Benefits And Risks Of Bioengineered Foods Essay

Millions of people worldwide have consumed foods derived from genetically engineered foods— from cereals, breads, soybeans but still there were no facts and figures if these foods have unfavourable effects to human. In relation, this short research will look into the risks and possibilities of bioengineered foods while answering the question â€Å"Are genetically engineered foods safe to eat? † Different arguments are presented to give the benefits or risks of the GE foods. This study will look into the risks to the environment, health, economy. Laws and rules on GE foods will also be discussed in this study (Schardt 42). Bioengineered crops were first discovered by Gregor Mendel, a geneticist, when he experimented to insert a gene from a pea plant with better traits into another pea. Results showed that the plant is more resistant to any diseases. This was the start of bioengineered crops and later foods (Gorman, 56). Some of the bioengineered crops are soybeans, corn, cotton, potatoes, and dairy and animal products. Experiments were done making a more competitive crop making it into competitive by-products (Seattle, WA, pp2). In Canada, there are 5. 8 million hectares reported to be planted with GE crops and considered as one of the top producers of bioengineered foods in the world. From this figure, there are 820,000 hectares devoted to GE corn which a lot of by-products are made of (Gorman, 100). The Impacts On Health The most common crop that is used in genetic engineering is the corn. Many of what we eat in the breakfast, lunch, dinner or snacks is a by-product of corn and these are sweeteners, cereals, starch, oil and syrups (Robinson 110-120). But despite the usefulness of the corn in the daily consumption there had been news that these foods are believed to be genetically engineered (GE) foods. Issues coming from various organizations opposing GE foods are all over the internet and papers. The issue here is that GE foods are not safe for consumption of human (Robinson 110-120). In a study done in New Zealand, where rats were used to feed with the foods believed to be GE foods, it created confusion among scientists, businessmen and farmers. The rat that ate the food had problems with their liver and blood circulation. Oppositions pointed out to the companies that there really are effects of the GE foods onto animals. If this is the case how much more if this is consumed by the whole population in the US (Rifkin 34-38). In Europe, GE foods are starting to be banned by the government. People opposing the promotion of the GE foods wrote press releases stating that these are harmful to the health and might cause allergens to some who are not used eating this kind of food. Another argument was that why test it with the animals when humans will consume the GE foods (Pusztai 7-10). But all of the issues are debunked by the companies producing the GE foods. According to the companies, the enzymes that are inserted into the crops are good for the health. These enzymes are proteins that are essential to human health. They further stated that this will only be harmful if this is not compatible with the genes of the person who ate the GE foods (Cummins and Lilliston 48-50). On Environment Good environment is what makes the world livable for humans and animals. Altering it will create imbalance to the ecosystem. The production of genetically modified crops requires big lands suitable for planting (Anderson 20). Since the crops are equipped with genes that are resistant to any diseases chemical composition is embodied in the seed crops. Planting these seed crops will alter the fertilization of the soil (Shiva 20-25). The farmers will still be using chemical more since they know that these will not be absorbed by the plant. The heavy application of chemical can build air pollution which might be harmful to the plants surrounding it and to the people applying it. (World Wildlife Fund, Canada, F4). The companies suggested that while the farmers are using the seed crop they should have the gears so that they will not be harmed while planting and spraying chemicals. But this argument still should have a basis in order to encourage farmers to plant genetically modified crops. Because if the nature will be altered we cannot reverse it anymore into an environment we wanted for the future generations (Robinson 22-25). On Economy One of the benefits that are seen by the seed companies producing the GE foods is the increase in the income of farmers since most of these crops are high in demand but low in supply. That is why the companies tried to look for an answer in the world market where there are problems with decreasing supply and the difficulty of farmers to supply it all. The companies and the scientists saw the need to experiment in order to increase the supply and even increasing jobs for people (Rifkin 55). Some of the benefits laid down by the companies: For one, using genetically modified crops in their farms will ensure increase in yield and profit. Why is this so? In using these seed crops, farmers will use lesser dose of pesticides and herbicides since the seeds and crops that are used in planting are equipped with genes that are resistant to any disease and reaction. Inputs are very high in price so this is one way of answering to the burdens of farmers (Pusztai 60). Not only that chemical and pesticide costs will be reduced but also labor costs that usually have bigger part in the pie. Fewer workers will be tapped to work in the farm since this will not require a lot of maintenance. This will only mean that decrease in their inputs will have higher profit. In any case farmers are still faced with problems in the farm such as higher credit line to the companies that are responsible of producing the GM crops. Even if the farmers are aware of the disadvantages of planting GM crops they still want to try using these kinds of seed crops because all they really want is to make high profit they can boast of (Schardt 33-34). Labelling and Testing Laws and Rules Different arguments have been laid by the oppositions and the companies that produce these seed crops and GE foods. The question here now is â€Å"who should be responsible in ensuring that the foods eaten by the people are safe and no side-effects? ’ The company sees to it that the responsible stakeholders will impart their knowledge and share their part in making the introduction of the GE foods successful. In cooperation with US FDA these GE products are carefully tested and labelled in order to inform the consumers that these are GE products (Schardt 45). The US Food and Drug Administration sees to it that the products sold in the market are safe for consumers especially that today many of the products are said to be imitations and used different ingredients harmful to the health (Schardt, 45). In fact, one of the assigned tasks of FDA is to carefully analyse the enzymes inserted in the crop or product so that this will not create a problem in the market later on. Assessment of each protein present is very important because this will affect the body of the consumer of the certain product. According to FDA, they have been constantly in contact with the companies producing such GE products because they want that the consumers will not bear the harmful effects of GE products (Gorman, 33-56). But in most cases, some of the GE foods have been found not properly tested. If this is the case there will be problems later in the health of human especially that effects of GE products were recorded to be fatal in the lives of human. But the problem here is that these effects will not be evident in short period of time but will be felt at the later part. Still these effects are still unknown and how is it going to be cured or prevented. The groups are proposing that there should be proper and adequate testing in order to know its side effects to animals and humans (Schardt, 47-48). Conclusion The issues on GE foods pose a great challenge to the scientists and companies who are capable of producing the products. Of course they want to compete with the global market and simply increase the income of farmers. But there is always a causal effect on the part of consumers. They are faced with different perspectives from different groups all over the world. Producing this much is very helpful in food security of a country but when it comes to harmful effects these should be looked into by the companies. There should be no disadvantaging with the profits and gains but should be vigilant how these products can be of help to the country. The promotion of organically grown products is taking into the limelight. This might be a good option and alternative for all who wants to have healthy lifestyle in the coming years. Works Cited Anderson, Luke. Genetic Engineering, Food and our Environment. Chelsea Green Publishing Company, Vermont, U. S.A: White River Junction, 1999 Cummins Ronnie Lilliston, Ben. Genetically Engineered Food: A Self-Defense Guide for Consumers. New York: Marlowe and Company, 2000 Do Genetically-Engineered (GE) Crops Reduce Pesticides? The Emerging Evidence Says â€Å"not Likely. † Spring, 2000. A report by the World Wildlife Fund, Canada. GORMAN, Paul. Govt rules GE corn fit for people to eat; GENETICALLY ENGINEERED FODDER; Corn type may produce ‘unique’ food hazards The Press. 2007 Pusztai, Arpad. â€Å"Genetically Modified Foods: Are They a Risk to Human/Animal Health? † American Institute of Biological Sciences, 2001.

The Twilight Saga 4: Breaking Dawn Acknowledgments

As always, an ocean of thanks to; My awesome family, for all their incomparable love and support. My talented and hawt publicist, Elizabeth Eulberg, for creating STEPHENIE MEYER out of the raw clay that was once just a mousy Steph. The whole team at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for five years of enthusiasm, faith, support, and incredibly hard work. All the amazing site creators and administrators in the Twilight Saga online fandom; you people astound me with your coolness. My brilliant, beautiful fans, with your unparalleled good taste in books, music, and movies, for continuing to love me more than I deserve. The bookstores who have made this series a hit with their recommendations; all authors are indebted to you for your love of and passion for literature. The many bands and musicians that keep me motivated; did I mention Muse already? I did? Too bad. Muse, Muse, Muse†¦ New gratitude to: The best band-that-never-was: Nic and the Jens, featuring Shelly C. (Nicole Driggs, Jennifer Hancock, Jennifer Longman, and Shelly Colvin). Thanks for taking me under your collective wing, guys. I would be a shut-in without you. My long-distance pals and fonts of sanity, Cool Meghan Hibbett and Kimberly â€Å"Shazzer† Suchy. My peer support, Shannon Hale, for understanding everything, and for feeding my love of zombie humor. Makenna Jewell Lewis for the use of her name, and her mother, Heather, for her support of the Arizona Ballet. The new guys on my â€Å"writing inspiration† playlist: Interpol, Motion City Soundtrack, and Spoon. The phenomenon continues. . . . STEPHENIE MEYER

Ethics and Professionalism in Teaching Research Paper

Ethics and Professionalism in Teaching - Research Paper Example All professions in all societies have the task of contributing to the common good. Compared to other professions, teaching is considered as the noblest job of all. It is described not only a selfless career but as having the most significant impact on society because it takes upon itself the daunting task of educating children. Teaching’s greatest contribution to society, therefore, is to nurture the welfare and development of its citizens – the students. Education, as opposed to the transmission of information, implies an outward orientation of opening up someone’s mind to thinking and reasoning. To achieve this, teachers must concern themselves with both intellectual and moral development. Contrary to Aristotle’s concern of determining which should be the topic of education – intellectual or moral virtue – education would be incomplete without the other. As a result, teachers are tasked not only to impart information to its students to help them become professionals in their own field some day, but also the task of ensuring that they become responsible members of society who could positively contribute to the common good. Teachers have dual roles in their profession. As educators, they have the moral obligation of imparting not only knowledge but also, more importantly, values to students. Instrumentally, they also play other roles in the community and in the school. This includes their roles as researchers, instructors, mentors, and administrators and even the roles they play in their personal lives.

Persuading against gun control Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Persuading against gun control - Essay Example This essay persuades against gun control and its implementation.The immediate damage guns do in assaults, homicides, unintentional shootings, amounting to more than a million deaths since 1965 and about three times that number of injuries, cannot be denied. Indeed, in considering, the potential benefits of sentencing enhancements for gun use in crime, a ban on particularly dangerous types of guns, or more stringent regulation of gun commerce, the first question must be whether that policy will save lives and increase public safety or not, and even if the answer is yes, then there remains a second, more subtle question as to what would be the measures taken in order to make the policy effective in public safety†? Efforts have always been taken to keep guns away from those deemed at high risk for misusing them and has been an important goal of gun policy. â€Å"The most promising new option in design is to ‘personalize’ guns, thereby preventing them from being fired by persons other than the authorized owner and in such way convict not to implement gun control . This technology along with a variety of different technological options holds some promise for saving lives by making guns inoperable to despondent members of society. If we analyze the sequence of events that leads to a shooting, we would come to know many facts like â€Å"the assailant must acquire the gun, bring or carry it to the scene of the encounter, and then deploy it against the victim. Law enforcement and regulatory agencies may intervene in any of these three areas ". (Cook, 2000, p. 31) Here are some examples of where and how such interventions can be focused:

Total Quality Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Total Quality Management - Essay Example Japanese remember him as their hero and the father of their post world war revolution. In fact, much of the industrial boom that Japanese manufacturers witnessed after the Second World War was due to the application of the concepts taught by Sir William Edwards Deming. The Japanese industrial leaders invited Deming to their country and in less than four years, the impact was visible. In the next couple of decades, Japanese products were everywhere in the American markets (Neave, pp. 219-222, 1990). These products were better in terms of quality and much cheaper as compared to their American substitutes. Despite the fact that he remained in the headlines in Japan but in his country of origin, the man was running a slow consultancy business. Managers and CEOs were skeptical of his ideas since they were staunch followers of Taylorism. However, in 1980, NBC made a documentary with the title of â€Å"If Japan can†¦why can’t we?† It became almost impossible for the busin ess world to avoid him anymore. From 1981 to 1993, he gave more than 250 four-day seminars where he explained. When he died at the age of 93, his ideas were still far from gaining the publicity and respect that he deserves. Even today, his ideas are gaining prominence and they remain the basis of many researches, studies, and theories. (Bauer, Duffy & Westcott, pp. 85-89, 2006). This paper is an attempt to explore the ideas of W. E. Deming regarding quality management. The paper would then apply those ideas to a company for their better understanding and application. In the last part, the paper would attempt to present a critical analysis of Deming’s theories in light of the recent developments in the field of quality management. Discussion Deming’s approach to Quality Management Much of Deming’s teachings can be summarized with his classical fourteen points from his book, Quality, Productivity, and Competitive Position, which was renamed Out of the Crisis in 19 86. Deming never used the term â€Å"total quality management† within his fourteen points, however, observers and experts agree that with his fourteen points, a new era began in the field of management, which is now known as Total Quality Management. Interestingly, Deming did not put great emphasis on quality but his central focus was on management and management styles. Following are Deming’s fourteen points: 1. â€Å"Create constancy of purpose towards improvement of product and service, with the aim to become competitive, stay in business, and to provide jobs. 2. Adopt the new philosophy. We are in a new economic age. Western management must awaken to the challenge, must learn their responsibilities, and take on leadership for change. 3. Cease dependence on inspection to achieve quality. Eliminate the need for inspection on a mass basis by creating quality into the product in the first place. 4. End the practice of awarding business based on price tag. Instead, min imize total cost. Move towards a single supplier for any one item, on a long-term relationship of loyalty and trust. 5. Improve constantly and forever the system of production and service, to improve quality and productivity, and thus constantly decrease costs. 6. Institute training on the job. 7. Institute leadership. The aim of leadership should be to help people, machines, and gadgets to do a better job. Leadership of management is in need of overhaul, as well as leadership of production workers. 8. Drive out fear so that everyone may work effectively for the company. 9. Break down barriers between departments. People in research, design, sales, and production must work as a team, to foresee problems of production and in use that may be encountered with the product or service. 10. Eliminate slogans, exhortations, and targets for the work force that ask for zero defects and new levels of productivity. 11. Eliminate work standards (quotas) on the factory floor. Substitute

Urban Design Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Urban Design - Term Paper Example Any such construction work should be in sync with the natural environment. Whyte supported the Cluster-Zoning concept, lately referred to as planned unit development. The idea was to secure more open landscape by constructing houses in comparatively limited spaces. Under the fifth planning principle, it was decided to zero-in the region where natural ecology needed to be secured. The purpose was to carry out developmental work only in such areas that would not result in the long term loss of the environment. The impact of this planning principle was visible to a limited extent, as it could not offer a complete solution to the migration outcomes to suburban and rural areas (Barnett 39). The prevalent urban form suffers from the insecurity of not finding long-term solutions of sustainable urbanism. Self-validation mars the impact to be created from the spirit of pursuing a comprehensive policy. For example, when a certified green building is enveloped by paved parking or a residential locality becomes unsustainable because of not being energy-efficient or land usage is sometimes afflicted by faulty construction. The Urban Growth Boundaries (UGB) were created with the aim of demarcating land usage beyond a limit. The UGB succeeded in its purpose of developing land within an allotted region but its sustainability purpose of quality of the developed land was compromised. It turned out to be well-positioned but bad development (Farr 28). All efforts made by Congress for New Urbanism (CNU) have not delivered results because it devoted its efforts to bringing amendments in the traditional regulatory practices to make them modern with urban sustainability. There are still unfriendly singular parameters on the built environment that are detrimental to climate changing sprawl. Further, the United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) targets of Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) are flawed. LEED has not been

Acting Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Acting - Assignment Example The net result is that everything depends on what a person desires. Besides, human opinions are subjective. The aspect of morality seems to be much more interesting for analysis. What should be mentioned first is that our society is full of stereotypes. Society  really loves to  create stereotypes. What is more, stereotypes feed our society. Finally, stereotypes make up public opinion. So what is the widest spread one about actors? A woman will never build up a successful career of an actress unless she agrees to behave immorally. Such a position may actually presuppose anything. A lot of people believe that the only way to be cast for the part is to start sexual relationships with a reputed film producer. The competition is too high, that is why it is not enough just to have talent. Gossips about celebrities are incredibly popular. Magazines make fortunes of the latest celebrity news. It does not matter that major part of these rumors are far from being real. Public likes it. Another source of stereotypes is frustrated actors. â€Å"I failed to achieve success because my producer had asked for too much† – it is a common story, isn’t it? It is certainly wrong to assume that modern cinematography is a paragon of virtue. It is also a rhetoric question if art  has a  moral  value. Thus, filmmaking industry has always been associated with erotica. Even some of the oldest films of the early 20th century may demonstrate this (See the YouTube video). What shall  we  then say about  our time? Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, one of the latest films by Robert Rodrà ­guez, may be a good example. Eva Green, playing the role of the main villainess, is worthy to be paid attention to. Eva’s fans know that almost every film the actress acts in may contain more or less explicit scenes. The mentioned film was not an exception. A lot of people believe it is a ground to accuse her of being dissolute. It is possible to

International Terrorism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

International Terrorism - Essay Example From this paper, it is clear that the first considered anarchist of his time was Pierre-Joseph Proudhon who went against the appropriateness of a central government calling for its abolition to be replaced by a system of autonomous groups and communities which was virtually governed by contract and mutual interest in place of laws. Mikhail Bakunin believed that only thru destruction can a society with a collective ownership of the means of production be created. The violent nature of anarchists saw its beginnings in Errico Malatesta’s theory that only thru the propaganda by deed can socialist principles are achieved. Thus began the murders of President Sadi Carnot of France (1894), Antonio Cà ¡novas del Castillo, the prime minister of Spain (1897), Empress Elizabeth of Austria (1898), King Umberto of Italy (1900), President William McKinley of the United States (1901) and Josà © Canalejas y Mà ©ndez, another Spanish prime minister (1912). August Spies wrote in 1886 that â⠂¬Å"A pound of dynamite is worth a bushel of bullets† and soon enough seven policemen were killed by a bomb thrown at them while dispersing a strike. France had its Restaurant Và ©ry dynamited in 1892. This paper makes a conclusion that as many writers would attest, their ideas only gain prominence thru publicity and the more they get exposed to the public, the more they will be discussed. And in addition, this presents a problem to the authorities especially now that information can be disseminated by just surfing the internet.... (Wikipedia, 2007) The problem with the definitions by these scholars and the institutions as well is that who determines who the terrorist are. For the government, any act that uses force to pursue a goal can be called a 'defense' act and the violence associated with it can be much more massive than what a suicide bomber can do. If we consider the actions taken, for example, by the CIA to topple governments such as that of Fidel Castro's Cuba, we see that it was not considered as a terrorist act but a matter of pursuing national security. However, in the definitions that these people offer, these acts uses deliberate force and violence to achieve a political goal. The arguments surrounding the definition of what is a terrorist is best summed up by the popular saying, "One man's terrorist may be another man's freedom fighter." 2.0 Justifications of Terrorists In the popular media, we are bombarded with pictures of men, women and even children tagged as terrorists. If we take a closer look, however, we notice that these people are actually ordinary people who we may have met in a public place. What concerns us now and to most people is to know what drives them to blow up themselves and take as many people's lives with them. We have mentioned that one's man's terrorist may be another man's freedom fighter. In this context, we find that most people give up their lives and kill people in the process in the belief that they are doing so as a service to their cause. Some organizations tagged as terrorist groups take on a religious color blended with political goals. According to the United States Department of State, the most prominent of these are Muslim organizations such as Islamic Jihad

Portfolio Report Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Portfolio Report - Research Paper Example This information is in accordance with her mother who can remember these problems. The student also is found to have problem with tutoring. Her mother is concerned that her child may have some kind of reading disability because she too had trouble learning in school, but up until now has no evidence or documentation to support this. The student has been known to have some strength is certain areas but weak in other areas. Her strong areas include expressive vocabulary, reading comprehension, oral comprehension, sentence comprehension, and listening comprehension. She is cheery and enthusiastic and loves horses and writing her own stories. She is organized and loves to draw as well as coloring. She has much interest in science. She has been found to have problems with decoding skills, oral reading, reading, writing, math, and numeracy operations. Her academic weaknesses happen despite that she hardly misses her classes. The student is learning within a contusive educational environmental. The teachers are qualified and there are a number of bright students who are ready to assist her. Besides, all the necessary resources are provided. Her general academic achievement is not good. She is relatively poor in math, numeric problems, writing, reading, science, and art. She however seem to love some of these areas. Despite her love for some of the areas or subjects, she ends up performing poorly. Her attention is poor since she makes careless mistakes in school work all the time. She also is not able to stay focused on a task for periods of time that would be expected of peers, which happens all the time. She always avoids school work or homework when possible. She also has difficulty returning to a task when focus has been lost for a short period. Besides, her assignments are ever incomplete. In the case of her selective attention, she does not seem to listen when being spoken to, she is easily distracted by objects,

Indigenous Peoples Essay Example for Free

Indigenous Peoples Essay The peak of the globalization is mostly felt when every culture around the world is integrated into a centrally focused ideal that encapsulates each unique cultural set-up practiced around the world. When all these cultures are somehow connected in something that both caters to each need of the various cultures of people and introduces an open understanding and tolerance to all the available sub-cultures within a particular state or nation, there is no question that globalization has taken its effect to its most fundamentally successful level. Such is the case after reading the book A Global History of Indigenous Peoples by Ken S. Coates that, according to some reviews, â€Å"examines the history of the indigenous/tribal peoples of the world and the work spans of the period from the pivotal migrations which saw the peopling of the world, and further examines the processes by which tribal peoples established themselves as separate from surplus-based and more material societies (Barnes and Noble). † The book is also a successful introduction to how the impact of the differing policies of global struggles of cultural domination takes place in the world and how the colonization of these changes has impacted the indigenous cultures. As a form of analysis in the chapter of the book entitled Continuing the Struggle: Indigenous Protests, Legal Agendas, and Aboriginal Internationalism, it would be great to highlight how the impact of globalization made the integration of the different indigenous cultures in some leading countries successful. In this aspect, no country is better to analyze and cite as an example than the great cultural history of the indigenous rights movement in Canada. Moreover, the analysis in this given area should focus both on how the indigenous rights movement in Canada has been integrated into the globalization integration of cultures and to how this degree has been made manifest in the uniqueness of the indigenous rights culture of the particular state. Secondly, an analysis on how this uniqueness has been able to relate to the international scenario of protests and processes that are forming the cultural integration of all the major cultures practiced in our time, is also very important. Degree of the Indigenous rights Movement in Canada When we discuss the indigenous rights movement in Canada, the most immediate things we can think about and can connect to the book of Ken S. Coates are the aboriginal nature of Canadians to value the basic human right of living, the practice of democracy in their lifestyle and the value of the self-respect and integrity among their people. In the first indigenous rights movement, the main concern is essentially concentrated on the discrimination shown by the non-indigenous people to the basic rights of living of the indigenous ones. This is mostly felt by the Canadians in the aspect of their housing plans and the way they construct and develop the indigenous livelihood and community. With this problem, the degree of the indigenous rights movement in Canada is in a level so widespread, that it has already caught the attention of the United Nations. In this aspect alone, it could be said that the indigenous rights movement in Canada has been made unique because of its unrelenting value for the preservation of the rights of indigenous living. The second indigenous rights movement that is unique to Canadians is mostly concerned with the practice of democracy in the lifestyle of the indigenous people. The Amnesty International Canada article report laying out the legislative proposals for the respect of the rights of the Indigenous rights of Canadians is one of the great examples on how this movement is unique to the Canadians living an indigenous lifestyle. (Amnesty International Website) The third indigenous rights movement that has created a certain level of high degree of respect and practice among the indigenous Canada is the respect for the rights of women and the condemning of any type of human abuse. This indigenous rights movement is one of those unique Canadian struggles that have been recognized so greatly by the world, the U. N. even made sure that these new requests by the indigenous people would become part of the new legislation addressing indigenous rights across the globe. Connection to broader international protests and processes In a great general approach, it would be safe to say that these unique indigenous rights movement have been so great and effective in attempting to universalize all the other international protests on human rights, that many of the breakthrough movements across the world have already used these ideas as an ideal platform for all future proposals of addressing indigenous rights. One of the many examples we can cite for this connection is the creation of the Indigenous people’s legislation concerning the ratification of ILO Convention 169 (the Indigenous and Tribal peoples) of the United Nations. This, along with the many global movements in addressing the global challenge of integrating indigenous cultures across the globe, is a significant international political process that, among many other things, gives light to the many demands of universalizing the indigenous rights of people in different nations. Secondly, it would also be great to highlight that many of the legislation found in the proposals advancing the rights of ownership, the respect for the rights of women and the anti-discrimination act of Canadian indigenous communities have also become great tools in understanding the great resolution of the differing conflicts between the different religions globally that have been caused by the great misunderstanding of cultures. These are the clear international process that have been caused by the Canadian indigenous rights movement.

Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey | Leadership

Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey | Leadership This report presents a review of leadership theories in brief and the contrast and similarity between Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey Leadership style; who are two of the well known people in the world. The report begins with an introduction about the two well known faces, Opera Winfrey and Bill Gates who are consider as the successful leaders in the world. The next section would be the biography of Opera and Bill gates in brief. The following section gives a brief review of leadership theories which have been applied in different organizations during these years. Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey Leadership Qualities which are the main idea of this paper is discussed in the current section and the aim of this section is the better understanding of the importance of leadership quality in a successful business. The next section discuss the similarity and contrast between Bill Gates leadership quality and the leadership quality of Opera Winfrey in terms of leadership theories in general In the current section , my own opinion about Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey Leadership style would be explained The report conclusion is about he Introduction Welcome to this report which was a glimpse of the Management and Leadership theories and how famous people such as Opera Winfrey and Bill Gates applied them to achieve their success. It draws together a range of materials detailing approaches to leadership and leadership theories. The ability to inspire people to reach great performance and success is a skill that leaders need. Passion, purpose, listening and meaning help make a leader inspirational. The ability to communicate that passion, purpose and meaning to others helps establish the motivating culture of your organization. These points will tell you how to enable inspiration and motivation in the people you lead. In the list of the worlds ranking mega-leaders, there are few women. This is undoubtedly not for any lack of talent or leadership ability among women, but more likely because the step between being a good leader and being a world-renowned mega-leader is quite large, and few women or men, for that matter have been able to pull together all of the abilities and resources necessary to make it happen. In Oprah Winfreys case, however, mega-leadership was achievable, and she has not only achieved it but keeps increasing her leadership base. On the other hand Bill Gates is one of the most successful e ntrepreneurs of the world. He is able to run a successful and a profitable entrepreneurship for many years and even today, we cannot survive in this competitive world without it. Vision and dedication are the key factors of being a successful entrepreneur and these skills were present in Bill Gates from the beginning. Bill Gates Bill Gates was born on October 28, 1955 in a family having rich business, political and community service background. Bill strongly believes in hard work. He believes that if you are intelligent and know how to apply your intelligence, you can achieve anything. From childhood Bill was ambitious, intelligent and competitive. These qualities helped him to attain top position in the profession he chose. In school, he had an excellent record in mathematics and science. Still he was getting very bored in school. Bills parents came to know their sons intelligence and decided to enroll him in a private school, known for its intense academic environment. Bill Gates and his friends were very much interested in computer and formed Programmers Group in late 1968. In the next year, they got their first opportunity in Information Sciences Inc, which they were selected as programmers. ISI (Information Sciences Inc.) agreed to give them royalties whenever it made money from any of the groups progra m. As a result of the business deal signed with Information Sciences Inc., the group also became a legal business. Bill Gates and his close friend Allen started new company of their own, Traf-O-Data. They developed a small computer to measure traffic flow. From this project they earned around $20,000. The era of Traf-O-Data came to an end when Gates left the college. In 1973, he left home for Harvard University. He took the standard freshman courses with the exception of signing up for one of Harvards toughest mathematics courses. He did well over there, but he couldnt find it interesting too. At the end of Bills first year, his best friend Allen, came close to him so that they could follow some of their ideas. That summer they got job in Honeywell. Allen kept on pushing Bill for opening a new software company. Within a year, Bill Gates dropped out from Harvard. Then he formed Microsoft. Microsofts vision is A computer on every desk and Microsoft software on every computer. Bill is a visionary person and works very hard to achieve his vision. ( Ravi Kumar Paluri) Oprah Winfrey Born in Kosciusko, Mississippi, Oprah Winfrey was reared by her grandmother on a farm where she began her broadcasting career by learning to read aloud and perform recitation at the age of three. After suffering abuse and molestation, at the age of 13, she was sent to Nashville to live under her fathers strict discipline As strict as he was, says Oprah, he had some concerns about me making the best of my life, and would not accept anything less than what he thought was my best. Oprah Winfreys broadcasting career began at age 17, when she was hired by WVOL radio in Nashville, and two years later signed on with WTVF-TV in Nashville as a reporter/anchor. She attended Tennessee State University, where she majored in Speech Communications and Performing Arts. In 1976, she moved to Baltimore to join WJZ-TV news as a co-anchor, and in 1978 discovered her talent for hosting talk shows when she became co-host of WJZ-TVs People Are Talking, while continuing to serve as anchor and news reporter. In January 1984, she came to Chicago to host WLS-TVs AM Chicago, a faltering local talk show. In less than a year, she turned AM Chicago into the hottest show in town. The format was soon expanded to one hour, and in September 1985 it was renamed The Oprah Winfrey Show. Seen nationally since September 8, 1986, The Oprah Winfrey Show became the number one talk show in national syndication in less than a year. In June 1987, in its first year of eligibility, The Oprah Winfrey Show received three Daytime Emmy Awards in the categories of Outstanding Host, Outstanding Talk/Service Program and Outstanding Direction. In June 1988, The Oprah Winfrey Show received its second consecutive Daytime Emmy Award as Outstanding Talk/Service Program, and she herself received the International Radio and Television Societys Broadcaster of the Year Award. She was the youngest person and only the fifth woman ever to receive the honor in IRTSs 25-year history. Winfreys business and personal interests are wide ranging and she has managed to accomplish success in several areas. Apart from being a successful Talk show host she is also a producer, successful actress, Founder of the successful O, the Oprah Magazine, co founder of Oxygen Media, and a generous Philanthropist. Her entrepreneurial spirit and desire to change society for the better have brought her and her numerous companies many awards and achievements. Oprah Winfrey was named one of the 100 Most Influential People of the 20th Century by Time magazine, and in 1998 received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. (Opera Winfrey) REVIEW OF LEADERSHIP THEORY A review of the leadership literature reveals a developing series of schools of thought from Great Man and Trait theories to Transformational leadership (see table). Later theories begin to consider the role of followers and the related nature of leadership, whilst early theories tend to focus upon the characteristics and behaviors of successful leaders. Great Man Theories Based on the belief that leaders are exceptional people, born with inborn qualities, destined to lead. The use of the term man was intentional since until the latter part of the twentieth century leadership was thought of as a concept, which is primarily male, military and Western. This led to the next school of Trait Theories Trait Theories The lists of traits or qualities associated with leadership exist in plenty and continue to be produced. They draw on virtually all the adjectives in the dictionary which describe some positive or worthy human attribute, from ambition to zest for life Behaviorist Theories These concentrate on what leaders actually do rather than on their qualities. Different patterns of behavior are observed and categorized as styles of leadership. This area has probably attracted most attention from practicing managers Situational Leadership This approach sees leadership as specific to the situation in which it is being exercised. For example, whilst some situations may require a domineering style, others may need a more participative approach. It also proposes that there may be differences in required leadership styles at different levels in the same organization Contingency Theory This is an improvement of the situational viewpoint and focuses on identifying the situational variables which best predict the most appropriate or effective leadership style to fit the particular circumstances Transactional Theory This approach emphasizes the importance of the relationship between leader and followers, focusing on the mutual benefits derived from a form of contract through which the leader delivers such things as rewards or recognition in return for the commitment or loyalty of the followers Transformational Theory The central concept here is change and the role of leadership in visualizing and implementing the transformation of organizational performance Bill Gates Leadership Qualities Bill Gates with her vision has a clear, vivid picture of where to go, as well as a firm find on what success looks like and how to achieve it. Jack Welch, former chairman and CEO of General Electric Co., said, Good business leaders create a vision, articulate the vision, passionately own the vision and relentlessly drive it to completion. Bill Gates communicates clearly and passionately and this is one of the most powerful points of this manager. Bill Gates has the discipline to work toward his vision single-mindedly, as well as to direct his manner and those of the team toward the goal. Bill Gates leadership is participative style because he involves his subordinate in decision making. He is a flexible person and he recognized his role was to be visionary of the company. When ever needed he bring professional manager for managing and well structure of the organization. Gates is a strong and energizing person his enthusiasm, hard working nature, judgment skills reflect his personality. His motivating power and involving his friends to working with him became the success of Microsoft. Integrity is the integration of outward actions and inner values (Bergmann, 1999). Bill Gates as a person of integrity is the same on the outside and on the inside. Such an individual can be trusted because he never veers from inner values, even when it might be expeditious to do so. Bill Gates has the trust of followers and therefore must display integrity. Dedication means spending whatever time or energy is necessary to accomplish the task at hand (Bergmann, 1999). Bill Gates inspires dedication by example, doing whatever it takes to complete the next step toward the vision. Magnanimity means giving credit where it is due (Bergmann, 1999). Bill Gates as a leader ensures that credit for successes is spread as widely as possible throughout the company. Conversely, Bill Gates takes personal responsibility for failures. This sort of reverse magnanimity helps other people feel good about them and draws the team closer together. Leaders with humility recognize that they are no better or worse than other members of the team. Bill Gates is not self-effacing but rather tries to elevate everyone.. Mahatma Gandhi is a role model for Indian leaders, and he pursued a follower-centric leadership role. Openness means being able to listen to new ideas, even if they do not conform to the usual way of thinking. Bill Gates is able to suspend judgment while listening to others ideas, as well as accept new ways of doing things that someone else thought of. Openness builds mutual respect and trust between leaders and followers, and it also keeps the team well supplied with new ideas that can further its vision. Creativity is the most important leadership quality of Bill Gates. Bill gates develop computer language new Altair 8080 pc which became the foundation of Microsoft. Bill continuously develops two other computer languages. When IBM develops their first pc and which need operating system to run the computer, Microsoft develops MS-DOS for IBM. Gates adopting the changes very fast that are his enthusiasm vision and hard working give him the success. Gates always recognized him as a visionary he always recognize professional management, he decentralize authority to make organization structure better. Fairness means dealing with others consistently and justly. Bill gates check all the facts and hear everyone out before passing judgment. He avoids leaping to conclusions based on incomplete evidence. When people feel they that are being treated fairly, they reward a leader with loyalty and dedication. Bill gates know how to use humor to energize followers. Humor is a form of power that provides some control over the work environment. One of the most important quality of Bill gates is that he is and supportive. Bill gates always take the blame for a loss, turnover, miss executed play, etc. If the problem wasnt his fault, he wont blame anyone else; he either blames himself, or dont say anything. Bill gates also know how to take charge. When the rest of the team seems confused, he will take control and guide the rest of the members. Bill gates know how to stay calm under pressure. While normal people may crack or feel flustered, he knows how to guide his team to victory and stay cool. He also has confidence in his team members, he has a good communication and, to let his team mates improve themselves. If a mistake is done, he will accept the mistake and take that mistake to improve the team. Oprah Winfrey Leadership Qualities Oprah Winfrey has an exemplary character. One of the important points for leaders is trustworthy to lead others whish she has it. She is enthusiastic about her work or cause and also about her role as leader (Blackler, 2003). It is a fact that people will respond more openly to a person like Oprah Winfrey that has passion and dedication. She has the ability to be able to be a source of inspiration, and be a motivator towards the required action or cause. Although, if we have a comparison between the responsibilities and positions of Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates we can find many differences, she need to be seen to be part of the team working towards the goal same as Bill Gates. Result of researches shows that in order to lead and set direction a leader needs to appear confident as a person and in the leadership role and she is confident. She has the ability to function in an orderly and purposeful manner in situations of uncertainty. She is tolerant of ambiguity and remains calm, composed and steadfast to the main purpose (Blackler, 2003). Oprah Winfrey as well as keeping the main goal in focus is able to think analytically. Not only does a good leader view a situation as a whole, but is able to break it down into sub parts for closer inspection. She stand up for what is right, even in the face of popular disagreement. She also accepts blame when at fault. The most amazing thing is she has an inward desire that motivates her to excel; she also has the willing to act without orders and to offer well-considered recommendations for the improvement of the command. She is accountable, and that quality forms the cornerstone of leadership. She makes decisions, good or bad, and accepts the responsibility and consequences for those decisions. Compare between Leadership qualities of Gates and Winfrey Oprah Winfrey as a leader is more assertive and persuasive, has a stronger need to get things done and is more willing to take risks than Bill Gates. He remains stymied in the same occupational title and pay level for many years. He become too valuable in his positions in Microsoft .Bill Gates does not have any more strong will to make risk and put his self in dangerous situation. Oprah Winfrey was also found to be more empathetic and flexible, as well as stronger in interpersonal skills that bring the special ability for her to read situations accurately and take information in from all sides same as Bill Gates. Both of them as two of biggest leaders in the world are able to bring others around to their point of view, so that the people they are leading feel more understood, supported and valued. When we have a comparison between these two we can find that both of them have the ability to attract peoples attention and the great ability to digest input of the entire people of the world. Beside of that, they have Keeping people involved on the task at hand and understanding when to push and when not to. Leadership comes in many styles, shapes, and forms. Some people are leaders because they lead by example to better a group of people, and others are leaders because people learn from their decisions and business ideas. As a leader, Bill Gates believed that his managers should have their own personal authority. Indeed, each manager was expected to act like his own little CEO in his own modest right. He desired his managers to be responsible for his own influence on the stream of things and the tides of change. From here, we could tell them Gates also show some form of participative leadership, whereby Gates demand his managers to be creative and able to solve complex problems, and improving their quality. I personally prefer this style of leadership that Gates uses as it seems to be in the middle between not being engaged and over controlling, allowing the organization to be able to innovate and grow. Oprah Winfrey, communicate clearly and honestly to their followers, she use a combination of their personality, beliefs and capabilities to lead. Motivating followers to support and implement her ideas through change is an important part of the way that she uses to influence the peoples of different societies. She wishes inspire trust and confidence in her followers and with strategic thinking and trust building, support and empower her followers to be a catalyst for change. Conclusion As a conclusion, after a review of leadership theories in brief and the contrast and similarity between Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey Leadership style; who are two of the well known people in the world we can find that there is not one standard, correct style for all leaders in all circumstances at all times and any group or individual behaves differently from each other. Each leader has to find differences and adapt according to the situation but at all they use same ideas in different ways for one target SUCCESS. Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Overview and Applications Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Overview and Applications How does Magnetic Resonance imaging work and how can it influence the future? An Introduction to Magnetic Resonance Imaging[1][2][3]: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used as an accurate form of disease detection which is usually used to confirm a patients condition, as well as a method of looking at trauma to the brain, examples of which could be bleeding and swelling. Alongside these uses MRI can be used to look at the soft tissues, as well as information on the structure of joints. Prior to the introduction, the only method for diagnosis for many of these problems were invasive methods such as surgery, and x-rays or CT-scans which were less accurate and ionizing, which could have a lasting effect upon the body. The use of MRI scans is only a recent phenomenon, with the first image on a person being produced as late as 1977, by Paul Lauterbur and Sir Peter Mansfield who received a shared Nobel prize for their work on this matter. Both scientists were looking at how nuclear magnetic resonance imaging could be used to look at solids and liquids, and both formed the theory behind it all, but it was Sir Peter Mansfield who developed the method used in MRI by firstly solving how to define a slice of a matter, and also how to produce images from multiple-pulse experiments. Although the work on producing images for biological specimens only came about as a result of the fact that it would be too hard to produce images of a solid. How does Magnetic Resonance Imaging work[4][5]? Magnetic resonance imaging involves a series of steps which are all explained below, in order to produce the final image that is used for diagnostics. Nuclear Spin The body’s mass is approximately 10% hydrogen, of which 70% is contained in water, and due to the fact that protons produce a large signal to a MRI scanner a more accurate image is produced, as they are in such large abundance in the body in the water. The hydrogen nuclei in the body spin about an axis, this is illustrated in figure 1.1. As a result of the spinning protons being charged, the spinning of a nuclei along an axis causes a small circulating electric current, which in turn causes a small magnetic field. If a collection of these nuclei were to be placed in a stronger external magnetic field (BØ), most of the nuclei will align their spin in the same direction as the external field. As you can see from figure 1.2 not all of the hydrogen nuclei are aligned with the direction of the magnetic field, and this is because both alignments are possible, but the one with the field is a lower energy state, whilst the protons against the field are at a higher energy state. The protons are continually oscillating back and forth between the two states, because there is a tendency for nuclei in a high energy state to return to a lower energy state by emitting some of its energy to surrounding nuclei. There is usually enough thermal energy in the material for the nuclei to be flipped back. How do protons precess about an axis?[6] Spinning protons when in the presence of an external magnetic field do not arrange themselves perfectly parallel or anti-parallel to the magnetic field, as the nuclei always have equal but opposite magnetic charges they cancel out when there is no magnetic field. The particles tend to precess about the magnetic field lines, and this is illustrated in figure 1.3. The nuclei complete a full rotation around the magnetic field in a period that is directly proportional to the strength of the external magnetic field. As you can see from the figure 1.4 the period gets smaller for a larger magnetic field and thus the frequency of the precession increases. This frequency is fixed depending upon the strength of the magnetic field, and is called the Larmor frequency and the relationship between them is given by: f = (ω)/ (2Ï€) Where ÃŽ ¥ is a constant called the gyromagnetic frequency, which varies for each type of particle. In MRI the Larmor frequency is about 50 MHz, which is in the radio frequency part of the magnetic frequency spectrum and the magnetic field has a magnitude of 1 or 2 Teslas. Why is the Larmor frequency is of that form? TheLarmor frequencyinMRI is the rate of precession of the magnetic moment of the proton around the external magnetic field. The frequency of precession is related to the strength of the external magnetic field,BØ. TheLarmor precession of nuclei of a substance placed in a magnetic field B0 is calculated from Larmor Equation, the Larmor precession is measured in Radians seconds-1: ω = ÃŽ ³BØ Where ÃŽ ¥ is a constant called the gyromagnetic frequency, which varies for each type of particle, but in the case of MRI is a constant as you are only affecting hydrogen nuclei. As the external magnetic field would be uniform and constant, to work out the Larmor frequency you need to divde the Larmor precession by 2Ï€f. The frequency is measured in Hertz which is s1 and as ω is measured in Radians seconds-1 so to work out the frequency needed you divide this by 2Ï€f which results in the Larmor frequency which is per second. The Net Magnetization Vector The precession of the nuclei only has a small effect upon the total magnetic field, which is only a small increase in magnetic field along the external field axis. This is because there are slightly more nuclei in parallel to the external magnetic field, than nuclei which are anti parallel to the external magnetic field. Although all of the nuclei in the material will be precessing at the Larmor frequency, they all may not be in phase. So the tranverse waves created by the nuclei get cancelled out which means that there will only be a small increase in field strength in the direction of the external field as not all of the nuclei parallel to the external field will get cancelled out. Why do we need superconducting magnets to make the protons resonate? Superconducting magnets are used in magnetic resonance imaging of the human body because magnetic resonance imaging requires extremely uniform fields across the subject and extreme stability over time. By having the magnet coils in the superconducting state helps to achieve parts-per-million spacial uniformity over a space large enough to hold a person, and parts per million hour-1 stability with time. This is the reason for using superconducting magnets alongside the fact that they are able to produce a magnetic field of a magnituted of 1 or 2 Teslas. How to make the protons resonate? In order to produce a magnetic resonance image we need to make the protons precess about the external field lines in phase with each other ; which will produce a small net transverse field which rotates about the axis of the external field at the Larmor frequency. This is the magnetic field that can be detected and in turn produce a magnetic resonance image. These three stages are all depend upon the nuclei precessing in phase with each other, this is done by making them absorb radio-frequency radiation of the same frequency of the Larmor frequency. The absorbtion of the energy causes low-energy state protons to flip into the high-energy state, which means that the protons are anti-parallel to the external field lines and also precessing in phase with the applied signal, which in turn mean that they are in phase with each other. The number of protons that flip depends upon the duration of the radio frequency pulse, which is applied. How a magnetic resonance image is produced: In order for a magnetic resonance image to be produced, you need to be able to locate the part of the body that has an ailment, in order to do this three smaller non uniform magnetic fields are added to the constant field. If you look at figure 1.5 you are able to see how these magnetic fields are applied, with one running the length of the patient’s body, this is the z-axis and this is used to define slices through the body. The body in this diagram is the sample, with the other magnetic fields being applied in the x-axis and y-axis, within the plane of a slice. The magnetic field strength at any point is the sum of the four fields that sets a unique larmour frequency and phase at each point in the body. To actually produce an image a pulse of electromagnetic radiation is sent through the body at a set radio frequency. The protons with a Larmor frequency will absorb energy from the pulse and flip into the higher energy state. As a result a transverse field, which is rotating at the Larmor frequency, is produced for the specific part of the body. As a result of Flemings Left hand rule, the rotating magnetic field that is actually an alternating field induces an electric current in the detector. The image is gradually formed by sending a sequence of radio-frequency pulses through the body at different frequencies to pick out the Larmor frequencies at different locations. The signals produced and the relaxation time involved are processed by computer to assemble the image. How is a clear image is produced on the scan? The relaxation time is the time taken for the protons to fall back down to their lower energy state after the radio-frequency pulse is turned off. The protons fall into their lower energy state by passing their energy on into neighboring atoms. The relaxation time is measured by the change in the intensity of the signal induced in the detector. The relaxation time is used to show the contrast in tissue within an image, with the relaxation time dependent upon the nature of atoms close to the stimulated protons. Thus a clear image of the tissue can be seen. The safety of magnetic resonance imaging scanning: MRI is regarded as one of the safest ways of confirming a diagnosis, although there are some exceptions where a patient has form of metal in their body, which interferes with the powerful superconducting magnets, which allows a magnetic resonance image to be produced. An example of something, which could cause a magnetic resonance image to not work, is tattoos that have metal fragments in the ink that is used to form the image. The metal is dangerous because metal objects can be forcefully drawn to the magnet; if these metal objects are embedded in your body, they can be drawn to the magnet and cause damage.The magnetic resonance image can also be dangerous for pregnant ladies. Using magnetic resonance imaging to detect cancer in the body A future use of MRI is to detect cancer; cancer cells need far more energy than most other types of tissues in the body, so a new technique has just been developed where a patient suspected of having cancer is injected with glucose. This results in a differing brightness on the image produced with the tumor appearing far brighter. Although this is currently only a concept that is still some way from being used on the general public, and this is in part due to the fact that the magnetic field strength used to produce these results is far higher than being used currently and we would need to see if the same results would be produced at a lower field strength. Conclusion In conclusion by taking the simple model already in place MRI has a bright future in diagnosis and detection of diseases, with MRI being the safest form of diagnosis for soft tissue as a result of its non-ionizing nature and clear results that it produces. The future for MRI will become brighter as the cost of using it falls over time, so that it will be more freely available and thus use for mass cancer detection could occur for example. MRI has already had a major impact on practices undertaken by doctors in assessing a patients needs, and the use of MRI stands to continue these changes further as more uses are developed. Bibliography Introduction to MRI: http://www.vistadiagnostics.co.uk/mri_explained.htm http://www.teslasociety.com/mri.htm http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/medicine/laureates/2003/mansfield-bio.html How does Magnetic Resonance imaging work? http://science.howstuffworks.com/mri.htm http://www.magnet.fsu.edu/education/tutorials/java/mri/ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1121941/ Page 504-505 Advancing Physics By Steve Adams and Jonathon Allday The larmor Frequency http://radiopaedia.org/articles/larmor-frequency The safety of MRI scanning http://pain.about.com/od/testingdiagnosis/p/having_an_MRI.htm Using MRI to detect cancer in the body: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/146309.php Are there any modern alternatives to this technology? http://www.medicinenet.com/mri_scan/page3.htm http://www.nhs.uk/news/2013/07July/Pages/Could-new-tests-use-sugar-to-help-detect-cancer.aspx Gihan Fernando1 [1] http://www.medicinenet.com/mri_scan/article.htm [2] http://www.teslasociety.com/mri.htm [3] http://www.vistadiagnostics.co.uk/mri_explained.htm [4] Advanced Physics by Steve Adams and Jonathon Allday- Page 504, Magnetic Resonance Imaging [5] http://www.simplyphysics.com/page2_1.html [6] http://radiopaedia.org/articles/net-magnitisation-vector

My Dominant White Culture Essay example -- Cultural Identity Essays

In my culture, the environment is clean. We have clean houses, clean community spaces, and clean schools. We tend to avoid places that are dirty. The housing is generally sufficient for our needs, and we have compassion for those whose living spaces are not suitable for their lifestyle. Yet no person in my culture would offer their home or car to someone who needed it more. Appearance is extremely important in my culture. The people in my culture are expected to dress neat and clean. It doesn't have to be the latest style, but clean and neat is appropriate. Those who do dress in the latest style seem to command more respect from the others. Those who don't dress in accordance with these rules are not ostracized but pitied. Usually, the hair styles grow shorter with age. Most women are expected to wear make-up, the men are not. Women are expected to but not required to have large breasts, slim figures, small features (hands, feet, and noses), straight teeth, and a healthy tan. Men are usually required to have a flat stomach, bulging biceps, thick, full hair, straight teeth, and, of course, a healthy tan. Although many people of my culture do not fit these images, most try in one way or another to achieve these standards of appearance. Those who can achieve these standards are usually respected and revered. These people are often featured in the media and interviewed on how they accomplished this goal of appearance. Â   The language of my culture is English. Many speak other languages and are respected for taking the time to do so. This culture originated in Europe and sailed across the Atlantic Ocean. There are many different cultures represented in my culture, but we are generally white an... ...ach day. Â   My school experiences were very diverse. Many of my friends came from cultures other than my own. Many students from differing cultures graduated with highest honors and received scholarships. They had to learn to work hard and to value knowledge just like I did. It is unfortunate that many of us had to conform to the mold set by the school in order to be successful though. Â   School reinforces the values dominant in society. If the society is dominated by one particular culture then every student must learn those values. Luckily, many cultures share values and ideas, but unfortunately, many do not. Conflict is the result of our diversity and society, including those who decide the curricula for schools must compromise. Too bad it usually doesn't happen, I would like to know more about my neighbors. Â   Â   My Dominant White Culture Essay example -- Cultural Identity Essays In my culture, the environment is clean. We have clean houses, clean community spaces, and clean schools. We tend to avoid places that are dirty. The housing is generally sufficient for our needs, and we have compassion for those whose living spaces are not suitable for their lifestyle. Yet no person in my culture would offer their home or car to someone who needed it more. Appearance is extremely important in my culture. The people in my culture are expected to dress neat and clean. It doesn't have to be the latest style, but clean and neat is appropriate. Those who do dress in the latest style seem to command more respect from the others. Those who don't dress in accordance with these rules are not ostracized but pitied. Usually, the hair styles grow shorter with age. Most women are expected to wear make-up, the men are not. Women are expected to but not required to have large breasts, slim figures, small features (hands, feet, and noses), straight teeth, and a healthy tan. Men are usually required to have a flat stomach, bulging biceps, thick, full hair, straight teeth, and, of course, a healthy tan. Although many people of my culture do not fit these images, most try in one way or another to achieve these standards of appearance. Those who can achieve these standards are usually respected and revered. These people are often featured in the media and interviewed on how they accomplished this goal of appearance. Â   The language of my culture is English. Many speak other languages and are respected for taking the time to do so. This culture originated in Europe and sailed across the Atlantic Ocean. There are many different cultures represented in my culture, but we are generally white an... ...ach day. Â   My school experiences were very diverse. Many of my friends came from cultures other than my own. Many students from differing cultures graduated with highest honors and received scholarships. They had to learn to work hard and to value knowledge just like I did. It is unfortunate that many of us had to conform to the mold set by the school in order to be successful though. Â   School reinforces the values dominant in society. If the society is dominated by one particular culture then every student must learn those values. Luckily, many cultures share values and ideas, but unfortunately, many do not. Conflict is the result of our diversity and society, including those who decide the curricula for schools must compromise. Too bad it usually doesn't happen, I would like to know more about my neighbors. Â   Â  

Motivation: Reward System and the Role of Compensation :: Papers Management Business Essays

Motivation: Reward System and the Role of Compensation The design and management of reward systems present the general manager with one of the most difficult HRM tasks. This HRM policy area contains the greatest contradictions between the promise of theory and the reality of implementation. Consequently, organizations sometimes go through cycles of innovation and hope as reward systems are developed, followed by disillusionment as these reward systems fail to deliver. Rewards and employee satisfaction Gaining an employee's satisfaction with the rewards given is not a simple matter. Rather, it is a function of several factors that organizations must learn to manage: 1. The individual's satisfaction with rewards is, in part, related to what is expected and how much is received. Feelings of satisfaction or dissatisfaction arise when individuals compare their input - job skills, education, effort, and performance - to output - the mix of extrinsic and intrinsic rewards they receive. 2. Employee satisfaction is also affected by comparisons with other people in similar jobs and organizations. In effect, employees compare their own input/output ratio with that of others. People vary considerably in how they weigh various inputs in that comparison. They tend to weigh their strong points more heavily, such as certain skills or a recent incident of effective performance. Individuals also tend to overrate their own performance compared with the rating they receive from their supervisors. The problem of unrealistic self-rating exists partly because supervisors in most organizations do not communicate a candid evaluation of their subordinates' performance to them. Such candid communication to subordinates, unless done skillfully, seriously risks damaging their self-esteem. The bigger dilemma, however, is that failure by managers to communicate a candid appraisal of performance makes it difficult for employees to develop a realistic view of their own performance, thus increasing the possibility of dissatisfaction with the pay they are receiving. 3. Employees often misperceive the rewards of others; their misperception can cause the employees to become dissatisfied. Evidence shows that individuals tend to overestimate the pay of fellow workers

Prices and Money Supply :: essays papers

Prices and Money Supply Prices, money, knowledge, and technology may not seem that they should be together, but all of the terms connect in one category. Money is a big issue when talking about prices in the past and present. Knowledge and technology are important, too. Charts and graphs comparing prices of food and other items can be astonishing at what it brings forth. In 1915, the price of bread was at seven cents. Right now, if you go to your local grocery store, you can find a loaf of bread for about a dollar. That is most likely the lowest price available for a loaf of bread. The price has doubled fourteen times or has increased by 1328 percent- startling. The percent change in wages is not even close to the percent change of prices on foods. The minimum wage in 1938 was twenty-five cents; today the minimum wage is at $5.15. The percent increase is exactly 1960 percent. There is a 500 percent difference in prices than wages. This means you can buy more items with the same amount of money today, than you could before. In 1910, the money supply was at 3,148,000,000; in 1994, it was at 371,466,000,000. The percent increase is approximately 11700 percent. As you can see, the percent increase of the money supply is greater than the percent increase of prices, 10372 percent larger. This is where knowledge and technology come in to play. Technology has increased greatly, therefore letting producing become more competent. Technology would not be possible without having knowledge which makes technology expand, helping companies all over the world. For example, the assembly line has lowered car prices greatly. It cuts the hours of making a car. Robots have been replacing humans throughout the world. The reason for replacing humans with robots is that robots do not work for money; they are programmed to run. This is only one of the many examples of technology and knowledge used wisely. If knowledge and technology had not occurred, prices on all sorts of items would be multiplied. The example of the assembly line is perfect for explaining this concept. Let’s say robots were never made and humans are put in the robots position.

Ridoran Manufactoring

Riordan Manufacturing Compensation Plan Team B- Diana Barris, Nicole Bell, Jacqueline Chaney, Shawnda Davis, Hadeel Raouf, Kelly Tyler HRM/324 Annette Clark-Davis February 11, 2013 Riordan Manufacturing Compensation Plan Riordan Manufacturing is a worldwide plastics manufacturer that is headquartered in San Jose, California. Their organization has over 500 employees and prides themselves on providing their customers with high quality merchandise to satisfy their plastics needs.They hold an ISO 9000 certification which is an organization that establishes and measures quality control. In order to meet or exceed the level of quality required under ISO standards, Riordan Manufacturing will need to have knowledgeable and skilled employees within their organization. To attract premier candidates for their company, the compensation plan that is designed will need to be fair, rewarding, and competitive.This paper will outline the compensation plan for Riordan Manufacturing and include an eva luation of current trends and predict future trends, internal and external equity, a wage management process and retirement plan, financial influence on the plan’s options, and discuss the methods in which the plan will be communicated to members of the organization. Key Objectives According to Martocchio (2009), â€Å"Compensation professionals promote effective compensation systems by meeting three important goals: internal consistency, market competitiveness, and recognition of individual contributions† (Martocchio, 2009, p. 9). It is essential that these objectives are met to retain employees and make them feel valued and appreciated; all while functioning within the organizational budget. As Riordan Manufacturing considers themselves to be a leader within their industry, they understand that listening to the voice of their employees and remaining flexible regarding the compensation benefits offered worth together in alignment with their company mission. As â€Å" compensation systems are changing† (Martocchio, 2009, p. 23), Riordan Manufacturing will do well o consider plans offered by their competitors so that they will remain an industry leader. Trends and Issues An evaluation of current trends and issues in the company’s total compensation shows the company meeting goals in certain areas, but needs to improve in other areas. Riordan Manufacturing wants and â€Å"will maintain an innovative and team oriented working environment. By assuring that our employees are well informed and properly supported, we will provide a climate focused on the long-term viability of our company.Our Future must be focused in achieving and maintaining reasonable profitability to assure that the financial and human capital is available for sustained growth† (University of Phoenix,  2013, p. 1). The company’s current trends such as the flexible benefits program, salary administration program, and the CRM system is used to help meet th e organizations vision and goals, and keep the employees interested and motivated. However, technology changes each day and in today’s business world it is important to keep the company’s IT system updated to meet the demands of the customers, and the day-to-day operations. Riordan has a system to track historical sales. In the past, most sales data was recorded using paper and pencil. In the last few years, the firm has managed the information electronically† (University of Phoenix,  2013, p. 1). In the future it is best the company does an update to improve the communication between the different sites, employees, monitor inventory, customer demands, and sales. The company should prepare to make some changes in its current infrastructure to sustain profitability and growth within the company. Internal and External equityInternal equity is based on the employee's values and fairness, the values, and fairness of the pay relationships within the organization. â €Å"The pay relationship within the organization has an affect on three compensation objectives. They affect the employee’s decisions to stay with the organization, to become more flexible by investing in additional training, or to seek greater responsibility† (Milkovich, 2008, p. 64). The external equity is based on how the employee sees the company's pay structure and compensation system. What the employer pays, relative to what other employers will pay for the same type of work.The Riordan Manufacturing Company works toward a fair base system, attracting, and maintaining good workers when considering internal and external equity. Implementing job analysis, employee evaluations, work structure, pay ranges, and pay grades are ways the company endorse internal equity. Marketing surveys, supplying a competitive pay system, and salary surveys are used to implement external equity. This will allow the company to manage and implement a compensation structure that will add value and continue to make the organization successful. Wage Management and RationaleRiordan Manufacturing’s salary administration program was created â€Å"to achieve consistent pay practices, comply with federal and state laws, mirror our commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity, and offer competitive salaries within our labor market† (University of Phoenix,  2004,  p. 11). Employee compensation is based on several factors including but not limited to job analysis, evaluations, the duties and responsibilities of the job, and salary survey data on pay practices of other organizations in the same labor market to ensure Riordan’s compensation plan remains competitive (University of Phoenix,  2004).Merit-based pay adjustments may be offered for excellent employee performance. Riordan manufacturing’s salary administration program is review periodically and reconstructed when necessary (University of Phoenix,  2004). A retirement plan and how partic ipation will be driven Riordan Manufacturing wants to make sure their employees participate in the company’s retirement plan. We will offer 401(k), Pension Plan and Profit Sharing plan. We feel that the futures of our employees are important.The way the Riordan will drive participation is by communicating clearing, emphasizing the benefits of plan participation, and to be creative. Communication is very important, using poorly or confusing materials do little to encourage plan participation. Some points to remember when communicating the plan information is to use examples that employees can relate to, keep communication brief and, use graphics like charts. Also making sure that we highlight key points will drive participation. Being creative is always a great way to encourage employees.An example would be to hold contest to promote participation. How will it be communicated? Want to promote retirement plan participation, so we want to make sure that the plan is communicated the best way possible. Since everyone works at different shits there will be different times that are available for the employees to sign up for. The discussion of the retirement plan will be in a classroom setting with a representative to explain the retirement plans that Riordan Manufacturing will offer.In these classes there will be handouts with information explaining the plan in detail and also a shorter version that will highlight the key points of the plan. In this setting this will promote participation because someone will be there to help with any questions that the employees may have and also help with the initial sign-up of the plans offered. Conclusion: Riordan Manufacturing’s goal is to maintain an innovative and team oriented working environment. By assuring that all employees are well informed and properly supported.Riordan Manufacturing considers themselves to be a leader within their industry, they understand that listening to the voice of their employees an d remaining flexible regarding the compensation benefits offered worth together in alignment with their company mission. The company meets goals in certain areas, but needs to improve in other areas, and the current trends of the company such as the flexible benefits program, salary administration program, and the CRM system is used to help meet the organizations vision and goals, and keep the employees interested and motivated.However; the company should prepare to make some changes in its current infrastructure to sustain profitability and growth. In Riordan Manufacturing; the Employee’s compensation is based on several factors including but not limited to job analysis, evaluations, the duties and responsibilities of the job, as well as the salary survey data on pay practices of other organizations in the same labor market, to ensure Riordan’s compensation plan remains competitive. References Martocchio, J. J. (2009).Strategic compensation: A human resource managemen t approach (5th ed. ). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Milkovich, G. T. , & Newman, J. M. (2008). Compensation (9th ed. ). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. University of Phoenix. (2004). Riordan Manufacturing Employee Handbook. Retrieved. from University of Phoenix, HRM324 – Total Compensation website. University of Phoenix. (2013). Week Five overview. Retrieved from University of Phoenix, HRM324 – Total Compensation website. York, NY: McGraw

Understanding Bodybuilding

If Greek mythology existed, bodybuilding would be the sport made for the gods. It is a sport that demands more than most can give. Bodybuilding is not for the faint of heart, nor the weak minded. To be successful is this grueling sport you must have the mentality of success imprinted on your thoughts everyday. Once you have achieved this mentality you no longer spend idle time pondering empty thoughts, but instead you learn to use your mind consciously, every day, as if being in a constant state of meditation, with your thoughts fixed on the end result.Having that end result be the ability to unveil something that is more then beautiful. Before I sold my soul to my education, I was an active bodybuilder who loved everything about the sport. I was introduced to this sport when I was 12, although I remember it like it was yesterday. I went with my mom to the grocery store to try and convince her that buying Reeses would somehow be a great idea. As we were walking I decided to look for the biggest bag I could find. I cut through the section with all the magazines to get to the candy isle as quick as possible.It was in that isle, on a muscle mag magazine that I first saw a picture of a man named Dorian Yates. A man that stood 6’1, 270lbs, with what looked like only muscle. I remember staring at the front cover for what felt like a lifetime, I knew from that second, that’s what I want to look like. I no longer wanted to be a pro football player, or a pro basketball player; I wanted to be a professional bodybuilder. I forgot completely about the candy, found my mom and asked if I could push the cart from then on.Of course, at that time I was too young to venture into anything that resembled a bodybuilding lifestyle, yet I still used my little weights every night. It wasn’t until I was 18 that my bodybuilding mentality took over my mind. Going into my first year of high school I met this girl who slowly became my upmost passion. We started dating before I could even drive, until my first semester in college, she was my world. I loved everything about this girl and was certain she was that one I would spend the rest of my life with. However, mid way through my first semester in college she decided it was best to go our separate ways.Completely devastated, and young, I came up with the idea I wasn’t enough, that if I had could become something more then great she would have never left. I then turned to bodybuilding, first in the mentality of hate, channeling my emotions through the pain of lifting. But as time went by my idea of doing this for her transformed to having bodybuilding became infused into who I was. Everything I read, everything I thought about was bodybuilding. I went from spending money on going out and clothes, to supplements and protein.No matter what life through at me, no matter how upset I became, I could always set foot in a gym and forget the worries of the world. Walking into a gym was like steppi ng on a battle field, I knew I would have to fight my way through heavy sets of iron resistance to come out on the other side victorious. With weight stacked against me I would sit down on the closest bench, eyes closed and music blaring, concentrating on the task I had before me. I would think to myself: pain is temporary, but glory is forever. That no matter what, I was going to get this weight up even if it destroyed me in the process.By the time I opened my eyes I had become so focused on that I had to do that I could only see the weight I needed to overcome. It was as if I summoned all the strength I had in me to be ready to take on the world. I then would perform the exercise. As I brought the weight down to my chest I knew I was in for a fight. And then it began, as I pressed the weight off my chest with all my strength I had I told myself ignore the pain, become great. Seeing a bodybuilding yell as he is trying to finish a repetition is more then beautiful to me. It’s our on way of saying I’m not giving up till I’ve won.To me, each time I perform an exercise is one step closer in becoming great. I feel that most everyone has a misunderstood concept of what bodybuilding is and means. This sport isn’t a hobby, or something you can do on the side. This has to be a lifestyle, a passion, and a desire. When I was an active bodybuilder I viewed myself as an artist working on a masterpiece. It’s the mind not the body that determines your success as a bodybuilder; it’s mental aspect that allows you to press past the pain barrier, to enjoy being in the gym for countless hours, and to lust for more.Your mind is what sculpts your body into art. I also believe people view bodybuilders somewhat gross, or obsessed. I feel like everyone is so used to seeing someone who is in average shape, with little to no definition, someone who doesn’t have the time or discipline to sculpt their body. This makes bodybuilders look fre akishly, and unattractive, rather then beautiful, and full of hard work and sacrifice. These are the people who don’t understand what is actually involved in this sport. Bodybuilding is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. It is a great challenge, and a great success.There are many aspects in becoming a great bodybuilder like, having good nutrition, a choice of good supplements, good training hours, preparation for competition, and a good mind frame. If all these aspects are met then there is a future. Most people stereotype bodybuilders as a â€Å"meat head† or someone who lifts religiously and gains mass. Although this is true in almost every case, lifting weights is only responsible for a quarter of the results. Nutrition is a large percentage of a bodybuilder's success; it determines how well they effectively apply knowledge to nutrition.The limiting factor to the ultimate success of your workout is what happens after you leave the gym. This is one of th e biggest misunderstood concepts for someone who is trying to excel in this life style. Nutrition consists of macronutrients and micronutrients. The macronutrients consist of protein, carbohydrates, fat, and water. The micronutrients are vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. The best source of nutrition is through whole foods. A bodybuilder should never allow the use of supplements to overshadow the consumption of whole foods.For a bodybuilder the most confusing part about the sport is making sure of good nutrition and diet. Another fundamental element of success is allowing your body to recover. A bodybuilder gains size when torn muscle fibers are reconnected or â€Å"patched† with new muscle tissue. The added tissue gives you that swollen look that every bodybuilder lusts for. Bodybuilding, in all its aspects, has many similarities with a lot of activities we find ourselves consumed in. As football players strive to achieve new skills in practice, so do bodybuilders in a gym.It takes just as much focus and willpower to not only play this sport, but to continue it everyday. It requires as much focus and determinate as a college student trying to excel in his classes. There was one point in my life where I was completely consumed by bodybuilding. I started out with a fragile frame, consisting of a mere 125 pathetic pounds. Not knowing much of anything about this sport, I would stay up at night in search of the greatest motivational quotes to help me maintain on my path. Regardless of what I had in front of me, my mind was constantly fixed on my workout session that was to come.The greatest feeling for me was to wake up in pain; with that pain meaning I put in enough effort in the gym for my body to realize it. I loved every aspect of lifting, from buying bigger clothes to the research of supplements. After obtaining three very hard and grueling years, and falling into an addiction to steroids, I was finally shaping into a monster. Standing only 5†™11, I achieved to grow to a massive 220 pounds. I remember vividly the reaction of friends and family members that hadn’t seen me in some time.Astonished, some reacted in a positive way telling me how impressive it was, I can only remember however, the people who told me I had taken this idea to an extreme. Id be lying if I told you this didn’t bother me. I had put in so much effort and sacrificed so much to become what I was. So many asked â€Å"why do you do it, why do you like it, the process looks so painful. † For so long I couldn’t fathom to try to put a reason into words. After many failed attempts to explain why I gave up trying to explain to so many eager to understand.It wasn’t until I read a quote from a bodybuilding magazine that an athlete had stated after he had one a competition could I explain my obsession for greatness. The quote, â€Å"the reason I do all that, put my body through all that†¦is because I love it. † A s little as that explains to many, it was the perfect explanation to me. The reason I put myself through all the pain and sacrifice, was because I loved it. Bodybuilding was my passion, my obsession; it had became so great in my life that it captivated me. After all was said and done, I was met with disappointment, as I came to realize the worlds opposition on bodybuilders.I wish I could tell you that I stayed true with my dreams, or that I didn’t let the world decide what looked best, but I did. For as long as I can remember, all I wanted was to be Dorain Yates, to be great. I wish I could explain what it felt like to accomplish a dream only to have it turn against you. For the first time in what felt like forever, I no longer wanted to be great, I wanted to be â€Å"normal. † Maybe I had taken it too far, maybe they were right, or maybe they all had a misunderstood concept of what bodybuilding is really about.

“A Good Man is Hard to Find” by Flannery O’Connor Essay

â€Å"A Good Man Is Hard to Find† by Flannery O’Connor is about a family from Georgia who are murdered on a road trip to Florida. It begins with the grandmother complaining to her son Bailey that she would rather go to Tennessee for vacation and not Florida. She tells him about an escaped murderer who is going to Florida named the Misfit in hopes to change his mind. The day of the trip the grandmother is dressed in her best and prepared to die as a lady if something should happen to them on the way. They stop at a barbecue restaurant for lunch, where the Grandmother talks with the owner Red Sammy about the Misfit and how hard it is to find a good man. Back in the car the grandmother talks about a house she saw when she was young, lying saying that the house has secret passages which makes the children want to see it more. They begin to jump and kick the back of the seat in front of them until the father agrees. When they get on an old abandoned road the grandmother real izes that the house is in Tennessee. The grandmother gets flustered and scares her cat which jumped up on Baily, causing him lose control of the car and it flip and land in a ditch. The adults are in shock and the kids are excited as if the accident was an adventure to them. As the family sit and wait for help a car comes and three men step out. One the grandmother recognizes at the Misfit. The Misfit tells them he wished she hadn’t recognized him implying that he would not have killed them if she did not. Starting with the father and son the other two guys takes all of the family except the grandmother into the woods and kills them. The grandmother pleads for her life as she hears the gunshots and tries to convince the Misfit that he is a good man, and for him to pray. The Misfit goes into a rant telling the grandmother all about him his past and that he was convicted for a crime he did not commit. After all of her family is killed the grandmother is sitting there her head becomes clear and she says â€Å"Why you’re one of my babies. You’re one of my own children† and  she touched him. He shoots her three times in the chest and said â€Å"She would have been a good woman, if it has been somebody there to shoot her every mi nute of her life†. In this analysis I will be comparing traits from the grandmother and the Misfit to find out who has more morals. Is it the grandmother or the Misfit? The first trait of both Characters is the use of religion. The Grandmother cries out for Jesus telling the Misfit† You’ve got good blood! I know you wouldn’t shoot a lady! I know you come from nice people! Pray! Jesus, you ought not shoot a lady!† She tells him he is a good man over and over again hoping it might convince him that in fact he is a good man and won’t kill her. The Misfit has more of a religious background than the grandmother. He was called a prophet gone wrong. He was formerly a gospel singer. He compares himself with Jesus when he said â€Å"Jesus thrown everything off balance. It was the same case with him except He hadn’t committed any crime and they could prove I had committed one because they had the papers on me†. He told the grandmother â€Å"Jesus was the only one that ever raised the dead, and he shouldn’t have done it. He thrown everything off balance. If he did what he said, then it’s nothing for you to do but thow away everything and follow him, and if he didn’t then its nothing for you to do but enjoy the few minutes you got left the best you can- by killing somebody or burning down his house or doing some other meaness to him. No Pleasure in meanness†. The second trait of both Characters is morals. The grandmother considers herself morally superior to others by virtue of her being a â€Å"lady,† and she freely and frequently passes judgment on others. She claims that her conscience is a guiding force in her life, such as when she tells Bailey that her conscience wouldn’t allow her to take the children in the same direction as the Misfit. She criticizes the children’s mother for not traveling to a place that would allow the children to â€Å"be broad,† and she compares the mother’s face to a cabbage. She rebukes John Wesley for not having more respect for Georgia, his home state. She also takes any opportunity to judge the lack of goodness in people in the world today. During all this, she proudly wears her carefully selected dress and hat, certain that being a lady is the most important virtue of all, one that she alone harbors. The grandmother never turns her critical eye on herself to inspect her own hypocrisy, dishonesty, and selfishness. For example, the conscience the grandmother invokes at the beginning of the  story is conveniently silent when she sneaks Pitty Sing into the car, lies to the children about the secret panel, and opts not to reveal that she made a mistake about the location of the house. When the Misfit murders the family, the grandmother never once begs him to spare her children or grandchildren. She does, however, plead for her own life because she can’t imagine the Misfit wanting to kill a lady. She seems certain that he’ll recognize and respect her moral code, as though it will mean something to him despite his criminal ways. She tries to draw him into her world by assuring him that he’s a good man, but even though he agrees with her assessment of him, he doesn’t see this as a reason to spare her. Only when the grandmother is facing death, in her final moments alone with the Misfit, does she understand where she has gone wrong in her life. Instead of being superior, she realizes, she is flawed like everyone else. When she tells the Misfit that he is â€Å"one of her own children,† she is showing that she has found the ability to see others with compassion and understanding. This is a moment of realization, one that is immediatel y followed by her death. The Misfit seems an unlikely source to look to for spiritual or moral guidance, but he demonstrates a deep conviction that the other characters lack. Unlike the grandmother, who simply assumes that she is morally superior to everyone else, the Misfit seriously questions the meaning of life and his role in it. He has carefully considered his actions in life and examined his experiences to find lessons within them. He has even renamed himself because of one of these lessons, believing that his punishment didn’t fit his crime. Because the Misfit has questioned himself and his life so closely, he reveals a self-awareness that the grandmother lacks. He knows he isn’t a great man, but he also knows that there are others worse than him. The Misfit’s philosophies may be depraved, but they are consistent. Unlike the grandmother, whose moral code falls apart the moment it’s challenged, the Misfit has a steady view of life and acts according to what he believes is ri ght. His beliefs and actions are not moral in the conventional sense, but they are strong and consistent and therefore give him strength of conviction that the grandmother lacks. Twisted as it might be, he can rely on his moral code to guide his actions. The grandmother cannot, and in the last moments of her life, she recognizes his strength and her weaknesses. O’Connor called the Misfit a â€Å"prophet gone wrong,† and indeed, if he had applied his moral  integrity to a less depraved lifestyle, he could have been considered a true preacher, pillar, or teacher. The third and final trait of both Characters is realization. Both the grandmother and the Misfit had a sudden realization. The grandmother realized that the Misfit was just a human just like her she said â€Å"Why you’re one of my babies. You’re one of my own children†. The Misfit realized that killing gave him no pleasure he said, said â€Å"She would have been a good woman, if it has been somebody there to shoot her every minute of her life†. In Conclusion it appears that in fact the murderer (prophet gone wrong) has more moral than the grandmother, and that his faith in Jesus is stronger. â€Å"A Good Man Is Hard to Find† by Flannery O’Connor Essay *Re-read the Story â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find† by Flannery O’Connor , following the â€Å"Re-Reading Fiction Suggestions† above. Answer the following questions: Are there any details that were newly recognized during this reading or that you notice tie in with earlier ones? I gained a better visual of the car the family was riding in while re-reading the story. I didn’t understand they were in a car, I had visualized the family riding in a station wagon. I also became aware of the fact that at the end of the story The Misfit picks up the cat after it had been thrown from the car and the grandmother had been killed. If evident, what significance does the title hold, and in what possible ways is it lined to the actions and the characters? The reference of a good man was seen throughout the entire story. I believe in comparison there is symbolism between the idea of a good man like Red Sammy versus a character like The Misfit is a direct representation of Good and Evil. Are there any words that are unfamiliar, and how does knowing what they mean make a difference in re-reading the story? Valise (suitcase), Sachet (purse), Ambling (saunter: to walk leisurely). Knowing the definition of these terms allowed me to better understand the appearance of the grandmother and the setting inside of the car. What is striking about the first sentence and the first paragraph of the story? Also, what is striking about the last paragraph and the last sentence of the story? The first sentence was allows the reader to know what the grandmother’s tone was. The first paragraph introduced the grandmother & her son. I was not very certain of the meaning of the last sentence but I took it as The Misfit saying that killing is not enjoyable. I found that as a contradiction to what he said about the bible saying there is only being good or being evil. Are there any details/parts of the story that do not seem needed or appear insignificant? What do you think might be the purpose for these insignificant parts? I did not understand the necessity in the grandmother wanting to keep track of the car mileage. It made no sense to me at all and wouldn’t have affected how I read or re-read the story. *Listen to the Audio Recording â€Å"Flannery O’Connor Reads ‘A Good Man is Hard to Find’† (1959). Then, answer the following questions: How does knowing more about Flannery O’ Conner’s life and work, particularly her earlier artistic endeavors from the NPR Portrait, inform your reading of the story? From reading about her life it seemed like Flannery O’Conner always used cynical humor in her cartoons and stories. She seemed to be an emotionally â€Å"dark† person. Knowing this before I read the story might have helped me lower my expectations for a happy ending. How did you find the experience of listening to Flannery O’Conner reading her story aloud to a live audience? Did you expect the audience to react when and as they did, and did you share their reaction as you followed along? Did you gain any new insights about the story, and any of its elements or details, from listening to the O’Conner’s oral presentation of it in the recording? I felt that by listening to Flannery O’Conner read this story aloud I was able to become more emotionally attached to this story. The humor was very evident in the reading but did not bring out a verbal response from me. I did find myself laughing aloud once or twice when I was listening to the reading. I found the one detail that I had not noticed in the previous reading was that The Misfit kept the cat at the end of the story. p. 430 Answers How early in the story does O’Conner foreshadow what will happen in the end? I believe the first instance of foreshadowing of crossing paths was presented in multiple paragraphs. However the first instance was presented in the first paragraph. What further hints does she give us along the way? It mentions The Misfit and that he was headed to Florida. In the 5th and 6th paragraphs as well, foreshadowing is touched on when John Wesley was asked what he would do if caught by The Misfit. There are also instances that hint about the family getting into an accident. In paragraph 10 the author wrote that the grandmother dressed as a lady in case they were in an accident so that others would know she was a lady (which in truth became fact because The Misfit noted her as a lady because of her clothing). I believe that death was pointed out in the 8th paragraph in a more symbolic. The grandmother feared the death of the cat and it was because of the cat that the entire family (with exception of the cat) wound up dying in the end. How does the scene at Red Sammy’s BBQ advance the story toward its conclusion? Personally I don’t think it does at all. I feel like it was unnecessary. When we first meet the grandmother, what kind of person is she? From my reading I came to the conclusion the grandmother was very selfish. What do her various remarks reveal about her? It seems like she always spoke up when she wanted to get her own way. Does she remain a static character, or does she change in any way as the story goes on? I think she remains a static character throughout the entire story. She starts out as a selfish character that is out to get what she wants and in the end (although for a moment you see her as a pained parent) she still is saying whatever she can to save herself. When the grandmother’s head clears for an instant, what does she suddenly understand? She understands that she has made a huge mistake. The plantation she had been talking about was in a completely different state and instead of speaking up and telling her son she kept the thought to herself because she didn’t want to be held responsible for her mistake. What do we learn from the conversation between The Misfit and the grandmother while the others go out to the woods? You learn about The Misfit’s family history, his belief in Jesus and you learn that The Misfit believe that no matter the bad deed you eventually forget about what you did. How would you describe The Misfit’s outlook on the world? He has a very black and white view. In the story The Misfit says, â€Å" If He did what He said, then it’s nothing for you to do but thow away everything and follow Him, and if He didn’t, then it’s nothing for you to do but enjoy the few minutes you got left the best meanness to him. No pleasure but meanness†. I read that as his belief that by the Bible you either did exactly what it said to do or you acted as an Anarchist. Compare it with the author’s, from whatever you know about Flannery O’Connor and the story itself. I believe Flannery O’Connor may have had a darker view on life but not one as evil as the Misfit. How would you respond to a reader who complained, â€Å"The title of the story is just an obvious platitude† ? I would say that that conclusion could only be reached after reading the story. When you look at the title there are too many routes that the story could have taken to make it an obvious statement about the contents of the story. â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find† by Flannery O’Connor Essay The title ‘A Good Man Is Hard to Find’ gives you the impression that someone is looking for a partner. When in reality, the title is actually explaining the moral of the story. Every character has their bad points, even the seemingly innocent children. From the Misfits, to the entire family, everyone was disrespectful and just plain rude. In some families it would be considered a mortal sin to be rude to elders. Unfortunately this family seems to get a kick out of being cruel to their poor grandmother. The Misfits are a different story entirely, because they know nothing better than cruelty. The Grandmother wasn’t perfect herself, but she did have it a little rough. Starting things off the Grandmother was the most mistreated elder I have ever seen. Even despite the fact most of the stuff that came out of her mouth was false or an elaboration. She was an un-trusted old lady whose family couldn’t wait to get rid of her. Someone whose words were constantly falling on deaf ears would get dramatic for attention, which is precisely what Grandmother did. This woman would stretch stories for her own benefit, which led to the family’s untimely death. Constantly fighting for her way, she felt it necessary to hide the cat in a basket. This also explains lying about the secret panel, which was enough to amuse the children. If she didn’t have clever ways to get her thoughts across, she would be completely ignored. The parents have been setting the wrong example for their children by disrespecting Grandmother. When the car flipped the Grandmother feared her son’s hostility. She was immediately guilt ridden and made herself look as vulnerable as possible. Her family had every right to be upset with her and she knew it. The family, used to hearing her ridiculous stories and demands, has grown accustom to ignoring her. They make it obvious that she’s not wanted in the family. Even the children are rude and disrespectful, obviously following the example of their parents. Her son glares at her for making pleasant conversation, and his wife doesn’t allow her to listen to the music she chooses. Her own granddaughter was filled with contempt when she found out  that Grandmother had indeed survived the car wreck. So fits the title that â€Å"A Good Man Is Hard to Find†, you can’t find one in this story. Now with the entire family burning holes on poor Grandmother with their eyes, you don’t think it could get any worse for her. Here arrive the Misfits. This appears to be a homely bunch of rejects or rebels, knowing nothing more than raising hell. They ride up carrying their guns, making the family realize their predicament just got a whole lot worse. The Grandmother recognizes them at once and begins to beg for mercy. All the while, they’re killing her unloving family off one by one. The old lady is persistent and continues encouraging the Misfit to pray, and become a good man. They converse for a while, and he begins to explain why he’s up to no good. He opens up to her, and she realizes he just doesn’t know any better. Grandmother is obviously distraught but she keeps at him. There is finally a glimmer of hope in the man’s face, he apparently wishes for a better life. When Grandmother reaches out to comfort him, to pull that good man out of him, BAM! He retaliates to her kindness with a wave of bullets. â€Å"She would have been a good woman if it had been somebody there to shoot her every minute of her life†. This man only knows how to kill kindness. He is simply stating what would have given them pleasure. The very next thing he says â€Å"Its no real pleasure in life.† This statement proves that he learned something from that old woman. He realizes what they’ve been killing all along. So her death wasn’t meaningless she finally got her point across to someone, someone finally listened to what she had to say, and was actually affected by it. So she died a happy woman, with a nice smile on her face, killed by her own kindness.