Ethics of care Essay

Introduction †¢ Care ethics [The ethics of care] originated among feminists who maintained, on the basis of Carol Gilligan’s work, A Different Voice , that women and girls approach moral issues with a strong concern for empathy and caring in interpersonal relationships. Care and Virtues †¢ Care ethics focuses on virtues associated with care as a moral sentiment and response in the context of particular relationships. †¢ The emphasis is on such traits as empathy, sympathy, compassion, loyalty, discernment and love in intimate relationships, rather than the abstract principles and rights of deontological and libertarian ethics. †¢ Like communitarian ethics, care ethics stresses the interdependence of persons and the importance of particular relationships, especially within the family and other communities Care Ethics †¢ Care ethics encourages altruism, which entails concern for others, their feelings and needs, but does not neglect care for oneself. †¢ Care ethics requires the moral agent to balance care of the self with care for others. Photo by Katerha Gilligan’s Ethics of Care †¢ Gilligan identifies levels and transition periods in the development of the ethics of care. †¢ (1) â€Å"From Selfishness to Responsibility† the conflict between what one would do vs. what one ought to do within their attachments and connections to others. Photo by Derek Bruff Ethics of Care †¢ (2) â€Å"Goodness as Self-Sacrifice† – concern for others, their feelings and the need to not inflict harm are major concerns. †¢ (3) â€Å"From Goodness to Truth† – the morality of care must include a care of the self as well as others, to be honest and real with oneself, an increased responsibility to one’s responsibility to the self, as well as others. †¢ Gilligan defines this as â€Å"mature care†. Photo by Ed Yourdon Ethics of Care †¢ (4) â€Å"The Morality of Nonviolence† – a moral equality between the self and others is achieved by applying an injunction against hurting; care becomes a universal obligation[1]. Harvard Educational Review: 481-517 Repr. 1986 as â€Å"A Different Voice†, In Pearsall, Women and Values: 309-339 [1] Gilligan, Carol 1977, â€Å"Concepts of the Self and of Morality† †¢ â€Å"Care ethics is based on [or â€Å"justified by† ] â€Å"lived experience,† especially that of women with intimate relations, trust and commitment. †¢ â€Å"Lived experience† is the accumulated subjective experience of individuals (2). Care Ethics Photo by Mary Ellen Mark †¢ (2) Pettersen, T. 2008. Comprehending Care . United Kingdom: Lexington Books:23 Care Ethics †¢ Care ethics appears most appropriate to intimate relations, but its advocates seek to extend it to communities, institutions and nation states Care ethics is intended to guide conduct and to provide an aspirational ideal of the virtuous life Photo by geek2nurse Affective and Cognitive Care Caring has both affective and cognitive dimensions. †¢ Cognition is necessary to understand the other’s needs, feelings and circumstances. But caring also involves a range of feelings associated with empathy, sympathy, compassion, and love. Care Ethics and Normative Ethics †¢ Care ethics provides normative guidance, but it does not prescribe specific actions by applying a set of abstract principles, rights and rules (found in normative ethics). †¢ With universalizing principles (normative ethics), the public domain has superiority over private-personal domains. . Emotion and Understanding †¢ In caring, moral thoughts are not separated from feelings as they are in many Western ethical philosophies from Plato to Kant. †¢ Gilligan challenges the idea that moral reasoning should be divorced from feelings and contexts. Emotion and Understanding †¢ Knowledge is gained through human connection to others when we try to take the perspectives of others in deciding morality and justice. Photo by rexquisite Co-Feeling and Empathy †¢ Caring involves understanding another’s feelings that seeks to go beyond mere understanding (empathy) to actually feeling what others experience. †¢ Petersen defines this as co-feeling which is more than empathy. †¢ Caring originates from the experience of caring for others. †¢ In caring for particular individuals, we learn to recognize the needs and vulnerabilities of human others everywhere; and to avoid harming them. Co-feeling and Empathy Co-feeling in care ethics comes from experiencing the complexities of a particular individual’s situation. A deep, detailed appreciation for the lives of others enriches our own self-understanding. Photo by Neys †¢ Co-feeling is one ability in mature care; how one should act and what actions constitute care. †¢ Caring involves participating in another’s feelings on his/her terms with an attitude of engagement, not of disinterested observation or judgment. †¢ It is an act of affective imagination. Photo by Quinn Anya Care Ethics and Moral Autonomy †¢ For care ethics, moral autonomy is construed as relational autonomy. †¢ In contrast with Kant’s isolated individual who rationally formulates universal principles by himself or herself, the relational autonomous agent takes account of her interdependence with others. †¢ Gilligan promotes a more nuanced and complex concept of moral autonomy with space for holding self-determination with consideration, reason with emotion, and independency with connectedness. Friend Wheel by Unlisted Sightings †¢ Care ethics replaces the detached respect for the autonomous decisions of others that is the legacy of principle-based ethics with attentiveness to the plight, special needs, and vulnerabilities of individuals, who might need help is deciding what to do †¢ Tensions continue to exist within care ethics between contextual sensitivity in moral decisionmaking and respect for principles that direct us to treat people equally, with justice and respect for autonomous choices. Justice and Moral Conflicts – Care Ethics †¢ Moral conflicts are still those that involve individuals with differing philosophies. They involve loyalty conflicts or divergent responsibilities and interests for individual professionals. Agents have different ideas of what is ethically relevant. Photo by xeeliz Steps to Convergence on Ethics of Care and Principle-based Ethics †¢ What actions are right or wrong according to some relevant norms or principles, fairness in particular. What is the effect of these principles on those involved – will they hurt individuals? †¢ Care ethics questions the over-reliance on principles and rules in ethics. †¢ Are we choosing to be detached and numb to feeling the impacts of the principle of justice on individuals and our relationship to them? Photo by Svenska Cellulosa Aktibolaget A THIRD WAY †¢ Care ethics encourages the moral agent to balance respect for individual autonomy with caring for individuals in relationships. †¢ A balance between relations and autonomy, between connection and integrity would create convergence of principles with care. †¢ An intermediate position between too much and too little would be needed. A THIRD WAY †¢ Care ethics requires morally mature agents to weight and balance principles with caring for individuals. †¢ In these moral conflicts, â€Å"listening† to others, is essential to decision-making. †¢ Interdependent leadership and communication may open up new possibilities – a third way. . References Beauchamp T. and J. Childress. 2009. Principles of Biomedical Ethics, New York: Oxford University Press, 6th ed Gilligan, Carol 1977, â€Å"Concepts of the Self and of Morality† Harvard Educational Review: 481-517 Repr. 1986 as â€Å"A Different Voice†, In Pearsall, Women and Values: 309-339 Munson, R. 2004. Intervention and Reflection: Basic Issues in Medical Ethics, 8th Ed Australia ; Belmont, CA : Thomson/Wadsworth, Pettersen’s T. 2008. , Comprehending Care . United Kingdom: Lexington Books:

Business Plan Essay

The executive summary will end with a summary statement, a â€Å"last kick at the can† sentence or two designed to persuade the readers of your business plan that your business is a winner. While the business plan’s executive summary is the first thing the readers of your business plan see, it should be the last part of the business plan you write. The purpose of the executive summary of the business plan is to provide your readers with an overview of the business plan. Think of it as an introduction to your business. Therefore, your business plan’s executive summary will include summaries of: †¢ a description of your company, including your products and/or services †¢ your mission statement †¢ your business’s management †¢ the market and your customer †¢ marketing and sales †¢ your competition †¢ your business’s operations †¢ financial projections and plans The executive summary will end with a summary statement, a â€Å"last kick at the can† sentence or two designed to persuade the readers of your business plan that your business is a winner. How to write an Executive Summary To write the executive summary of the business plan, start by following the list above and writing one to three sentences about each topic. (No more!) If you have trouble crafting these summary sentences from scratch, review your business plan to get you going. In fact, one approach to writing the executive summary of the business plan is to take a summary sentence or two from each of the business plan sections you’ve already written. (If you compare the list above to the sections outlined in the Business Plan Outline, you’ll see that this could work very well.) Then finish your business plan’s executive summary with a clinching closing sentence or two that answers the reader’s question â€Å"Why is this a winning business?† For example, a business plan’s executive summary for a pet-sitting business might conclude: â€Å"The loving on-site professional care that Pet Grandma will provide is sure to appeal to both cat and dog owners throughout the West Vancouver area.† (You may find it useful to read the entire Pet Grandma executive summary example before you write your own.) Tips for Writing the Business Plan’s Executive Summary †¢ Focus on providing a summary. The business plan itself will provide the details and whether bank managers or investors, the readers of your business plan don’t want to have their time wasted. †¢ Keep your language strong and positive. Don’t weaken the executive summary of your business plan with weak language. Instead of writing, â€Å"Dogstar Industries might be in an excellent position to win government contracts†, write â€Å"Dogstar Industries will be in an excellent position†¦Ã¢â‚¬  †¢ The executive summary should be no more than two pages long. Resist the tempation to pad your business plan’s executive summary with details (or pleas). The job of the executive summary is to present the facts and entice your reader to read the rest of the business plan, not tell him everything. †¢ Polish your executive summary. Read it aloud. Does it flow or does it sound choppy? Is it clear and succinct? Once it sounds good to you, have someone else who knows nothing about your business read it and make suggestions for improvement. †¢ Tailor the executive summary of your business plan to your audience. If the purpose of your business plan is to entice investors, for instance, your executive summary should focus on the opportunity your business provides investors and why the opportunity is special. †¢ Put yourself in your readers’ place†¦ and read your executive summary again. Does this executive summary generate interest or excitement in the reader? If not, why? Remember, the executive summary of the business plan will be the first thing the readers of the business plan read. If your business plan’s executive summary is poorly written, it will also be the last, as they set the rest of your business plan aside unread! †¢ a description of your company, including your products and/or services Bordeaux Wine Trading is a Wine trading company based in Bordeaux, France with a wide network of Bordeaux Wine distribution and export all over the world. Bordeaux Wine is a premium brand with unique pleasing taste. †¢ your mission statement The purpose of our company is to create awareness and increase demand, establishing a successful business for the export and distribution of Bordeaux French wine. †¢ your business’s management Bordeaux Wine Trading is planning to export and distribute Bordeaux Wine in Brazil. Brazil is one of the emerging economies of the world with great opportunities of business development. †¢ the market and your customer In Brazil, Bordeaux Wine Trading’s main focus is upper and aspiring middle class of Sao Paulo and Rio De Jinero. †¢ marketing and sales Bordeaux Wine Trading is looking to have some local licensed distributor for the distribution purpose. †¢ your competition †¢ your business’s operations †¢ financial projections and plans Mission Statement; The purpose of our organization is to create awareness and increase demand, establishing a successful business for the export and distribution of Bordeaux French wine into Brazil. Corporate position; A well established French organisation that successfully distributes and trades Bordeaux wine globally. Objective in Brazil; We expect to invest over a three year period, building sales of over 2 million USD per year by our third year of operation, maintaining an average of 20-25% Gross margin. This is a one page synopsis of your plan, including a description of product, target market and positioning of product within the target market. Note the specific competitive advantage(s) of your product and the value it provides to the customer. Include your marketing objectives for the first year and the overall size of the marketing budget you are requesting. ⠝â€" EXECUTIVE SUMMARY We are interested in export and distribution of Bordeaux Wine in Brazil. Brazil is one of the emerging economies of the world with great opportunities of business development. We have found attractive market of Wine users in Brazil. Our target market will be upper and aspiring middle class of Sao Paulo and Rio De Jeniro. Brazil is currently 34m case market, with a per head consumption of 2 liters. Brazilian-produced wine – most of it red – tends to have sweeter profile than in other producing nations. In competition with it, we have finest wine from Bordeaux. In Brazil, there is also wine from other wine producing countries like Italy, Chile, Argentina and Portugal. But our competitive advantage is that the Brazilian people have awareness about Bordeaux Wine but not available in market in a frequent manner. In Rio 47% and in Sao Paulo 26% of awareness which is quite appealing for market entry. Brazil’s 80% wine market is captured by Red wine and also White wine market got the growth of 9% between 2003 to 2007 which is still growing. Initially, we will make some wine tasting events with the help of local distributor during festivals especially in Rio Carnival. We will participate in world largest Food and Beverages exhibition, SIAL in 2012, Sao Paulo. We will publish the advertisement in major newspapers and magazines.

Buddhist And Christian Ethics Theology

Buddhist And Christian Ethics Theology Buddhism and Christianity are religions with comprehensive and contrasting ethical laws and customs. Throughout this essay the ethical practices of both religions will be described in detail, with an exploration of their similarities and differences presented. Description of Buddhist Ethical Practices Seven weeks after Prince Siddhartha Gautama had attained enlightenment whilst meditating under a bodhi tree, he delivered his First Sermon to his five former ascetical companions under that same tree. The contents of that initial sermon are knows as the Four Noble Truths, which are essentially the foundation of the religion. They are as follows: (Gwynne 2011, p. 93) â€Å"1. Suffering: Now this, monks, is the noble truth of suffering: Birth is suffering, ageing is suffering, sickness is suffering, death is suffering; union with what is displeasing is suffering; separation from what is pleasing is suffering; not to get what one wants is suffering; in brief, the five aggregates subject to clinging are suffering. 2. The Source of Suffering: Now this, monks, is the noble truth of the origin of suffering: It is the craving which leads to renewed existence, accompanied by delight and lust, seeking delight here and there; that is, craving for sensual pleasures, craving for existence, craving for extermination. 3. The Cessation of Suffering: Now this, monks, is the noble truth of the cessation of suffering: It is the remainder-less fading away and cessation of that same craving, the giving up and relinquishing of it, freedom from it, and non-reliance on it. 4. The Way to the Cessation of Suffering: Now this, monks, is the noble truth of the way leading to the cessation of suffering: It is this Noble Eightfold Path: that is, right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.† Like its parent religion Hinduism, Buddhism teaches that the ultimate goal of the lives of adherents is to bre ak free from the wheel of reincarnation and attain nirvana. Where it differs from Hinduism is instead of stressing the importance of obligations related to caste, gender and age (varna ashrama dharma), it stresses the embodiment of the sublime truth that was rediscovered by Prince Siddhartha on his night of enlightenment, which was imparted to his early followers in his First Sermon. The essence of Buddhist dharma (as opposed to Hindu dharma) is the Four Noble Truths which, along with the Buddha himself and the community of adherents (Sangha), make up the Three Jewels of Buddhism. The last of the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, is often divided into three categories: 1. Wisdom (panna) – right view and right intention 2. Meditation (samdhi) – right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration 3. Virtue (sila) – right speech, right action and right livelihood. This category specifically provides ethical instruction for Buddhists, insisting that a dherents must refrain from abusive, deceitful or divisive words through right speech; calling buddhists to be generally righteous in their actions; and implying that certain occupations may be immoral and hence unsuitable. (Gwynne 2011, pg. 92) Buddhism lacks a clear belief in a supreme being, resulting in Buddhist morality being based upon the degree as to which thoughts and actions will advance or impede one’s quest for final liberation. It is not based upon commandments issued by a transcendent God which are to be unquestionably followed by adherents, as is the case in the Abrahamic religions. Without a God to dictate what is good and evil, Buddhists refer to certain actions as â€Å"skillful† (kausalya) or â€Å"unskillful† (akausalya) rather than right or wrong. Buddhist morality is based upon considerations of individual progress on the road to liberation from the wheel of reincarnation rather than practicing the will of a divine God.

Why do nontraditional students who are enrolled in online programs Research Paper

Why do nontraditional students who are enrolled in online programs decide to dropout - Research Paper Example (Gutmann, A.1987). Unlike traditional educational ways involving a classroom and a teacher, online learning does not involve direct confrontations with a teacher and does not provide the environment of a traditional classroom. In most cases, distance learning involves a media center or a computer laboratory. Therefore, distance learning is a field of education that combines technology with teaching methods and techniques to provide an opportunity for students to learn without being physically present in a classroom. (Briel, H. J. 2011). Due to technological advances, there have been a recent explosion in the field of online education but the history of distance learning dates back to as early as 1728, when Caleb Phillips, who was a teacher of Short Hand method, published an advertisement in Boston Gazette to seek students to whom he would send lectures on weekly basis. An Englishman, Isaac Pitman, is regarded has an early pioneer in providing distance education. In 1840s, Isaac Pitma n taught Short Hand using correspondence in the Great Britain. The importance of education in modern democratic society is beautifully portrayed by Amy Gutmann in the following words: â€Å"When citizens rule in a democracy, they determine, among other things, how future citizens will be educated. Democratic education is therefore a political as well as an educational ideal. Because being educated as a child entails being ruled, ‘You cannot be a ruler unless you have first been ruled.’ Because being a democratic citizen entails ruling, the ideal of democratic education is being ruled, then ruling. Education not only sets the stage for democratic politics, it plays a central role in it.’’ (Gutmann, A.1987). Now adays, the world has transformed into a global village and with the passage of time, online learning has become the best possible learning source. Due to increased commitments in life, it is hardly possible for everyone to physically attend a school in order to increase their educational qualifications. The only viable alternative remains are, online courses. Although the growth rate in online programs is high but yet the dropouts have been of great concern to many organizations and higher institutions. (Briel, H. J. 2011). Magnitude of drop out crisis: The non traditional students dropping out of online education fall into various categories: I. Non-starters, II. Students who did not even make an effort to complete the official withdrawal procedure are classified in the category of informal withdrawals, III. Students who completed the official withdrawal procedure fall into the category of formal withdrawals, IV. Academic failures, V. Non-continuers. (Darrow, R. W. 2010). Online education is more flexible and ensures that students can learn and progress to advanced levels at their own pace. Online courses provide more effective learning opportunities than traditional schools because they provide an access to a broad curriculu m so that students can enroll in multiple courses which they cannot in traditional brick and mortar schools. Most virtual schools provide courses that are enriched with challenges to help their students to attain high quality and flexible education. However, according to the retention literature concerning online education, the rate of non traditional students dropping out of online courses occurs at much a faster pace than the number of drop outs from on-ground or traditional brick and mortar classes. According to a report in Meister-2002, 70 percent of the online learners registered for online programs failed to successfully complete the course. The Corporate

Metaphoric comparison of Audi Manufacturing Essay

Metaphoric comparison of Audi Manufacturing - Essay Example These expressions vary depending upon the need. However, these expressions help in creating a perception of the organisation; provide information that may be used for further diagnosis of the organisation; and provide an experience of the organisation’s disposition from an emotional, sensory, and understanding perspectives. The present context of analytic study is based on exploration of the luxury car manufacturing giant, Audi manufacturing, from three different metaphoric perspectives namely, organisations as machines, organisations as intricately woven meshes and organisations as processes of flux and transformation. The process of exploration is based on literature review associated with these metaphoric expressions and information related to the manufacturing giant. In this process, besides understanding the meaning and application of these three metaphoric expressions to Audi manufacturing, critical reflection on the positive aspects of metaphoric explanations and weakne sses associated with respective metaphors will be undertaken. Originated in Germany, Audi stands as one of the top brands of luxury car manufacturers in the world. ... To possess an Audi, customers willingly wait for long time, which explains its level of success and popularity. Audi’s employees number about 60,000 across the all its production and service centres. Organisations are complex structures that function based on numerous systems, procedures, policies and practices, and requires a variety of skilled personnel that need to continuously learn and upgrade their skills in order to cater to changing external and internal demands. Hence, organisations are constantly challenged with ambiguity and uncertainty, and therefore require constant adaptation. These are achieved by constantly changing the work processes, systems, skills as well as places in contemporary times. These ever-changing patterns coerce management researchers to constantly scrutinize the internal and external environment, which ultimately result in various understandings as perceived by different individuals. These reflective perceptions have resulted in various metaphor ic expressions of contemporary organisations. On one hand, these images provide insightful information about the organisation, and on the other, they have potential to present distorted image of the organisation. Both, imminent information and distorted images have to be considered in arriving at meaningful outcomes or studies of organisations that can be of practical importance in implementing measures that could be beneficial to the business, employees and/or society and environment. The present study is aimed at understanding Audi Manufacturing through the lenses of three different metaphors, which are aptly applicable to this manufacturing giant. These finding may be used to understand the impact of metaphors on development of theory

Blood pressure Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Blood pressure - Assignment Example 298). Cardiac output refers to the amount of blood the heart can pump with each beat. Cardiac output and blood pressure have direct correlation thus, the more blood the heart can pump, the greater is the cardiac output, leading to increase blood pressure. The same correlation applies to blood volume or the amount of blood in the blood vessels at any given time. Thus, a decrease in blood volume will lead to decrease blood pressure, and vice-versa. Resistance to blood flow is another factor affecting blood pressure and pertains to how hard it is for the blood to flow through the vessels. A narrowed blood pressure will increase the resistance to blood flow leading to increase blood pressure. Likewise, a widened blood vessel will decrease the resistance to blood flow leading to decrease blood pressure. Carterand Lewsen (2005) also identified influencing factors of blood pressure such as age, gender, and race (p. 298). Normal and abnormal blood pressures are determined through systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure readings. Systolic blood pressure is the pressure exerted by blood during heart contraction while diastolic blood pressure is the pressure exerted by blood during heart relaxation (Rosdahland Kowalski, 2008, p. 523). Blood pressure is measured in milimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and the normal blood pressure is

Is Chinese currency (Reminbi) Undervalued Essay

Is Chinese currency (Reminbi) Undervalued - Essay Example emand to appreciate its currency since this is primarily viewed as one of the main reasons of loss of manufacturing jobs in the United States and its general deflation (Yang & Besnainou, 106). The RMB is the official currency of the People’s Republic in China having principal or base unit which is yuan. Literally, the RMB means people’s currency. Currency is significantly use for modern exchange of goods and services and this play important role how the country’s economy should operate. There must be significant unbalance economic activities between nations when for instance the US currency is overvalued while China’s currency remains undervalued. On the other hand, suppose the US continues to go for devaluation, this will necessary create significant impacts on its internal economy particularly on the growth of its industries. Considering that US economy and China’s are interrelated and both have active participation in exchange, the move of the ot her may significantly create impacts on how the other should run. Thus, there is a great consideration of knowing if RMB is really undervalued. There are two basic reference rates often considered when evaluating the valuation of currency exchange rate. The first is with respect to purchasing power parity. The next is comparing exchange rate needed to induce trade balance, or balance on the current account. Despite there are basic measurements in finding currency valuation, there are disagreements whether RMB is undervalued or not. There are different arguments whether RMB needs to appreciate or needs to decrease. The question now is how really it is to evaluate RMB which would be fair enough in order to understand its valuation. Reported in Roubini.com (par. 1 – par. 15) are different opinions from economic experts regarding the undervaluation issue of RMB which also involved different measurements they used. Structural shock and technical difficulties facing China’s economy provide no fair measurement

Construction of gender and sexual identities Essay

Construction of gender and sexual identities - Essay Example It has aptly been observed that every culture of the world maintains some specific characteristics and traits, which distinguishes it with the rest of the cultural groups and communities at large prevailing within the same natural and physical phenomena. This distinction is generally dependent of several sub-cultures existing under one culture, which not only divide the individuals into factions and groups, but also provide them with identification on the basis of their likes and dislikes, and priorities and aversions as well. Consequently, the sub-cultures of society work in an active and effective way by not only uniting the like-minded people under one platform, but also helping them in respect of winning their rights and privileges particularly at the time when the majority of the population appears to be standing at the opposite side, censuring and condemning the minority group in one way or the other. It is especially the case with the homosexuals, which have established their specific sub-culture, and have invented and introduced particular terms and jargons in order to convey their messages to their community members on one hand, and conceal it from the members of outer groups on the other (Warren 1998). The present paper aims to concentrate upon the gender and sexual identities with reference to the homosexuals in order to get acquainted with their sub-culture and mode of communication while living in the societies, an imperative majority of which still regard same-sex relations as perversion and deviant behavior (Macionis 2007). Sexual identity and the terms related to it, according to Ponse (1978), are applied in quite a different way in gay and lesbian environment to the dominant mainstream social set up. In addition, there also exists a sub-culture within the gay environment, which could only be comprehended with by the members of homosexual community, as well as the individuals interested in the same. As a result, an imperative proportion of the m ajority population remains almost unaware of the terms to be applied in order to express some specific action, performance or identity in general. For instance, the term gay had frequently been applied in order to demonstrate the individuals carrying jolly and care-free disposition in past; though, the same adjective has become entirely confined to defining homosexual males and females, and the previous usage of the word focusing jovial people has ceased to exist in main culture and homosexual sub-culture as well (Sherwin 2006). However, some of the terms are exclusively applied to identify homosexuality. Unger & Crawford (1993) argue that the feminists have articulated various terms in order to make division between sex and gender, determining the biological characteristics, and social traits and qualities of the homosexuals respectively. For instance, the notion lesbian explains a female engaged in a homosexual relationship, though in past it was donated to the individuals belongi ng to the Greek island Lesbos (248). Similarly, the notion active simply describes a vigorous and energetic person, though in homosexual acts, the same defines the person playing dominant part in homosexual relationships by penetrating into the recipient or passive partner; the terms dominant and top also define the penetrating partner, while submissive and bottom signify the receiver respectively. Hence, Ponse (246-47) appears to be justified in her claim that the terms used by the majority of the population are applied interchangeably in gay culture, and hence display the meanings that are quite different to the actual application of the same in their nature and scope. On the contrary, the essentialists strictly confine sexual behavior on the basis of the biological characteristics of males and females. As a result, males and females should always play dominant and submissive roles as per the demand of their sex organs and biological traits.

Texas History. How to Get Rid of Slavery Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6500 words

Texas History. How to Get Rid of Slavery - Essay Example Texas Secession Convention: †¢ In the month of January and February of the year 1861, a meeting was stages in Austin and voted to succeed from the Union. †¢ The call to secession actually began from October 1860, when it became apparent that Abraham Lincoln would be given the charge of presidency. †¢ The secession of South Carolina and five other states exacerbated the situation even further and added on to the intensified pressure that already existed for the implementation of secession policy. †¢ In Texas, only the governor could summon the legislation to hold a special session, but Governor Sam Houston refused to do so in the light that the secession hype would cool down. †¢ This compelled, Oran M. Roberts, the chief justice of Texas Supreme Court, John S. Ford and other imminent leader to take the situation into their own hands. †¢ They made a call for elections on January 8, 1861 in the press of delegates to a secession convention, which was duly granted by the legislature. †¢ On January 28, 1861, the delegates to the convention elected O. M. Roberts as the presiding offer and on 29th January, John H. Wharton moved "that without determining now the manner in which this result should be effected, it is the deliberate sense of this Convention that the state of Texas should separately secede." †¢ The convention delegates called for a proper referendum to solve the secession issue. †¢ On February 1 the House with the governor sat to give its final vote, which resulted in 166 votes in favor of secession and 8 against it. The Texans ratified the Secession on February 23rd; due to the Convention’s Public Safety Committee’s move to authorize the seizure of federal property in Texas. In March, the Convention organized various meetings, which resulted in taking Texas out of the Union and allied it with the confederacy. Battle of Sabine Pass The battle took place on September 8, 1863, which was an attempt by the Union to invade and occupy regions of Texas during the Civil War. The motivation behind the attack was the need of cotton by northern textile mills and concern about French interference in the Mexican Civil War. In September 1863, the Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks was sent with 4000 soldiers under the command of Gen. William B. Franklin to capture Sabine Pass, where the Sabine River flows to the Gulf of Mexico. The Western Gulf Blockading Squadron of the United States Navy sent forces to protect the piece of land. The Union lost their opportunity to launch a surprise attack when a blockader missed its scheduled meeting with the ships from New Orleans. However, a plan took shape and the Navy Commander scheduled the gunboats to enter the fort through the passes so that the troops could pass without being noticed. Meanwhile the Confederates remained in hiding and gathered reinforcement near the fort Odlum. The Union armed ships began their advancement into the fort, continually firing in the process. The Confederates cannoneers also geared up for the attack when the Union ships came under the 1200 yards radius. The Confederate artillery man shot the cannon with such precision that it destroyed the Union warships Sachem, made Arizona run for its life, grounded Clifton which resulted in ground combat between the two contenders and compelling another ship Granite City to flee the battleground. This led to the conclusion of the war and the Confederate captured 300 Union prisoners and two gunboats. The artillery skills had won the battle for the Confederates Andrew Jackson Hamilton He was born in Huntsville, Alabama on January 28, 1815 and was the son of James and Jane (Bayless) Hamilton. He had the privilege to become the governor of Texas; he was educated and admitted to the bar in Alabama. For three years, he practiced law in La Grange, Fayette Country He tied the marital knot with Mary Bowen and had two sons and four daughters form her. His political career began in 1849, when Gov. Peter Hall. Bell appointed him as his acting attorney general. In 1859 won

Internal Communication in Organizational Environment Research Paper

Internal Communication - Research Paper Example To sÐ µÃ µ thÐ µ links in tÐ µrms of strÐ µngths and wÐ µaknÐ µssÐ µs bÐ µtwÐ µÃ µn thÐ µ communication modÐ µl, human rÐ µsourcÐ µs, and organizational pÐ µrformancÐ µ, thÐ µ managÐ µr must makÐ µ Ð µxplicit mÐ µaning of thÐ µ lÐ µadÐ µrship paradigm that is containÐ µd in thÐ µ tÐ µxt in rÐ µlation to intÐ µrnal communication and motivation and thÐ µ compÐ µtÐ µncy modÐ µl. In this casÐ µ, Ð µffÐ µctivÐ µ communication may bÐ µ dÐ µtÐ µrminÐ µd by how Ð µffÐ µctivÐ µly thÐ µ organizational profÐ µssional is ablÐ µ to motivatÐ µ Ð µmployÐ µÃ µs, rathÐ µr than how adÐ µptly managÐ µmÐ µnt lÐ µadÐ µrship is ablÐ µ to placÐ µ thÐ µm basÐ µd on a filÐ µ kÐ µÃ µping systÐ µm. â€Å"According to Bass, transformational lÐ µadÐ µrs arÐ µ charismatic and inspirational. ThÐ µy intÐ µllÐ µctually stimulatÐ µ followÐ µrs, and thus promotÐ µ rationality and problÐ µm solving skills. ThÐ µy also providÐ µ individualizÐ µd considÐ µration to thÐ µ followÐ µrs† (Thomas, 2010). ThÐ µ conflict in an organization, for Ð µxamplÐ µ, could bÐ µ onÐ µ in which managÐ µrs and Ð µmployÐ µÃ µs arÐ µ having difficulty communicating bÐ µ causÐ µ of distrust on both sidÐ µs, and a gÐ µnÐ µral sÐ µparation of communication and culturÐ µ bÐ µtwÐ µÃ µn thÐ µsÐ µ subsÐ µts of thÐ µ organizational Ð µnvironmÐ µnt. This could potÐ µntially lÐ µad to bÐ µhavior in thÐ µ organization that supposÐ µs that managÐ µmÐ µnt is to blamÐ µ for this situation, which could bÐ µ a potÐ µntial conflict in thÐ µ Ð µmployÐ µÃ µ-to-managÐ µmÐ µnt intÐ µraction. And in thÐ µ Ð µmployÐ µÃ µ-to-Ð µmployÐ µÃ µ catÐ µgory of intÐ µraction, othÐ µr Ð µmployÐ µÃ µs must bÐ µ awarÐ µ of how to communicatÐ µ diffÐ µrÐ µncÐ µ positivÐ µly and not wind up ostracizing othÐ µrs in thÐ µ workplacÐ µ. In tÐ µrms of thÐ µ lÐ µadÐ µrship of thÐ µ managÐ µr along thÐ µ linÐ µs of providing conflict rÐ µsolution and providing a valuablÐ µ instructional paradigm, communication is also thÐ µ kÐ µy.

Poetry Analysis Essay Example for Free

Poetry Analysis Essay The poetry of Judith Wright conveys a strong sense of ? Australian Identity. This is evident though Wrights strong connection to the sea, using descriptions and personifications of the sea. Wrights ? Australian Identity is firmly established through poetry with her use of ideas that have become synonymous with the Australian stereotype: what people recognise as being uniquely ? Australian. This includes the description of the stereotypical Australian beach scene and the attitudes shown by the surfer and even the surf in the poem: characteristics recognised as ? typically Australian. These features of her poetry have established Wright as a truly ? Australian poet. The surf, grey-wolf sea sitting on the whitened pebbles and shells are images that are recognised as Australian and part of the Australian identity. The surfer too is instantly recognisable as typical Aussie character. He is described as brown and he has muscle ? he is the stereotype of the bronzed, muscular surfer. The use of these ideas that have become typically Australian show Judith Wright as an Australian poet which in turn reflects the Australian identity. Judith Wright has a strong connection to the Australian beach, and the ideas she conveys through her poetry are very much steeped in nature. This link to the Australian sea immediately distinguishes Wright as an Australian poet. The Australian connection to the sea and surf is reflected in the repetition of muscle to describe both the surfer and the wave expresses the surfers connection to the wave and to nature. This connection is further emphasised by the personification of the wave through long muscle of water. The bond of both the surfer and Wright to the sea defines Wright as Australian and reflects Australians strong links to the sea. ?Australian traits are not shown only by Wright herself, but by characters in her poems. In The Surfer, Wright uses assonance (those and foam) to describe the wave. This has the effect of creating a long and lazy piece of sound imagery for the reader. The laconic nature of the wave is the same as the typical Australian ? laid back spirit giving Wrights poetry an Australian flavour and such contribute greatly to Wrights recognition as being an Australian poet.

Concepts of Social Responsibility Essay Example for Free

Concepts of Social Responsibility Essay Business organizations today are socially and ethically responsible for doing the right thing, exercising good judgment in their business activities with employees, stakeholders, customers and the community. Business organizations emphasis should not only be on profits, but also on how business decisions impact society. Company Q is a small grocery store chain located in a major metropolitan area. This company will be evaluated on its attitude towards social responsibility. Also, recommendations will be given in three areas indicating how the company could improve its position regarding social responsibility. First of all, Company Q’s decision to close stores in high crime areas will have an adverse effect on the communities where they conduct business, leading to disruption and hardship in the lives of many. This definitely demonstrates an irresponsible attitude toward social responsibility. In terms of social responsibility, Company Q could help enrich the lives of families in need by supporting local community centers. Community centers play an important role in addressing the comprehensive needs of individuals and families by providing a wide range of resources that are most needed. Moreover, a responsible business could initiate programs to help disadvantaged youths and adults in the community, build employable works skills and connect them to career opportunities. Without question, the more job opportunities and employability of the citizens in that community the lower the crime rate would be. Finally, if Company Q is to be socially responsible, it must not only be committed to making a profit, but also to the economic development of the community where it does business (Ravindran, N. 2008). Secondarily, Company Q’s reluctance to offer health conscience customers a wide range of organic and healthy foods because the products are considered high margin items, is socially irresponsible and bad for business. A growing number of consumers favor organic foods, claiming that it tastes better and is healthier. Why organic? Organic foods grown naturally in well-balanced soils, ripened by the sun are healthier and tastier than products with synthetic chemicals and growth hormones. Moreover, the growing number of conscience consumers was highlighted in a recent Bursen-Marsteller report; â€Å"people will more likely choose a product that supports a social cause when choosing between otherwise similar products† (Penn, Schoen Berland, 2010). These average consumers daily decisions are slowly but surely being influenced by social concern and responsibility. Finally, the critical issue for Company Q is the social responsibility to its customers, who looks to business to provide them with satisfying, safe products and respect their rights as customer. Lastly, Company Q decides to throw away food products, instead of donating it to the local food bank. Sadly, this behavior demonstrates a concern for profits before people attitude, which is socially irresponsible. Businesses can no longer ignore social issues because a business is a part of our society. For Company Q to become more socially responsible its sole objective must not only be to make a profit. But include concerns and responsibilities to the general welfare of the communities and societies in which they operate. Moreover, businesses should simply want to make their communities better places for everyone to live and work. The most common way that businesses exercise their community responsibility is through donations to local and national charitable organizations. Doing simple things like contributing to local food banks, may not be enough to change the world for everyone, but does alleviate some of social ills that abound in local communities.

The Concept Of Laicite In France

The Concept Of Laicite In France In France laÃÆ' ¯cità © has shaped the relation between religion and the State through enhancing a separation between them. This separation has been possible thanks to the existence of a legislation that has relatively succeeded in drawing the lines for both sides. However, the societal developments have influenced their relations and raised many questions about the States role in the face of the challenges on the ground. And so laÃÆ' ¯cità © in theory has been found to be incompatible with laÃÆ' ¯cità © in practice. How laÃÆ' ¯cità © has been challenged over the past years and how the State has reacted towards the influence of religion are major issues. Therefore, should laÃÆ' ¯cità © accommodate itself in view of the changing facts on the ground? The debate is now whether laÃÆ' ¯cità © is a rigid concept that refuses to change and recognize the role of religion and peoples rights to freedom of belief, or a dynamic concept that embraces multiculturalism and f osters religious groups rights without affecting the neutrality of the State. So this paper will answer the question about whether laÃÆ' ¯cità © is a rigid or a dynamic concept in view of the challenges facing the State. French laÃÆ' ¯cità © is taken as a case study in order to scrutinize to this question. The paper starts with a definition of laÃÆ' ¯cità ©, it traces historical facts about its evolution, highlights the challenges that it has encountered, identifies the new laÃÆ' ¯cità © forms before concluding on its capacity to adapt to societal developments. 2 Definition of LaÃÆ' ¯cità © Quite a good number of researchers tend to use the laÃÆ' ¯cità © and secularization interchangeably in their works about the place of religion and the relation between state and religion. In fact the two terms hold different definitions regarding the connection between religion and state. Though in English the word secularization to describe the relationship between them, the French word laÃÆ' ¯cità © is used also in English to refer to the unique separation between religious institutions and the state. According to Olivier Roy (7-8: 2007) the two terms are dissimilar. On the one hand, secularization is a social phenomenon that does not require a political implementation and is not anti-religious and anti-clerical, and so the place is defined by the people themselves. On the other, laÃÆ' ¯cità © is a political choice that defines the place of religion in an authoritarian, legal manner, and so it is decreed by the state which organizes public space. Roy adds that it is a b ody of laws before being a system of thought (p.17). The term laÃÆ' ¯cità © was first used in the 1870s, as were its counter parts the verb laÃÆ' ¯ciser (to secularise) and the nouns laicisation (the action and the result of laÃÆ' ¯cità ©) and laÃÆ' ¯cisme (the doctrine of laÃÆ' ¯cità ©) (Jansen 476:2006). Moreover, the two terms are contrasted in this way à   la diffà ©rence du processus de sà ©cularisation mouvement qui sinscrit sur une longue durà ©e, la laÃÆ' ¯cità © relà ¨ve plutà ´t dune volontà © de la politique à ©tatique qui dà ©finit a la fois les institutions et une vie sociale conforme à   ses principes(Gà ¶le 77:2005). In this view, secularization is a social process that has evolved over a long period of time, while laÃÆ' ¯cità © entails a political decision on the state level. The historian Jean Bauberot has argued that laÃÆ' ¯cità © was the result of a condition in which the state had to destabilize religious institutions mainly Catholic- to assert its authority and ensure democratic liberties, whereas secularization should be viewed as a cultural transformation that has taken place mostly in countries with a Protestant culture (Caron 115:2007). Blandine Kriegel, president of the High Council for Integration, in an interview published in Le Monde defines laÃÆ' ¯cità © as follows: Tout simplement la neutralità © de lespace public qui permet à   une pluralità © de croyance et à   une multiplicità © de citoyens ayant des croyances diffà ©rentes de vivre ensemble de faà §on tolà ©rantes et respectueuses les uns des autres. 3 Evolution of LaÃÆ' ¯cità © After the Revolution of 1789, one finds two Frances. In one camp, there are those defending the notion of a homeland founded on the Catholic Church and the army, often being anti-Protestant, anti-Jew and anti-freemason; they are conservative, even reactionary, and often monarchist. In the other camp, one finds the defenders of the republican ideals of 1789 founded on Reason (not on Catholicism), freedom, religious tolerance, a strict separation between the public and the private domains (Brulard 176:2002. Moreover, a law that separated the Church from the State and abolished Le Concordat of 1801 was voted by la Chambre in July 1905 and by le Sà ©nat on 9 December 1905. Since then, France has had neither official religion nor a privileged religion (Brudy/Marcon 3:1995). The 1905 law complemented the 1901 law which forbade secular associations from having religious activities (Brulard 177:2002). It is important to point out that this law was not negotiated with the religious institutions since it was a legislative act; it is based on the principle of freedom of conscience; it is the implementation of the principle of laÃÆ' ¯cità ©; and it is however, not a creation of the State, it is fundamentally the realization of a long struggle for the human liberation and the secularization of the society (Scot 54-56: 2005). In order to protect the republican nature of the State, Republicans needed to develop an ideology that could replace Catholic Morality and that would spread the ideal of secular citizenship across the country (Jansen 477:2006). In a report titled Rapport sur la laÃÆ' ¯cità © et lobligation de là ©cole primaire the school is viewed as follows: Là ©cole devra donc à ªtre ce quon appelle en France laÃÆ' ¯que, en Hollande neutre, et dans les pays anglo-amà ©ricain unsectarian. (Journal Officiel de la Rà ©publique franà §aise, du 26 mai 1880) On 28 of March 1882 came the law known as the Ferry Law after the Minister of Public Instruction Jules Ferry, which effectively laicized public education (Fetzer/Soper 70:2005). In fact public education became crucial to prevent people from voting for an authoritarian (Catholic) regime (Jansen 477:2006). In 1946, after the trauma of war and occupation, the principle of laÃÆ' ¯cità © was enshrined in the constitution, and is one of the major characteristics of the republican state: France is an indivisible, secular, democratic, and social republic (Article 2 of the Constitution). In addition, the State does not subsidize the religious institutions according to Article 2 and guarantees freedom of worship according to Article 1. It is also important to mention in this respect that not only did the changes on the ground contribute to the shaping of the idea of secularism; but there were also the French Protestants, for whom, the cause of laÃÆ' ¯cità © was synonymous with that of freedom: their wish was to reconcile religion and freedom (Brulard 177:2002). The Protestants found refuge in laÃÆ' ¯cità © as it is the only guarantee for them as a minority to practice their religion without being discriminated against. As we have seen so far laÃÆ' ¯cità © was used, and is still used, to confront the influence of religion. Olivier Roy says that laÃÆ' ¯cità ©, historically a matter of dispute between the republican state and the Catholic Church is founded on anti-clericalism (18:2007). However, it aimed not to exclude believers but to define a space of neutrality (Roy 21:2007). 4 Challenges Confronting LaÃÆ' ¯cità © Since the 1970s, immigration penetrated the public and political spheres as a social problem of ethnic / cultural relations. From guest-workers, factors of production, immigrants came to be perceived as objects of political controversy defined in terms of citizenship and identity (Inà ¨s 182:2002) The debate about laÃÆ' ¯cità © started in the school. The school system is described as a sanctuary for preserving the French laÃÆ' ¯cità ©. The new diagnoses related to the threats against laÃÆ' ¯cità © emerged in school (Bertossi 17:2006). In 1989, two girls in Creil came to class wearing Muslim scarves. This raised a legal challenge to laÃÆ' ¯cità © as there are no school uniforms in French state schools, and it was unclear whether there was an explicit rule preventing pupils from wearing religious symbols (Laborde 52:2008). Since the republican school was conceived as a microcosm of republican political society: within its walls, children would learn to become citizens, a shared public identity that transcend their local, cultural and religious affiliations (Laborde 49:2008) Consequently, any religious sign is considered as a threat to the particularity of the educational system, which is supposed to be neutral, and of course a threat to the ideals of the Republic . The legislation of 15 of March 2004 reversed the 1905 approach to laÃÆ' ¯cità ©; instead of being an abstract principle of State neutrality. It was converted into an identity principle; instead of being exceptional cases of proselytism, according to the 1989 State Councils decision, the interdiction became the common law (Bertossi 19:2006). As a result of this law, laÃÆ' ¯cità © is no longer a matter of the place of religion and its relationship with the State, but rather it is a matter of the French identity (17:2006). This has shifted the discussion about laÃÆ' ¯cità © from its being discriminating against religious minorities to a national issue that concerns every French. 4. 1 The Challenge of Multiculturalism In France multiculturalism is looked down upon because it is perceived to reinforce particularist and divisive identities that threaten the unified French identity. It is believed that associating laÃÆ' ¯cità © with multiculturalism and the recognition of identità ©s collectives is the emphasis of the religious identities, and this emphasis will lead to the fragmentation of the society and pose a threat to liberty since the radical religious people will keep making more pressure (Cohen 5:2007). In the French approach towards the cultural diversity, individuals are to adhere to the body of the nation; they have to adhere to the national values. This model is often referred to as assimilationist because it does not admit the others difference of cultural particularism (Inà ¨s 183:2002). In the 1970s, the concept of assimilation was challenged because it was found that the State did not have the right to erase the regional or ethnic differences. As a result, the term integration was introduced to refer to an open process in which the fundamental values of French society have to be preserved, but without incurring total renunciation of the immigrants original culture(Inà ¨s 183;2002). The efficiency of integration measures is somewhat doubtful, as politicians on the Left and on the Right keep advocating policies which are contradictory: integrating on the one hand and control on the other (183: 2002). Since laÃÆ' ¯cità © has been also associated with the national identity as I have mentioned earlier, it is endangered since there some minorities which have debated the national history and all the controversial issues during the period of the French colonization. Some of these cultural minorities which come from French-colonized countries raise other issues besides the one related to religion. And so, multiculturalism in this context is seen as a threat to the universal values of Enlightenment that was at the basis of all the advancement in France (Cohen 7:2007). 4.2 The Challenge of Religious Groups The diversity inside the religious groups brings up the issue of the contradiction between the States position based on the constitution which requires it to intervene in the religious matters lordre privà ©, and the right of the small religious groups to equality (Cohen 4:2007). For instance, in Islam women are not considered as equal to men, however, men and women are equal according to the French values. Therefore, should the State intervene in matters pertaining to internal religious issues? If the State is to be involved directly in such sensitive issues for a reason or another, the social pressure is building up to push the State to impose equality between men and women (Cohen 4:2007). Moreover, the problem of the sects in France comes to the surface whenever the debate about laÃÆ' ¯cità © starts, even when the attention is, as it the case most of the time, directed to Islam as an issue of controversy. The sects are weighed in the same manner like the radical and dangerous groups which tend to be violent. The challenge is that the as long as the sects do not resemble any of the known monotheistic religions or Buddhism or Hinduism, they remain unrecognized by the State (Gà ¶le 3: 2005). Therefore, the question is whether the State should intervene on one side to ensure that equality is granted to all religious groups and on the other, to control the groups classified as dangerous (like the sects and the extremist groups). When these two conflicting issues are addressed to the State in order to resolve them, it is confronted with the Law of 1905, separation between the State and the Church and the neutrality of the State in regard to internal religious affairs ( Cohen 2:2007). In other words Olivier Roy adds that the phenomenon of sects is troubling to the French society, and the temptation to legislate against them is as strong as in the case of Islam (Roy 6: 2007). The challenge is to give a place to religions in the public domain without running the risk of any of them becoming hegemonic and recovering their institutional authority on individuals conscience. While the conception of laÃÆ' ¯cità © confines religion to the private domain, the headscarf affair raised the issue of social dimension of religion and demonstrated that religion and the surrounding society are far more intricately interrelated (Inà ¨s 186: 2002). In the light of the ongoing changes in the demographic texture in the French society, changes linked to the growing influence of religious minorities on the one hand on their own members and on the other, on the State itself, which should be neutral towards religion. Since the sects are gaining a place in France, the State is in a position of either legislating laws against them or accommodating them within the French society. But the question is who is to be recognized, so some criteria are developed to legalize the sects. Again the State is facing the challenge of deciding which sect can be considered as eligible for its respect global de lordre public (Cohen 3:2007). Besides, the debate goes even further in relation to religion. Which religion is defined as a religion by the State? To this end, the State has to include or exclude some religious groups. In both cases, it risks losing its impartiality, a value enshrined by the constitution. To expound the previous point, the secular State has no competence when it comes to assessing the validity of doctrine. In the case of the Church of Scientology in 1997, the ruling of the court was based on the fact that freedom of belief is one of the fundamental elements of French public liberties expressed in Article of the 1789 Declaration of Human and Citizens Rights and that article 1 of the Separation Law ensures freedom of conscience and beliefs subject to observance of public order, and considering article 9 of the European Convention recognizing religious freedom for all persons. (Proeschel 14: 2008). The ruling stated that there is thus no point in wondering whether the Church of Scientology constitutes a sect or a religion, as freedom of belief is absolute, that to the extent a religion can be defined by coincidence of two elements, an objective element, the existence of a community, even a small one, and a subjective element shared faith, the Church of Scientology can cl aim the title of a religion and develop its activities in all freedom, within the framework of the existing laws, including its missionary activities, or even those of proselytism (Proeschel 14:2007). The Commission Stasi published a report on 11 of December 2003 in which it recommended the interdiction of religious signs in public schools as well as the fight against urban and social discrimination against racism and anti-Semitism, the appointment of Muslim chaplain in public institutions such as hospitals, prisons and the military and the creation of new public holidays. Only the first recommendation was finally implemented with 15 March 2004 and became a law. Yet, this law has been criticized over the compatibility of such ban with European Convention on Human Rights. In their turn official republicans point out to a number of decisions by the European Court of Human Rights which have recognized that a state like Turkey which is the only other laÃÆ' ¯que state in Europe may have a legitimate interest in preserving a secular public sphere (Laborde 59: 2008). Furthermore, the French State reacted towards the growing challenge of Islam by setting up a committee at the initiative of the Ministry of the Interior and Religions and chaired by Jean-Pierre Machelon who made a report in 2006. He came up with a plan to enable local authorities to make direct grants for construction of buildings for religious purposes within their boundaries (Proeschel 11:2008). Given the challenges facing the State, new laÃÆ' ¯cità © politics developed around two main issues. On the one hand, it focused on the so-called fight against collective ethnic and religious identities, what is referred to as communautarisme. On the other, counter- arguments emphasized the anti-discrimination agenda and used notions such as Islamophobia to describe the new context. The issue of gender equality appeared at the intersection of both lines of this debate (Bertossi 17:2006) In a report for the United Nations Commission on Human Rights titled Civil and Political Rights, Including the Question of Religious Intolerance submitted in 2005 by Asma Jahangir, Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion and Belief, the Special Rapporteur has observed that the government may have contributed to a climate of general suspicion and intolerance towards those communities on the list created by the National Assembly in 1996, of movements and groups classified as sects (109). And the report adds [a] number of improvements à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦remain to be carried out to ensure that the right to freedom of religion or belief of all individuals is guaranteed (à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦) (110). And in paragraph 97 in the report, the Special Rapportuer à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦considers that a thorough assessment of [laÃÆ' ¯cità ©s] application in the present context of religious pluralism is a necessary process in democratic society based on the rule of the law. 5 Forms of LaÃÆ' ¯cità ©s As a result of the controversies about laÃÆ' ¯cità © and the changes that have taken place in the French society; flow of immigrants with different cultural heritages and religions. The French State has found itself in a position where it needs to make decisions and respond to the rights of the religious groups. Two types of laÃÆ' ¯cità © have developed throughout past years; the soft laÃÆ' ¯cità © and the strict laÃÆ' ¯cità ©. The dichotomies between the two show the degree to which laÃÆ' ¯cità © is being challenged in the French society. Many of the supporters of soft laÃÆ' ¯cità © accuse the proponents of the strict form of trying to make secularist laÃÆ' ¯cità © the state religion in France (Fetzer/Soper 74:2005). In fact, Olivier Roy says that laÃÆ' ¯cità © is moving towards becoming a dogma (22:2007). A few defenders of soft laÃÆ' ¯cità © also lament that the strict version tends to sterilize the society of all cultural diversity and to strip public school students of all individuality (Fetzer/Soper 75:2005). In her book Critical Republicanism The Hijab Controversy and Political Philosophy, Cecile Laborde exposes the ongoing debate about laÃÆ' ¯cità © and identifies two versions of tolerant republican laÃÆ' ¯cità © towards the case for allowing religious signs in the schools. The first version, secular laÃÆ' ¯cità ©, it might be an appealing ideal, but on no plausible interpretation does it mandate that school childrens right to wear religious clothing be restricted. The second version of tolerant republican challenge goes further, and casts doubts on the laÃÆ' ¯que ideal itself (80:2008). She also adds in her criticism of the tolerant laÃÆ' ¯cità © the following: As separation is no more than a historical myth, and the French public sphere is far from neutral in the laÃÆ' ¯que sense, contextual fairness demands that privileges historically granted to Catholics be extended to minority religions such as Islam. Tolerant republicanism, therefore, substitutes pragmatic even-handedness between religious groups to abstentionist neutrality, and allows for the recognition of collective religious identities in the public sphere (80:2008). In addition to the two versions of tolerant republican laÃÆ' ¯cità ©, comes official republican ideal of laÃÆ' ¯cità ©, according to which, republican equality is best promoted through maintenance of secular nature of public sphere and non-interference by the state in religious matters. Finally, critical republicans in contrast to both official and tolerant republicans explicitly confront this complex question and believe that answering it would go a long way towards addressing the legitimate grievances of Muslims in relation to the existing practices of European State (Laborde 89:2008). Critical republicans tend to be fairly tolerant of the religious expression of ordinary citizens, but they adopt a less tolerant stance towards display of religious allegiance or support by the state institutions (86:2008). All in all, there are three attitudes that can be defined in relation to laÃÆ' ¯cità ©. Some, advocating an open laÃÆ' ¯cità © , are concerned with the free exercise of religion, but are also tempered by a revision of the 1905 law. Those favoring a laÃÆ' ¯cità © in movement are sensitive to social and religious change, but remain faithful to the history of the secular ideal. Finally, the more militant laics defend the French republican model by denouncing the dangers of communautarisme and calling for the strengthening of the 1905 law (Caron 117: 2007). 6 Conclusion In the light of the societal developments in the French society, laÃÆ' ¯cità © has encountered great challenges stemming mainly from the claims by the cultural and religious minorities. These minorities, and in particular, Muslims, have simply demanded that their rights to freedom of belief and expression be guaranteed by laÃÆ' ¯cità ©, but instead of granting them their rights, they have been confined to more restrictions in expressing these rights. Ironically, their requests have been estimated to be a threat to laÃÆ' ¯cità © and, of course, to the national identity. There is no doubt that laÃÆ' ¯cità © has evolved over the past years; an open form has come to existence as a result of the stagnation in the process of recognizing the religious groups rights More than one hundred years has passed since the 1905 Law, and the sects and other religious groups are still seeking the States recognition. Though laÃÆ' ¯cità © requires the State to be neutral in matters of religion as they belong to the private domain (lordre privà ©), it has practically failed to curb the States intervention in the internal affairs of the religious groups. Ingemund Hagg says in a paper presented in 2005 in Bulgaria that là ©tat laÃÆ' ¯que is an ideal but 100 years of French history shows that it is difficult to obtain, it has to develop in steps, and within new steps in accordance with societal development in each particular country Consequently, the fact that laicite is not perceived in the same way by its proponents; some believe that it is the only guarantee for freedom of belief and that the State instead of being neutral is abusing the rights of religious minorities under the pretext of protecting laÃÆ' ¯cità © itself. Therefore, laÃÆ' ¯cità © does not, as Claude Proeschel says in the end of her article French LaÃÆ' ¯cità © Confronted with New Challenges involve ignoring religious facts. It requires not mere tolerance on the part of the State, but active organization(15:2007). In that sense, it does embrace differences, but its implementation by the State that renders it rigid. As a result, laÃÆ' ¯cità © as a concept is rigid given the States practices towards the religious groups, but again it is dynamic regarding the controversies about it; different trends of laÃÆ' ¯cità © soft or open. Therefore, in theory, it is dynamic, but in practice, it is rigid. No. of Characters is 23 282.

History of the Conflict In Sudan and the Role of the United Nations Ess

History of the Conflict In Sudan and the Role of the United Nations Introduction Sudan is Africa’s largest state and has been involved in conflict of various origins for varying periods of time. The paper will trace the origin and evolution of Sudan’s two most significant wars: the north-south civil war and the current conflict in the Darfur region that is now gaining international notoriety. Additionally, the UN System that is in place in Sudan will be analyzed anatomically. Ultimately the paper seeks to unearth ideas on what needs to happen going forward in order to improve the Darfur situation, as well as identify key inefficiencies in the UN’s approach to delivering aid. History of the Crises In Sudan Sudan is divided between an Arabic, Muslim north and an African south which is largely Christian or animist. Tension between these two realities has caused Sudan to know only 11 years of peace since gaining independence from 1956. The instability brought on by Sudan’s independence began to take shape in the months leading up to victory over colonization. Southern troops became fearful of domination by the north and began to mutiny. The southern mutinies were put down but following independence strife in the south continued as a rebel group known as the Anya-Nya fiercely sought either autonomy or outright succession. Efforts of the Anya-Nya continued until 1972 when President Numeiry of Sudan signed the Addis Ababa accord with the rebels resulting in three provinces within Southern Sudan that were given a significant degree of autonomy. Following this breakthrough negotiation, peace fell over Sudan up to 1983 when President Numeiry changed his stance wherein he not only instituted Islamic law in the country... ...://www.unsudanig.org/system/index.jsp. â€Å"United Nations System in Sudan: Information Pack.† http://www.unsudanig.org/system/index.jsp?agency=FAO http://www.unsudanig.org/system/index.jsp?agency=OCHA http://news.amnesty.org/index/engafr540042003. â€Å"Sudan: Urgent call for Commission of Inquiry in Darfur as situation deteriorates.† http://www.unsudanig.org/system/index.jsp?agency=OHCHR http://www.unsudanig.org/system/index.jsp?agency=UNHCR http://www.unsudanig.org/system/index.jsp?agency=UNDP http://www.unsudanig.org/system/index.jsp?agency=UNFPA http://www.unsudanig.org/system/index.jsp?agency=UNICEF http://www.unsudanig.org/system/index.jsp?agency=UNIDO http://www.unsudanig.org/system/index.jsp?agency=UNMAS http://www.unsudanig.org/system/index.jsp?agency=WHO http://news.amnesty.org/pages/sudan â€Å"Civilians Under Threat In Darfur.†

Point Shaving :: essays research papers

I think that it’s a tragedy to see that many collegiate athletes are involved in gambling situations. It’s hard on the athletes too, because they’re not getting paid to play the game so it’s hard to resist thousands of dollars to only win by a few, in cases on point shaving. When I was watching that movie â€Å"Blue Chips†, which is all about illegal college betting and buying athletes to come to their school, there was a scene involving the coach and the point guard regarding a point shaving incident three years ago. After the student was harassed by the coach he finally confessed saying, â€Å"We won the game, we just didn’t beat the spread. That’s only for those gamblers anyway†. He has a point with what he said but that’s not the point. A lot of young athletes do see point shaving as partaking in an illegal and unlawful event or don’t believe that much in it, morally. So people say that if the college players were getting paid none of this would happen. I don’t know if giving the players a stipend is going end this because unless you’re paying the athletes thousands of dollars a week or a game, the stipend won’t be more than what they’re being offered. I do think that it might help but I’m not sure if that help is going to make a big enough difference. On the same note, if you eliminate spreads, can they be sure that it will make a difference when it comes to gambling. Don’t get me wrong, eliminating the spreads would decrease the amounts of point shaving incidents, but it won’t necessarily stop them. Bookies can make up their own spreads and ask players to shave points regardless of the fact that the spread is not publicized. The bookie has an idea by about how much one team may beat another. I understand that they will probably never â€Å"eliminate collegiate gambling† but they’re t rying to limit and reduce it and I’m all for it too. Unfortunately there is the big issue of the politicians and their campaigning for funds and it’s going to be hard to control that too. I can understand why Congress isn’t closing the Nevada loophole or at least delaying it, but I still don’t agree with it.

The Old Man and the Sea :: Essays Papers

The Old Man and the Sea The Old Man and the Sea Hemmingway, Earnest FVL Library 138 pp. The main theme of Hemmingway's The Old Man and the Sea, is not an easy one to pick out. At first glance the book seems to simply be a story about a guy who goes out and battles with a fish. However, there has to be some underling theme. It could be the relationship between a boy and a man, and how both are treated by nature. This is illustrated by the boy's parents not allowing him to continue with the unlucky old man. It is also shown by the success the boy had and the failure the old man experienced after their parting. Still through all of this the boy remembers how well the old man treated him and does everything he can for the old man. On the whole, I liked this book. It was written in relatively easy to follow language, yet Hemmingway was still able to convey unbelievable images of picturesque settings in the reader's mind. There is also an interesting use of dialog, not only between the boy and the old man, but es pecially with the old man talking to himself. This is something I really haven't seen used that extensively. I think Hemmingway used this to fill in the parts of the story where the old man is simply at a stalemate with the fish, when he is just sitting there being pulled around the ocean. The one thing I didn't understand about this one sided conversation was the constant reference to Joe DiMaggio. I don't know if this was simply a tribute to a great ball player, or some kind of historical reference that I just didn't get. The pace and general flow of the story was good. There were a few times during the struggle where the action all but disappeared, but on the whole there was almost always something happening. The plot was also pretty simple and easy to follow. Another quality of this book which I have seen in others I have previously read was the complete lack of a male-female love subplot. As I have said before, this often times just messes things up. In this case the only love affair was between the old man and fishing. However I would not say there was love between the old man and the fish.

Analysis of Relationships in Regeneration

In this essay I am going to analyses the difficulty of relationships within the context of war. I will be looking at Billy Prior and Sarah Lump and exploring their relationship. I will also be looking at the difficulties of their relationship because of the war. Prior is a very complicated character. His difficult life from both home and during the war is the reason for his emotional conflict which causes him stress.He believes his duty is to serve and cries when told he won't be returning to war, yet he Is hesitant of admitting his fear that he was scared of being killed In the war. He will only talk to Rivers using a notepad and refuses to discuss his memories of the war as he claims to have lost all memory of why he broke down. Sarah Lump Is a working class woman who by nature of her gender has been shielded from the horrors of war. She moved away from home to work In a munitions factory In Scotland, which shows how women were beginning to replace men who had gone to war.The conta ct she has with the war Is the loss of her boyfriend In the battle of Loss, through this detail Barker shows how everyone at the time could be touched by the war, further illustrating the change of the role of men and women. Prior and Sarah first met in a pub where Sarah Lump approached Prior. This shows a change in attitude as usually it would be the man approaching the woman. After only meeting Sarah for a short time he asked about any past or present relationships Sarah may have had.Sarah then talks about her previous boyfriend who died in the war and ‘brooded for a while over her empty glass. ‘ She was changed by his death and this was the reason why she moved away from home. This could make their relationship difficult as she knows the feeling of heartbreak from losing a loved one in the war so wouldn't want to deal with the pain gain through being in a relationship with a soldier. ‘Empty glass' is used as it shows the emptiness and pain she felt inside from t he death of her previous boyfriend.The first complication in their relationship is when Prior was meant to go visit her but doesn't turn up. When Prior eventually does see her, she's angry with him as in her eyes he stood her up. You've got a nerve. ‘ This quotation shows her anger because she feels she may have been used by Prior simply for sex. She doesn't understand the utilities that may occur for Prior at the hospital. However once he explained hat he wasn't allowed out she forgives him and agrees to go on a second date. When they go out to the beach, it's an escape from the war.Prior pays attention to crowds of people and envies them and Sarah as they are free of the experience of the war. He feels they owe him something and that Sarah ‘should pay. ‘ He has affections for her yet Is bitter and Jealous of her Ignorance of the war which has changed him forever. They make love for the first time when they go out on their trip to the beach. Prior as a man gives S arah the impression that he was not connected to her. Prior is unsure of his feelings and does not want Sarah to think that anything important happened at the beach.Pat Barker doesn't dwell on Sarah's feelings but as Prior is the protagonist, the reader is aware of everything he thinks and feels, because of this we are shown giving her mixed messages about what his feelings are for her. Also the fact that he's been restricted from talking to women, because of the war, effects their relationship as it makes him hostile, Jealous and uncomfortable. Sarah doesn't understand the truth about war, this makes their relationship difficult s she doesn't understand the impact that war has on men in general, so doesn't understand why Prior acts in a certain way.Even though he's out of the war, he still has memories of it and friends who are out there fighting. He also feels guilty as he believes he should be fighting for his country with fellow soldiers. Prior may feel hopeless in a way as he's never going to be able to mentally escape the war as everything brings back memories for him which is hard for Sarah as she will have to deal with this and with the fact that Prior doesn't like to talk about his war memories. He is actually with her to take his mind away from the horrors he has witnessed in the war. ‘He needed her ignorance to hide in. This quotation illustrates Priors complicated feelings for Sarah. He loves her, but also despises her for being a female and not involved in the horrors of war. He also understands how much he needs her ‘ignorance' to help him get through his own horrors. Sarah tells her Mum, Dad Lump about her relationship with Prior. She has a hardened attitude towards the relationship with Prior as she doesn't believe that true love exists between any man or women. From her mother's own difficult personal experience in relationships she's brought her daughter up with a hard realism of love.What do you think he wants you for? Dad implie s that perhaps Prior doesn't care and that he's maybe Just using her for sex. This could be difficult for Sarah as she doesn't have support from her mother. This could possibly be because Sarah's father walked out on them as ‘it had never been clear whether her father had departed this life, the town or merely his marriage. ‘ So she might Just not want to see her daughter get hurt. Her Mothers captioned in her having sex so early on in the relationship and reminds her that contraception isn't always reliable.She also considers marriage as the sole end of female existence' and would like to see her daughter marry a man with a brighter future which isn't Prior. This is shown when Prior asks Sarah if her mum likes him. ‘Not as much as she would if you were going back. ‘ For Prior, being with Sarah is like an escape from the world outside and memories of war. He spends the night with her in the lodgings. ‘He was glad to have the night shut out, with its mem ories of fear and worried sentries whispering.This quotation shows that Prior now feels safe, his memories can't haunt him tonight as they're forgotten about. He feels comfortable and happy with Sarah, they lie on her bed talking and finally Prior tells her he loves her and she replies that she loves him too. They have both been damaged by the war and at least find solace and care in each other, amidst the madness of the war. One aspect of ‘Regeneration' is to give an insight into how the war affected men mentally and the effect this had on their relationships. I hope that I have shown from uncertainty of life from day to day within the war.

Globalized World Essay

â€Å"The modern Company has spread its brains – its center of excellence. It really is a citizen of many countries rather than a citizen of one†. Do you agree with the statement? I agree with the above statement. The above statement truly talks about the globalization and being in the globalized world. Globalization refers to the increasing unification of the world’s economic order through reduction of such barriers to international trade as tariffs, export fees, and import quotas. The goal is to increase material wealth, goods, and services through an international division of labor by efficiencies catalyzed by international relations, specialization and competition. It describes the process by which regional economies, societies, and cultures have become integrated through communication, transportation, and trade. Talking about the positive and negative side of globalization, it continues to be divisive subject among political activists, academics, business leaders, and policymakers. Some look at the rapid economic and political changes taking place around the world and see injustice. Others observe these same changes and see progress. On both sides of the debate, however, much of the discussion takes place among elites. What do average citizens around the world think about the powerful global forces transforming their societies? Survey research suggests that most people embrace the idea of a globalized world, even if cautiously. Globalization had also increased the competition among different companies in different countries. People are striving to make their countries better and richer. With globalization, there are chances that the developed countries will take over the developing and underdeveloped countries. It is better to take up measures to meet the needs of everyone in order to live peaceful and comfortable life. Some people are finding it difficult to cop up with globalization. With the proper use of modern technology, communication can be made easier and there will be more integration of different companies in the world. The movement of people has also become one of the most important things due to globalization. In the years companies started recognizing and valuing the workforce. They started considering people as assets to increase the productivity. Hiring competent and qualified employees are thought to be the basic ingredient for growth. E. g. Employees of Microsoft come from various different sectors. An organization is a collection of several human and non-human entities. People are different and vary in their thoughts, views, and opinions. An organization tries to hire the best and competent employees through all across the globe. In an organization we can find employees coming from several cultural and socio-cultural backgrounds. So we can say that it really is a citizen of many countries rather than a citizen of one organized together and working together. This has become possible only due to globalization. Hence we can conclude that organizations who thing that the world is a single global network and thereby understanding the fierce competition, lifestyles and culture of different countries will help them to thrive for excellence and ultimately will lead them to achieve their desired goals.

What is Black History Month?

Surprisingly, the answer to that seemingly simple question would have a multitude of different answers, varying in degrees from full support to total outrage, depending on who was asked. The extreme fluctuation in emotional reaction to what appears on the outside to be a month long celebration of heritage lies in the different opinions of some very complex issues. Arguments over the benefits versus harm, and the definition of black history itself are at the core of this heated debate.The month long focus on the history of Black Americans, known as Black History Month, was brought to life by Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Dr. Woodson, â€Å"one of the first black Americans to receive a Ph. D. from Harvard university† (Gearing Up For Black History Month, 2007), was disturbed in the lack of knowledge and availability of Black History in America of any kind. Woodson felt strongly about this lack of history for an entire ethnic group and felt the need to create a forum that would, â€Å"h ighlight the contributions of black Americans to our nation and the world.His goal was to bring to light the â€Å"‘hidden history and culture† of the American people, and through this special observance, help all Americans to appreciate their ethnic roots and develop a mutual respect among the races. † (Gearing Up for Black History Month, 2008) He chose the second week in February because of its association with two great men who had a great impact on the destiny of African Americans: Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist, Frederick Douglas. Today it is even more fitting that this remembrance beobserved in February, as it holds many great achievements for Black Americans including; the birth of a great civil rights leader W. E. B. DuBois, the month that the 15th amendment was passed allowing black’s to vote, the acceptance of the first black senator, and the death of militant leader Malcolm X, naming just a few. (Infoplease, 2009) From the beginning, Woodsonâ⠂¬â„¢s motivation in launching Negro History Week was an, â€Å"initiative to bring national attention to the contributions of black people throughout American history. † (â€Å"Black History Month†, 2000)Prior to that time Black history had been relatively unexplored except for the representation of blacks as slaves or in low and insignificant social positions. (Wikipedia, 2009). However, even from its inception as Negro History Week, this period of remembrance has been a source of contention. Annually, this heated debate over the, â€Å"continued usefulness and fairness of a designated month dedicated to the history of one race† (Wikipedia, 2009) has broken itself down into three major arguments. The first and most hotly debated topic is mainly that of purpose.What is the real underlying purpose of this celebration? One side proposes the benefits of self-identity while the other argues degradation of society. Those who argue on the side of identity feel strong ly that the affects of â€Å"historical amnesia† is the root of the problem. Their position that the long term affects of slavery on the mentality of the people had a more devastating effect than generally understood. (Pitre, 2002) Black History serves the purpose of helping African Americans understand themselves by looking at the uniqueness and origin of their history in relation to the development of world history.Black history would encourage Black Americans to embrace their personal identity as opposed to self-negating one's self (Karenga, 1982). (Pitre, 2002) Connecting with their larger past will give Black Americans the ability to see themselves as part of a repeating cycle of world history that is everchanging and full of opportunity for freedom and productivity. (Pitre, 2002) It is this great power for healing found in our histories that is so indispensable. For history is the substance and mirror of a people's humanity in others' eyes as well as in their own eyes.I t is then, not only what they have done, but also a reflection of who they are, what they can do, and equally important what they can become as a result of the past which reveals their possibilities (Karenga, 1982, 69). (Pitre, 2002) With the desire to let Black Americans have the opportunity to see themselves in a better, broader light and thus inspire all Americans to achieve to become better, proponents of Black History Month encourage schools and educators to enlighten the minds of America’s youth by learning about American history through another ethnic perspective.The aim of a multicultural education is not just an â€Å"appreciation for cultural diversity† (Pitre, 2002) but also a more compassionate perspective that will lead to a more equitable America. It is important to note, however, that in a quest for real multiculturism, learning about Black history is not merely a recitation of a handful of accomplished Black Americans. It is much more than a compilation of inspiring stories, and more of a frank and honest look at the often horrifying realities of the past. It is by looking at history in an unbiased way that truths can be taught, and real lessons learned.For example, one Southern high school committed to multicultural program fought back against the tendency to use a watered down method of inviting speakers with limited knowledge of Black American history or who teach history within the acceptable set framework of the dominant culture. Instead, the high school students chose a non-traditional, Islamic speaker to share historic facts and how they related to the struggles of Black Americans today. The result was outstanding. The reaction of the students was an emotional self-realization that resulted in a life-changing experience. (Pitre, 2002)However, this opportunity to candidly look at the past and see the effects it has had on the present appears to be the root of the problem for those that oppose the observance of Black History Month. Among some of the most ardent fears is the supposition that teaching students the realities of history will color both Europe and the U. S. as bad actors on the world stage. They accuse Black American scholars of having the intention of rewriting history. Disturbingly, at the same time they proffer the weak argument that taking time out for multicultural education takes time away from basic work skills education.(Pitre, 2002) Furthermore, they strongly suggest that teaching Blacks about the â€Å"historical injustices perpetrated against them† (Pitre, 2002) will inspire vengeance against Whites. Any program or curriculum that induces people of African descent to group themselves in opposition to White policies must be squashed in the name of our mutual safety as White people (Kincheloe & Steinberg, 1997, 7). (Pitre, 2002). In addition to these arguments are the attacks that the honoring of Black History Month is nothing more than an opportunity for a marketing device.U nfortunately, this is perfectly illustrated in a flyer encouraging the observance of Black History Month: A community is only as strong as the traditions that hold it together. Procter & Gamble products such as Tide, Bounce and Downy have been a part of the traditions celebrated by African-American families for generations. (Black History Month: Reminds Us of Our Common Experiences and Hopes, 2005) Furthermore, this heated debate over the beneficial versus detrimental perspectives on Black History Month is often subsequently followed by the controversial question of, â€Å"What is Black History?† In one historians point of view, Black History should be understood as Black History that focuses on Black people, their identity, their culture, their social life, their psychology, and the way they have used these ethnic, group, and personal attributes to make history in America and to contribute to histories, countries, and peoples elsewhere on the globe. (Wright, 2002) This very important ideal holds that as Blacks uncover and reveal the truth of their history awareness of White people in American history will also be enlightened.By motivating Black historians to present the truth in a scholarly manner and thus provide the moral guidelines for Black political behavior in America, the racism that scarred the country and the attitudes and beliefs of its people can begin to heal. (Wright, 2002) This ever-present problem of seeking identity through the looking glass of the past is not just an American issue. In the United Kingdom, with large communities of many different ethnic groups the struggle to celebrate Black History Month sheds light on this question of identity in a much clearer way.In an effort to teach Black History and keep school programs alive, they have confronted the issue that their traditional teaching of Black History month focusing on Caribbean Black History is â€Å"failing to connect with the new migrant communities such as the Somalis. T he compelling questions are about making sense of a world whose problems seem dominated by historic questions of identity. †(Hunt, 2006) This search for identity runs deep. As Black Americans struggle to find an acceptable way to identify themselves today and build a stronger foundation for the future, the debate will go on.However, there are still some basic issues with name identity that appear to add to the confusion. For instance, just the identification as Blacks, Black Americans, African Americans, Afro Americans or the orthographical capitalization of the letter â€Å"B† as in black Americans, has caused a strain on the black American community. The suggestion by some black historians that all black Americans are African American became a popular reference even though most Blacks disagreed and saw themselves only as Black Americans, and not identifying themselves in relation to Africa at all.(Wright, 2002) Obviously identity is an important part of viewing not on ly the past, but more importantly, the future. Perhaps this is the reason there is so much disagreement and conjecture. Moreover, it is also obvious that until agreements and decisions can be made, the unity that is necessary to achieve the identity so desperately sought after will remain elusive. Regardless of the debate that forges on, and will one day find a resolution; it seems clear that whether it is black history or white history, it is all American history. ReferencesBlack History Month: Reminds Us of Our Common Experiences and Hopes. (2005, February). Ebony, 60, 46+. Retrieved March 4, 2009, from Questia database: http://www. questia. com/PM. qst? a=o&d=5008550464 â€Å"Black History Month: the History of Black History. † Infoplease.  © 2000–2007 Pearson Education, publishing as Infoplease. 04 Mar. 2009 . Black History Month. (2009, March 3). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 18:05, March 4, 2009, from http://en. wikipedia. org/w/index. php? tit le=Black_History_Month&oldid=274609871Gearing Up for Black History Month in February 2008. (2007, December). Curriculum Review, 47, 14+. Retrieved March 4, 2009, from Questia database: http://www. questia. com/PM. qst? a=o&d=5024613228 Hunt, T. (2006, October). Whose History Is It Anyway? as Part of the Ongoing Debate over Black History Month, Tristram Hunt Asks for Greater Dialogue between Politicians and Academics concerning the Place of History in Modern Britain. History Today, 56, 28+. Retrieved March 4, 2009, from Questia database: http://www. questia. com/PM. qst? a=o&d=5017655596 Pitre, A. , & Ray, R. (2002).The Controversy around Black History. The Western Journal of Black Studies, 26(3), 149+. Retrieved March 4, 2009, from Questia database: http://www. questia. com/PM. qst? a=o&d=5000644111 Wright, W. D. (2002). Black History and Black Identity : A Call for a New Historiography /. Westport, CT: Praeger. Retrieved March 4, 2009, from Questia database: http://www. questia. co m/PM. qst? a=o&d=101983241 Wright, W. D. (2002). Critical Reflections on Black History /. Westport, CT: Praeger. Retrieved March 4, 2009, from Questia database: http://www. questia. com/PM. qst? a=o&d=101985175