Discuss How the Concepts of ‘Race’ and ‘Ethnicity’ Essay

Australia is known for its multicultural society, but race and ethnicity are a huge factor of persistent racism and inequality in this country. The driving force behind this is the strong belief that some of the population still hold against people who appear different to themselves. To gain a clear understanding of this sensitive topic one must look at the origins, forms and effects of racism. This essay will look at how the concepts of ‘race’ and ‘ethnicity’ perpetuate inequality in our society, a brief history of Australia in relation to racism and how people experience these inequalities today in a society that we call multicultural. Modern Australia was established as a ‘region of recent settlement’ in 1788 which was a small part of a larger process of European colonisation (Bessant & Watts, 2002, p. 219). They had a set of ideas, values and beliefs and assumed that aborigines had no system of land ownership, agriculture, animal husbandry. Indigenous people have been in Australia for more than 100,000 years (Bessant & Watts, 2002, p. 222). The White Australia Policy in the 20th century encouraged immigration only from Britain, but didn’t allow ‘Asians’ and ‘Non-whites (Economou N, 1998, p.363). By 1950’s people from all countries were allowed to migrate into Australia to help post war reconstruction. The colonial immigration saw a mass migration of European people mostly from Britain to Australia. It is said that between 1788 and 1852 approximately 170,000 people moved to Australia, and the gold rush era after 1851 made it a highly desirable country for migrating (Bessant & Watts, 2002, p. 231). By end of World War two, as war forced Australia to get closer to other countries, which resulted in the first significant weakening of the policy in 1951. Later in the 1950s and 1960s other parts of the White Australia Policy were gradually dismantled. By the 1970s the federal government had removed all racial restrictions from its immigration law (Bessant & Watts, 2002). Various writers have contradictory approaches and ways of looking at racism, making it a complex topic. It takes many different forms, ranging from physical violence to derogatory language. A person or group’s belief that their race is superior or inferior, or their moral and social traits are predetermined, based on biological differences can be termed ’racism’. A group of people sharing the same skin colour, same values, coming from the similar backgrounds may constitute as ’race’. One of the most common forms of racism found today is Institutional Racism, which stems from established corporations, and other powerful forces in society, thus making it hard to question and faces less public condemnation. Examples include housing, employment, businesses, education, religion and media (Healey, 2002). Typically, the basis of this type of discrimination is from irrational fear of people at the receiving end who belong to a different culture or ‘race’. Although, there have been ongoing debates about racism all around us for centuries, it is an assault on human rights as it methodically refuses people of different caste, colour, race, sex or their country of origin basic values underlined by Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) which states that human rights are everyone’s birthright and apply to all without difference (Healey, 2002). Common perception of shared origins, culture, lifestyle and traditions amongst a group of people or society is the universal definition of ethnicity (Bessant & Watts, 2002). People can share the same nationality but have different ethnicities. A few writers have put forward fascinating explanations of ethnicity. Edward Shils in his ‘primordial approach’ argues that he believes everyone has a primordial attachment to their motherland, people and religion which brings out strong emotional ties by socialising, which further gives rise to the need to have a separate identity and belonging. Then the ‘Mobilisationist Approach’ suggests that nothing is predictable or normal about ethnicity. Rather, ethnic identities come into sight and are toughened in political contexts where groups struggle to get access to inadequate and valued resources (Van Krieken et al, 2000, p. 519). The basis of ethnocentrism is a conscious or unconscious belief that one’s ethnic group, culture, religion, custom or behaviour is superior to another ethnic group. Politicians boast that Australia is a multicultural, open and classless society. Despite the well known image of Australia’s everyone have â€Å"a fair go†, the country is still full of both institutional and popular racism. Education has always been very important when it comes to moving up in class and has been very liberating in Australian society. However, indigenous and ethnic groups have been somewhat disadvantaged in opportunities to acquire education. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics only five Indigenous Australians per 1,000 obtain tertiary qualification, compared to 70-80 per 1,000 for Anglo Australians. In the 1990s welfare, health care and education support for Aborigines accounted only to 2% of total budget outlay (ABS 2000:21). In order to receive an education a person requires an income, but to get an income one needs a job, and a job is challenging to find without an appropriate level of education. Therefore an individual’s chance of education is influenced by the socio-economic status of one’s parents which is a cyclic social inequality hard to break. Migrants and their children often find it challenging to adjust to the Australian school system as they often come from countries that have a poor education system, and even if they have tertiary qualifications they mostly are not recognised, resulting in them taking lower paid and lower status jobs. Working class children often attend schools in working class suburbs where pupils are directed into working-class jobs. A high number of students leave school early and the expectation that they will attend university is low. In comparison, upper-class children attend private schools, and the expectation that they will attend university is high. Migrants and ethnic groups are often at a lower end of the socioeconomic scale (Aspin, 1996, p. 87) Migrants arrive with little money and few skills. Already at a disadvantage with language barriers, migrants and ethnic groups are also faced with racism and discrimination in their search for employment. In 1996, One Nation political party leader Pauline Hanson made a speech that claimed that Australia was being overwhelmed by ‘Asians’ and feared that Asians were taking over jobs. The fact is that Asians at the time only accounted for 5% of total population and ‘there is little evidence to support the claim that high rates of immigration ‘cause’ unemployment or ‘cause’ Australians to lose their jobs’ (Bessant, 2002, p. 219). Indigenous people had a 24. 3% unemployment rate according to 1996 census (ABS 2000:23). Indigenous people are usually poorer than most non-indigenous Australians and receive a lower income on average than the total population. The household income for Aborigines in 1994 was $158 compared to $310 for white Australians (ABS 2000C:23) This also reflects the fact the there is a higher reliance by the Aboriginal population on social security payments (ABS 1996b: 122-4) Socioeconomic status is a major determinant of inequality as it influences access an individual has to the economic resources of a society. L. J. Aspin (1996) explains that white Australian-born males have a better chance of obtaining access to the resources of society. Inequality is also reflected in the differential access to housing and health services. For people who are paying rent and on a low income, it is almost impossible to save for a deposit on a house at the same time. Aborigines and migrants suffer discrimination in rental accommodation, where landlords preferring a two-parent, white, Anglo-Saxon families. Only 10% of Aborigines own housing compared to 70% of white Australia population (Aspin, 1996, p. 87). Most Aborigines live in rural and provincial Australia (Bessant, 2002, p. 226) far from big cities where there are more jobs, higher paid jobs, better education, better housing, good water and sanitation services, hospital medical services and other community amenities. Some ethnic backgrounds are still not accepted in our society and are treated differently and unequally. We see and hear about them on a day to day basis. In recent months the Indian community in Australia, especially students have become a vulnerable target for attacks, whether racist or not. On 31 May 2009 in Melbourne, about 5000 students marched through the streets of Melbourne protesting against these attacks on Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi students. 25-year-old Sravan Kumar Theerthala was in a serious condition in intensive care after being stabbed in the head with a screwdriver one week earlier (Bolton & Peterson, 2009). In an article in The Age newspaper on February 19 Victorian police claimed that these attacks are not racially motivated, but opportunistic where Indian students are â€Å"over representing themselves as victims† and can be looked upon as soft targets. The police also advised them â€Å"not to speak in their native language loudly† or display signs of wealth. Attacks on Indians aren’t the only allegation Australia has faced over the years. It seems that anyone in power, including police, politicians or the media has had the tendency to somehow flare these attacks. In the Herald Sun on 11 June 2009, 3AW’s Neil Mitchell said: â€Å"Australians are also bashed and die in India, which does not provoke parades of chanting ocker backpackers in the streets of Mumbai†. In 2007, the then immigration minister Kevin Andrews referred to the Sudanese community when he said â€Å"Some groups don’t seem to be settling and adjusting into the Australian way of life as quickly as we would hope. † A spate of violent attacks were then unleashed against Sudanese migrants, and one was bashed to death by a group of white men (Bolton & Peterson, 2009). As Australia continues to argue that it is a just, tolerant, open and classless society, there is still evidence of race and inequality among us and affecting the many lives of migrants and Indigenous people. It is interesting to note that the very determinants of class – power, money, education, family background, occupation, health and general way of life are also the same factors where others experience inequalities. Race and ethnicity perpetuate inequality, and in any country including Australia, one would find that there are always some people with very strong values of racism, and media outlets which help in manipulating the views of general public. There still needs to be a massive drive by communities and governments on racism and inequality and it will be long before we will be a â€Å"happy multicultural Australia†. Bibliography Aspin, L J 1996, ‘Social stratification and inequality’, Focus on Australian society, 2nd edn, Longman, Melbourne. Australian Bureau of Statistics 2009, Australian Bureau of Statistics, viewed 28 November 2009, < http://www. abs. gov. au/ >. Bessant, J & Watts, R 2002, ‘Neighbours and nations: ethnic identity and multiculturalism’, Sociology Australia, 2nd edn, Allen & Unwin, St Leonards, NSW. Bolton, S & Peterson, C 2009, Indian students speak: Stop the racist attacks! , viewed 28 November 2009, < http://www.greenleft. org. au/2009/798/41083>. Economou, N 1998, ‘The Politics of Citizenship: identity, ethnicity and race’, in Alan Fenna, Introduction to Australian Public Policy, Vol 1, Addison Wesley Longman, Melbourne. Healey, J 2002, ‘Racism: Beyond Tolerance, A Fair Go’, Racism in Australia, Vol 180, The Spinney Press, Rozelle, NSW. Van Krieken, R, Smith, P, Hobbis, D & McDonald, K 2000, ‘Migration, ethnicity and Australian Aboriginality’, Sociology: themes and perspectives, 2nd edn, Pearson Education, Frenchs Forest, NSW.

Literature from or about world war Essay

By comparing the extracts from testament of youth, the ghost road and Binyon’s for the fallen and referring to your wider reading examine how typical in both style and treatment of subject matter these writings are of literature from or about world war one. Timing has a significant effect when war literature is written as does whether the source was a first hand account or a work written from others sources. Laurence Binyon wrote ‘For the Fallen’ in 1914 when war had just broke out and at this time people were joyous and glad of the excitement of war, Binyon reflects this view as he personifies England as a ‘mother for her children’ describing England as a caring character unwillingly sending her children to their deaths for ‘the cause of the free’. This patriotism and duty seen by ‘death august and royal’ were wide spread, and although there were deaths the full extent of the trench warfare horrors had been censored, so was only experienced by those at the front. Binyon himself only visited the front at one point so perhaps did not experience horrors as did other writers such as owen, yet he had more first hand Pat barker’s writing ‘Ghost Road’ in 1999. Despite this Pat Barker and Vera Britain’s biography written n 1933 are able to have a wider perspective on the events and Vera Britain in particular is able to look back in hindsight in a way in which Binyon could not and have time to consider events that passed and analyse them . Ghost road contains horrific, graphic images of ‘dismembered bodies hurtling’ and ‘eyelids eaten away’ which although designed to shock a reader so as they are eager to read more are also researched so are true of events which took place during the war. Barker doesn’t hold back from the extreme physicality of the imagery similar to Sebastian Faulke’s ‘Birdsong’ where horrendous images of ‘only a hole remaining between his shoulders’ are common, Faulke’s also uses loves and sex to link in with the physicality of the war wounds. Britain also uses her emotional relationship with Roland for a stark contrast with the vast sense of loss of the last line. This could be authors having to modernise for present-day readers or the lack of patriotism of today’s society which allows or even needs brutally truthful accounts to entertain the reader. The author’s opinion of the war also needs consideration as Binyon was pro- war and felt the personal experience of honour and duty as many young men of 1914 did. Because of this he will have experienced the excitement at the beginning of war and this reflects in his writing such as the ‘glory that shines upon our tears’. ‘For the Fallen’ also gives a sense of respect and waste for the men who ‘shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old,’ particularly emphasising the youthfulness of the dead. The funeral imagery that is run throughout gives the poem a idea of a funeral for all those lost, missing or presumed dead in battle, so no ennobled soldiers are left unhonoured. Binyon focuses on this lament for the dead, they ‘are marching upon the heavenly plains’ giving the impression those who die for their country are viewed more worthy in god’s eyes. Unlike Pat Barkers description of a ‘severed head’ which could be considered disrespectful toward the dead. Binyon uses euphemisms telling of the young men who now ‘sleep beyond England’s foam’ this attitude towards death is mirrored by Vera Britain as she chooses to believe her fianci ‘drifted unconsciously into death’ so as to relieve herself of the pain and loss of her loved one. Vera invites the reader to have empathy towards her as they know her anticipation is an anticlimax and Roland in the end ‘had died of wounds at a casualty clearing station. ‘ The romantic sense in which she describes him and their ‘love that had arisen so swiftly’ is discredited by the matter of fact way she declares his death adding pathos to the extract. This statement is given as if in shock or simply immune to the pain similar to the immunity soldiers gained towards death at the front, they got to the point where as Hulme described, ‘men walked as on Piccadilly over a dead Belgian’s belly. ‘ This immunity does not stretch to every situation however, Barker talks of ‘a friends death precipitating a total collapse’ and ‘nausea, vomiting, spell of forgetfulness’ as if the war not only affect the men physically but also mentally, their whole being with nothing left untouched. Barker’s character Rivers even sees the war torment Craigloackhart’s sleep giving him endless hypnagogic hallucinations of ‘lips eaten away’. Binyon also shows the war affecting the whole being as he talks of the passion and duty of how the men were ‘staunch to the end against odds uncounted. ‘ This sense of duty is elaborated on in war literature, Barker talks of Craiglockhart ‘behaving with exemplary courage and loyalty. ‘ Sebastian Faulke’s hard metal like character Stephen is willing to die due to love for his men by the end. ‘Testament of Youth’ is written as a biography in prose as is the fictional work of Pat Barker’s ‘Ghost Road’, while ‘For the Fallen’ is a poem written in iambic pentameter form. The Iambic is used to give a rhythmical tone reflecting a procession of the marching men, and is perhaps used to imitate the ‘solemn drums. ‘ The rhythm enables the poem to be read slowly and set a tone of pride and respect, the biblical tones throughout the poem such as ‘flesh of her flesh’ serve to give the poem a more serious theme as those lamenting the dead often need religious support. This is true of agnostic Vera Britain who thanks ‘whatever God might exist’ for Roland but when worry sets in she turns to religion ironically praying ‘whosoever liveth in me shall never die’. Death is the major theme running through all the sources, with ‘Ghost Road’ using horrific adjectives to show how the soldiers were degraded even in death but this death left an impact on the friends and relatives who were left behind such as Craiglockhart. Binyon is also assertive to the dead being remembered with him shortening the last line so forth disrupting the steady pattern and emphasizing last lines such as the imperative ‘we will remember them’, and the very last line having further emphasis with repetition of ‘to the end, to the end, they remain. ‘ Other immortalising imagery such as ‘stars’ give a comfort to the reader which they do not achieve from Ghost Road or Vera Britain as the matter of fact death is left without a sense of the soul being at rest as they do as they ‘march upon the heavenly plain’ in For the Fallen. This shows the views of the authors as Binyon is very pro-war and patriotism for the country whilst Britain and Barker show the extremity of the loss and give an anti-war vision to their work as does Wilfred Owen as he opens with a harsh question of ‘what passing bells for those who die as cattle. ‘ This question probes the reader into asking themselves why the war occurred, and with Owens imagery of ‘stuttering rifles’ and ‘sad shires’ it is tough for a reader to think pro-war. Sibilance is frequent in For the Fallen as ‘stars that are starry’ allows for the poem with its harsh theme of death to be softened having a soothing effect upon the reader. To add to this calming flowing effect fricative sounds are added such as ‘flesh of flesh. ‘ This enables a harmonious sound for the dead who died for a cause which is often why the poem is read at remembrance services to put those who have lost loved ones at peace.

Book of job: the unwritten message

The Bible is a library of many passages, written by authors from the ancient times dealing with different topics like creation, faith, suffering, glory. These and many more are scribbled all through out the texts and are divided into clusters called the books. The authors of these books came from different times and places. There are even views that additional chapters are added after the original book has been finished. Having said these, one cannot be sure of the exact origin of the stories, nor the message conveyed with in them. One of these books tackled on the idea of just punishment, a very simple one yet with a lot of twists. It was a part of the bible that was read, reread, and tested from time to time. Scholars tried to translate the many double meanings found in the book, as well as come up with their own ideas regarding it. The Book of Job tells the story of a man, Job, who had everything that he could possibly dream of. He has a nice family, good health, material possessions, and a peaceful life; all of which he thanked God for. This was noticed by the devil, who in turn made a wager with God – saying that Job only praises God because he has everything he would ever need, and that in times of misfortune he would definitely curse God. God agreed, and allowed Job to lose his possessions, his sons and daughters killed, his skin covered with boils, and his life completely ruined, provided that Job would not be dead. After these tragedies, the book focused next on the debates Job had with his three friends – Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar. These debates marked the first of several conversations found in the book. The speeches were designed in such a way that Job answered each one of them and tried to defend himself. In the end, God himself talked to Job, taking part in another speech portion which led to God’s answers. The story ended with God giving back Job his lost health and wealth. God also ordered Job’s friends, who misinterpreted Job’s misfortunes, to ask him to pray for them. The Book of Job is a very controversial part of the Bible, since it deconstructs the logical belief on punishment – that a just punishment is given to those who have sinned and the level of the punishment depends on how grave the committed sin is. But for punishment to be rendered to someone like Job who in his whole life praised and worshipped God for all the goodness He has given him and the prosperity he has acquired, surely, we may say that there is injustice. That is why there are many assumptions on why God allowed these to happen to Job. It may be to prove to the devil that Job is really God’s man, or to show that God is really all powerful and all righteous, or it may also be for the atonement of the sins that Job’s sons had committed. These are wild guesses and can’t be really answered without reading and understanding the book as a whole. In the story, God responded to Job’s questions by a series of statements that could mean many things. His replies are intellectual, and may be interpreted in many ways and may take many points of view. In fact, the story itself may be seen in many ways. It all depends on who reads the text and how the said text is understood. The last chapters of the book define many things and answer a lot of questions that is reflected all throughout the book as well. To narrow it down, God’s reply can be found in chapters 38 to 41. The first verses from the said chapters may be analyzed in two ways. At a first glance, one can see God’s answers to Job’s questions as proof of His omnipotence and self righteousness. And the questions such as ‘Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?’ (Job 38:4), ‘Have you seen the gates of death?’ (Job 38:17) and ‘Who provided food for the young?’ (Job 38:41) that seem to have God as the only answer thus proves His confirmation of   His omnipotence and self righteousness more. They can be interpreted as God’s way of proving to Job that though the reasons behind His actions may be uncertain to us humans, He, in contrast, as an almighty being is certain of them. Another possible explanation would be that of God’s attempt in providing proof that ideas such as that of providence and purpose exist; purpose defined as being the reason given to everything that happens within the realm of God and providence as His way for intervention with everyday human life. And so, these assumptions suggest that there indeed is a purpose behind Job’s suffering. This â€Å"purpose† is also evident in evil which can be seen in God’s second speech to Job. God portrayed evil in the form of two fearsome beasts – the behemoth and the leviathan. The behemoth was described as having â€Å"bones of brass and gristles of iron† (Job 40:18). And that it could be found in the mountains eating â€Å"ox as if they were grass† (Job 40:15). On the other hand, the leviathan was depicted as a beast that lives by the river and that it has skin so hard it would be questionable to â€Å"pierce it with barbed irons and fish spears† (Job 40:31). The Bible had even more descriptions of this leviathan scattered in the Book of Isaiah, all pertaining to the beast as a possible manifestation of evil itself. Having said these, God made a point to Job that humans are indeed no match to these beasts and that nothing could bring them down except God Himself. In doing so, He admitted to have created these evils and He alone has the power to banish them (Job 40:19). Therefore, God concluded in His second speech that the purpose of evil in this case, Job’s suffering, will be explained at the end of the world as He smites the beasts. God, in His conclusion, only gave a hint of His side of the argument without actually producing a clear answer to Jobs many questions about his misfortunes. In this lack of explanation, a chance opened up for Job to question and criticize God. But instead, he still chose not to condemn God but to worship Him even further. It seems that despite everything, he understood the existence of the hidden purpose in evil. He also came to realize that had judged God prematurely and without faith. By analyzing God’s response to Job, we can draw a number of conclusions as to what He wishes us to understand. One is the purpose in evil, which was discussed in the previous paragraphs. Another is the presumptuousness of mankind. God may want to show that humans think that they know all. But by asking questions such as ‘Do you observe the calving of deer? Can you hunt the prey for the lions?’ (Job 39:1), He can easily mock this said high intelligence of humans probably hoping that instances as such may instill humility. Also, in the debate between Job and his friends, we can see another pitfall in human perspective, which is the hasty judgment of suffering as the end result of wrongdoing. It was stated in the book that his friends even asked Job to repent for sins that he didn’t commit. This is because we tend to see a misfortune merely as a retribution for offense. In line with this thinking, we automatically assume that there is a need for repentance, and that it is the only way to redeem ourselves and be given back what we lost through misconduct. The next conclusion is the mentioned existence of the end of time where unanswerable questions will be answered. It is also in this said time that God will put an end to the evil He has created. Finally, the statements made by God reveals a kind of test for us humanity – Will we condemn God so that we can justify ourselves? The Book of Job may seem controversial, but God in the end provided some sort of answers which to some may be incomplete. The way to view this book may differ from time to time, from reader to reader and from place to place. We really can’t put our finger on what the final message is but I believe that the conclusions drawn above are enough for now.   Summarizing the whole paper, we humans seem to have a certain fear against punishment, and quickly tie it with some sin or some failures. The Book of Job awakens us that the reasons for punishment come in different forms, and as long as we are certain of our faith, we must not judge and condemn anyone, for that matter, prematurely. Works Cited The New Oxford Annotated Bible â€Å"Book of Job† Chapters 1-31; 38-42   

Debates on Media Effects Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Debates on Media Effects - Essay Example With reference to a specific case study, mostly on the use of videogames and its impact on children’s behaviour, an assessment on media effect and influence will be carried out by this essay. Body of the paper The media have various effects on society. In the past 60 years or so, a significant amount of research has been undertaken in order to assess the relationship between the media and the audience in terms of the latter’s behaviour. Much hysteria and concern have been seen among the general population throughout the years have been exhibited based on something they may have watched on television or film (Buckingham, 2003). In 1938, a radio adaptation by Orson Welles of H.G Wells’ science fiction book ‘War of the Worlds’ certainly caused hysteria among the people who believed they were actually being invaded by Martians (Gunter & Harrison, 2013). In the 1950s, American caricatures and comic books have also brought life to violence (Buckingham, 200 3). Psychologists have expressed concerns on the addictive impact of TV on passive children; however, other experts have also noted better cognitive development for children exposed to television (Andison, 1977). The effect of the media is therefore difficult to estimate because it is a resource which has to be understood within the context of the larger society. In other words, it is important to expand â€Å"the media effects tradition to include consideration of normative expectations, institutional performance, constraints and conventions of the media...† (Campbell & Ling, 2009, p. 592). Leading into the 1930s, the media impact has been acknowledged as significant. A so-called hypodermic effect was claimed; however such claim was not founded on scientific processes, but mostly on speculative perceptions (Buckingham, 2003). Researchers further assessed the impact of film on viewers and reached the conclusion that these films prompted children to behave in delinquent manner s; however, the data gathering process in the surveys covered the laboratory process of investigating, with subjects taken out of the social context and evaluated as individuals (Cumberbatch, 1989). In the post-World War II period, a significant shift was seen in the study by Lazarsfeld, Berelson, & Gaudet (1944) establishing that Americans voting in an election utilised the radio as well as newspapers to make their decisions on candidates to vote for. In effect, the media helped reinforce their opinions and decisions. After various studies were carried out assessing media effects, newer approaches were carried out by Blumler and Katz (1974) through their study entitled, The Uses of Mass Communication in 1974. Their study expressed that viewers often have specific needs while watching television (Blumler & Katz, 1974). Sociologists have also discovered that audiences are active viewers, they analyse what they watch and break down the media through conventions, often assessing them i n terms of their social context (Morley, 1995). Still, even with the studies made on the effects, it is still difficult to determine the impact of numerous media text. Viewers of War of the Worlds were actually already very much affected and anxious about the threat of war in most parts of the world (Sherry, 2004). Moreover, the copycat killings following the release of the film Natural Born Killers in 1994 were actually carried out by

Role of PACs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Role of PACs - Essay Example President Theodre Roosevelt in 1905 brought laws which could govern the conducts of aspirants during the campaign in order to reduce the abuses which had been reported. With him, came the Campaign Finance Act, which led to the limitation of wealthy individuals and special interest groups from funding aspirants. By this time, Political Action Committee (PAC) has been existing and they have had responsibilities in supporting the candidates and used a lot of money leading to the abuses. The successive developments in the PACs have been crucial in influencing the American political campaign as many of them are found of giving a larger amount of money to candidates with most recorded going to the presidential candidates and senators as well as governess. This paper will examine the roles of PACs and their activities in relation to presidency, congress among other things. Funding of Supper PACs The source of funding for PACs has for over the years remained unrealistic as many of the acts p assed have not been effective in managing the sources of funding to the candidates in efforts to minimize the election abuses. There have been a lot of funding sources to the PACs which have not been legitimized but, they are working showing how much the federal election commission is reluctant in putting the law into force. According to the federal Election Commission act of 1971, there was regulation of campaign spending and deterred abuses which were not to be disclosed to the public, as well as the individual’s contribution to the PACs. The act limited the individual’s contribution to $ 5,000 per year; it bared corporate organization and unions from directly contributing to the federal PACs. The act allowed the PACs to solicit contributions from executives, shareholders and members of their families. Since then, PACs have been solely mandated to solicit funds from individuals to a certain amount and prohibited unions and corporations from funding money for campaign s but instead for meeting administrative costs. However, the situation has since changed as the case file between Citizens United and the federal election commission in the Supreme Court allowed PACs to get unlimited funding from unions and corporations. PACs have a wider sources of funding ranging from cooperate organizations to individuals shares contributions (Welch et al 242). PACs Agenda The agenda of PACs has been to campaign for their presidential candidates in every manner. This has been achieved through spreading negative propaganda against their opponents by smearing campaign. They are meant to look for tactics and campaign strategies which will make their candidates excel through influencing more preferences towards him or her. Their agenda is to influence voters through mass adverts in the media which will be in their favor and goes against their opponents. Throughout their activities, they have influenced the outcome of the presidential and congress outcome as well as i nfluencing the public opinion and participation by the roles they play in campaigns for or against candidates. This has made them have a crucial agenda in determining the outcome of the presidential election, as well as the voter’s participation through the use of money (Luhr par 3). Similarly, they have an outstanding role in influencing the congress towards implementing policies,

Utopia and liberated Women in Contemporary Advertising Essay

Utopia and liberated Women in Contemporary Advertising - Essay Example Despite their ability to cast these commercials and deliver a final polished product to the user, the result of the commercial still give a level of turbulence that is hidden to the readers or viewers of these commercials. Fowles also gives an analysis of the dynamics that are behind the creativity of an advert and the level of research that it takes to generate the same. Morden advertising details pervades most areas of social life. It is, for this reason, that advertisements have become the subject of many discourses. MacCurdy (2012) observes the iconic nature of the advertisement communication and images from a cultural perspective. The study denotes the fact that in the prevailing advertisement cultures, the iconic belief that is promoted by utopian undertones produce a therapeutic relief to the audience. In many women magazines the communication that is persistent is skewed towards a relief of the anxieties that women face in fashion. As such the exploitation of the same is common in the delivery of any marketing communication that is to do with women. Liberation from the same is therefore necessary within the context of marketing communication. The therapeutic nature of advertisements is supposed to quell a level of anxiety that psychological factors put on people (Dyer, 1992). The anxiety is usually common in women and is as a result of the common problems that could be solved in different ways in fashion and beauty. The paradox that is raised, in this case, is that despite the therapeutic ads providing a level of solace to the audience, it instead raises the same. It is due to this paradoxical view that is presented by these ads that this study seeks to review postmodern advertisements in terms of utopia and the liberated woman mind set. The notions above and this preceding discussion set the stage for the essay. Particularly the concept of utopia in relation to the design and delivery of this information marketing communication is reviewed

Week 2 Assignment 1.2 Submission Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Week 2 1.2 Submission - Assignment Example Our security team suggested that there might be a direct link between the two events. So it behooves us to remind our employees of their responsibilities pertaining to the secure use of the company email and messaging systems. Any employees of this company can have NO expectation of privacy concerning email, phone, IM, Text messaging, web browsing or data   when using company resources. These resources include but are not limited to: The company provides internet and email access solely for business purposes. We encourage the use of email and instant messaging in order to help facilitate the speedy communication between departments and branches. The company provides these technological services in an effort to represent our company in the most productive manner possible to our clients. However, we discourage the use of email and instant messaging for personal reasons using company equipment. Such types of use exposes our company servers and clients to electronic problems such as identity theft and hacking. Therefore, it is the responsibility of every employee to ensure our server security by responsibly using the email and messaging system of the company. Any improper use of the Internet or e-mail is not acceptable and will not be permitted. Harassment of any kind is prohibited. No messages with derogatory or inflammatory remarks about an individuals race, age, disability, religion, national origin, physical attributes or sexual preference shall be transmitted. Any deviation by an employee from the aforementioned guidelines for the proper use of company email and instant messaging shall result in the immediate termination of employment and the possible cancellation of his separation and/or retirement

Micro economic analysis-Bosley's by pet value Essay

Micro economic analysis-Bosley's by pet value - Essay Example The Company is driven by a commitment towards its client that basically involves a guaranteed satisfaction among its clients; with an agreement to refund clients in case they fell they are not properly served (www.bosleys.com). Additionally, Bosley by Pet Value is driven by the commitment to develop and maintain a good rapport with its clients, through creating a pleasant environment for clients as they shop. On the other hand, the company is driven by the philosophy based on the belief that good nutrition is the foundation for healthy and happy animals. In this regard, the company has employed experts on animal nutrition to ensure that animals are provided with best premium brand food, thus healthy life (www.bosleys.com). The success of this retail company over the last three decades can be attributed to a number of operational strategies that is has employed overtime. These operational strategies have enhanced its competitive advantage over the last three decades, thus making it one of the largest retails in British Columbia (www.bosleys.com). The operational strategies do not only focus on provision of high quality pet food products, but also extends towards the provision appropriate prices. The company has employed the following pricing strategies: This is a pricing strategy that was recently introduced by the company. Specifically, the company has introduced this pricing concept in Vancouver as well as in all the retail shops in British Columbia. This strategy involves the provision of flyer saving and special offers after a client has purchased a product. Basically, the flyers indicate goods and services that are offered at discounted prices and the special offers that are currently provided by the company. The company has also employed the concept of special promotion as a strategy for pricing its products. Basically, special promotions involve providing clients with

Three Metaphors, the Birth Rate, and Solutions Research Paper

Three Metaphors, the Birth Rate, and Solutions - Research Paper Example In a bid to solve its own problems, the self-contained village in Ireland closes the doors for any possible aid from foreign quarters. It is aimed at ensuring that the region’s internal problems are given a local solution through the cooperation of the haves and the have-nots. To consolidate its resolve, the region has developed a five-step solution that demonstrates the manner in which the locked region plagued with severe poverty could do if the rich and poor people really collaborate to achieve the desired emancipation of the poor: â€Å"I do not, of course, want to dispute the contention that governments of affluent nations should be giving many times the amount of genuine, no-strings-attached aid that they are giving nowI agree, too, that giving privately is not enough, and that we ought to be campaigning actively for entirely new standards for both public and private contributions to famine relief† (Singer 402-13). If this should be the case and the poor should be made part and parcel of the developed solution, then essential moral or proper Christian assistance will not be dissipated on producing inadvertent consequences like diseases, population explosion, famine, environmental corrosion, and hunger among others. Basically, the five-point solution involves the following initiatives: taxing absentee landlords; purchasing furniture and clothes produced only in Ireland; averting lavishness and conspicuous consumption to boost one’s discretionary income available for charity; prevailing upon landlords to be merciful to their tenants; and, finally, the working poor, once they become modest shopkeepers, have an obligation to remain modest merchants, regardless of the meagerness of their income.

The Mission of the Ideal Organization Assignment - 2

The Mission of the Ideal Organization - Assignment Example One basic assumption of an ideal organization’s culture and structure is the provision of a graphic profile of the enterprise’s traditions in terms of the behavioral norms that employees need to exhibit. Fitting in and meeting organizational expectations make up another basic assumption of an ideal organization. These anticipations guide the attitude of employees towards their work and the way they socialize with coworkers and superiors. The structure of an ideal organization would be functional. A functional structure concentrates on building very effective and specified divisions that carry out specialized duties. A functional organizational structure would be broken down into three business divisions: retail and business, asset management, and wholesale finance. Administration of these divisions would revolve around centralization, hierarchy, and departmentalization. If the organization were a large corporation, specialization would be commendable for the accomplishment of bureaucratic administration. Additionally, departmentalizing differing aspects of the organization’s operations should maximize effectiveness.  

Cancer Vaccination Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Cancer Vaccination - Case Study Example Vaccinations for Cervical Cancer should be given to young girls ranging from 12 years old and above. More likely, parents might have doubts and preemptions that this would only encourage their children to become sexually exposed at such an early age. However, the fact that it is a necessary step to having healthier status in the future, such allegations must be set aside and instead teach the children of the morl-basics they should know about sexuality. This could prevent the immoral act more than what the non-vaccination option could do. (Sakda, 6). This is the reason why vaccination to avoid this situation should be strongly implemented by social workers and in turn should also be widely accepted by the society. Of course, with an aim to preserve health, cooperation between people in the society is vital concept to consider (Del Rosario, 2,3). These two major findings mainly show the importance of the vaccination provided usually by the government to be able to take assurance of the health of the people in the community. The researchers were able to meet this certain conclusion based from "sample population" studies, which they referred to as the core "source of the study". Through the researches performed it had been cleared that vaccination activities are indeed helpful in lowering the rates of women having cervical cancer in their mid-30's. The fact that there is a certain importance placed upon the vitality of the vaccination, it should also be clear that even the governments have the responsibilities in providing their people with such services. This is in connection with their aim to continuously help their people develop healthy lives. On the other hand, the social preemption that young girls would be prone to sexual activities once they would be provided by the vaccination have been proven true, yet it could be solved through open and often parent- daughter counseling regarding matters connected with sexual activities. Indeed, there is also a vital role for parents when it comes to the effectiveness of the implementation of the vaccination matter. There are many advantages brought about by this vaccinating provisions. As Martin's study points out that "Vaccination of young girls aged 12 against the virus which causes cervical cancer cuts deaths from such diseases up to 75 percent. In this way, the lessened death rates help women to be able to enjoy their lives longer and be even more productive as well. OF ALL the diseases that afflict

Negative Economic Impact of the Ppaca Essay Example for Free

Negative Economic Impact of the Ppaca Essay Negative Economic Impact of the Patient Protection and Accountable Care Act The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) also referred to as ObamaCare, federal healthcare law, Affordable Care Act, or ACA, is a United States federal Statute signed into law on March 23, 2010, by President Barack Obama. In combination with the Healthcare and Education Reconciliation Act, it represents the most significant regulatory overhaul of the U.S. healthcare system since the passage of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965 (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act). The PPACA is intended to increase the number of health insured Americans and reduce the overall costs of healthcare. The PPACA will revamp the current health insurance system by extending health insurance coverage to nearly 32 million currently uninsured Americans; 18 million through Medicaid expansion to individuals with incomes under the 133 percent federal poverty line (FPL), and 18 million through government exchange subsidies to individuals with incomes up to 400 percent of the FPL. Citizens and legal residents in families with income between 100 and 400 percent of poverty who purchase coverage through a health insurance exchange are eligible for a tax credit to reduce the cost of coverage. To subsidize the additional 32 million individuals covered, the new law introduces 18 new taxes and penalties on individuals, employers, and businesses (Campbell). Though the PPACAs intent is to lower healthcare costs, it will increase the federal deficit, increase state deficits, hinder employment, job creation and innovation, increase health insurance costs, and delay economic growth. These negative economic issues are far-reaching and long lasting. Increase the Federal Deficit One of the goals for the PPACA was to reduce the federal deficit by a small amount in the first ten years and by trillions of dollars thereafter. Contrary to this key objective, the combination of mandates and taxes will not reduce the federal deficit, but will likely increase it. The PPACA is estimated to increase the federal deficit by $75 billion, per year, resulting in the nation’s publicly held debt to grow to $753 billion higher at the end of 2020 (Campbell). Once the government begins to pay health insurance for individuals through subsidies and bring people into the government insurance program in the later half of the decade, this growing debt will balloon. The CBO’s updated 2011 estimates found that the PPACA will increase federal outlays by roughly $604 billion between 2012 and 2021 (Blahous). The excessive debt will drive out productive investments and lead to an estimated 670,000 lost job opportunities annually. The imposed tax hikes are anticipated to cost taxpayers $503 billion over 10 years and more in the future to subsidize government spending on new entitlements (Dubay). The standing budget analysis is very limited, as it does not account for how the policy’s combination of spending and increased taxes alters the macroeconomic performance of the economy. The heavy initial costs of the policy hinder economic growth with higher inflation and interest rates, overwhelming the benefits the law hoped to gain in later years. Within the PPACA, legislation double counts $53 billion in Social Security payments, counts $70 billion in premium payments for long-term care insurance programs as revenues, and ignores up to $115 billion in discretionary costs associated with the PPACA (Howard). After discounting the double counting of Social Security payments, long-tern care premium payments as revenue, and takes discretionary costs into account, the true financial deficit of the PPACA during its first ten years is over $562 billion, and $1.15 trillion thereafter (Howard). Increases the State’s Deficit Not only does the PPACA have a serious negative impact on the federal deficit, but also on state’s budgets, several of which are already suffering multibillion-dollar budget deficits. Medicaid spending currently consumes about 20 percent of state’s budgets, crowding out spending on everything else from education to infrastructure (Howard). States will be held responsible for roughly 11 million uninsured Americans who are eligible for Medicaid but have never enrolled. In 2014, many of these individuals will sign up for coverage under the pre-PPACA rate, which varies by state, and is far more complex. The mandated spending makes an already bad fiscal situation worse, as states are projected to face $21 billion in new Medicaid costs from 2014 – 2019, not including up to $12 billion in new administrative costs (Howard). While this reduces the $442 billion in new Medicaid costs for the federal government, many state budgets are already facing huge deficits and cannot afford any new outlays. In fact, they need to cut spending to balance their budgets. The increased rolls of people on Medicaid will continue to put financial pressures on state’s budgets, leading to further economically destructive tax increases, budget cuts, and state employee layoffs. Hinders Employment, Job Creation, and Innovation The PPACA imposes a 2.3% medical device tax, $2.3 billion annual tax on the pharmaceutical industry, and $2,000, per employee, tax penalty on employers with 50 or more workers who do not provide their employee’s insurance coverage or â€Å"adequate† insurance coverage. Stock shares fell in the medical device sector on June 28, 2012, the day the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the majority of the new healthcare law. In accordance with the new law, medical device manufacturers are subjected to pay a 2.3% sales tax on medical device sales. Scheduled to go into effect in January 2013, the excise tax on medical devices is a blow to innovation, will cost the industry more than $28 billion by 2019, destroy 14,000 to 47,1000 jobs, and increase the cost of medical devices (Graham). Several major manufacturers have already been affected and are preparing for the new healthcare tax. Welch Allyn plans to lay off 275 employees, 10% of their workface, over the next three years. Stryker plans on countering the medical device tax by cutting five percent of their global workforce, an estimated 1,170 positions. Zimmer Corp cites the tax for 450 job cuts and a $50 million charge against earnings. Cook Medical has nixed plans to open a manufacturing factory in the United States, moving business overseas to Ireland. Medtronic anticipates a $175 million annual charge against earnings, forcing the company to cut 1,000 jobs between 2012 and 2013. Boston Scientific is removing between 1,200 and 1,400 jobs, while shifting investments and workers overseas to China. In addition to the companies just mentioned, the following companies are also facing future layoffs at the hands of Obamacare. Smith Nephew: 700 employees, Abbott Labs: 700 employees, Coviden: 595 employees, Kinetic Concepts: 427 employees, St. Jude Medical: 300 employees, and Hill Rom: 200 employees. The medical device industry is the sixth leading exporter in the United States (Top US Exports). The impact of this tax will likely reduce exports, thereby exacerbating the trade deficit and damage the medical device industry. Obamacare will hit pharmaceutical companies with more than $20 billion in new taxes over the next ten years. Some companies cannot bear a massive tax bill and risk failure of multimillion-dollar research. The American economy benefits remarkably from the vast amounts that pharmaceutical companies invest into research and development. New drug therapies help increase the economy, because research and development expenses directly create jobs, and successful drugs enrich people’s health and can free up caretakers for more productive pursuits. For example, the cost of caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia will reach $200 billion this year and $1 trillion by 2050 (Pipes). A new treatment that could delay the onset of Alzheimer’s by five years would decrease the prevalence of the disease by 43 percent and save $447 billion by 2050 (Pipes). Beginning in 2014, employers with more than 49 employees will pay a non-deductible penalty of $2,000 for each employee beyond the first 30 employees if they do not offer minimum creditable health coverage. If an employer fails to provide affordable coverage, and at least one employee receives insurance through a state-based exchange, the penalty rises to $3,000 per employee (Howard). The law mandate is estimated to cost businesses an additional $96 billion between 2012 and 2019 (Howard). One economist notes that the $2,000 penalty will amount to costs averaging 15% of wages in the restaurant industry and nearly 10% of wages in the retail sector, provid ing an incentive to hire part-time, lower wage employees (Willnite). Many businesses will move toward hiring part-time instead of full-time employees to mitigate the health-care overhaul’s requirement. â€Å"32% of retail and hospitality company respondents told Mercer consulting firm that they were likely to reduce the number of employees working 30 hours a week or more† (Jargon). The CBO predicts that the law will reduce the number of jobs in the U.S. by one half of one percent, equating to about 700,000 additional Americans being unemployed. Employers with fewer than 50 employees that do not provide health insurance are disincentivized to grow beyond the â€Å"cap† and incur a penalty, further reducing unemployment and growth. One small business owner of an IHOP franchise in New Jersey anticipates penalties up to $220,000 for his 140 uninsured workers, forcing him to raise prices or lay off workers. â€Å"Ultimately, either businesses will close or consumers will pay more† (Dubay). Dana Holding Corp warned their employees of potential layoffs, citing $24 million over the next six years in additional U.S. healthcare expenses. The company has already begun laying off white collar employees. The CBO predicts three million people will lose employer based coverage as a result of the PPACA, noting firms that tend to drop coverage are smaller employers and employers who employ low wage workers. Other sources have estimated as many as 43 million low wage employees may be dropped into the state exchanges. This would significantly increase taxpayer obligations and further increase the cost of the program. To compensate for the new tax expenses, companies can reduce profits, reduce administrative costs, reduce labor costs (fewer jobs or lower wages), or raise their premiums. The global capital market is highly competitive and many companies already have prevailing incentives to redu ce administrative costs. Therefore, they are more likely to raise premiums or reduce labor costs, or a combination of both. Mercer, an employee benefits consulting firm, revealed in a November 2012 research study that in addition to considering lower-cost plans, two-thirds of companies polled said they would also raise health care costs for workers through higher co-pays and deductibles, regardless of whether the employee is a CEO or a line worker at a factory (Murphy). This is a job destroying law that will negatively affect nearly everyone. The cost of the tax increase will result in lower wages, hire unemployment, lower hours worked per employee, cut jobs, lower profits, lower shareholder returns, less innovation, and higher prices for consumers. The new tax mandate will create access barriers to healthcare and services, further increasing costs. Companies will proceed very cautiously before committing themselves to new investments and employment decisions. The effect this has on economic growth, innovation, and job creation is significantly counterproductive toward the goal of increase growth in this anemic economy. Increased Health Insurance Costs The PPACA imposes a number of new requirements on health insurance companies, including being barred from setting premiums based on medical history, limitation to varying premiums based on age, extending dependent coverage for adult children until the age of 26, and eliminating the lifetime cap on health insurance coverage. The effects on the provisions and taxes will likely be passed onto employers and individuals in the form of higher insurance premiums, especially for younger adults, thereby subsidizing older Americans. The law allows premium costs to vary by a ratio of three to one, based on age. Heritage research specifies â€Å"The natural variation by age in medical costs is about five to one, meaning that the oldest group of non-Medicare adults normally consumes about five times as much medical care as the youngest group.† Under Obamacare, young adults will pay exaggeratedly high premiums, and older adults will pay unnaturally low premiums. Young adults in the exchange, who are under the age of 30, will see an eight percent increase in their premiums (Radnofsky). The ban on establishing premiums based on medical history also increases premiums for individuals who are healthy. Individuals with chronic disease have healthcare expenses three times greater than those without chronic disease. The Kaiser Family Foundation study found that due to the health law’s restrictions on how much prices can vary by age, having older, sicker people participating in the insurance exchanges could drive up premiums for everyone in those exchanges by three percent, or $141 for each enrollee in 2014. Delay Economic Growth The law charges insurance companies and imposes a 40 percent excise tax on individuals with high-premium insurance plans. The excise tax applies to insurance plan premiums exceeding $8,500 for individuals and $23,000 for families, for the cost of combining health savings accounts, medical, prescription drugs, dental, vision, etc. There is a higher threshold for early retirees and high-risk professionals of $9,850 for singles and $26,000 for a family. Until 2019, these thresholds will be indexed to the general price inflation, plus one percent. In CBO’s latest projections, the plan is expected to cost taxpayers $87 billion between 2011 and 2019. The PPACA enforces a new 3.8% investment income tax and an additional 0.9% Medicare payroll tax on individuals with annual income exceeding $200,000 and on families and small businesses with annual income exceeding $250,000. Similar to the previous law’s Medicare payroll tax, the revenue from the additional 0.9 percent tax will be allocated to the Medicare HI Trust Fund. The tax increase is expected to cost this group of individuals $210 billion between 2012 and 2019 (Howard). High tax rates carry economic penalties. They cause taxpayers to base decisions more on tax considerations and less on economic merit. Additionally, high taxes can shrink the size of the tax base, raising less revenue than the causal bystander might assume. A study by Ernst and Young has concluded higher tax rates will result in a significant increase in the average marginal tax rates on businesses, wages, and investment income, as well as the marginal effective tax rate on new business investment (Prante). The study finds that these higher marginal tax rates result in a smaller economy, fewer jobs, less investment, and lower wages. Specifically, the study found that the higher tax rates will have a substantial adverse economic affect in the long-run that includes lowering output, employment, investment, the capital stock, and after tax income. Higher tax rates on wages reduce work effort and labor force participation (Prante). The higher tax rates on capital gains and dividends increase the cost of equity capital, which discourages savings and investment, and reduces capital available for companies to grow. In effect, capital investment falls, which reduces labor productivity and means lower output and living standards in the long run (Prante). These economic destructive policies will impede an already weak economy. Conclusion PPACA’s taxes, penalties, and fees on investors and businesses will decrease the amount of investment in the economy. The law is packed full of taxes on individuals, employers, medical device companies, insurance companies, and pharmaceutical companies. Almost all of these costs will be passed along to employers and individuals in the form of higher insurance premiums, reduced wages and employment, and reduced investment in products and services. In turn, this reduced investment will lead to a decline in productivity. Higher taxes on investments also put upward pressure on interest rates as investors seek to achieve their after-tax desired rate of return. Lower wages reduce the amount of taxable income that could otherwise have been achieved. This will increase the deficit and grow the total debt, putting upward pressure on interest rates and push out some savings that could have gone to new productive business investments. Due to higher interest rates, more American tax dollars will go toward paying the interest on the federal debt rather than paying down principle. Simulations using dynamic analysis estimate that the government would spend an average of $23 billion more per year on interest rate payments between 2010 and 2020 that it would without the PPACA (Campbell). The enactment of the PPACA has and will continue to substantially worsen a dire federal fiscal and economic outlook, accomplishing the opposite of its intention. The actual economic cost in money and jobs will not fully be known for years, but the outlook is dismal at best. Works Cited Blahous, Charles. The Fiscal Consequences of the Affordable Health Care Act. Mercatus Center at George Mason University, n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2012. http://mercatus.org/sites/default/files/publication/The-Fiscal-Consequences-of-the-Affordable-Care-Act_1.pdf. Dubay, Curtis S. Obamacare and New Taxes: Destroying Jobs and the Economy. Tax Increases in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The Heritage Foundation, 20 Jan. 2011. Web. 30 Nov. 2012. http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2011/01/obamacare-and-new-taxes-destroying-jobs-and-the-economy. Graham, John R. Obamacares Medical-Device Tax Kills Patients, Not Just Jobs.Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 06 June 2012. Web. 03 Dec. 2012. http://www.forbes.com/sites/aroy/2012/06/06/obamacares-medical-device-tax-kills-patients-not-just-jobs/. Howard, Paul. The Impact of the Affordable Care Act on the Economy, Employers, and the Workforce. Center for Medical Progress at the Manhattan Institute, 9 Feb. 2011. Web. 21 Nov. 2012. http://www.man hattan-institute.org/pdf/testimony_02092011PH.pdf. Jargon, Julie, Louise Radnofsky, and ALexandra Berzon. Health Care Law Spurs a Shift to Part Time Workers. Wall Street Journal. N.p., 4 Nov. 2012. Web. 2012. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204707104578094941709047834.html?mod=djemHL_t. Murphy, Patricia. Cadillac Tax in Health Plan Would Hit Middle Class Hard. Politics Daily. The Capitolist, n.d. Web. 30 Nov. 2012. http://www.politicsdaily.com/2009/12/17/cadillac-tax-in-health-plan-would-hit-middle-class-hard/. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Classroom Management And Discipline Plan Education Essay

Classroom Management And Discipline Plan Education Essay Students must understand the behaviors that are expected of them. The students will help the teacher make classroom rules the first few days of school. Each student will brainstorm and give a classroom rule that they would like to include. The student will give a rule or rules as the teacher list them on the board and the teacher would consolidate the rules to 4 or 5 basic classroom rules. This will give the students a sense of involvement and acceptance in the class if they help with the rules. The classroom rules help keep the rules simply and the students on task as well as helping the student succeed in the classroom. Be polite and kind The teacher will give an example for better understanding of the rule such as no name-calling and listen carefully when others are speaking. Respect others and yourself as well as their property. This is a general rule that all students need to understand. Return borrowed materials, do not write on desks, pick up litter, do not use other persons things without permission. Talk only with permission. Dont talk when others are talking. This rule is another general rule that must be explained such as when the teacher is giving instruction do not talk or interrupt. If you are in small group talk quietly in the group and do not disturb others. Obey all school rules. This is an important rule that helps with general school rules such as no talking or running in the hallway. It also suggests to the students that they must abide by all school rules. REWARDS AND CONSEQUENCES Maintaining good student behavior requires good communication, monitoring and consequences. Young children are more likely to follow a rule just by the teacher asking but motivation is a good way to maintain appropriate behaviors. Sometimes a deterrent is needed to avoid negative behaviors of students. REWARDS Positive feedback is a great motivation for most students. Explain what is expected of the students. Positive verbal praise such as good job, way to go, great idea. Positive written comments on papers such as stickers with sayings such as great job, star student, etc. Reward improvement Recognition by giving awards or certificates. Display student work Material incentives after earning certain number of points such as pencils, stickers, erasers, other materials Extra recess time for good work or group cooperation. CONSEQUENCES Rely on corrective feedback for struggling students Communicate dissatifiacation with student behavior Demerit System is totaled daily and weekly (Start over daily) 1st violation warning 2nd violation student will have extra written work such as writing spelling words 5 times. 3rd violation loss of privileges 4th violation referral to principal/note sent home to parents Student grades will be affected, such as reductions of grades for late, missing or incomplete assignments. 4. If the student bring items to school that are not allowed that item or items would be confiscated. Starting School First few days of school, learning names of the students, teaching and sending messages. The first few days are a very important time especially for classroom management. There are several ways the teacher can prepare the students for management. Students will feel more comfortable in the classroom if the learn other student names in the classroom and students realize that everyone has similarities and differences. The main goal of the school year is to obtain student cooperation with following the rules and learning the rules and successfully completing classroom assignments. If the students feel comfortable and welcome in the classroom they are more likely to listen and respect the teacher and other students in the classroom. Below is a list of procedures to be used for the beginning of the classroom activities. Play a game that will help introduce each other to the classroom. Such as introduce myself to the classroom and tell a little something about myself to the classroom. Then let students introduce him or her and tell something special about themselves. What are my expectations? Introduce my love of music and explain the different activities that the student will be involved in during the school year? What is the grading system? Keep it simply. Help students with uncertainties and make them feel comfortable enough to ask questions, etc. Let the student know that I am available for them, being visible, monitoring the classroom and letting them know the class can have fun and still learn without disrupting others. B) Starting School First Day Activities Greet students Welcome students and have nametags on each desk so the student will know where they are sitting. Introduction Brief introduction of myself Use a game to let students introduce themselves. Have work sheets or other activities for students to complete after introductions. Room description Describe class schedule such as classroom time, lunchtime, recess, etc. Set a positive tone. Teach procedures, as they are needed and step-by-step instructions. Content Activities Give whole group instruction to the classroom. Plan activities so students can succeed. Have extra activities for students who finish early. Time fillers Be prepared for the unexpected Have ideas ready for the classroom such as handouts, work sheets, word puzzles, coloring pages. Administrative activities Complete list of students for the roll book, give out school handbooks and other paperwork for the students/parents to complete and return to school. Have textbooks, texts, and forms for the students Materials or supplies checklist for each student Available conference times and contact information Special information Closing activities Set aside a few minutes before the end of the day and go over with the students before they leave a brief review of the day activities and discuss with the students what they have learned, found difficult, and liked about the day. Comment on students good work and good behavior to reinforce expectations and keep the tone position. C) Daily Schedule times, procedures A list of daily activities will be posted in the classroom as well as weekly activities for the students to know what is expected. Schedule will include: Reading This will include language arts, writing skills Bathroom break Math This will include math work sheets and work with manipulatives Lunch/Bathroom break Library /computer lab/art or music Social studies Science Time to clean up, get backpack ready Time to leave D) Within class and weekly schedule times for specific activities Since some activities will change within the daily schedule such as library, computer lab, art and music it is important to highlight activities that will change. Special activities such as group activities with the school and different groups or clubs that will have special events for the students will also be a change for the classroom. School pictures, field trips as well as other activities will change your schedule. The daily schedule as a teacher will have to be flexible and ready for the unexpected. E) Procedures and routines for critical times and activities Beginning day, periods Each day briefly review major materials and focal points from the previous day. Ending day, periods Make sure that each student understand what they are expected to learn form the material and give the students time to ask questions. Transitions within day, within class The class will follow the teacher cues and learn routines for changing into whole group and small group instructions. The classroom will also become familiar with centers and time for transitions for lunch, library and other activities. Planning times Planning times will occur before and after school. In the afternoon to prepare for the next day such as making sure materials that are needed for the lessons are available. Materials locations, distribution and collection. The teacher will have shelves for books, cabinets/drawers for large materials such as paper, crafts, math manipulatives, etc. Each student will have their own materials that are left at their desk such as pencils, paper, erasers, crayons or markers, individual dry eraser boards, etc. The teacher will also have a center that has extra pencils, crayons, scissors and other materials that would be needed in the classroom. Collection of schoolwork would depend on the activity or assignment such as individual or group work. Individual work would be collected and graded as well as group work as appropriate. Attendances, tardiness , make -up work, etc. The teacher will keep a roll book of student and take attendance daily, tardiness will also be noted . If a student is absent then the student will complete their schoolwork within 3 days after their return or as determined by school policy. If students are absence for extended periods such as serious injury or illness or surgery for example then the teacher would work with the student and his or her parents on a case by case basic or as determined by school policy, etc. F) Student accountability systems Supervision and monitoring The teacher will walk around the room as necessary for supervision and monitoring of schoolwork. The students will be spaced out for testing such as spelling, reading, science and social studies tests. In-class work Class work will be turned in daily and graded by the teacher or with older students they will self-grade some of their daily work Homework When introducing new skills to the students or the students need extra practice then homework will be sent home to help with further understanding. Returning papers Homework and other papers will be returned daily or the next school day. Papers will be graded daily and returned to the student so they will know what areas they are doing well in and also the areas that they need to work on. Communicating grades Homework and other graded papers will be sent home daily for the parents to be aware of the students progress. Each Monday the teacher will send home progress reports with each subject listed and the grade for each subject for the parent to sign and return weekly so the parents are aware of the students progress. Quizzes, other assessments Quizzes will be given to make sure the students are learning a new skill or skills that is introduced. Other assessments that will be used to grade students activities such as science projects or experiments and students can work together in groups. Other hands -on activities may include reading maps or work globes, etc. G) Structuring instruction Notebooks Notebooks will be used to keep activities and daily homework. Each day the student will place their notebooks in their desks and keep paperwork in them. For older students, notebooks will be kept for paperwork, materials and other paperwork for each subject. Folders Individual students folders will be keep and will also be put in their backpack and took home each day with daily work, homework and other paperwork. Other systems for instructional activities Weekly schedule and weekly newsletter will be sent home each Monday that lists each subject and the skills that will be taught for the week as well as any weekly reminders of upcoming events. Filler activities Activities will be set up in small groups or centers needed for extra educational activities. Education games will be used for the centers such as word games, reading activities, matching games, math games, etc. Giving instructions steps, posting etc. Each activities will be given specific instructions such as verbal or written instructions. H) Dealing with discipline problems in the classroom As a teacher there are many ways for classroom disruptions that are beyond our control such as intercom announcements and other classroom disruptions. In order to maintain appropriate behavior it is best to teach desirable responses regarding classroom interruptions. Reinforcing desirable behaviors When a student is behaving appropriately let the student be aware of the good behavior. For example, by stating, I really like the way James or Sally is sitting quietly and listening. I like the way Molly is raising her hand before asking a question. I am happy to see John, Amy and Matt standing in line quietly in the hallway. Praising good behavior helps others want to do the right behavior. Techniques for dealing with minor disruptions If minor disruptions occur the first approach would be to response to the student by the following procedures: Ignore Eye Contact Move closer in proximity Gesture or shoulder touch Questioning Techniques for dealing with chronic misbehaviors Dealing with chronic misbehaviors would include using some form of accountability by using a tally or other system to keep up with misbehavior as follows: Warning Written work Additional schoolwork Lose of privileges Send to principal/Note to parents/guardian Referral to principal or other personnel Referral to principal or other personnel would result as a last resort such as student refusing to listen to the teacher or being a disruption to the whole class. If the student were not responding to any action that the teacher has tried or offered then the student would be sent to the principals office for consequence of his/her actions. Techniques for dealing with severe problems If a student is threatening others, fighting or bringing inappropriate items into the classroom that the school has determined dangerous or illegal then I would follow school policy in regards to inappropriate behaviors. Student actions may result in the students being placed in school detention, expelled for a few days or in extreme cases expelled for the school year. Desists and desisting If a student has numerous issues regarding inappropriate behaviors and nothing seems to work to deter a negative behavior and the student still desists then it may be necessary to remove the student from the classroom and place the student in detention. Sending a written letter home to the parent or guardian to explain the student actions/behaviors. NOTE: Select the least intrusive strategy to gain students compliance. Avoid lecturing/nagging. Parent communication Communication systems- letters, notes, calls One of the easiest ways a teacher can communicate with a parent or parents is to send home weekly progress reports and weekly classroom newsletters with identified areas or skills to learn for the week. Another good way to communicate is through the school website. E-mail is also a great way to communicate but not all families especially in rural areas have Internet access. The teacher can also provide contact numbers or contact hours for parents to communicate with them. Conferences Parent teacher conferences are a great way to get to know the parent and the type of family that the student comes from. Understanding a students background will help understand their styles of learning and what works best for each individual student. Involvement Teachers can also involve parents in school activities or invite parent if they have the time and opportunity to volunteer for a day in the classroom. Most parents like to stay involved even if they are unable to volunteer and another way for them to be involved is to donate materials, money or other things needed for the school or classroom. Dealing with moods, changes in weather, illness, etc. There are different situations that will affect the school day. Changes in moods are often related to weather. Some children do better when it is a sunny day versus a rainy or snowy day. Another distraction for children regarding the weather is a forecast of snow and the anticipation of a snow day. Sometimes illness of a child affects the classroom schedule. A child may not be sick when they arrive at school but during the day may develop a fever or sudden illness such as stomach virus or other illness. If this occurs, the teacher would refer the student to the school nurse to contact the parent or guardian to pick the student up from school. Modification of activities for specific times There are certain times that modification of class schedule will occur such as field trips, student assemblies, school fire drills, tornado drills, pep rallies or other activities. The teacher will adjust the class schedule and be flexible and prepared for any situation. Preparation and procedures for substitute teachers As a teacher I would have lesson plans for each week that would list daily schedule and list subject areas for each day/week. If the teacher is planning on being absent then materials, textbooks, paperwork and other materials would be listed and given to the substitute teacher in advance if the teacher has made plans to be absent. In other cases, if the teacher is ill or has other emergencies then the substitute would follow the lesson plans and use material that are in the classroom to help teach the class. K) Management of various instructional formats Whole group instruction As a teacher I would complete whole group instruction by explaining to the classroom the activity or subject they will be completing. Whole group instruction for younger children learning to read would be completed with the students gathered in a semi circle on the floor the teacher would start with echo reading to help the students with fluency, comprehension and reading with expression. Another example of whole group instruction in the subject are of math the teacher would use math manipulatives to show fractions using blocks representing how many triangle in a rectangle. Small group activities (and reading groups for elementary) Small group activities would include different activities set up for the students to learn computer skills, math games, and reading. Small groups of reading for elementary students will also allow the teacher to assess the students in the small group reading fluency and comprehension as well as phonics being able to sound out letters and words. Other formats particularly appropriate to the grade level or subject matter. Setting up simple science experiments for younger children to let them explore and complete hands-on activities seem to help motivate children to learn about science and their environment. In older students the students would be able to have a science lab or science workshop to perform experiments to create their own hypothesis.

Strategic Marketing Plan for the Guardian Newspaper

Strategic Marketing Plan for the Guardian Newspaper 1. Introduction Unlike any national newspapers, the Guardian can divide readers’ opinions. It can provoke feelings of contempt in critics, who might think its publications of the world to be satisfied and smug. On the other hand, loyal readers claim that their favorite newspaper could have alternative, critical and argumentative viewpoints, which are unique, distinct and separate it from its rivals. Many Guardian supporters continue to believe that their morning newspapers are essential in a way that no other articles would dare to challenge. However, in a globalization environment and with a modernized technology platform, brands should beware of being beached. Marketing activities of the Guardian were mainly relied on price and supporting special editions a decade ago. ‘The papers marketing department is planning an extensive operation to generate trial of the newspaper by Guardian faithfuls to secure an extra 40,000 readers. The first redesigned issue was available for 10p to Guardian readers and use will also be made of The Guardian’s database to direct mail 80,000 of its readers.’ [1] Additionally, the strategic plans have not yet been successful for the past years. The Guardian feels that it should be the natural Sunday choice for Guardian and any other liberal left readers in the market and it is testimony to the success of the newspaper. Nevertheless, there are still grounds to make up. 2. Strategic marketing plan 2.1. Technological innovation – Diversifying its targets The Guardian has tried to reach as many domestic and international consumers as possible. Many agencies have created a brand campaign in order to reflect the multi-media presence of the Guardian. It has remained innovation to adapt to the new business environment by continuously changing. In 2006, the newspapers marketing director Marc Sands has mentioned ‘If you aggregate the changes weve made over the last two years, such as the decision to print news stories on our website before theyve appeared in the newspaper, youll see the direction were moving in.’ [2] All good media brands should measure and publish across brand perceptions rather than just the number of circulations. Likewise, the Guardian has ensured its brand to increase its market shares globally. Its sales team has been able to inform their clients that the newspaper brand could help them buy across many platforms, not just the ones who are interested in reading newspaper. It is working with the industry and looking at different brands and measurements to enhance both sellers and buyers of advertising to have different platforms for different kinds of currency. ‘The newspapers branding has been attached to numerous technological advances in delivering content across a range of platforms. These includes the groups blog site Comment is Free already one of the worlds top 100 blogs according to technorati.com and G24, a regularly updated printable version of breaking news for commuters to read on the journey home.’ [3] Additionally more competition has happened. Through its own research, the Guardian has found out that ‘it is perceived as worthy and dull by lapsed readers. Those between 18 and 35 find it old-fashioned, tired, lacking style and too conservative. Over the past ten years 40 per cent of all readers under 35 have deserted the newspaper with female readers providing the greatest hemorrhage 50 per cent have dropped the paper.’ [4] As a result, the Guardian should diversify its market segmentation and try to divert perceptions of the consumers in its strategic plan. To continuously promote the articles to a target market of 18 to 35-year-olds, the Guardian should ensure that the future newspaper can provide appropriate advertising contents to attract target group to sell to advertisers. Decades ago, ‘This is partly down to the fact that the Saturday Guardian is a good product and its readers dont feel the need for a Sunday.’ [5] Furthermore, it should concern the lack of loyalty in the Sunday newspaper market, since the Sunday vouchers has been dropped during promotional campaign. As part of its attempt to stay ahead of a future of declining newspaper sales, the rise of number of obsessed youth and throwaway free newspapers through online contents should consider. 2.2. Relaunching strategies – Agency promotion Another strategy is promoting the brand through free newspaper with DVD and CD. The breaking-news market has been grounded in term of content, volume, target and the frequency of the quality press. Their high growth approaching method will bring with more strategic leverage, not just with DVDs for posh papers. Our relaunch strategy was all about encouraging people to reappraise The Guardian. says Richard Furness, circulation manager for Guardian Newspapers. The two free DVDs on consecutive Saturdays did just that we enjoyed our two highest-ever sales in the history of the newspaper, and our subsequent Saturday sales show that many have stuck with us.[6] Traditionally, newspapers used to facilitate the line with primary sales promotion tools that help to be hit in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) market. Since entertainment becomes a major decision for consumers to purchase a product, DVDs can lead to the right strategy to implement. Its an expensive but extremely good tool. says Dermot McPartlin, director of PD3, the agency that handled The Guardian DVD push. Essentially, the relaunch was a sampling exercise for the new product. The films that were used had a great synergy with the papers brand values and broad consumer appeal. [7] Over the past few years, due to the impacts of the World Wide Web, big newspapers have tried to transpose their brands onto the web. The obvious advantage of the online facility is that the internet can enable marketers to ask readers to register, and as a result, their customers’ concern can be responded quickly. The two-way dialogue could be promptly done and help build a meaningful relationship. When media can be effectively transferred their brand value online, demographics are essentially different from the newspapers with traditional hard copy delivery. Due to the lack of commitment on the part of print publisher, the online content is usually less well thoughtful. Additionally, print publishers have a print view of pricing, which might inhibit the realistic cost per response. Most print publishers have tried to stick to the standard rate. In fact, the newspapers have paid as little of the supposed price; but consumers have not yet realized that they have been overcharged for their online equivalents. However, the Guardian might be not the first title to adopt this template. ‘Heeding the large proportion of ads on newspaper web sites bought as part of cross-media campaigns, the Audit Bureau of Circulation has launched what it calls a Group Product Report, which aims to simplify the process of choosing a cross-media campaign by outlining the audited number of a newspapers print copies, its web sites page impressions and the footfall of any related exhibition.’ [8] The Guardian has made enormous efforts to provide compelling contents to cover all areas. To prove that the Guardian has been committed, will succeed and are succeeding, it should be more popular, both in domestic and international regions. 2.3. Facilitating banners Brand owners need to adjust their internal culture in order to persuade their customers that they have been reborn. They have different degrees of success in adapting when the ground moves beneath their feet. However, cultural difference for a big brand, like the Guardian which has a strong worldwide impact, can cause a steady and slow procedure, rather than a prompt fire remedy. The Guardian seem trapped in its culture, hardcopy print, producing innovative information, but still seems unsuited to a new technology trend, the World Wide Web. Coy about the exact revenue Guardian Unlimited is pulling in, Waldman says: Our revenues are growing very rapidly in all areas of the site, and through all types of advertising from banners and buttons through to e-commerce partnerships and sponsorships. Elaborating this point, Guardian Unlimiteds commercial development manager, Helen Mayor, says: Increasingly offline sales teams like ourselves are looking to mirror the developments and integrated structure of the agencies involved in buying traditional and online. [9] Using both digital and print in a cross-media campaign, the Guardian has tried to run an aggressive competition. The inherent conflict between the media buying community and the promoting sales can cause difficulties to implement. The sales operations in a large organization is gearing up for a cross-media sell, while the media buying operations have focused on expertise in dedicated media division, which specializes exclusively in online content for planning and purchasing. Many media agencies have established their interactive departments in response to what they have perceived, rather than what the real demand could be in the market. ‘The Guardian is to yield to commercial pressures and make people register to visit its Websites. The Guardian, which last week unveiled details of a staffing revamp in its new media division, is to introduce registration on its revamped Websites. The move is intended to improve its appeal to display and classified advertisers.’ [10] The Guardian sales team has determined that although many uncertainties have existed in the marketplace, the Internet is still a relatively new medium. The bold strategic framework to take first step to integrate into both media will help the sales teams feel confident with both media. These strategies might question the competence of the agencies in order to understand and properly facilitate the web as a media channel distribution. 3. Proposals The Guardian has created more original content than any agency in town and has led the way in online publishing. The question is not just about the internet media channel, but the growing part of the Guardian brand. ‘Its hardly surprising, because every day in the UK some 13.5 million national papers are sold, which could easily mean over 20 million people read them. Yet, if predictions from Jupiter Communications prove correct and US trends wend their way to the UK, online advertising will outstrip magazines or radio by 2005.’ [11] Additionally, the Guardian brand management should not think that consumers as people to be targeted, but people to be engaged to work for the brand. Increasing fragmentation, differentiation and proliferation of media channels are arising trends in consumer sovereignty, gained through internet technology. Consumers are establishing their own channels if they could get anything in return, such as customizing products themselves, entertaining and exploring their own world, expressing their voices, knowledge that they are buying social responsible products, or simply just saving their time, creating most convenient means for them; they are willing to pay for and work for that brand. With that concept in mind, the successful brand of the future will be most productive and efficient to facilitate the mix of consumers-employees relationship. Agencies will consider themselves as consultant for brand, which help recruit and engage consumers for ideas, dialogue, gaining consumers’ consents as well. As a result, the Guardian’s research and measurement will need to gain clear insights into the consumer-brand relationship as well as understand the value of consumers-employees. With the current technology trends, consumers can find faster and cheaper ways to get information. In fact, news publishers are challenged to engage and fulfill consumers’ expectations. Thus, the following proposals can help the Guardian engage consumers to ‘work’ for its brand. 3.1. The Guardian should increase C2C (consumer-to-consumer) business and reduce B2C (business-to-consumer) interface. The Guardian should facilitate the concept ‘the word-of mouth’ among key consumers. It should consider ‘consumers as media’. 3.2. It should have more content and dialogue and less advertising. The strength of a dialogue involves mental disciplines. Thus, these dialogues engage the customers to think and to work with the Guardian’s staff to complete the message. This strategy might fascinate the customers to promote message from the Guardian. 3.3. More emotional media should be involved in the circulations. Obviously, the more touching and vivid a story will be, the more likely it is to be remembered. The future will be in branded contact that consumers can choose to involve themselves in voluntarily, as a part of the Guardian. In this environment, the share of employment will be a major impact, not just the share of their voice or raising their opinions. 4. Conclusion Galvanizing itself ahead of technological and social trends is not easy, especially for iconic brand, which tends to navigate in cultural system that defies change. However, without successful product innovation and such progress, the Guardian could risk itself of being cast adrift. Ensuring and enhancing a brand is not just simply washed up the changing tides of technology and society. This is also a key strategic framework, which the Guardian has facilitated. Reference list Kavanagh, Michael 1998, ‘Guardian joins in registration game’, Marketing Week.London, vol.21,no.24, 13 August,p.32 McCann, Paul 1995, ‘Observer strives for fresher image’, Marketing Week, London, vol.18,no.25, p.22 Scott, Jon 2000, ‘Do newspapers deliver online?’ Marketing,London, 21 September,p.43 ‘The Guardian: Thinking ahead’ 2006, Marketing Week,London, 24 August, p.24 Thornton, James 2006, ‘Do quality and giveaways mix?’ Promotions Incentives. London, January,p.25 Page 1 Footnotes [1] McCann, Paul 1995, ‘Observer strives for fresher image’, Marketing Week, London, vol.18,no.25, p.22 [2] ‘The Guardian: Thinking ahead’ 2006, Marketing Week,London, 24 August, p.24 [3] ‘The Guardian: Thinking ahead’ 2006 [4] McCann, Paul 1995 [5] McCann, Paul 1995 [6] Thornton, James 2006, ‘Do quality and giveaways mix?’ Promotions Incentives, London, January,p.25 [7] Thornton, James 2006 [8] Scott, Jon 2000, ‘Do newspapers deliver online?’ Marketing,London, 21 September,p.43 [9] Scott, Jon 2000 [10] Kavanagh, Michael 1998, ‘Guardian joins in registration game’, Marketing Week.London, vol.21,no.24, 13 August,p.32 [11] Scott, Jon 2000