miller’s, is full of zealous energy and obsessively committed to holding on to their Greek cultural values. The cultural lessons repeatedly told by Toula’s father have a preponderant effect on the entire family given how every little thing is done in accordance with Greek values. It is because of such obsessive commitment with Greek culture and zero tolerance for other cultures that marrying a non-Greek man is totally out of question in Toula’s family. In fact, saying that showing love interest in someone who is not from Greek background makes for a taboo subject would not be an overstatement. It is quite interesting how Toula and Miller are both adults and free to make their decisions as they like, yet Toula is weirdly caught up in the clutches of her culture and remains in acute distress since beginning her relationship with Miller. Though she willingly embarks on a romantic journey with the man she loves, still the deep guilt and remorse she experiences every time she is accompanied by Miller almost as if she is committing a crime compel the audience to think hard about the role played by cultural differences. The struggle to keep one’s culture alive is portrayed as a never-ending battle in the movie , one which has huge repercussions. The effects of this cultural battle are not pleasant of course because unfortunately, Toula has to deal with many challenges in her home after getting caught by her cousin with Miller in his car. Many obstacles are depicted in the movie in the way of the Western romantic ideal which stresses that an adult should have freedom to marry whomever he/she pleases (Haviland 209). Clearly, this ideal is not followed by Toula’s family which has little regard for anything that falls outside the territory of Greek culture. In some cultures as the one shown in the movie, both marriage and starting a family with someone are critically important issues which have to be left in the hands of the parents and not that person who is to be married (Lehman 53). So, finding someone on your own and that also from entirely different cultural background are the kind of things which if on one hand are the source of happiness for her, then on the other hand are also a source of scary grief given the way her father reacts. Though her mother does not get as hysterical as her father after finding out about Toula’s affair with a non-Greek man, yet she does everything in her power to motivate her daughter to abandon her plans of continuing a relationship with Miller for real. The movie is an attempt to highlight exactly such sort of unjustified attitudes and actions which stem from cultural differences and stereotypes, and work to destroy the dreams of people whose only fault is that they believe in the culture of love. It is suggested that such opposition

Influence Taylor’s Scientific Management Theory

Influence Taylor’s Scientific Management Theory Introduction The modern world has been marked by specialized management that is characterized by effective planning methods in order to attain certain objectives, division of labor which has served to increase specializations and innovations in work places, and a formalized interaction between the employees and their managers in their work places. These formal manifestations can be attributed to the twentieth century from the works of Taylor who came up with the concepts of scientific management. Taylor has been accorded the legacy as the founder of scientific management principles. He was a mechanical engineer and his works served to provide efficiency in the management of industries which at the time had no formal management and were characterized by various anomalies (Taylor, 1911, p.64). The workers came up with their own decisions on how the tasks were going to be accomplished in the factories. This was however changed by Taylor through development of scientific management. He sought to impr ove the workers productivity in their areas of work. At various times he was criticized for destroying the workers morale and turning them into machines. This went to an extent of workers downing their tools at Watertown Arsenal which led to the House of Representatives Committee conducting an investigation into his works so as to establish the truth. It was concluded that his concepts of scientific management were a good tool for the management of organizations but at the same time offered the managers with increased power which had no checks and balances. This led to the ban of his concepts of scientific management by the Senate at that time. This was after a survey showing that his methods received a high level of hatred from the working population. The survey showed that scientific management did not put into consideration the workers social needs in their areas of work and it failed to appreciate the differences that existed between the working populations in any industry. In addition, the scientific management concepts viewed the workers as ignorant and therefore did not take into consideration their contributions in terms of work related suggestions and ideas (Taylor, 1911, p.65). However, after various improvements into these concepts it has come to be productive in the present day running of organizations. This essay discusses the Taylors scientific management and how it has influenced the modern day business practices. Historical origins of scientific management The 19th century factory system manifested itself in lack of formal management, unofficial relations among the workers and even with their employers and casual jobs with no formal arrangements where the leader just hired a group of men in the industries and could fire them if he deemed it fit due to their inability to work or for not following his directions. A need arose by the late decade of the 19th century as competitions between different factories went into the rise, emergence of improved technologies in the factories and formations of trade unions that pressurized the factories to improve the working conditions of workers in the factories or risk industrial actions against them. The government had also realized the efforts in the factories and wanted to reap maximum benefits (Taylor, 1911, p.12). This therefore called for improvements in the organization and management of these institutions. This was the period that Taylor established himself with his novel ideas of organizati onal management and various technical innovations. For instance, he devised a stopwatch that was used for timing the workers during the working hours so as to determine their best possible times. Taylor had a brief career in engineering after which he went into consultancy services for various industries. He vigorously advocated the application of systematic management by the factory managers (Taylor, 1911, p.17). He introduced time studies to measure the workers performance, piece-rate systems that served to instill obedience in the workers and other production systems that provided the managers with the capability of knowing what was happening on the ground. He diffused his thoughts and coined the term scientific management which was somehow metaphorical. He proposed that he had invented principles of management that could be applied universally to replace what was known as the rule of thumb methods. His book became a success and was embraced by many during those times. This period of development of scientific management became known as the progressive era in the US (1890-1920). It was a period that had many reforms which were meant to overcome the problems that had been cr eated by the just ended industrial revolution. This era also experienced its problems. Among them was; lack of formal training for the business leaders in ways of running the day to day activities of their institutions and workers performed their duties due to internal fears of imminent job losses as a result an increase in the industrial out put or due to inefficient management systems in the organizations (Taylor, 1911, p.4). This resulted to poor relationships between the workers and their employers which ultimately caused a reduction in the efficiency in the industries. The then president of the US, Roosevelt even went further to call on the factories to increase their efficiency in production so as to be at par or ahe3ad with other competing nations. This ultimately led to emergence of the scientific management movement. Taylor and scientific management movement After his works at Philadelphia, Taylor moved to Bethlehem Company which dealt with steel and continued exploring his ideas. He was not alone in proposing the scientific management but there were other players who set in to streamline the concepts. For instance, according to Shenhav (1999, p. 94), there was Brandeis who was an attorney and later became a Supreme Court justice. Later there were others like Frank and Gilbreth who were able to conduct studies on the human motion while doing work with an intention of finding ways that could add to increase workers efficiency during working hours. Taylors principles of scientific management After systematic analysis of his experimental works, Taylor came up with four principles which lay the foundation for scientific management. The first involved finding an alternative method to take over the rule of thumb practices of management. The alternative was to be scientific and would provide a chance for the managers to be in a position to analyze the problem facing management in their organizations. The use of a scientific approach was to put into use the systematic experiments. He believed the application of these experiments would come up with a solution to the problems faced in management and during the process of production. According to Locke (1982, p.50), Taylor has received acclaimed fame for his ideas that a scientific approach can be applied in the process of managerial decision making. The second principle involved scientifically selecting, offering training sessions and providing work development to each worker. This was as opposed to the former methods that invol ved disorganized management and leaving the workers to rule themselves as well as train themselves on various duties in the factories. By application of this principle, Taylor noted that the highly qualified person will occupy the top positions in the organizations and thus will lead the others in a systematic and efficient manner. By application of systematic management, a payment system was developed that considered the amount of output the worker had as well as the workers efficiency in production of quality goods and services. This principle increased efficiency in work places and improved the system of management. The third principle involved the managers developing formal working relations through establishing teamwork to ensure that the methods developed scientifically were being adhered to by the work force. To develop this principle, Taylor measured the workers performance with stop watch and motion studies in order to come up with an efficient process that would lead to accomplishments of the work tasks in good time. His experiments were crucial in determining the quantity of work that a hard working man c ould perform in a day (Taylor, 1911, p.23). This was to do away with the tendency of workers to perform their duties slowly in the factories. His experiments would indicate the standards that are to be achieved by the workers so as to increase performance. The fourth and final principle involved ensuring equal division of work between managers and their employees. By so doing, the managers would utilize the principles of scientific management in the planning of duties in their organizations while the workers on their side would actualize the duties in a timely manner. It is worth noting that these principles were put into use in various factories across the world. Their application usually had a positive effect by enhancing their productivity by three or more times. Taylor had a strong believe that scientific management would enhance the efficiency in the industries which would then lead to increased wages, production of low cost products and thus improved standards of living for the employees and their families. However, his ideas did not go well with the trade unions which were on the rise during those times to fight for the rights of the factory workers. Due to this, its influence was lowered until the end of the First World War whe n it picked up. According to Shenhav (1999, p.68), engineers in the Ford industry were able to standardize their job routines being guided by the principles of scientific management. They were able to increase their production and the Ford gained recognition all over the US for its production of quality motor vehicles. Taylors scientific management had a big influence to the development present day management theories. His ideas influenced two fields of management which are the human resource management sector and the accounting departments within an organization. He contributed to cost accounting procedures in the manufacturing industries. While working at Simonds Company he formulated a system of accounting for the company. Later on he perfected his methods coming up with a standardized costing technique for railroad systems. His ideas formed a foundation for development of techniques for budget control in any organization so as to ensure a free flow of cash for production costs and for payment of wages and salaries. This ensured an improved management in these industries. The second and third principles of the scientific management as discussed above influenced development of human resource management. Other scholars followed these principles to come up with various aspects of human resource lik e managing by objectives by Drucker which can be traced to the Taylors application of the differential piece rate systems to ensure workers efficiency (Shenhav, 1999, p.34). Taylor receives attribute even to the teaching and development of management courses. He lectured on management at Harvard, therefore shaping the minds of future business owners and managers who apply his teachings up to the present day world. Criticisms of scientific management Despite scientific management improving production even up to three times, it also had its own setbacks. It was accused to have led to monotony of worker lead to workers being bored at many times. The concepts also perceived man as a machine that achieved maximum satisfaction through monetary rewards (Locke, 1982, p.35). His rate cutting ideas could as well be utilized by cruel managers to mistreat their employees without many benefits to them. There was an up rise against scientific management by workers leading to strikes. As a result, parts of it like the use of stop watches by the managers to time their workers were banned. Scientific management and its influence on modern day business practices Taylor was of the view that employees needed to be supervised at all times to ensure that they fully performed their tasks and productivity of the factories went on the rise. His critics however disapproved the idea of taking the workers to be like machines without psychological feelings. The disapproved the idea that human ambitions are highly motivated by the rewards they receive in form of wages. To prove their point, the critics developed what is termed as organizational behavior that was meant to counter the ideas of Taylor. This took place in the 1930s after experiments were carried out to determine what really influenced the workers morale and their efficiency in production. The Hawthorne experiments proved otherwise from what Taylor had postulated. In one specific case, a study was conducted to find out what increased the productivity of workers in the Hawthorne Works factory (Locke, 1982, p.70). It was noted that an increase in lighting in the workshops was able to have an i ncrease in productivity as workers did their work in well lit areas. The negative had been hypothesized to be true but unfortunately it was not. This left questions unanswered on what really caused the increase in productivity. Left with no other options, the experimenters had to seek technical aid from Harvard University where various professionals turned up. The group consisted of sociologists, psychologists who were headed by the famous clinical psychologist Mayo Elton and anthropologists. These specialists were able to conclude that what led to the increase in production was due to the presence of supervisors throughout the period the studies were being carried out. This observation became to be known as the Hawthorne effect and it was significant to human relations in work places and led to improvement of the study of organizational behavior (Wren, 2005, p.279). Various other studies have been carried out after Hawthorne experiments to try and discover the real factor behind human motivation. In other experiments, McGregor postulated a theory commonly referred to as Theory X and Theory Y to distinguish between the factors influencing human motivation. According to Theory X, the workers got their motiva tion from rewards in terms of money that they received after the job they had done while Theory Y observed that men gets their motivations from an inward desire to attain self fulfillment in any task that they are accorded. Unlike Taylors scientific management, this theory was able to acknowledge the ability of people to have an inner drive that enhanced their capacity to do work rather than just focusing on what they received as wages and salaries. Thus the social perspectives of a person started gaining recognition in workplaces in order to enhance productivity (Wren, 2005, p.267). The managers of the factories started considering the social welfare of their workers while in work stations and eventually relations strengthened in the factories. This brought about team spirit and reliance on one another to attain a common objective. Several welfare organizations that were involved in fighting for the rights of the workers were formed and which are still there in the 21st century world. Taylor with his scientific management therefore laid a foundation around which various other studies have been conducted to improve the situation of the workers in their work places while at the same time ensuring that pr oductivity is maintained to ensure success of organizations and businesses. Organizational management has gained recognition in todays world and managers are professionals with skilled knowledge in the process of management. Major CEOs in different organizations must have attained a certain higher level of knowledge and have experience in management. Taylors scientific management formed a foundation for operations research which is present today in various organizations. Both operations research and scientific management aims at increasing efficiency in the workers operations through the application of scientific means and systematic analysis so as to come up with a valid conclusion. According to Gass (2005, p.19), the proposers of scientific management like Taylor himself, Gilbreth and Gantt were the founders of the process of operations research. In fact, some of the techniques they applied in their studies to provide efficiency are still in use even up to date. For example, Gantt in his studies used a chart that involved planning time and tasks to be performed so as to achieve maximum productivity. It came to be known as the Gantt chart and it is still in use today especially in the project management areas. Despite operations research gaining growth as a branch on its own, it incorporates Taylors principles in its application . It continues to apply scientific methods with an aim of improving efficiency which is attributed to Taylors scientific management. Taylors scientific management gained recognition in the US and around the world. His book The Principles of Scientific Management was a hit and a success and was sold the world over. His principles were put into test by many managers in their factories so as to increase efficiency. His book was translated to different languages and his influence was now felt outside the US. The Japanese led by Takuo Godo utilized some of Taylors principles to test the productivity of Japanese workers during the Osaka Efficiency Exhibition. Takuo was able to point out that the workers in Britain were 5.3 times more productive than those in Japan while the American worker was seven times more that of the Japanese worker. In their pursuit for increased efficiency, the Japanese had to apply some of Taylors principles (Wren, 2005, p.289). Taylors work went as far to influence the Toyota production system which ensured that quality products were produced while at the same time increasing the efficiency of their workers. The application of scientific management enhanced Toyotas production system leading to their success. These principles were incorporated with novel ideas as time went by to furnish them so as to reap their full benefits. The success of Toyota is seen even today due to their high exports of their automobiles to various countries all over the world. In the 21st century, most of the activities that occur in work places base their foundation to Taylors scientific management. The cars we are driving, the hospitals we get medication from and even in the food eateries that we frequently visit have in one way or another been influenced by the principles postulated by Taylor. Their functioning has been streamlined into enhanced efficiency through these principles. Scientific management brought a revolution to management systems which have them evolved with time to accommodate new ideas and other changing variables in the workplaces. Work places have become areas of specializations where only those with specific skills and experiences can perform a certain task. Given such facts, division of labor is a common feature in todays society and this has served to improve on innovative ideas and effective production (Wren, 2005, p.293). Competition has gone on the rise for the few job opportunities that are available unlike previously when the labor force was sometimes lacking. As a result workers have continued increasing their knowledge into in order to retain their positions or even be promoted to higher posts. Companies have learnt to apply scientific methods in solving any problem that they may be facing rather than by use of a rule of thumb. For instance, it has become a common venture for companies to conduct market surveys before and during a release of a new product in the market. Once a company intends to release a product to the market, it ventures into the anticipated market to find their views and opinions on the said product. The opinions are analyzed scientifically and viable conclusions are derived. The conclusions are then incorporated into their strategic objectives and planning is taken to take into considerations the conclusions. This has served to increase the efficiency of production and improving the companys profits. A failure in the management to conduct such surveys or to embrace the reflected opinions would lead to either customer dissatisfaction or production of low quality products. When this happens, customers will shy away from the products hence sales will be minimal and thus the profits. With the current competition in the market in this 21st century such a company will be edged out of the race for customers and will definitely fall out of the market and close down. This clearly illustrates that although Taylors principles were postulated over a century ago, their effects are still being felt in the running of day to day activities of various institutions. In present days industrial processes, Taylors principles also come to play an important role. Taylor had studied the appropriate scientific designs for the tasks that the workers were performing so as to ensure they never were over worked nor were they underworked to unproductive levels. In addition, Taylor proposed that the workers should be selected scientifically according to a persons skills so as to perform those tasks that the workers are in a position biologically to perform and handle well. The workers who best adopted to their positions and worked with high efficiency were rewarded with high wages in order to motivate them to repeat the same actions (Gass, 2005, p.21). Presently, this principle has continued to be used in nearly all organizations. As a result, they have established a human resource department that is tasked with the process of recruitment. The department first announces any vacant position in their institutions through the various media and invites qualified persons to tender for the positions. The recruits are then taken through a thorough recruitment process that involves vetting their skills and abilities as may be illustrated by the experiences they have. This process can be equated to the scientific selection of workers that were proposed by Taylor and his followers. Finally, the best man for the job takes it thus securing employment in the said company. Taylor in determining the payment to be given to the workers in wages and work incentives proposed a piece-rate system. This was to award any worker more wage if they increased production outputs and also produced quality products. A very similar situation is applied presently where even in civil service the amount of payment depends on the years of experience in service and also on the skills and knowledge that you process which clearly distinguishes you from the rest. Thus the higher the experience and level of education the higher the salaries will be. Secondly, in todays institutions the human resource department has established a complex reward system that compensates the workers for their improved output in production. The various reward system used today are like fully paid holidays for employees, pay rises for good performing workers , scholarships to pursue high education, paid leaves among a variety of others. This has ensured increased competition between departments in an organization to raise their production levels so as to enjoy the enticing rewards. Psychologically, human behavior can be reinforced through positive reinforcements and vice versa. The human resource managers are thus able to utilize this to positively reinforce the behavior of ensuring increase in production in their organizations through the rewards. The application of these ideas has led to improved production within the work places as the workers are motivated to perform their duties to perfection. This has led to production of quality products into t he market that reaches the thresholds of customer satisfaction. It is also important to note of the Fordism theory which bases its concepts on the scientific management. It was employed in mass production and incorporated the concepts of a moving assembly line with the ideas of Taylors of piece rate system and division of labor (Gass, 2005, p.30). This theory proposed for a distinction between the skilled processes of production and the unskilled ones. This theory was instrumental in shaping the industrial process of mass production of various commodities which require line production like motor vehicles. However, this theory also contained several anomalies as contained by the scientific management like not allowing the workers to give their views and also according more importance to the machines than the human beings who are operating them. This theory however, rewards the workers with high wages for their increased production. This theory also accords the employers with total ownership and control to the work force and therefore could be used to harass the work force. Scientific management as presented by Taylor offered a chance for scientific training and education of all the workers with an intention of increasing their on hand skills and basic understanding of their working environment. He conducted researches to ensure maximum potential of the workers were utilized in performing their tasks. In modern times, this has continued taking place in various institutions. It has become increasing necessary for continued education due to the changing patterns and trends in the production industries (Gass, 2005, p.34). There is improvement in technology like the use of computers in performing tasks that were initially performed manually. Some of the machines that were once used in the processes of production and other tasks in the organizations have become redundant thus necessitating the use of a different and more complex machine. For example, not long ago were typewriters a common feature in offices for production of written materials. Currently, it is quite hard to notice any typewriter in use in any office across the country. This is due to rise in computer usage which have rendered them redundant. If the office worker had no relevant knowledge of computer usage, he/she will be forced to take classes in order to learn how to use the same machine. The same thing is happening in big production companies where large machines are acquired that have different usage and thus necessitating the workers handling it to undergo a further training. After noticing this tendency, the human resource departments have been tasked with ensuring their workers undergo on job trainings to increase their knowledge and remain relevant in the market. Several companies offer free scholarships to their deserving employees to pursue higher education after which they are promoted in their duties to higher positions. Other types of training are conducted like inviting a consultant who will facilitate the process of learning in formal seminar s and meetings. Whichever type the human resource decides is beneficial to their company the aim is to increase the workers scientific knowledge and education. The scientific management propagates for the idea of division of labor equally among the workers and their managers. This would ensure that there is mutual cooperation between the workers and managers and each is relying on the other for accomplishment of certain duties in their organization (Taylor, 1911, p.13). This builds formal and official relations with respect which ensures that the tasks given to each worker is performed and in good time. A team spirit is cultivated within these organizations and they are able to work together as one to achieve common objectives. In modern world, this principle has been expounded and applied resulting into increased performance and enhanced efficiency in doing work. The social aspects of a human being are catered for like the need to effectively communicate ones feelings about a certain procedure in any institution. Management has changed to democratic type where various views of each individual are incorporated into the institutions planning . The institutions frequently hold meetings where each and everyone is given a chance to air their views concerning anything that may be affecting them or even to commend a certain process being used by their organization. This has served well to increase communication in the organizations. Communication is an important process to any organization. It serves to pass important messages from managers down the organizational hierarchy up to the subordinates. Communication as a process serves to hold the organization together. It builds team work across the various departments in an organization and leads to attainment of strategic objectives and hence meeting their mission and vision. It is therefore important to have improved communication for an organization ion order to reap maximum benefits from the employees. Effective communication in an organization boosts employees morale and increases their productivity (Busch, 1980, p.98). Communication which was once referred to as a soft skill in business enterprises has turned to have impacts for the business which are hard and with dire consequences. Failure to establish effective communication will lead to dissatisfaction among employees leading to high employee turnover in the organization, there is a rise in the number of employees who dont report to work as expected due to low morale, the customers will feel dissatisfied due to receiving of poor services from the dissatisfied employees and this will lead to low quality products being produced which are not up to the standards required in the market. In addition it will lead to lack of innovations in the business which is harmful to development. Conclusion In conclusion, Taylors scientific management has served to shape the behaviors witnessed in todays organizations. However, various improvements to Taylors principles have been done by various other scholars. For example, Henry Fayol was able to integrate the social aspects of workers in to the principles. For the success of any organization, effective leadership is critical. It is for this reasons that effective managers are sought for by many institutions in order to succeed and pull through the high competition that have been witnessed in the present world. How well a leader is able to influence the team that he/she is leading will either lead to the success or to the failure of the organizations. In order for a leader to be able to lead, he/she must gain and apply power in order to see that work is performed to the given standards. They work at reinforcing their own organizational positions while at the same time striving to achieve the broad and strategic objectives of their orga nizations. Modernization and formations of workers union has served to shape the scientific principles as proposed by Taylor. With this in mind it is worth to note that Taylors scientific management principles although proposed over a century ago are being felt even in the modern day practices in institutions.

no sugar :: essays research papers

Throughout Australian history a racist attitude towards Aboriginals has been a significant issue. From the moment the early settlers arrived on our shores and colonised, the Aboriginals have been fighting for the survival of their culture. The Aboriginals haven been take in and dominated to bring them in line with an idealistic European society. These themes have been put forward by Jack Davis in his stage play, No Sugar, the story of an Aboriginal family’s fight for survival during the Great Depression years. Admittedly Davis utilises his characters to confront the audience and take them out of their comfort zone, showing them the reality of Aboriginal treatment. This is an element of the marginalisation that Jack Davis uses through out the play this starts from the beginning where he discomforts the audience by using an open stage. One character that Davis uses through out the play is A.O. Neville, Davis uses him to portray the issue of power, this is a very important issue that is carried through out the play. Through out the play aboriginals are marginalised they are told where to go what to do and how to go about life. The play was staged on a perambulate model, meaning that the action of the play shifts between many locations. There is the town of Northam with the Police Station and two Cells, the Main Street and the Government Well Aboriginal Reserve. Then there is The Moore River Native Settlement with the Superintendent’s office, the Millimurra family’s tent and the Aboriginal camp at Long Pool. There is also the Chief Protectors Office and the Western Australian Historical Society in Perth and an area by the railway line. This allows for marginalisation between the audience and the play. This can be perceived as some what payback by Jack Davis for the marginalisation that the Europeans forced upon the aboriginals. Contrasting dialogue is also found within the play’s Aboriginal cast. It is not uncommon for a character to begin a sentence in English, only to lead in to Nyoongah words as they proceed: GRAN: I’m warrah, gnuny tjenna minditj, and I got no gnummarri. (Act Two Scene Two) This provokes a reaction from white audiences where we rely on hand gesture to comprehend the play, while also begging the question as to why they speak in such a way. Language is used as a symbol for their culture, a culture that is split between white and blacks; this is just one more tactics that Jack Davis uses to marginalise.

The Effects of Using Smart Phones on Teenagers and Adults Lifestyle Essay

1. Smart Phones – is a device that lets you make telephone calls, but also adds in features that, in the past, you would have found only on a personal digital assistant or a computer–such as the ability to send and receive e-mail and edit Office documents, for example. 2. Information Technology – the use of computers and electronic systems for storing and using information. 3. Smartphone Addiction – abusive or overuse of smartphone; an addiction that can be destructive to social lives outside of mobile devices, including smartphones. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM 1. How does using a smart phone affect teenagers’ and adults’ socialization? 2. How do smartphones affect communication in the work place? 3. How do smartphones affect student’s education? 4. What are the harmful effects of using a smart phone? INTRODUCTION One of the blooming fields that are sweeping our nation by storm is information technology. Every day we face new types of technology that help us communicate and interact. One of the great contributions, in information technology, was the very development computer along with the internet. These developments shaped the society, as we know it today and further contributed how we send and receive information. In our society today, everything is  moving fast and we want everything to have access to the advanced services and technology indoors and outdoors in the simplest ways. From these two things, it also influenced something as complex yet simple as a smartphone. A smartphone is a clever device with high-quality services that is portable, user-friendly, interactive and most importantly beneficial. (Rysavy 2010) Smartphones have made it possible to make simple task easy but despite of the convenience it brings, it might affect our daily lives in a negative sense. Reference: http://cellphones.about.com/od/smartphonebasics/a/what_is_smart.htm http://www.rysavy.com/Articles/2011_01_Smartphone_Efficiency http://www.bostonmagazine.com/health/blog/2013/12/19/smartphones-bad-for-eyes/

World Trade Center: Bathtub

One of the famous structures ever built in the entire history of mankind is the World Trade Center. The said structure is said to have hold numerous offices and institutions that plays a vital role in running the economy of America and even to other nations. Moreover, the World Trade Center is also one of tallest buildings ever erected making it attractive to many people around the world. This might also be the reason why the said structure was attacked and was brought down by the alleged terrorists in the year 2001. The structure then was totally destroyed and what only remained was its mere foundation. A Brief History. In the year 1946, the New York state planned to build a structure that would serve as the center for trade and commerce in the said U. S state. Manhattan was chosen to be the location of the planned structure in the year 1962. Numerous professionals were tapped to facilitate the construction of the World Trade Center including Japanese architects and engineers leading the design and construction team. The construction started in the year 1966, starting with the first tower located in the northern part of the site. The north tower was completed after six years and the center accepted tenants even before the tower was totally furnished. A year after the construction of the north tower, another building finished its construction located in the southern region of the site. It was on the same year that the dedication of the World Trade Center commenced. During that time, the World Trade Center was considered as the tallest structure ever built with 110-storey with more than a thousand and three hundred feet in height. Structural Foundation The foundation of the World Trade Center twin towers was constructed with one of the deep foundations ever made. A deep basement was made to support the entire structure of these towers and all of the loads the structure handles. The said basement is also called as the bathtub. This refers to as the underground foundation area not only of the World Trade Center but also of the adjacent buildings located in New York. The bathtub is a distorted rectangle in shape with dimensions equal to almost a thousand feet by five hundred twenty feet with a depth of about seven-storey building. The bathtub is situated down to the rock layer of earth’s foundation. It is then further supported by strong, solid walls that served as the barriers to impede water from the Hudson River to enter the foundation. The said walls are also called as slurry walls. This foundation was made due to the fact that the site where the World Trade Center was erected was man-made. Moreover, the bathtub was built underground and submerged into water. The bathtub designers used pre-fabricated steel as framework of the main foundation of the building. The amount of steel used totaled about two hundred thousand tons to supply the needs for the foundation of the World Trade Center. Braces were placed to support the slurry wall aside from the supplemental support provided by the bedrock. The Foundation Design of the World Trade Center Source: www. wc7. net The Bathtub The foundation designed by the architects and engineers was seen to be massive, just as what should be considering the height of the buildings to be erected on top of the said foundation. It is a must for any gigantic structure to cling its foundation on the solid rock located beneath the earth’s ground. To attach the foundation to the bedrock, the construction workers dug enormous mass of soil and brought it up on the earth’s surface. Another challenge that was faced by the builders is that the site is near a body of water. The water coming from the river may interfere in the construction of the foundation of the World Trade Center. To resolve this problem, the workers used digging machines to create channels down to the solid rock area of earth. As they dig troughs, the workers placed a slurry wall made up of bentonite. Bentonite is an expensive type of clay that is effective in impeding water from flowing. The said material would go within the dug channels, which would effectively block the water coming form underneath the surface. Pictorial Representation of the Foundation for the World Trade Center Source: www. deepexcavation. com Slurry Wall Slurry walls, also known as diaphragm wall is a type of structure created and casted in a certain trough or channel. The trench was hinged by an expensive type of clay called as bentonite that is specified to impede soil erosions into the foundation. In other terms, slurry walls refer to a wall that is utilized to obstruct stream flow. There are equipments that are being used in applying the slurry walls in building foundations. Some of the tools used include hydromills, hydraulic clamshells and other trenching equipment. Slurry Wall History The first slurry wall that was constructed was in the year 1950 in Italy. Four years earlier, slurry walls undergone series of tests to assess its capabilities as a part of foundation of a big structure. In the year 1960, this technology was introduced in the United States of America by the European building designers. Various buildings in the US were built using the slurry walls which includes structures located in New York and California. It was only after the said structures were built that the World Trade Center was erected and used the slurry walls in its foundation. Other key states utilized the technology like Boston and Washington D. C. Slurry Wall Construction Slurry wall construction can be summarized into four steps, as shown in the figure below. The first procedure is to create a trench and applying the clays used in forming the slurry walls (A). After this procedure, a steel cylinder is inserted at the ends of the excavated areas (B). After that, a fortification cage is placed down the trench to add more support in the foundation (C). The last procedure is the concreting of pipes where the buildings would be attached. Pictorial Presentation of Slurry Wall Construction Source: www. deepexcavation. com Slurry Wall Applications There are numerous applications that can be associated with the utilization of slurry walls. One of its major applications is to serve as earth retention barriers for tunnels, subterranean vaults, and excavations. Another application of slurry walls is for blocking water penetration onto the foundation. Increasing the strength of the foundation of any structure is also one of the major applications of these slurry walls. Moreover, contamination prevention is also one basic application that is used by many architects and engineers. A gas leakage prevention form landfill is also one application that can be associated with the slurry walls. However, there are also limitations in using slurry walls in the construction of foundation. Construction of slurry walls requires heavy equipments that consume a lot of space in the construction site. Operational costs are also expensive because of the materials needed in the construction of slurry walls. Slurry Wall: After 9/11 Attack The attack made on the twin towers of the World Trade Center caused severe damage into the structure. Furthermore, after the fall of the entire structure down to the ground, many people worried about the possible damage on the slurry walls and the bathtub of the World Trade Center which can possibly affect the adjacent structures built near the vicinity of the World Trade Center. Water penetration from the Hudson River can provide damages on other structures and can also bring flooding in the nearby areas. Because of these concerns, a team of experts was sent to check the status of the said walls and inspected the entire foundation site continuously using various equipments like inclinometers and other monitoring devices. Rehabilitation of the said walls were made in order to maintain the strength of the foundation of the World Trade Center and to avoid recurring problems that might bring more harm to the people and properties in the said region.

Is The Duchess of Malfi about love or power Essay Example

Is The Duchess of Malfi about love or power Essay Example Is The Duchess of Malfi about love or power Paper Is The Duchess of Malfi about love or power Paper Essay Topic: Play In the play The Duchess of Malfi, John Webster explores several themes which include both love and power, and in this instance both appear to be inextricably linked. For these reasons, one cannot define whether power or love is the defining essence of the play, but it can be argued as to which one is predominant. The only characters who appear to encapsulate any kind of true love are foremost Antonio and the Duchess, whose relationship is maintained for a substantial period before it is thwarted by the corruption of their surroundings. The theme of power, however, is far more complicated in that each character experiences the use of power, or becomes a victim as a result of the abuse of power. This includes the concept of power between men and women, those of different social statuses, and the use of knowledge as a tool to gain power, mainly through secrecy. The main conflict of power is shown in the relationships between the Duchess and her brothers. Webster explores the idea of male dominance over women in the way in which the Duchess brothers are so controlling of her, and condescending towards her. With Ferdinand in particular, this idea is reinforced as he is portrayed to have a fair amount of power, and also eager to maintain the power which he has. He speaks with others tongues, and hears mens suits With others ears; will seem to sleep o th bench Only to entrap offenders in their answers. What is particularly unusual about these relationships is the way in which the Duchess persistently challenges all the authorities that her brothers try to impose on her. In this particular case, she is doing it for the sake of love, which reinforces the idea that power and love are indeed linked. As her brothers try to convince her that marrying again would be foolish, not only does she disregard what they say, but she also defends her own wishes. Diamonds are of most value, They say, that have past through most jewelers hands. Whores, by that rule, are precious. Her attempt to convince her brothers otherwise shows great character and determination, which was highly unusual for women of those times. Later on in the play when the Duchess brothers are aware of her sexual activity (which they assume is out of wedlock), they both discuss what they want to do with her. I could kill her now. Their discussion not only envisions the idea that they are using the power that they have been given, but in a more physical aspect, their masculine power against her feminine independence. This struggle of power between the siblings is kept on the surface throughout the play, as the brothers continuously try to control the Duchess, yet she remains persistent in challenging and disobeying them. Another exploration of power is through the secrecy involved in the play, and how the characters effectively gain a certain amount of power by knowing something that other characters dont. The secret relationship between Antonio and the Duchess gives them both power in terms of its effect on the other characters, particularly Ferdinand. Antonio has a certain amount of power over Ferdinand as the relationship is making him angry, yet he has the power to stop it. Bosola also tries to use knowledge to his advantage as he hopes that in exchange for the spying he does for Ferdinand, he will receive not only power, but also respect. Throughout the play, love never appears to come into its own form as power does, but it is always tainted with the corruption of the society; the only real love between any two characters has to be hidden for many years for fear of life. Even when the theme of love is more explicit to the audience, it is still mixed with the theme of power. At the beginning of the play when the Duchess is trying court Antonio, Webster not only explores once again the concept of power between men and women, but also the boundaries created by social status. The Duchess clearly goes against her brothers wishes by marrying again, but she furthers her violation by marrying someone of a lower social status i.e. Antonio, a steward. Sir, this goodly roof of yours, is too low built; I cannot stand upright int nor discourse, Without I raise it higher; raise yourself. In this instance, the Duchess is literally raising Antonio, but metaphorically raising his social status to her level, although this does still not comply with her brothers standards. It is also particularly ironic that the Duchess uses secrecy for the sake of love when she asks Cariola to hide, and thus make their meeting a wedding ceremony. Good dear soul, Leave me; but place thyself behind the arras, Where thou mayst overhear us. This is the only instance in the play whereby secrecy is used with good intentions, as opposed to the usual web of deception that surrounds the other characters. Of the few female characters, Julia plays an important role in emphasising the difference between love and lust. She is similar to the Duchess in that she is in part of a secret relationship, but her intentions are different to those of the Duchess, as her relationship is with a married man out of wedlock. This contrast is once again emphasised at the end, when it is apparent that Julia dies for lust, whereas the Duchess dies for love. Towards the end of the play, when the Duchess has her final disputes with her brother before her death, it almost seems like a battle of love against power. One instance where perhaps love does take precedence over power is when Ferdinand has finally discovered who has fathered her children, and instead of killing her, he tells her to kill herself. Die then, quickly! Ferdinand clearly has the power and motivation to kill the Duchess, yet he refrains from doing so, perhaps because his love for her is too strong. Before the battle comes to its eventual end whereby love loses, and the Duchess is killed, she still manages to maintain her power and dignity to the very end of her life, showing her determined and strong character. I am Duchess of Malfi still. The question of whether the play is about love or power can never be answered, as it can never be only one of them. It would initially appear that power is dominant, as all the love is destroyed, and even those who hold power are brought to their deaths, drowning in their own corruption and greed. Only one relationship in the play shows true love, and this leads to the ultimate death of all of the leading characters. However, it is also important to note the effect each theme has on the other, and how they complement each other.

The Samurai, the Mandarin and the Barbarian essays

The Samurai, the Mandarin and the Barbarian essays China and Japan have both been the objects for comparison throughout the years perhaps due to their similarities of culture and sovereignty as Asian nations which were never colonised. They were however put under the same pressures as other colonised Southeast Asian states and were diversely affected by the West. It is not accurate to claim that China did the right thing by preserving more culture in the statement, whereas Japan was wrong in adopting Westernisation earlier whilst losing much of her cultural heritage in the process. This essay aims to analyse the benefits and ill-effects brought by Westernisation as a whole, in relation to a wider range of issues including politics, military and economy while focusing on the central theme of culture and whether the maintenance of culture proved beneficial. The attitudes towards Westernisation of both countries would also be compared in relation to their various reactions. Japan, like Chinas relations with the West began with minor trading. It reacted strongly towards the West only when missionaries started propagating Catholicism. Retaliation came by the execution of missionaries, local converts and the total expulsion of Westerners when Japan adopted a closed door policy similar to China. Like China, Japan was proud and conservative but in contrast, possessed a more willing and rational attitude to learn from other countries, even foreign. Japanese ports were opened to trade after intimidation by American naval power under Commodore Matthew Perry in 1853. Although Japan had wanted to repel the Americans, she decided against it, as had earlier witnessed the superiority of Western military power when the mighty Chinese fleet was humiliated in battle during the Opium War of 1840. The Japanese thus swallowed their pride with compliance to Western demands while attempting to strengthen themselves alongside the West. China on the other hand greatly opposed Westernizatio...