The Positive Impact Of Online Social Networking In The Conflict Case Study

The Positive Impact Of Online Social Networking In The Conflict - Case Study Example Online social networking is of immense advantage to individuals, for example, by easing communication; however, the same does carry along its fair share of demerits, such as being a productive platform for protestors to incite others. It is noteworthy that online social networks are easily accessible to individuals as long as one has an Internet connection. Within these remarkable online platforms, individuals are able to send messages to each other, comment on each other’s activities and converse among themselves. Subsequently, if conflicts sprout, people within the online social networks are able to discuss more on the rows. Consequently, if there are any inciters among the users of the online platforms, they may take advantage and talk others into resulting in violence, maybe to act against the conflicts. Inciters can convince people to turn to violence in order to seek a resolution to a matter at hand by using impeccably articulated sly moves within the online social networks. During the recent conflicts, which erupted in Tunisia, the government censored various online routes of communication as a way of minimizing the conflicts. However, some of the online social networks were almost impossible to bloc k. In turn, people within Tunisia were able to attain enough information to build up more emotions that caused them to continue with the violent protests. According to an analysis presented by Sami Ben Gharbia, a Tunisian blogger, a lot of content that fuelled the protests had its origin from one of the leading online network sites in the world, the Facebook (Ghannam 16). Although the government in Tunisia put effort to curb communication and sharing of protest-related information via online social networks, it is a crystal that the main problem was the uncontrollable conveying of information.

Dear united nations Essay Example for Free

Dear united nations Essay For many children around the world, their early years are far from safe, a supportive environment they require to give them the best possible start in life is non-existent.  As well as the threats from poverty, disease, violence and war, children face commercial exploitation by adults who deny them their fundamental rights to protection.  Some 1.2 million children are now estimated by you (the UN) to be trafficked annually. Around 246 million children are also thought to be involved in child labour and an estimated two million children are currently enslaved in the global commercial sex trade. Everyday millions of children are exploited, abused, or are victims of violence. Bought and sold like commodities, children are forced to be soldiers, prostitutes, sweatshop workers, and servants, and the government sit around making predictions about child exploitation, but not doing anything to change it.  Poverty, conflict, HIV/AIDS, urbanisation and migration have led to the breakdown of families and support structures in communities. Families are struggling to cope. As a result, more and more children are at risk of violence, abuse, exploitation and being abandoned. Children are particularly vulnerable in emergencies because they are physically weaker than adults and risk being separated from their families. Food and water shortages do not happen suddenly and famine can be predicted and prevented, using surveys and early warning systems.  Children have particular needs in emergencies. They fall into three main categories: material (such as shelter and food), developmental (e.g., schooling and play), and emotional (protection and psychological healing). They have immediate needs that must be met, but some needs continue long after the emergency is over. These are things that we take for granted, but millions of children die every day from the lack of them. These simple things can be provided and can save the hundreds that die every minute. The main way to combat child exploitation and trafficking is by finding a solution to poverty. Poverty is a big issue in MEDCS around the world, particularly in Africa. Victims of child trafficking are mostly of poor families and from the developing nations. Think of how many victims are from the families of ministers, company directors and top politicians. The answer is negative, so the main problem is poverty. Emphasis should be on the distribution of wealth in developing countries. If the UN can cancel world debts to these poorer countries or wipe out the huge interest on them, then taxes in the countries can go down, and money can be spent on police services, schooling and providing a better quality of life.  The children of the world are the future of tomorrow. Should more be done to protect them? Definitely. Selling a child into slavery is the same as taking away their life. Those who traffic children should receive the same penalties as a rapist or murderer. Its inconceivable that most countries do not have laws that cover this, all Western nations should pass laws to make this a very serious crime it must stop!  The UN is in control and can stop all the madness, with a bit of time and effort then millions of innocent lives can be saved.  Yours sincerely

Weak Governance and Social Cohesion

Weak Governance and Social Cohesion Weak Governance and Social Cohesion and Its Impact on Violent Conflict in the Domestic Politics of India, Pakistan and Afghanistan By Tasneem Winkler Assignment Question: Domestic politics in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan are often marred by violent conflicts. Explain why this is so. It is no secret that the South Asian region is one of the most dangerous places on earth for its inhabitants with over 5000 fatalities in 2008 alone (Paul 2010, 113). Whilst rich in multiethnicity, culture and tradition, internecine violence over class systems, religion and virulent nationalism have been a constant presence in some provinces. Underlying these identity politics is a structural framework of a weak governance apparatus, stemming from initial political foundations laid in the region. These frail multidimensional devices provide conditions for the powerful and urban elite to manipulate regional rivalry for their own political interests thus, perpetuating a never-ending cycle of violent struggle, with an absence of national unity. I argue that a weak foundation of governance structures and an absence of national identity is the underlying cause for the chronic insecurity in India, Pakistan and Afghanistans domestic politics. This essay will first provide a brief definition of governance. I will then explain how the failure to establish a unifying social strategy from the outset, has made it difficult for each state to forge a common identity. Finally, I will show how a lack of national unity has prevented governance structures to be strengthened. Communal support of government policies is reliant on the masses trust in the political system to provide security, services and infrastructure without bias, corruption or self-interest. In exchange, an active and enfranchised population engages together to resolve conflicts without violence. This state device is recognised as good governance. The World Bank defines governance as a series of norms and rules exercised by actors in the development of social and economic structures, and good governance as the mechanisms which operate this process (World Bank 1992, 1). Poor or weak areas of political stability, security, infrastructure and rule of law amongst others, are the antithesis of this definition, and in Indias case has been exacerbated by political actors such as Bharatiya Janata Partys use of agitational politics, to rouse ethnoreligious tension (Ganguly 2016, 124). Insecurity is heightened in all states by the Pakistan military and elites interventionist politics taking advant age of the border and intra-tribal disagreements (Ganguly 2014, 19; Karim 2013, 3; Yamin 2015, 4). As well, the absence of effective law and order mechanisms in Afghanistan continues to encourage terrorism, insurgency and intervention by external powers (Ganguly 2014, 19). Further, the vast tracts of poverty in rural areas, widen the gap and create identity politics between provincials and political elite (20). As a result, this mistrust leads to a disconnected community with hostilities towards each other and the state, not helped when self-interested state responses to counter social friction is often ad hoc (Paul 2010, 7). Thus, the social fabric has no confidence in the state to peacefully resolve conflict and address the disparity between the populations. From Kashmir and Punjab to the Pashtun and Baluchistan regions, ethnic divisions are rampant and numerous. With weak to non-existing policies to foster social cohesion, state capacity to manage ethnoreligious conflict peacefully continues to be evasive. While there is merit to the argument that the irredentist conflict has links to ethnoreligious and secessionist concerns, a deeper examination reveals that in each state exists a fractured political structure and an all-encompassing national disunity (Ganguly and Fair 2013, 125-17; Weinbaum 2009, 76, 86; Jones 2008, 11). It is this lack of social interconnection which undermines governance measures and contributes to a non-extant national political identity. Moreover, the fissures in these foundations can be led back to the formation of the region into independent states. Following the partition of British India in 1947, unlike its neighbour who inherited the British systems of governance, Pakistan was left to its own devices in polit icising an identity (Ganguly and Fair 2013, 124). With the early demise of its founder, the fledgeling state began its foray into state building on a weak footing thus, always failing to reach the potential to strengthen a distinct identity. Whilst India, with its fractured ethnic and class divides, has fared considerably healthier economically (Ganguly 2007; 46), it continues to struggle with Naxalite militant violence in the northeast (Ahuja and Ganguly 2007, 252). In this exploited and impoverished rural area, land reforms are slow in repairing the fractured ethnic and class divide left over from British rule (257). The adopted British systems of governance built on colonial control failed to recognise that transitioning into autonomous governance by the states of a multi-ethnic, multi-sectarian and ethnoreligious society would require a uniform social rehabilitation. Consequently, in absence of a cohesive and unifying political strategy to construct an individual but connecting identity, each provinces capacity to govern their multi-dimensional society was weakened and continues to be destabilising for the state. Both India and Pakistans national discourse grew out of the remnants of British India. Whilst Western nations have successfully adopted peaceful means of conflict resolution, in the South Asian context, a similar approach has failed to construct institutions which allow multi-ethnic communities a collective voice in the national polity. Similarly, the troubled Afghan regions have had too many influences from dissimilar demographics, such as the Soviet occupation through to the US invasion and interventionist politics from Pakistan, to adequately its own develop peaceful domestic instruments of law and order (Jones 2008, 11). The absence of essential infrastructure in rural areas has made it is difficult to summon those institutions for assistance during times of complex intra-tribal insecurity (20). As such, a fissured state apparatus will continue to crack under the pressure of violent conflict. In sum, what the states of Pakistan, India and Afghanistan have in common is the fault line of a missing identity in the formation of their governance structure. Without a collective and unifying governance apparatus, violence will continue to be a solution for a population disenfranchised and isolated from its elite. As shown, the mechanisms to form unity amongst the multi-dimensional demographics of the region has always been shaky due to the foundations laid at the outset. Appropriated governance measures from external societies prevented a unified political identity. This fractured instrument allowed the political actors to show their strength through acts of self-interest, further exacerbating the conflicts. Until such time unity with a national outlook encompassing all ethnic divisions is found, violence will continue to provide results for the political elite in all three states. Combined with the rise of religious fundamentalism, an impoverished and isolated society will cont inue to create recidivist violence to resolve differences. Lastly, the capacity to prevent violent recidivism lies in reconstructing the political foundation and security for each nation. Reference List Ganguly, Rajat, 2007. Democracy and Ethnic Conflict. In The State of Indias Democracy, edited by Sumit Ganguly, Larry Diamond and Marc F. Plattner, 45-66. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. Ganguly, Rajat. 2016. Politics, Security and Foreign Policy. In Routledge Handbook of Contemporary India, edited by Knut Axel Jacobsen, 121-134. London: Routledge. Ahuja, Pratul., and Rajat Ganguly. 2007. The Fire Within: Naxalite Insurgency Violence in India. Small Wars and Insurgencies 18 (2): 249-274. doi:1080/09592310701400861 Ganguly, Rajat, 2014. Security Issues in South Asia. In Europa Regional Surveys of the World: South Asia, edited by Europa Publications,15-27. London and New York: Routledge. Ganguly, Sumit., and C. Christine Fair. 2013. Structural Origins of Authoritarianism in Pakistan. Commonwealth and Comparative Politics 51 (1): 122-142. doi:10.1080/14662043.2013.750064 Jones, Seth G. 2008. The Rise of Afghanistans Insurgency: State Failure and Jihad. International Security 32 (4): 7-40. JSTOR. Karim, Mahin. 2013. The Future of South Asian Security: Prospects for a Nontraditional Regional Security Alliance. National Bureau of Asian Research. http://www.nbr.org/downloads/pdfs/PSA/NTS_projectreport_April2013.pdf Paul, T. V. 2010. South Asias Weak States: Understanding the Regional Insecurity Predicament. California: Stanford University Press. ProQuest Ebook Central. Weinbaum, Marvin G. 2009. Hard Choices in Countering Insurgency and Terrorism Along Pakistans North-West Frontier. Journal of International Affairs 63 (1): 73-88. ProQuest. World Bank. 1992. Governance and Development. http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/604951468739447676/pdf/multi-page.pdf Yamin Saira. 2015. Pakistan: National Security Dilemmas and Transition to Democracy. Journal of Asian Security and International Affairs 2 (1): 1-26. 10.1177/2347797014565289

Linux Forensics Tools :: Linux Forensics Software

This report aims to provide an overview of different Linux forensics software. 2 Motivation Nowadays, most of the web, email, database and fileservers are Linux servers. Linux is a UNIX system which implies that it has solid compatibility, stability and security features. Linux is used for the mentioned environments because these services require high security. Further, an increase of attacks on these servers can be observed. Additionally, the methods to prevent intrusions on Linux machines are insufficient. Further, the analysis of incidents on Linux systems are not considered appropriately (Choi, Savoldi, Gubian, Lee, & Lee, 2008). It can also be observed that a lot of investigators do not have experience with Linux forensics (Altheide, 2004). Because of these reasons it is necessary to provide a set of tools that support investigators during their investigations. 3 Linux Forensics Software There is a wide range of Linux forensic software available. There are single tools like file carvers, or there are comprehensive collections of tools. In the following, some of the most popular Linux forensic tools are described. The focus is put on The Sleuth Kit because it is organized according to the different filesystem layers. This provides an interesting insight on how forensics is done on filesystems. 3.1 The Sleuth Kit The Sleuth Kit (TSK) is a collection of filesystem tools which was originally developed by Brian Carrier. TSK is an improved and extended development of The Coroner’s Toolkit (TCT). TCT had severe limitations, so TSK was developed to overcome these shortcomings (Altheide & Carvey, 2011). TSK includes 21 command line utilities. In order to ease the orientation for TSK users the utilities are named in a manner that helps users who are familiar with UNIX and the Linux command line. The name of the tools consists of two parts. There is a prefix that indicates the level of the filesystem at which the tool operates. The suffix provides information on the output that can be expected. Further, there are two layers that do not exactly match the filesystem model (Altheide & Carvey, 2011): j-: Operates against filesystem journals img-: Operates against image files The following table summarizes the meanings of the suffixes. Suffix Description -stat Displays general information about the queried item -ls Lists the contents of the queried layer -cat Extracts the content of the queried layer Table 3‑1: TSK suffixes (Altheide & Carvey, 2011, p. 43) TSK does not include tools that operate on the disk layer. The reason is that TSK is a filesystem forensic analysis framework.

Extra Curricular Activities

Megan Gilmore Mrs. Jones AP English 11 January 30, 2012 Students’ Behavior and Extra Curricular Activities Over the course of my high school career, I have encountered many different types of people and have learned that the opinions of each are as varied as the individuals they correspond with. Every single one has his or her own perception about staying after school for a multitude of reasons and activities. Some, like me, have a stronger opinion than others. I maintain the belief that, when a student stays after school, he not only experiences benefits mentally but also physically.A number of researchers have questioned, hypothesized, and examined the effects of after-school activities on children’s health as well as on their grades. Studies have been completed over the past few decades, and many interesting facts have been discovered. One example being â€Å"a big increase in the number of school children participating in after-school programs: 8. 4 million youngst ers compared with 6. 5 million in 2004,† according to Home Alone. This dramatic increase in the number of students staying after school can be the result of several things.One possibility is that transportation is readily available to the students if a parent or guardian is unable to pick up the child. Students could also be coming to the realization that staying after school gives them energy to go home and actually finish the homework that was assigned. For example, let’s say that a student loves playing basketball but the school doesn’t offer a team. This student is missing out on the opportunity to exercise both his body and his mind. Now if the school did offer a basketball team and the student joined, every time he had to stay after to practice, he stimulates his body, which includes his brain.Then, when practice was over, he would have the energy and brain stimulation to finish his homework. When choosing a school for their children, many parents have to t ake into consideration the charges for education, in addition to any fees for participation in an after-school program. In fact, cost is one of the major factors that play into the reasons why parents keep children from participating in after-school functions. Costs can include actual charges for the program, either in time or dollars, and expenses incurred for providing transportation.However, according to Home Alone, â€Å"After-school programs are a cost-effective way to boost student achievement, reduce juvenile crime and help overstressed working parents. † Yes, if parents pick up their children from the school, the expenditure for gas money is less than the outlay to pay a babysitter every day or to arrange weekly accommodations at a daycare center for watching the children. A more constructive alternative would be to let them stay at school to either continue their education or play a sport to release built up stress; then parents could just pick them up on their way h ome from work.Now there are some parents that, even if they have the time or money, will not let their children stay after school. Reasons for this include not wanting to expose the children to the delinquents that have to stay for detention afterwards. Some even say that playing sports will distract children from his/her studies because the student will focus on the game and not the school work. According to Bill Varian, â€Å"Students involved in extracurricular activities receive better grades than those who are not involved in extracurricular activities. In addition, activities improve the overall student.Therefore, they help students to receive better grades by teaching them character building lessons, teaching them lifelong skills, saving some at-risk students who would possibly drop out of school, and helping students develop social skills. † We can reasonably ascertain, then, that after-school activities not only help children grow and develop now, but participating i n the undertakings also prepare them for a better, more fulfilling future. Another major factor that plays a role is the effect that the programs would have on a student’s life.Each and every student has a different life when he/she leaves school. Some have to go to work to help their parents pay the bills, while others can sit back and relax while a butler makes a snack, finishes their homework, and cleans the house. I have even seen some children go home to parents who think the child was a mistake and want nothing to do with him/her. According to Lee Shumow, â€Å"The children that are the most prone to actually gaining anything, in particular educational achievement, from after-school programs are the ones from high-risk backgrounds.Although, children that come from these backgrounds are the ones to have the least availability to the programs. † Many of the children that are classified in the high-risk background are the ones that people think will be the troublema kers in the community. But, if you take these children off the streets and keep them after school a few extra hours a day, they can develop bonds with other children so that ultimately they will stay away from drugs, alcohol, weapons, and the people who would tempt them to encounter and develop such habits.According to Mary Rombokas, including high-risk children in after-school activities â€Å"lessens the number of disciplinary problems later down the line. † Some parents turn to the school to provide a â€Å"day care† in essence. So that if the parents are not home, then they can let the children stay at school a few extra hours so that they don’t have to worry about leaving them at home. According to Home Alone â€Å"In 2009, over 15. 1 million children were left home alone and unsupervised after the school day had finished. This is more than a quarter of America’s school children and an 800,000 increase from 2004.These statistics includes 4 percent o f elementary and 30 percent of middle school students. † Many of these parents more than likely don’t like leaving their children at home, but they have no other choice; it may be the only thing they can do unless more programs became available to students. â€Å"Parents of 18. 5 million students say they would enroll their children in an after-school program if one were available. These numbers represent a hugely missed opportunity. A majority of publicly financed after-school programs serve low-income students.They offer help with schoolwork, sports activities, and other enrichment known to translate into improved school attendance and higher graduation rates and lower rates of teenage pregnancy, drinking, delinquency and drug use,† according to Home Alone. I realize that there are some parents who, no matter how much documentation is provided, will never change their minds about allowing their children to stay after school. However, there are alternative optio ns for their children to having them staying on school grounds after the school day has ended.Some students have the buses drop them off at facilities that will look after the children and have them play games or do homework in groups so that social skills can be developed. In addition, playing sports or group games help the children use their mental abilities by having them think on their feet so that later in life they will be able to overcome a problem not only with better results but also more quickly. Many of these places cost little to no money at all. Some parents may want to personally take some time to play or work with their children.There are places available to help them in their endeavors. Almost every community has a center called the YMCA. For a nominal fee, parents can share a variety of activities with their children. Or, if a student is having difficulties in school that a parent cannot help with, older children can provide tutoring while the parents work out in an other room. In a case like this, both sides benefit. Works Cited â€Å"Home Alone. † New York Times. 20 Oct. 2009: A30(L). Infotrac Newsstand. Web. 5 Jan. 2012. Lee, Shumow. â€Å"Academic Effects of After-School Programs. Champaign, IL:ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education. Print. Narine, Shari. â€Å"Federal funding for after school program. † Alberta SweetgrassOct. 2010: 6. Infotrac Newsstand. Web. 5 Jan. 2012. O’Dea, James. â€Å"The Effect of Extra-Curricular Activities on AcademicAchievement. † Drake University; 1994. Print. Varian, Bill. â€Å"Kid programs returning; Commissioners agree to draw up a plan forafter school programs in 18 more parks. † St. Petersburg Times[St. Petersburg, FL] 25 Aug. 2011: 1B. Infotrac Newsstand. Web. 5 Jan. 2012.

The Story of the Pea Island Life Savers Essays

The Story of the Pea Island Life Savers Essays The Story of the Pea Island Life Savers Paper The Story of the Pea Island Life Savers Paper JJ 1 J. J. . . . The Story of the Pea Island Life Savers In July of 2007, I explored the Outer Banks of North Carolina for the first time. I had driven down Highway 12 to a beach house for the summer vacation. The environment of the open sea touched by the narrow land gave me a feeling of wonderment as I observed the coastline and its beauty. During that first visit I noted that the ocean surf was strong and the sky constantly changing. On each visit to the Outer Banks, I challenged myself to learn something new of the Outer Banks long history. It was on my third visit to the Outer Banks when I discovered the story of a unique group of black men who were Life Savers. These black Life Savers worked for the government after the reconstruction period of the Civil War and defined the standard of performance in the United States Life-Saving Service; later to become the United States Coast Guard. My history lesson of this unique group black Life Savers began at the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station Historic Site. My wife and I spent the day traveling along Highway 12 until we reached the Lifesaving Station in the village of Rodanthe. I met James Charlet who was the Site Manager for the Chicamacomico Lifesaving. James shared his passion for the history of the U. S Life-Saving Service with me. He recommended the documentary film RESCUE MEN-The Story of Pea Island to me. James said the DVD would explain about the U. S Life-Saving Service of the Outer Banks. JJ 2 The film begins with a quote The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. from Martian Luther King. At the beginning of the film, I was placed in the middle of a great storm on the terrible night of October 11, 1896 when the schooner E. S. Newman grounded south of the Pea Island Lifesaving Station. Captain S. A. Gardiner and eight others clinging to the wreckage saw two life savers swimming toward them and realized they were black men. It was not until 1996 that the crew of the Pea Island Life-Saving Station was awarded the Gold Lifesaving Medal for their efforts in saving all crew and family members. This late but honorable recognition was explained in further detail in the film. Blacks living during the â€Å"Jim Crow† era as these Life Savers were, found their contributions to the history of the Outer Banks often neglected from the public they served. A key character in the film was Richard Etheridge, a slave born on January 16, 1842. Etheridge was the property of John B. Etheridge on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Large plantations did not exist in the Outer Banks; African Americans were relatively few and slavery limited. During his early life, Richard Etheridge learned to work the sea, fishing, piloting boats and combing the beach for the refuse of wrecks. Even though it was illegal to do so, his master also taught him to read and write. After the fighting began between the States, the Outer Banks were the site of one of the first Northern invasions. In February 1862, Union commanders employed black labor to build fortifications for the Union armies. The Union realized the potential that the recruitment of Southern blacks offered their forces but at the same time diminishing the oppositions labor JJ 3 supply. Black troops started to enlist during the summer of 1863. Richard Etheridge joined on August 28. In the 1870s, some of the Outer Banks black army veterans found jobs as Surfmen in the U. S. Life-Saving Service, which had opened seven stations on North Carolina’s coast. Until 1880, the men served with white men at various stations along the Outer Banks in integrated or â€Å"checkerboard† crews. After fighting in the Civil War for the Union, Richard Etheridge joined the U. S. Life-Saving Service. During this time in the Outer Banks, the U. S. Life-Saving Service was full of cronyism and white crews were handpicked by the local politicians. Blacks only held the lowest of positions, such as cooks and stable hands. It was not until the Pea Island Life-Saving Station, crewed by mostly whites, had become incapable of performing rescues that Sumner Kimball, the General Superintendent of the U. S. Life-Saving Service, appointed Richard Etheridge keeper of the Pea Island Station. Etheridge the only black man to lead a lifesaving crew and became the Pea Island Station first black Captain. Captain Etheridge recruited and trained only blacks to man Station 17 know as the Pea Island Station. In 1880, although civilian attitudes towards Etheridge and his men ranged from curiosity to outrage, the Pea Island Station crew figured among the most courageous Surfmen in the service, performing many daring rescues from 1880 to the closing of the station in 1947. The film provides many insightful details of the daily lives of these black Surfmen who turn out to be the best Live Saving crew of the Outer Banks. At the conclusion of the film, the JJ 4 narrator leaves the viewer with his observation. â€Å"The Pea Island crew saved scores of men, women and children, who, under other circumstances would have been considered the hands of those reaching out to help them, to be of the wrong race. † I look forward to my next visit to the Outer Banks and may I be as fortunate to discover something new about the history of North Carolina.

Building Good Self Esteem And Body Image Theology Religion Essays

Building Good Self Esteem And Body Image Theology Religion Essays Building Good Self Esteem And Body Image Theology Religion Essay Building Good Self Esteem And Body Image Theology Religion Essay which barely go unnoticed for the adolescent. They are much more vulnerable to manner in their desire to be accepted in the society. The environment where we move plays an of import function when we are developing our organic structure image. Daily experiences and people around us will impact the manner we develop our self-esteem. Presently, the ideals of female organic structures have devalued adult females assurance in themselves, since the hunt for the ideal image has become cardinal axis in the lives of many of us, a state of affairs that can trip a feeling of personal failure and above all, a important loss of self-esteem. Women s magazines are full of articles pressing that if they can merely lose those last 15 lbs, they will hold it all. During my last two old ages in high school, I was on a diet to lose some weight. I remember fighting against hungriness ; I used to eat apples and imbibe slimming teas. The lone consequence I got from those teas every clip I drunk them was a large stomach ache. However my ma was ever at that place, speaking and stating me that I was non fat and that I merely had a normal weight. But I was believing otherwise. The job was that the influence of magazines and telecasting were much stronger than the sentiment of my parents. Looking good was excessively of import, I had to make a certain weight, I had to be size two on denims, I had to look thin and besides my tegument should be free of imperfectnesss. It was a really difficult clip. Fortunately my parents were at that place seeking to forestall me from aching myself. Finally under their way I get back on my pess. After this experience I genuinely believe that frequently stereotypes from media, can greatly negatively impact the people s p ersonalities. This is true particularly in those who are at a hard phase in life, like adolescence, when you are seeking to specify how you are or who you want to be. Teenagers most of the clip are vulnerable and easy to act upon. Pressure for have a perfect organic structure is changeless and since it is coming from everyplace, it can be really infective doing a great harm in person self-pride. In add-on, this ideal organic structure s stereotype is non merely impacting females, it is impacting males every bit good. The physical organic structure theoretical account presently predominating in our society is impossible for most people. Work force non merely must be strong and thin, but with good developed good looking musculuss every bit good. This theoretical account non merely affects the self-esteem in those that genetically can non make it, but besides can do unsafe behaviours such as the maltreatment of steroids or jobs related to inordinate exercising. One of my best friends, Sergio, besides had a job with his organic structure image. During his first twelvemonth of college in Miami, he realized that there was a batch of accent placed on organic structure weight, size, and visual aspect. He was able to see firsthand how of import it was for many male pupils to hold a muscular organic structure. This is in portion due to media unrealistic criterions for organic structure weight and visual aspect. Sergio, who ever had a little organic structure type, began experiencing great anxiousness and force per unit area to accomplish a more muscular organic structure in order to be more successful and have a greater credence by his equals. He began to exert but he did non see the consequence. So he decided to happen out about musculus edifice merchandises and that was how he discovered steroids. After thorough modus operandis of exercising and non seeing consequences, he decided to get down utilizing them. However after two hebdomads of utiliz ing anabolic steroids, he decided to halt. The fright of side effects significantly helped in his determination. But what impacted in his determination the most was the fact that his brother was accepted in the same school. Once his brother arrived, Sergio met a different group of friends, who did non pay any attending on how Sergio looked. He even started dating a really nice miss and they will be acquiring married shortly. In decision we can state that self-pride is an person s ability of self-acceptance and to hold a positive sentiment about his or her ain organic structure and possible. In some instances we can hold that self-esteem can be much more than merely based on organic structure image. Self-esteem has an huge influence in our heads, sets our ability to confront new challenges, and influences our emotional and organic structure wellness. Self-esteem is cardinal in puting a good communicating between people at work with co-workers, at place with our household and other scenarios where we have to interact with aliens. An of import portion of our self-pride is determined by the balance between our successes and failures. Specifically, being able to watch our demands met gives us many positive emotions, which will assist to increase our self-esteem. Puting ends is a clear and concrete tool to win, because it helps us to place what we want in our life. Once we set our ends, if we have a positive self-pride, we will be more unfastened to the thought of disputing ourselves physically and mentally. On the other manus those who have low self-prides will be more afraid of challenges and the possible alterations that they may meet in the class of their life. It is of import to cognize, that there are methods to mend self-esteem in people who somehow have a beaten self-pride. In my sentiment the most of import and helpful method to heighten person self-pride is extinguishing all those things and individuals that alternatively of assisting you to see how valuable and cherished you are, are invariably doing you feel like a failure. Other of import point is that from an early age parents teach kids how to develop a healthy self-pride. Leting they know how valuable they are as an person, the unique that they are. It is of import that since early age, kids learn to hold a chiseled personality capable to confront any challenge that comes in their manner. As a consequence, they will be less susceptible to follow under incorrect behaviours from those that are around them. Stephanie Reynolds Professor: Moffatt BIO 330 03/12/2010 Promoting good communicating From the attitude of their parents, kids learn if sex is pretty or ugly, right or incorrect, a speaking subject or non. Parents are theoretical accounts with their attitudes. In my sentiment, gender and fondness are two really of import facets in the instruction of a kid, both during their childhood and in adolescence. But sometimes, parents do non cognize really good what to make or state for fright or ignorance, and for that, frequently ignore this issue trusting that striplings decide it themselves, or at best, at school. In my sentiment, parents need to make and keep an unfastened channel of communicating with their kids. Building chances for treatment and intercession on what is right and what is non, related to all topics, particularly gender. In that manner parents will be able to steer their boy or girl in a line of regard and avoid traveling excessively fast during their sexual life. The manner how some parents react to a state of affairs related to gender, direct a message to their kids assisting or doing more hard the sexual development of a male child or a miss. Every clip those parents decided to see these state of affairss as learning chances they decidedly are conveying positive messages and values about gender. Parents at that point may be able to construct the foundation for their kids to be sexually healthy. This besides helps their kids know that their parents are unfastened to speak with them about gender. In my sentiment sex instruction must be from the household. As a female parent of an about three old ages old small miss, I believe that quality sex instruction should be directed to our boies and girls in the manner that we can allow their larn more about themselves. In add-on I believe that it is of import that parents try to educate their kids from the positive and non from the negative side, promoting good self-pride. I know that all these soun d ideal, but I genuinely believe that worth it. On the other manus, when parents merely avoid their duty to speak about gender, likely will take the kid to seek for replies in magazines, movie, telecasting and cyberspace, making a incorrect feeling of what is right and normal. In my sentiment, exist many ways how parents can promote better communications about gender with their kid. For illustration it is of import to learn with the illustration, if we want to construct a healthy gender in our kids ; we have to take attention of our ain relationship. It is of import to offer a theoretical account of what a functional relationship it is. That allows the stripling to larn a theoretical account of relationship that s positive. Then it is necessary, Take advantage of different occasions where an informal and relaxed atmosphere allow any sort of conversation. The intent is, foremost, talk, and secondly to promote possible talk about any topic. Therefore we can make a wont of conversation. Besides when a parent is holding a conversation with his kid it is of import to avoid any sort of discourse and treatment. That merely could make an obstruction that will non promote any duologue in the hereafter ; besides it is better non presume inflexible places. It is besi des of import that during conversation whit a kid parents any sort of comparing. Besides if we make remarks or we are offering an account, it is ever better to avoid any sort of question . Building trust is besides of import, if you create a clime of trust and credibleness, the kids will inquire inquiries and clear up issues and besides may travel deeper into sex instruction. Hopefully this will no curtail to merely a twenty-four hours merely to speak about sex, but that this issue is normal and on which we can speak at any clip. It is really of import that your kids know that you trust in them. It is besides really of import that they know that in forepart of any job they can swear in you. In my instance the sex instruction that I received was sort of different. In my state Bolivia, sex instruction is a subject that steel under development, so there is non so much information available and besides the civilization is sort of stopping point to discourse this sort of subjects. The first clip that I had a conversation about sex was 14 old ages ago, when I was 15 and it was merely with my female parent. I remember that I was so uncomfortable about holding that conversation. But my ma truly tried to do the minute the lees uncomfortable possible, I have to state. Basically she explains to me all the basic information, but first she was really clear doing her point, prenuptial sex was incorrect. She told me that it was of import non to travel excessively fast in my life, that I should wait until acquire married to star holding sex. So since that point of position she does non cover so much stuff in her account. I remember that her duologue was emphasized in how I should pul l off my emotions and how to avoid any sort of force per unit area or influence from my friends. Then, so she explained to me the hazard of holding sex relationship before get married, like an unwanted gestation or some sort of diseases. But the true was that at that minute in the conversation I was really uncomfortable, and I merely wanted to complete the talk. I believe that, possibly I would non experience that manner if since early age I would hold more chances to speak about sex with my parents, I believe that it would experience more natural and less uncomfortable. What I feel that was really good covered was the emotional side However at that minute I appreciated her preoccupation.

Die Geschichte der USA ist eine blutige †Deutsche Abhandlung

Die Geschichte der USA ist eine blutige – Deutsche Abhandlung Free Online Research Papers Die Geschichte der USA ist eine blutige Deutsche Abhandlung „Die Geschichte der USA ist eine blutige, die von Fremdenhass und Và ¶lkermord gekennzeichnet ist.â€Å" In dieser Arbeit mà ¶chte ich mich mit der Frage beschftigen, woher viele der Integrationsprobleme von „Fremdenâ€Å" in den USA in der heutigen Zeit kommen. Warum wurde Và ¶lkermord an den Indianern betrieben? Warum gibt es rassische Diskriminierung? Die Tatsache, dass die Vereinigten Staaten zu einer Nation wurden und heute die strkste Macht der Welt sind, kommt nicht von ungefhr. Die Unterschiede der Menschen die diese Nation zu dem gemacht haben was sie heute ist, waren keineswegs eine Schwche im Verlauf der Nationsbildung, sondern erwiesen sich als ihre grà ¶ÃƒÅ¸te Gemeinsamkeit. All die Menschen, welche nach Amerika kamen, weil sie in ihren Heimatlndern religià ¶s verfolgt wurden, weil sie nach Reichtum und Wohlstand strebten oder einfach nur weil sie Mut zum Abenteuer hatten, all diese Menschen brachten ihre Religion, einen Teil ihrer Kultur und ihre Sitten und Bruche mit in dieses Land. Aber die Historie ist nicht nur glorreich und einzigartig. Auch in ihr lassen sich zweifellos dunkle Flecke im großen Buch der Geschichte nachweisen. Die Indianerkriege, die Sklaverei und der Bà ¼rgerkrieg sind nur einige Beispiele in der noch grà ¶ÃƒÅ¸eren Palette der Grausamkeiten, die es nicht nur in der Geschichte anderer Nati onen, sondern auch in der Geschichte der Vereinigten Staaten gibt. Dass „Fremdeâ€Å" in den USA heute noch diskriminiert werden liegt also in der Geschichte begrà ¼ndet und, besonders im Fall der USA, in der Art und Weise wie diese Nation entstand. Als die erste Kolonie Jamestown, 1607 im heutigem Virginia gegrà ¼ndet wurde, htte niemand ahnen kà ¶nnen, wie sich die Geschichte zwischen den Ureinwohnern und den Kolonisten, und spter den Amerikanern, entwickeln wà ¼rde. Schon im ersten Winter hatten die Kolonisten Probleme und die Hlfte ihrer Leute starben. Den Indianern, die in dieser Gegend ansssig waren hatten sie es zu verdanken, dass sie den ersten Winter à ¼berlebten. Ureinwohner und Kolonisten lebten zusammen in friedlicher Koexistenz. Der Anbau von Tabak verhalf der Kolonie im Verlauf der Zeit zu Wohlstand und Wachstum. Auch mit der Ankunft der Pilgervter mit der „Mayflowerâ€Å" aus England, war die Beziehung zu den Indianern noch nicht belastet. Erst als die Bevà ¶lkerungszahlen explodierten und das Land an der Kà ¼ste weder den notwendigen Raum noch die notwendige Produktivitt ergab, expandierten die Kolonisten ins Landesinnere. Nur zwei Jahre nach der Landung der Pilgervter kam es zur ersten bewaffneten A useinandersetzung zwischen Indianern und Kolonisten. Nach dem „French and Indian Warâ€Å" festigten die Englnder ihre Herrschaft in den Kolonien und der weiteren Expansion stand nichts mehr im Weg. Aber nicht nur das. Gleichzeitig kam den Kolonisten das Bewusstsein ihrer eigenen Strke als sie es geschafft hatten- zwar mit englischer Hilfe- die Franzosen zu vertreiben und die Indianer jenseits der Appalachen zu verbannen. Whrend die Indianer zunchst noch Handel mit den Kolonisten trieben, kam es jetzt nicht mehr darauf an neue Mrkte, sondern neuen Lebensraum zu gewinnen. Die Ureinwohner wurden Stà ¼ck fà ¼r Stà ¼ck zurà ¼ckgedrngt, ihr Land wurde geraubt und ihre Lebensgrundlage wurde ihnen genommen. Hier liegt auch schon der Ursprung des Konflikts den ich als „kontinentalen Imperialismusâ€Å" bezeichnen mà ¶chte. ÃÅ"berall dort wo eine wachsende Bevà ¶lkerung aus territorialem Mangel gezwungen wird zu expandieren und das Gebiet schon durch andere Menschen bevà ƒ ¶lkert ist, kommt es zu einem bewaffneten Konflikt. Als der Unmut à ¼ber die englischen Steuern und die Bevormundung durch das Mutterland zu groß wurde, kam es schließlich zum Unabhngigkeitskrieg, der durch die Trennung der Kolonien von England, der Unabhngigkeitserklrung und dem Frieden von Paris beendet wurde. Nun hatten es die Indianer nicht mehr nur mit Kolonisten zu tun, sie mussten sich nunmehr gegen eine ganze Nation als direkten Nachbar verteidigen. Durch die Verfassung wurde das schon vorhandene Nationalgefà ¼hl der Amerikaner noch verstrkt und es wurden ihnen umfangreiche Rechte, wie der Schutz des Eigentums und das Recht auf Waffenbesitz gegeben. Aber als die Verfassung unterzeichnet war, waren weder Demokratie noch die nationale Einheit vollendet. Die Bevà ¶lkerungszahlen nahmen bis 1860 um 700% zu. Schon in dieser Zeit waren die Methoden mir denen bestimmte Ziele realisiert werden sollten nicht ganz einwandfrei. Ein Stolperstein und Streitpunkt, der die Willkà ¼r der amerikanischen Expansion zeigt, ist z.b. der Kauf Louisianas von Frankreich, mit dem die USA ihr bisheriges Territorium verdoppelten. Wie kann man etwas von jemandem kaufen worauf dieser Jemand gar kein Recht hat? Wie kann man ein Gebiet kaufen ohne den ursprà ¼nglichen Eigentà ¼mer zu fragen ob jener es verkaufen will? Die meisten Probleme, die viele Lnder der Welt heute zwischen Mehr- und Minderheiten haben, sind doch auf den Kolonialismus zurà ¼ck zu fà ¼hren. Niemand hat die Ureinwohner Amerikas gefragt ob man sich dort ansiedeln darf. In meinen Augen ist das, was damals geschah, Unrecht. Das endgà ¼ltige Aus der Geschichte der Indianer begann wieder mit zwei Willkà ¼raktionen der USA. Zwei Mythen, die lediglich die Rechtfertigung fà ¼r die Vertreibung und den Massenmord an einer Million Indianern waren. Da sich die „frontierâ€Å" immer weiter nach Westen verschob, um immer mehr Siedlungsraum zu gewinnen, mussten die wirtschaftlich, militrisch und zahlenmßig unterlegenen Indianer immer weiter zurà ¼ckweichen. Mit dem „manifest destinyâ€Å" wurden nicht nur die Indianer vertrieben und ermordet, es legitimierte auch die gewaltsame Annexion weiter Teile Mexikos. Die Flucht amerikanischer Ureinwohner gipfelte 1838 im „Zug der Trnenâ€Å", der viele Stmme dazu zwang, aus dem Sà ¼d- Osten, hinter die Mississippi umzusiedeln. Die USA, die von Gott auserkoren war, ihren Teile der Welt auf ihre Art und Weise zu zivilisieren, war mit diesem Và ¶lkermord der Ureinwohner und Massentà ¶tung der Bà ¼ffel, um den Indianern die Lebensgrundlage zu nehmen, der Vorreiter fà ¼r hnliche und schlimmere Grueltaten des 20. Jahrhunderts. „Die Indianer mà ¼ssen sich in die Lebensweise der Weißen einfà ¼gen. Friedlich, wenn sie es wollen, gewaltsam, wenn es sein muss. Sie mà ¼ssen ihre Lebensweise unserer Zivilisation anpassen. Vielleicht ist diese Zivilisation nicht die bestmà ¶gliche, aber sie ist die beste, die die Indianer bekommen kà ¶nnen.â€Å"1 ÃÅ"berschtzung der eigenen Werte und Wichtigkeit und Ablehnung anderer Traditionen, Sprachen und Kultur nennt man à ¼bersteigerten Nationalismus. Eine Folge des Denkens der eigenen Einzigartigkeit, des „manifest destinyâ€Å" und des Glaubens der Auserwhlung von Gott. Die Vertreibung der Indianer ist eine Geschichte, die mit Blut geschrieben wurde. In mehr als 30 Indianerkriegen wurde ihre Zahl von à ¼ber einer Million auf 200000 reduziert. Es wurden 371 Vertrge abgeschlossen und wieder gebrochen um die Gier nach Land der weißen Siedler zu stillen. Immer mehr wurden die Indianer in wirtschaftlich kaum nutzbare Reservate gedrngt, die im Vergleich zur Flche der USA winzig waren und unter 10% nutzbares Ackerland enthielten. Chief Joseph(Nez Perce) sagte einmal treffend: „Ihr kà ¶nnt genauso gut erwarten, dass die Flà ¼sse rà ¼ckwrts fließen, als daß ein Mensch, der frei geboren wurde, damit zufrieden ist, eingefercht zu leben, ohne die Freiheit, zu gehen, wohin er beliebt.â€Å"2 Dass die Indianer vorher misshandelt und unterdrà ¼ckt wurden, weil sie keine Staatsbà ¼rger waren, war zwar menschenrechtlich verwerflich aber nicht ungesetzlich. Bis 1849 galten die Indianer als unzivilisiert und rà ¼ckstndig und erlangten erst 1924 das volle Bà ¼rgerrecht. Sptestens jetzt htten sie praktisch die selben Rechte gehabt wie jeder andere Amerikaner- dem war aber nicht so. Die Gleichberechtigung dieser Minderheit war noch lange nicht bewerkstelligt und ist es bis heute nicht. Bis dato leben die meisten Indianer in Armut und sind im à ¶ffentlichen Leben benachteiligt. Ihre Situation heute ist vergleichbar mit der Situation der meisten Menschen in der Dritten Welt. Armut, schlechte Bildungsmà ¶glichkeiten, und hohe Arbeitslosigkeit prgen den Alltag. Hinzu kommt, dass selbst diese unbrauchbaren Reservate als Rohstoffquelle fà ¼r die Industrie genutzt werden sollen. Auf einem heiligen Berg wird, mit Unterstà ¼tzung der Regierung, vom deutschen Max- Planck- Institut und dem Vatikan ein Teleskop errichtet. Ein heiliger Friedhof wird zerstà ¶rt, weil der benachbarte Golfplatz zu klein ist. Die Liste der Enteignungen und Verbrechen gegen die Wà ¼rde der Indianer ist lang. Die Ureinwohner bekommen Geld dafà ¼r, dass die Regierung ihren Giftmà ¼ll dort deponieren darf. Mitunter kommt es auch zu sehr harten ÃÅ"bergriffen staatlicher Behà ¶rden(FBI, Polizei, Regierung, etc.). Als 1934 Prsident Roosevelt eine humanere Indianerpolitik annahm, war ein weiterer wichtiger Schritt in Richtung Gleichberechtigung der Bevà ¶lkerung der Ureinwohner getan. Trotzdem gibt es in den Reservaten der Indianer heute eine sehr hohe Arbeitslosenquote, die Kriminalitt ist hoch und ihre politische Bedeutung gleich null. Dennoch schafften es einige Klger unter ihnen, von den Bundesstaaten finanzielle Entschdigung zu erwirken. Ich glaube, dass bis in die jà ¼ngste Vergangenheit eine Art Sieger- Besiegte- Mentalitt herrscht. In meinen Augen sind die Reservate nichts weiter als bessere Ghettos gewesen. Ich mà ¶chte sie deshalb aber nicht mit denen Hitlers vergleichen. Es sind aber gewisse Parallelen vorhanden. Man wollte die indianische Bevà ¶lkerung isolieren und tut es immer noch. Gleichberechtigung heute wà ¼rde bedeuten, die Reservate aufzuheben und sie fà ¼r à ¼berflà ¼ssig zu erklren. Die Wichtigkeit mit der die US- Regierung die Indianerfrage, vor allem im 19. Jahrhundert behandelte, zeigte doch nur, dass man Angst vor den Indianern, ihrer Kultur und ihren Ansichten hatte. Heute werden sie kaum beachtet. In dieser Hinsicht hat die einfache, leichte und hasserfà ¼llte Politik der USA mehr Probleme geschaffen als sie gelà ¶st hat. Ähnlich wie die Indianerpolitik, hat auch die Behandlung von Schwarzen in den USA Probleme hervorgerufen, die sich bis in die Gegenwart manifestieren. Als 1619 das erste Schiff mit 19 Sklaven von Niederlndern nach Amerika gebracht wurde konnte, wie auch schon bei den Indianern, niemand wissen, dass sich daraus ein so ernstes gesellschaftspolitisches Problem entstehen wà ¼rde. Durch die Dreiecksfahrten Englands kamen innerhalb kà ¼rzester Zeit große Mengen Sklaven von der afrikanischen Ostkà ¼ste nach Amerika. Sie wurden eingesetzt um auf den großen Plantagen der Sà ¼dstaaten harte kà ¶rperliche Arbeit zu verrichten, die sonst kein weißer Arbeiter à ¼bernommen htte. Zwischen 1526 und 1870 wurden circa 10 Millionen Sklaven nach Amerika verschleppt. Die Sklaven waren in der USA aber ungleich verteilt. Die Sà ¼dstaaten, basierend auf Plantagenwirtschaft und Hegemonie, beschftigten fast 75% aller Sklaven in den USA. Obwohl die Einfuhr von Sklaven laut Gesetz seit 1808 verboten war und 1823 die erste Anti- Slavery- Company gegrà ¼ndet wurde, hielt das die Plantagenbesitzer nicht davon ab weiteren menschlichen Nachschub zu organisieren. Der Kongress trug in diesen Jahren auch noch zur Festigung der Stellung der Sklavenhalter bei indem er 1820 im „Missouri- Kompromissâ€Å" ein numerisches Gleichgewicht zwischen den Nordstaaten und den Sà ¼dstaaten schafft. 1850 wird der Fortbestand der Sklaverei durch den Kongress sogar noch besttigt. Erst als die neugegrà ¼ndeten Republikaner gegen die Sklaverei eintraten, eskaliert der Konflikt. Der von 1861 bis 1865 andauernde Bà ¼rgerkrieg beendet im Ergebnis die Sklaverei in den USA, gab den Schwarzen das Wahlrecht und den 13. Zusatz zur Verfassung. Dies bedeutete aber nicht automatisch, dass eine komplette Gleichberechtigung auch stattfand. 1877 wurden rasch wieder Gesetze erlassen, die den schwarzen Teil der Bevà ¶lkerung unterdrà ¼ckten und ihnen das Wahlrecht wieder nahmen. Der Oberste Gericht shof entschied spter sogar, dass die Rassentrennung nicht verfassungswidrig sei. Der Richtspruch lautete: „Seperate but equal.â€Å" Als 1890 die sogenannten „Jim- Crow- Lawsâ€Å" erlassen wurden, fand eine Diskriminierung fast schon wieder statt. Trennung in Schulen, Bussen und Toiletten waren an der Tagesordnung. Im darauffolgenden Jahrhundert, setzte sich die USA à ¼berall auf der Welt fà ¼r mehr Demokratie und die Menschenrechte ein. Ein krasser Wiederspruch, da im eigenen Land die Menschenrechte der Schwarzen verletzt wurden, die USA aber von anderen verlangt das zu achten was sie selbst nicht schà ¼tzen. Hier wird wieder die Rolle der USA als „Gendarmâ€Å" der Welt deutlich. Da man der Meinung war die perfekte Gesellschaft zu besitzen und von Gott auserwhlt worden zu sein das tugendhafteste Volk der Welt zu sein, zeigte man mit einem Finger auf andere whrend man den eigenen hinter dem Rà ¼cken verschrnkte. Die Tatsache, dass auch hier eine inneramerikanische Isolation stattfand, macht es nicht leichter die Grà ¼nde dafà ¼r zu finden. Damals wie heute sind Schwarze, nicht minder als Indianer, nicht vollstndig im Land der (un)begrenzten Mà ¶glichkeiten integriert. Man toleriert sie, à ¼berlsst sie aber grà ¶ÃƒÅ¸tenteils ihren Problemen. Wie sonst, wenn nicht mit Benachteili gung ist es zu erklren, dass Afroamerikaner, obwohl sie nur 17% der Gesamtpopulation der USA ausmachen, dennoch 50% der Gefngnisinsassen darstellen? Dass eine farbige Familie vor fà ¼nf Jahren nur die Hlfte des Einkommens einer weißen Familie besaß? Warum werden Misshandlungen Schwarzer durch weiße Polizisten, wie 1992 im Fall von Rodney King, nicht bestraft? An diesen Tatsachen nderte auch die „Civil Rights Movementâ€Å" nicht viel. Als Martin Luther King 1955 die Bà ¼rgerrechtsbewegung grà ¼ndete und 1963 à ¼ber eine halbe Millionen Menschen nach Washington pilgerten um seine Rede mit dem einprgsamen Titel „I have a dreamâ€Å" zu hà ¶ren und gegen die Diskriminierung zu protestieren, fanden die Schwarzen endlich Gehà ¶r. Auf diese Art und Weise verschaffte sich die schwarze Bevà ¶lkerung endlich das praktische Wahlrecht und die, noch immer nicht vollstndig umgesetzte, Verbannung der Segregation. Einige radikalere Methode, wie die des afroamerikanis chen Bà ¼rgerrechtler Malcolm X, der zwischen 1965 und 1969 immer wieder Aufstnde im Norden und im Westen der USA anstiftete, gingen Kings friedliche Proteste nicht weit genug. Dabei htten sie doch wissen mà ¼ssen, dass Hass nur wieder Hass und Gewalt nur wieder Gewalt hervorruft. Aber wie sonst htten sie sich bemerkbar machen sollen. Eine Menschenansammlung von einer halben Million Demonstranten ist sicherlich nicht zu à ¼bersehen, zeigt aber nicht wozu diese Menschen in extremer Notlage fhig sind. Aufgrund eben diesen Gegenhasses, wurde Martin Luther King, 1968 in Memphis, von einem weißen Rassisten erschossen. Einer meiner Lieblingsfilme „American History Xâ€Å", zeigt in sehr gesellschaftskritischer Weise deutlich, welche Vorurteile heute noch zwischen ehemaligen Sklaven und ihren ehemaligen Haltern bestehen. ÃÅ"ber drei Jahrhunderte Unterdrà ¼ckung und Sklaverei haben eine tiefe Spur in den Gedanken der Menschen hinterlassen. Als meine Englischlehrerin von ihrer zweiwà ¶chigen Studienreise aus den Vereinigten Staaten zurà ¼ckkam erzhlte sie, dass in dem Jugendgefngnis, welches sie besichtigte 75% der Insassen der dunkelhutig waren. Sicherlich kann man nicht erwarten, dass sich von heute auf morgen alles ndert, aber das rassistische Denken, das immer noch in vielen amerikanischen Kà ¶pfen herrscht, muss kontinuierlich mi t Aufklrungsarbeit beseitigt werden. Es ist genau wie in Deutschland in diesen Tagen. Fremdenhass, rechtsradikale Aufmrsche und Anschlge sind fast an der Tagesordnung und alle Welt zeigt mit dem anklagenden Finger auf uns. Dabei sollte man aber nicht vergessen, dass es diese Probleme auch in anderen Lndern der Erde gibt. Natà ¼rlich sind in diesen Lndern nur rassistische Minderheiten die Tter aber gerade die sind es, die das Ansehen einer Nation beschdigen. Deutschlands Ansehen wurde durch den Nationalsozialismus auf lange Zeit beschdigt, da im Dritten Reich Và ¶lkermord und Rassentrennung à ¼ber Jahre hinweg betrieben wurde. Aber in den USA wurde im Fall der Indianer auch Và ¶lkermord ausgeà ¼bt- und schlimmer noch. Im Vietnam- Krieg wurde durch Flchenbombardierung viele Unschuldige getà ¶tet und schwarze Soldaten starben an der Front, whrend in der Heimat die Menschenrechte mit Fà ¼ÃƒÅ¸en getreten wurden. Menschenrechtsverletzungen gab und gibt es nachweislich auch im mchtigsten Land der Erde. Auch die mchtigst e Nation der Welt steht in der Verantwortung die Schuld der Geschichte auf sich zu nehmen und sie ansatzweise wiedergut zu machen. Natà ¼rlich gibt es keine Entschdigung, fà ¼r keinen einzigen Indianer und keinen einzigen Afroamerikaner aber die Anerkennung der Schuld wre ein Schritt in die richtige Richtung. Anstatt auf humanitre Defizite in China oder im Nahen Osten aufmerksam zu machen, sollte man sich lieber „an die eigene Nase fassenâ€Å". Leider ist die USA momentan, mit der Wahl Bushs, sehr weit davon entfernt. Ich mà ¶chte die Vereinigten Staaten nicht anprangern, da sie durchaus auch positive Aspekte zur Weltgeschichte beisteuerten aber dennoch bleibt festzustellen, dass die Geschichte der USA blutig, und von Fremdenhass gekennzeichnet war. Research Papers on Die Geschichte der USA ist eine blutige - Deutsche AbhandlungBook Review on The Autobiography of Malcolm XThe Spring and AutumnAssess the importance of Nationalism 1815-1850 EuropeWhere Wild and West MeetCanaanite Influence on the Early Israelite ReligionQuebec and CanadaPETSTEL analysis of IndiaAnalysis Of A Cosmetics AdvertisementStandardized Testing19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided Era

Active role of the audience in watching Big Brother Australia Essay

Active role of the audience in watching Big Brother Australia - Essay Example Big Brother seems to be a global phenomenon as each locality outdoes the other, including its origin country Netherlands. Popular as it already is, networks are alleged to hype up matters to feed escalating rates and viewer statistics. In the Week ten episode of Big Brother, on July 1, a sexual misconduct, considered as a â€Å"taboo† or a violation of â€Å"house rules† was alleged to have happened. Male participants John and Ashley grabbed Camilla at around 4 in the morning, took her to a bed, with Ashley reportedly slapped her face while John held her down. The two were removed from the house with an escort. As active audience, mostly teenagers wondering what happened, the official website of Big Brother Australia was flooded with inquiries that it had to be pulled out. Another website, Behind Big Brother Australia, later claimed it was due to sexual harassment. The incident infuriated not only fans which basically form the active audience but also bystanders such as politicians.For me, as I do not favour sexual liberalism, I agree with the politicians that called out for the banning of the show. It is not that I am totally against it, but I am against the way the show is carried out with sexual innuendoes from start to finish. here is so much trouble already about sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS, not to mention emotional battery one person undergoes when jilted, or abandoned by a lover, or partner, and to indulge in such circumstances is like playing with fire as can be equated to Big Brother show.

Geology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Geology - Essay Example Communities concerns about cause of continuous coastline erosion, oceanographic hazards, coastline modification, mining of aggregates in islands and vulnerability of shores to coastal erosion and other oceanographic hazards. Beaches in the UK area are not excepted from these threats. In the crown of Britains Bournemouth, premier tourist resorts are located. Today, there are about 5.2 million European, global and UK visitors who arrive in the town annually to enjoy the magnificent sweep of Poole Bay. In UK, no other beach draws so many visitors as these premier resorts. The seafront is extremely important leisure and recreational amenity particularly among local residents in the the areas of Bournemouth, Christchurch Poole Conurbation and outlying Hinterland (Bournemouth Borough Council, 2006; p 3). The Bournemouth Borough Council serves as the steward of the several works ranging from commercial, public and voluntary stakeholders who find seafront as a significant economic driver for their town. The public is challenged to sustain their seafront both as a public amenity and a visitor attraction; at the same time preserving the fragile qualities of its environment. The Bournemouth Seafront has a local and global reputation which is family and customer-centered. The project envisioned to manage the project within the context of long term sustainability so the future generations can be provided with important public recreational amenity. The project is viewed as one with economic relevance of the seafront; comprises of volume attraction that can be achieved in a most environmentally effective and cost efficient manner (p 6). Bournemouth seafront can be seen with large infrastructure and diverse range of buildings that supported the use of beaches with 7 miles length set in a very harsh, natural yet changing environment. The management of this tourist spot is in partnership private and public

Music of the Disenfranchised & How it Changed the Nation Essay

Music of the Disenfranchised & How it Changed the Nation - Essay Example With this, Steel then succumbs to the 3d images and chooses the ones behind Titan are NOT them. As the show is carried out, Octus and Ilana rout the animal. The one day from now, the band concludes that they are well known due to Lance, and kick him out. Spear educates the two regarding this, however Ilana demands he is still a great musical artist, and afterward gets the thought of beginning their band at the "Galactic Trio". Whats more as Ilana is discussing what parts the three can play, the scene closes. The method for world is the way in which individuals commonly act or things ordinarily happen (Strayer, 2-3). In this disappointed music, the conventional spectator is invested with significant intelligence and information of the method for the world she was knowledgeable in the methods for the world before she had taken the cover/ he was amazingly blameless of the methods for the

Inter Industry and Intra Industry Trade Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Inter Industry and Intra Industry Trade - Essay Example on, and import goods to countries they lack their own production, or where products can be manufactured with poor cost-effectiveness, owing to factor scarcity, intensively used for goods production. Under such circumstances, a country does not generally export and import the same product type. Inter-industry trade is in direct contrast to intra-industry trade that is a result of ‘imperfect’ competition between nations having identical factor endowments (Falvey and Kierkowski, 1987, 143-161). Examples of intra-industry trade include technology, beverages, minerals and automobiles. As per the definitions provided by OECD, intra-industry trade can be viewed through intra-industry trade measurements: a) â€Å"Trade in similar products (â€Å"horizontal trade†) with differentiated varieties (e.g. cars of a similar class and price range); b) Trade in â€Å"vertically differentiated† products distinguished by quality and price (e.g. exports of high-quality clothi ng and imports of lower-quality clothing)† (OECD, Glossary of Statistical terms, 2007). There are two different forms of intra-industry trade: Horizontal intra-industry trade: this comprises of simultaneous imports and exports of products categorised within an identical industry, and at an identical processing stage, therefore, based primarily on product differentiation, as for example, Korea’s export and import of cellular phones at the same time, at a same processing stage (Grubel, and Lloyd, 1975). Vertical intra-industry trade: This comprises of imports and exports of products at the same time within the same industry sector, but at a different processing phase. It is based on a growing ability to arrange for production fragmentation into various stages, each occurring at different places, and taking advantage... This report approves that countries export products where factors can be intensively used for goods production, and import goods to countries they lack their own production, or where products can be manufactured with poor cost-effectiveness, owing to factor scarcity, intensively used for goods production. Under such circumstances, a country does not generally export and import the same product type. Inter-industry trade is in direct contrast to intra-industry trade that is a result of ‘imperfect’ competition between nations having identical factor endowments. This report makes a conclusion that currently under increased instances of globalisation, intra-industry trade has turned into an essential part of global macro-economic activities, which is beneficial as regards bringing in stability at a macro-economic level, increasing the number of products of the same type within the market giving a consumer more choices and advocating innovation. This trade is primarily based on the advantage where it allows consumers to have at their disposal a larger range of products at cheaper rates, while allowing producers to acquire economies of scale in goods manufacture by giving them an access to a wider global market. With an overall rise in output, fixed costs are disseminated over a wide range of units, thus decreasing the corporation’s average production cost. Therefore, despite various debates on its rightful place within the realms of economic theories, intra-industry trade occupies an important position within the realms of modern intern ational trade.

Some academics and opinion leaders have considered 'gatewatching' and Essay

Some academics and opinion leaders have considered 'gatewatching' and 'produsage' the driving forces of Web 2.0. With re - Essay Example (What Is Web 2.0) Many academicians all over the world have started doing an in depth analysis on the concept of the Web 2.0 and have found that ‘gatewatching’ and ‘produsage’ have become the driving forces of this web generated collection of applications. These terms have been further explained within this paper with respect to other spheres like technological convergence, collective intelligence and democratization and how this has helped to further propagate the practice of making use of the Web 2.0. Gatewatching is basically a term used to refer to the process whereby which people tend to post different interesting stories and pieces of news all over the internet. This is all furnished from time to time on different websites and people can gain access to the same through search engines by typing in keywords. It is a very helpful and integral part of Web 2.0 because it has helped a large number of people in searching and finding information as per their n eeds with respect to reliable sources all over the internet. This is a practice that has been followed in the field of citizen journalism as well. It is also known as ‘gatekeeping’ news because anyone can post absolutely anything with respect to any topic of concern and that is why it has helped in creating a number of controversies all over the world as well. For example, in recent news, the founder of Wikileaks, Julian Assange was arrested for having leaked out vital information and news stories through such ways of citizen journalism; Wikileaks is a website whereby which news and stories are posted anonymously by reporters and people all over the world. Anyone can come ahead and submit information of importance to other people, and once it has been verified by the department at the website, it is published for the public in order to read and verify details regarding a certain topic at hand. (Gatewatching and Citizen Journalism) There are a number of communities and g roups that carry out gatewatching as well, instead of individual people having to submit their information elsewhere on to different websites. They help to offer a much better perspective along with a forum of discussion from people all around the world as to whatever has been happening or whatever has been posted. Axel Bruns, along with two other of his co workers, began the Gatewatching blog where the website is run with the help of information that they receive from all over the world with respect to important events happening in Australia, and now recently, everywhere. They have also, through the website, tried to promote the concept of citizen journalism, by taking on the task of reporting important events taking place during the Australian elections from the late 2008 and onwards. Such websites are very informative and provide opinions with respect to whatever has been happening, for the benefit of the common people who might not be aware of what has been going on in the news in their surroundings. They help people formulate their own opinions and not get swayed by a certain stance on a certain subject of matter or interest. Thus, it does help a great in bringing about democracy within a country. In countries like China where the government will even take the required steps, like it

Health issues and reforms Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Health issues and reforms - Assignment Example Additionally, the paper outlines other crucial aspects of health economics not discussed in the videos and other appropriate objective functions. Discussion 1. The three videos discussed the cost effectiveness and recommendations for modern health care. The videos are relevant because they dealt with modern issues of economics and how they can be improved. The narrators talked about where the government might start to improve the system’s efficiency. It is believed that systems of health care lack equity and are costly. Every person is responsible in the structure of the health care system today1. In the present world, doctors cannot understand everything. It is believed that the most expensive treatments are the best, which is not true. With the help of doctors, everyone should involve in shaping up the health care system. Better health care control should have the following elements: ability to flag out failures and success of current techniques, ability to develop solutions for health care problems, and ability to employ solutions worldwide. Health care groups must embrace teamwork, and use checklists to ensure every patient follows protocol. The three videos also differed in certain aspects. Ms. Rebecca Onie discussed the relationship between difficulties in socio-economic and the kind of risky prone people. She emphasizes on incompetency among nurses and doctors whom the society trust. Administrative specialists and social workers have been sidelined yet they possess expertise and knowledge in getting things done. However, Eric Dishman, talks about his personal experience to illustrate the point of reinventing the health care system around the world. Compared to other videos, he used his personal experience to pass issues in health economics2. Atul Gwande emphasized on the effectiveness of cost in health care. 2. Other health issues not addressed in the three videos include: availability of care which accounts for 11 percent in the world. Another is sue is corporate bureaucracy which accounts 11 percent. Also, errors in medicine have not been addressed. Medical errors accounts for 11% of health economic issues. Consequently, prescription to drug cost forms a major health concern in the world. 3. Allocating resources optimally depends on what the consumer needs to achieve. All models of health economics must have objective functions, even when states implicitly. The objective functions must specify resources distribution at hand. For instance, in maximizing health, health care is differently allocated from the normal if the objective were to satisfy those that are severely. Models of health economics make assumptions on the relationship between outputs and inputs. The objective that needs to be achieved is the maximization of health care3. The key input factors are medicinal drugs(X) and human capital (Y). The constraints accompanying these objectives are the cost of health and technology. Max U=f (x2y) s.t x2 + y2 =24 Constrain t 1: x, y ? 24 Constraint 2: x, y ? 0 U= x2y-?(x2 + y2 -24) F.O.C for x 2xy-2 ? x=0---1 F.O.C for y x2-2 ?y=0----2 F.O.C for ? x2 + y2 -24=0----3 Solving the equation. 2xy-2 ? x=0-----4 2xy/2x=? ?=y x2-2 ?y=0--------5 x2=2 ?y ?= x2/2y y= x2/2y 2 y2= x2 Substituting in 3 2 y2+y2=24 y2=8 x2=16 x=4 y=8^ (1/2) 4. Some of the crucial constraints facing the health system include: severe deficiency in trained health employees. This undermined the effort to provide better health care. Lack of financial support to set up isolation facilities and drug purchase is

Inter Industry and Intra Industry Trade Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Inter Industry and Intra Industry Trade - Essay Example on, and import goods to countries they lack their own production, or where products can be manufactured with poor cost-effectiveness, owing to factor scarcity, intensively used for goods production. Under such circumstances, a country does not generally export and import the same product type. Inter-industry trade is in direct contrast to intra-industry trade that is a result of ‘imperfect’ competition between nations having identical factor endowments (Falvey and Kierkowski, 1987, 143-161). Examples of intra-industry trade include technology, beverages, minerals and automobiles. As per the definitions provided by OECD, intra-industry trade can be viewed through intra-industry trade measurements: a) â€Å"Trade in similar products (â€Å"horizontal trade†) with differentiated varieties (e.g. cars of a similar class and price range); b) Trade in â€Å"vertically differentiated† products distinguished by quality and price (e.g. exports of high-quality clothi ng and imports of lower-quality clothing)† (OECD, Glossary of Statistical terms, 2007). There are two different forms of intra-industry trade: Horizontal intra-industry trade: this comprises of simultaneous imports and exports of products categorised within an identical industry, and at an identical processing stage, therefore, based primarily on product differentiation, as for example, Korea’s export and import of cellular phones at the same time, at a same processing stage (Grubel, and Lloyd, 1975). Vertical intra-industry trade: This comprises of imports and exports of products at the same time within the same industry sector, but at a different processing phase. It is based on a growing ability to arrange for production fragmentation into various stages, each occurring at different places, and taking advantage... This report approves that countries export products where factors can be intensively used for goods production, and import goods to countries they lack their own production, or where products can be manufactured with poor cost-effectiveness, owing to factor scarcity, intensively used for goods production. Under such circumstances, a country does not generally export and import the same product type. Inter-industry trade is in direct contrast to intra-industry trade that is a result of ‘imperfect’ competition between nations having identical factor endowments. This report makes a conclusion that currently under increased instances of globalisation, intra-industry trade has turned into an essential part of global macro-economic activities, which is beneficial as regards bringing in stability at a macro-economic level, increasing the number of products of the same type within the market giving a consumer more choices and advocating innovation. This trade is primarily based on the advantage where it allows consumers to have at their disposal a larger range of products at cheaper rates, while allowing producers to acquire economies of scale in goods manufacture by giving them an access to a wider global market. With an overall rise in output, fixed costs are disseminated over a wide range of units, thus decreasing the corporation’s average production cost. Therefore, despite various debates on its rightful place within the realms of economic theories, intra-industry trade occupies an important position within the realms of modern intern ational trade.

Health issues and reforms Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Health issues and reforms - Assignment Example Additionally, the paper outlines other crucial aspects of health economics not discussed in the videos and other appropriate objective functions. Discussion 1. The three videos discussed the cost effectiveness and recommendations for modern health care. The videos are relevant because they dealt with modern issues of economics and how they can be improved. The narrators talked about where the government might start to improve the system’s efficiency. It is believed that systems of health care lack equity and are costly. Every person is responsible in the structure of the health care system today1. In the present world, doctors cannot understand everything. It is believed that the most expensive treatments are the best, which is not true. With the help of doctors, everyone should involve in shaping up the health care system. Better health care control should have the following elements: ability to flag out failures and success of current techniques, ability to develop solutions for health care problems, and ability to employ solutions worldwide. Health care groups must embrace teamwork, and use checklists to ensure every patient follows protocol. The three videos also differed in certain aspects. Ms. Rebecca Onie discussed the relationship between difficulties in socio-economic and the kind of risky prone people. She emphasizes on incompetency among nurses and doctors whom the society trust. Administrative specialists and social workers have been sidelined yet they possess expertise and knowledge in getting things done. However, Eric Dishman, talks about his personal experience to illustrate the point of reinventing the health care system around the world. Compared to other videos, he used his personal experience to pass issues in health economics2. Atul Gwande emphasized on the effectiveness of cost in health care. 2. Other health issues not addressed in the three videos include: availability of care which accounts for 11 percent in the world. Another is sue is corporate bureaucracy which accounts 11 percent. Also, errors in medicine have not been addressed. Medical errors accounts for 11% of health economic issues. Consequently, prescription to drug cost forms a major health concern in the world. 3. Allocating resources optimally depends on what the consumer needs to achieve. All models of health economics must have objective functions, even when states implicitly. The objective functions must specify resources distribution at hand. For instance, in maximizing health, health care is differently allocated from the normal if the objective were to satisfy those that are severely. Models of health economics make assumptions on the relationship between outputs and inputs. The objective that needs to be achieved is the maximization of health care3. The key input factors are medicinal drugs(X) and human capital (Y). The constraints accompanying these objectives are the cost of health and technology. Max U=f (x2y) s.t x2 + y2 =24 Constrain t 1: x, y ? 24 Constraint 2: x, y ? 0 U= x2y-?(x2 + y2 -24) F.O.C for x 2xy-2 ? x=0---1 F.O.C for y x2-2 ?y=0----2 F.O.C for ? x2 + y2 -24=0----3 Solving the equation. 2xy-2 ? x=0-----4 2xy/2x=? ?=y x2-2 ?y=0--------5 x2=2 ?y ?= x2/2y y= x2/2y 2 y2= x2 Substituting in 3 2 y2+y2=24 y2=8 x2=16 x=4 y=8^ (1/2) 4. Some of the crucial constraints facing the health system include: severe deficiency in trained health employees. This undermined the effort to provide better health care. Lack of financial support to set up isolation facilities and drug purchase is

Navy Uniform Regulations Essay Example for Free

Navy Uniform Regulations Essay In dress uniform, civilian bags will be hand carried only.  All bags worn with the working uniform must conceal its contents and be either solid black or navy blue. No personal ornamentation. No tattoos/body art/brands that are prejudicial to good order, discipline and morale or are of nature to bring discredit upon the Navy are prohibited. Do not wear skirts or dress shoes aboard ship. Do not wear corfam shoes for normal work aboard ship, only when immediately departing or returning to the ship. Same applies for V-Neck/Sleeveless shirts. SOPA – Senior Officer Present Afloat Hair cut for men – Hair above the ears and around the neck shall be tapered from the lower natural hairline upward at least  ¾ inch and outward not greater than  ¾ inch to blend with hairstyle. Hair shall be no longer than 4 inches and may not touch the ears, collar, extended below eyebrows when headgear is removed, show under front edge of headgear, or interfere with properly wearing military headgear. Bulk shall no proceed 2 inches. Color must look natural and compliment the individual. Sideburns shall not extend below a point level with the middle of the ear, shall be of even width (not flared) and shall end with a clean-shaven horizontal line. Hair for women – The hair may touch, but not fall below a horizontal line level with the lower edge of the back of the collar. With jumper uniforms, hair may extend a maximum of 1- ½ inches below the top of the jumper collar. Bulk shall not exceed 2 inches. A maximum of 2 small barrettes/combs/clips, similar to hair color, may be used un the hair. Hairnets shall not be worn. Hair ornaments shall not present a safety hazard.

Accounting Ratios for Account Manipulation

Accounting Ratios for Account Manipulation How companies manipulate their accounts using accounting ratios? Abstract The emergence of accounting scandals in the US has shaken the world over. Professionals, stakeholders, shareholders and regulatory authorities blame a multitude of factors for the proliferation of cases like Enron, Tyco, WorldCom and Xerox etc. The researcher is of the view that the rising number of bankruptcies and fraud cases in the corporate sector has been the result of weakness within the financial system and regulatory standards. In the US especially the flexibility of the financial standards has given firms the opportunities to manipulate accounts with the help of financial and accounting professionals for the benefit of top management. These individuals have knowledge of GAAP (generally accepted accounting principle) and its loopholes. They capitalize on these loopholes to the extent of crippling the economy and professional standards. The following research investigates the rationale for firms that resort to accounts manipulation through financial ratios and how it could be curbed. It identifies the measures for counteracting unethical professional behaviour by outlining the core weaknesses within the accounting standards and systems. It also compares the US standards with those of the UK to conclude that the UK is less liable to fraudulent behaviour because its authority has taken measures to strictly regulate accounting professionals, auditors and top executives to avoid engage in accounting manipulation and fraud. Table of Contents Chapter 1 Introduction Background Rationale Objectives Scope Work Map Chapter 2 Literature review Introduction Enron WorldCom Ratios Differing Accounting Standards in the UK and US Chapter 3 Research Methodology Inductive and Deductive Reasoning Qualitative and Quantitative Research Secondary and Primary Resources Research Rationale Chapter 4 Data collection and analysis Chapter 5 Conclusion and Recommendations Bibliography Appendices Background The growing number of accounting scandals with the likes of Enron, Tyco, WorldCom and Xerox etc. has raised cause for concern for stakeholders, shareholders, professional bodies and trade authorities alike. They are of the view that corporate finance has undergone transformation for the worse in the last ten years. Williams’ research (2002) indicates that accuracy of revenues and earnings help in operational decision support and formulation of corporate strategy for almost 60 percent of the firms. Others, approximately 58 percent, feel financial reporting transparency and compliance (93 percent) with external reporting requirements imperative for effective corporate and industry performance. However, the growing number of scandals related to fraudulent earnings, inflated asset values and understated liabilities have undermined this system of corporate governance (Lev 2003). Investor confidence has been shaken as each scandal reveals the weak foundation of financial information system of public companies and regulatory authority that oversees them. When Enron filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on December 2, 2001 and WorldCom did the same later, investors blamed their business failures on accounting manipulations. This practice is not new. In fact according to Mishra and Drtina (2004) some 200 companies in the past five years have restated their earnings as a result of accounting manipulations. CFO Magazine survey indicates chief financial officers (CFOs) are forced to misrepresent earnings or are pressured to violate generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to satisfy shareholders and top executive management. Accounting manipulation not only offers the chance for companies like Enron and WorldCom to increase the asset valuation but also to understate liabilities that would appreciate stock prices, hide losses and increase company valuation. The practice is not limited to the US only. In the UK accounting manipulation is also known as creative accounting. According to Amat, Blake and Dowds (1999) creative accounting refers to a process whereby accountants use their knowledge of accounting rules to manipulate the figures reported in the accounts of a business. Since the accounting process itself is flawed in the sense that it provides flexibility, and opportunities for manipulation and misstatement, financial professionals find it easy to engage in creative accounting. The practice helps in presenting increased profits, genuine economic growth and management efficiency whereas the opposite may also be true. According to Kamal Nasser (1993 qt. Amat, Blake and Dowds 1999) Creative accounting is the transformation of financial accounting figures from what they actually are to what preparers desire by taking advantage of the existing rules and/or ignoring some or all of them. The views of these authors indicate that accounting rules in Western countries are weak and offer plenty of room for manipulation. The damage resulting from accounting manipulation affects the accounting principles that the stakeholders, public and investors depend on and use to estimate, judge and predict corporate performance. The usefulness of accounting principles has regulated industries, balanced investment flow and capitalization in the past. However, Enron and the likes have proved that accounting principles (that the masses have depended on in the past) are unreliable. The scandals prove that accounting tools like financial ratio analysis or fundamental analysis for accounts estimation and prediction do not tr uly reflect the value of the investment. Artificial transactions can be used to manipulate balance sheet amount; profits can be moved from period to period; and assets can be re-arranged to depict a positive financial standing. Amat, Blake and Dowds (1999) are also of the view that companies employ creative accounting to smooth income and report a steady growth. This is achieved by manipulating accounts to depict improved profits even in weak economic conditions to harmonize the ongoing income. Investors, following accounting principles often utilize accounting ratios to judge and estimate the performance of firms, consider steady income growth as stability and judge a non-volatile stock as a good investment. Similarly Fox (1997) is of the view that accounts manipulation is for the purpose of normalizing income so that the company’s management can boost share price by reducing the levels of borrowing, lower risks and generate capital through new shares. Using the accounting rules companies often arrange financial accounts so that they would not reflect in the balance sheet, income statement or cash flow statement. The problem arises when the flexibility within the financial principles allows accountants of companies to manipulate accounts to avert investors, banks and financial institutions scrutiny. This kind of flexibility is limited in some countries while it is more pronounced in others. In the US for example the FASB (Financial Accounting Standard Board) rules that income from extended warranties may be recognized at the time of sale. Banks may not recognize this when they calculate the debt to equity ratios to allow the company to borrow through inventory. In the UK on the other hand there is less provision for using bad debts and inventory as a means to decrease liabilities and inadvertently inflate profitability. Thus, accounting manipulation undermines the moral and ethical standards that are expected of public limited companies. Decreasing apparent volatility in income, inflating debts to avoid taxes, smoothing income to create artificial opportunities for investments and manipulating accounting principles to control market mechanisms depict the weakness within the economy. It also reflects on the ethical standards and moral of the profession of accounting and auditing. Despite the knowledge and acknowledgement of this fact, professionals in the UK from a survey (Nasser 1993) indicate creative accounting is a problem that can never be resolved (91 percent). In the US creative accounting is more regular because it capitalizes on the mandate for detailed accounting rather than broad principles, which makes it even harder to detect fraud. The trend in fraud indicates that the foundation of accounting measures and ratios that firms, institutions and public use to estimate financial statements are not reliable. According to Mishra and Drtina (2004) financial statement ratios tend to focus on profitability not quality of the performance of the company. Ratios such as return on assets and return on equity are not adequate to gauge the firms ability to meet debt obligations or to measure the financial distress it is in. Similarly, ratios that accounting models use to tract shifting revenues and expenses through cash flow statement information merely asses the firms cash level based on operations, financing or investing activities. It is limited in calculating the value of the firm based on free cash flows or net income that affect cash flows. As a result, often firms tend to resort to bankruptcy declarations because of the lack of cash inflows. Furthermore, company’s stock performance is based on the performance of the stock prices but these values are risk dependent and the prices are set with the assumption that market value of the firm is efficient and the stock prices reflect information in the financial statements. However, when analysts base their decisions on ratios such as price to earnings, dividend yield and price to book ratios they are wholly dependent on information in the financial statements, which may be fraudulent (Mishra and Drtina 2004). Rationale When firms are constrained by fraud risks such as: opportunities, pressure and rationalization of unethical management, company information itself forms the basis for high risk (Hillison, Pacini and Sinason 1999). According to Cressey (1973) non-sharable financial need is responsible for the unethical practice that result in fraud such as accounts manipulation. The urgency, which forces management to pressure accountants and auditors to commit fraud, is due to the need to appropriate assets and resources to curb financial losses. In the process they undermine their professional integrity (See Appendix 1) (Hillison, Pacini and Sinason 1999). Riahi-Belkaoui and Picur (2000) in their attempt to understand fraud in the accounting environment write 59 percent of a KPMG 1998 Fraud Survey respondents believe fraud will become more prominent in the future. The reasons they cite include economic pressures, inadequate punishment for conviction, weakening social values, insufficient emphasis on prevention and detection, and criminal sophistication. Accounts manipulation is the result of favourable situations in which criminals recognize flexibility within the financial reporting system and audit failure to detect manipulation. Furthermore, when institutions gain power, privileges and position to create an environment conducive to white collar crime, members are likely to acquire earnings management knowledge that are within the framework of the accounting policies and alternatives. Abdelghany (2005) notes that earnings management help financial managers select certain target and tailor the financial results of the firm to match it. The basic premise is that management can manipulate soft numbers resulting from accrual accounting. As mentioned earlier firms engage in accounts manipulation due to several reasons some are unethical while others are due to the environment in which they operate. The approach to manipulate accounting principles to benefit from persistent high quality earnings and influence process decisions motivate firms to smooth income, inflate revenues, restate earnings and deflate liabilities. They try to meet the analysts expectations and company performance predictions (Abdelghany 2005). Other reasons include debt covenant avoidance, costs of investment, sustainable long-term performance and meeting up with bonus plan requirements etc. among others. The pressures of management performance, leadership, market failure, and future losses tend to motivate top management to conceal internal misappropriations and misstatements. The influence of these pressures on the reported statements is great as analysts depend on the information to make investment decisions, debt covenant, and professional pre diction. Abuse in the form of manipulating accounts affects not only the firm but also the industry and the economy at large. Given the above rationale the researcher is of the view that there is a great need to study accounts manipulation and its affect on industries, the public, accounting and auditing professionals, and the investment environment as a whole. Objectives The objectives of this study are as follows: To investigate how firms like Enron and WorldCom engage in accounts manipulation using financial ratios. To investigate the ethical and professional implications of financial ratios manipulation through accounting misstatements, earnings management and restatements. To study the role of the regulatory authority in contributing or deterring accounts manipulation by comparing the accounting standards in the US and UK. Scope The researcher aims to evaluate pertinent industry practice by evaluating case studies of Enron and WorldCom. The researcher shall also delve into issues of accounting principles weaknesses and the role of the authority in contributing to the current trend of accounting fraud and manipulation. Consequently, the study shall benefit professionals who are in the field, trying to find solutions for the current trend and how to curb it. Academicians might find the use of theoretical frameworks to study a current accounting dilemma interesting and contributory to future works. Moreover, the researcher expects the results of the study enumerating to both students and academicians alike who are interested in the study of accounting fraud and manipulation. However, readers might find the scope of this study limited in the sense that it will be focused on accounts manipulation particularly in the use of financial ratios. There are other methods of accounting manipulations, which will be covered briefly in the research. Overall, readers will find the findings useful and informative. Work Map The study shall be divided into the following sections: Chapter 1 introduces the topic through a brief overview of the current norms and practices in accounts manipulation. It also points out reasons why there is a need for the study with objectives for directing the topic for discussion in the following chapters. Chapter 2 is a Literature Review, which shall trace the Enron and WorldCom scandals in the light of accounts manipulation. It also reviews literature on financial ratios fraud and its effects. Lastly, it shall study the accounting standards adopted by the UK and US to compare which one is more prone to accounts manipulation. Chapter 3 shall outline the various methods considered and chosen for the development of the current study. Chapter 4 is an analysis of the data collected and evaluated from the researchers point of view based on the expertise of the scholars discussed in the Literature Review. Chapter 5 shall conclude the findings, and offers some recommendations to resolve the issues outlined in the objectives. Overview An efficient capital market is one that allows prices to shift rapidly in response to the latest information because public information is conveyed efficiently, interpreted and analyzed to make effective decisions. Disclosure therefore is an obligation imposed by law to facilitate market performance. Companies are obligated to provide information so that investors and the public can interpret information to participate in the market decisions. Professional ethics is relegated through understanding among accountants, auditors, management and executives on the premise that the market is entitled to receive full accounts and reports of companies’ performance as per regulatory authority. The form and content of the individual or consolidated accounts is regulated by the company law and by accounting standards issued to the accounting professionals and auditors. However, sometimes publicly traded company financial position becomes tradeoffs due to limited liability, losses and perf ormance pressure. Any compromise in their performance results in negative market reaction, as they are bound by standards and targets set by the public. This kind of market behaviour force companies to resort to unethical practices (Ferran 1999). Alternatively, when regulations change in response to the demand of the market, companies have to reshuffle their internal systems to comply with them. The preparation of accounts in accordance to applicable accounting standards often conflict with the companys standards and values. New accounting information requirements and standards are often viewed with apprehension as they put pressure on the statutory requirements. For example the Listing Rules of the London Stock Exchange require annual reports and accounts of companies to contain â€Å"additional information†. The changing environment therefore creates a problem for companies to align current with past performances (Ferran 1999). To gauge a companys financial standing, analysts use ratios to estimate and evaluate its performance by comparing it with the current status or against the industrys standards. Financial managers of companies are aware of the use of this tool to evaluate companys performance. Within the framework of legal accounting standards they employ planning and capital structure decisions to measure the performance of firms. Ratios such as price to earning, for example, are of particular interest to investors interested in gauging the performance of the company they want to invest in (Pike and Neale 1996). When pressured, accountants can manipulate accounts information, such as interests, liabilities, and pre-tax profits etc, to substantially inflate or deflate certain accounts according to the needs of the firms objectives for the short or long term. For example some companies might inflate earnings per share to depict higher dividend to increase the companys investment attractiveness. Others might deflate liabilities to depict low debt to equity ratio, to create opportunities for borrowing. Whichever the cause, the fact is that firms engage in accounts manipulation within the accounting principles framework. They are within their legal rights to employ such methods, which allow them to create a positive picture to investors, creditors and institutions. How far can firms employ such methods and to what extent constitutes unethical or illegal practice will be investigated in the following sections. Enron Among the recent cases of accounts manipulation is Enron. Enron products and services relate to gas and energy wholesale, as well as retail to a host of customers. The company is considered one of the most innovative with an efficient management team and a leader who is the envy of the industry. According to Mishra and Drtina (2004) Enron filed bankruptcy in 2001 when it had just revealed its strategic plans in the light of asset and non-asset expansions. The companys plan had been to expand into energy trading expertise with a host of new products and services. At the time its share had been traded at $90. From 1999 to 2001 the company underwent great changes in terms of its earnings per share from $1.27 in 1999 to $0.999 in 2000. To deflect speculation, Enron used off-balance sheet partnerships to finance and sustain its investment growth and rating (Mishra and Drtina 2004). This method is not a new practice but is employed by 27 percent of companies. Enron however used it to hide its massive debts by inflating revenue with gain from sale of assets to off-balance sheet partnerships by guaranteeing the partnerships debt with stocks. As a result Enron had to restate its earnings from time to time to reflect the reduction in shareholders’ equity due to the partnership. The stock price started to decline to less than $1 in November 2001 despite the fact that the company had been considered one of the fastest growing companies in the industry. While the book value of the assets tripled from $23.5 billion in 1997 to $65.5 billion in 2000, in actuality Enron had been deteriorating in its market capitalization (Kedia and Philippon 2005). Enron is a typical example of accounts manipulation where misreporting to show increased investment value and simulated income have created artificial resources whereas the company had been running into high level of debt s. The real cost of manipulation eventually reflects in the earnings. Earnings management has been used to boost stock prices so that managers can profit from the share trading but in effect undermine the organizations value. In theory the use of earnings management helps firms to manipulate price earning ratios to, firstly show firms potential activities, and secondly to restate the value of the firm. However, as a consequence, the earnings created theoretical growth in investment and employment depicting strong growth (Kedia and Philippon 2005; Healy and Wahlen 1999). According to the authors, Kedia and Philippon (2005), Enron used an earnings manipulation model, which has resulted real time inefficiencies, as it does not account for the fundamental value of the firms equity or account for the allocation of resources. Wamy’s (2004) investigation reveals that Enron inflated profits by nearly one billion dollars and top employees raked in millions of dollars (they should not have received) through complex and special partnerships to hide debt, inflate profits and to engage in allied unethical and heinous business practices. The companys unique business model depicts human capital as the leveraging point for its investments, instead of fixed assets. Since its people are considered physical assets, it could allocate earnings to these individuals to create higher value for the firm that owns them. Theorists blame the companys manipulated accounts as the basis for its bankruptcy in 2001. Others (Barlev and Haddad 2004; Wamy 2004) blame it on the transition within the accounting framework. Barlev and Haddad (2004) attribute the shift of accounting practices due to the inclusion of the new paradigm of fair value accounting has increased the pace of reporting in firms. The authors in their research prove that the new paradigm improved full disclosure, transparency and management efficiency mandates. However, the weak control system that governs accounts information contributed to abuse and manipulations. It has allowed Enron to sell its stakes to special purpose entities thereby minimizing reported activities. Since Enron took the position that as a result of the decrease in its ownership interest, it no longer controlled [SPEs] and was not required to consolidate [SPEs] in its balance sheet. SPEs had been acquired through bank loans and debt issuance, which resulted in high debt to equity ratio, but hidden from the investors. As business transactions at Enron grew, the company is also confronted with its inability to pay for these transactions (Dodd 2002). Further, the company has also abused the fair value framework by using hedging instruments such as changing fair value of assets and liabilities, variable cash flows and foreign currency exposure to emphasize on its valuation (Barlev and Haddad 2004) by recording inaccurate revenue and earnings growth. Enron reported prices and recognized fictitious unrealized gains to account for pretax income worth $1.41 billion for the year 2000, which is attested by its auditors as being true (Makkawi and Schick 2003). WorldCom WorldCom (now MCI) is one of the largest distance phone companies in the US to declare bankruptcy in 2004. The reason had been accounting irregularities that equal to $11 billion. According to Scharff (2005) the companys declaration had been one of the largest accounting frauds in the US history. The author writes of the perpetrator as being the organizational structure, group processes and culture, which mitigate fraud that had become an integral part of WorldComs operations. WorldComs rationale for following a corrupt course of action stems from groupthink behaviour and competitive industry environment that pressurize members of the organization to make decisions to pursue fraudulent activities (Whyte 1989). Scharff (2005) traces the development of WorldComs bankruptcy and notes that during the 1990s the company had been under strong pressure to maintain cash flows and earnings before interest. As the telecommunication industry is subjected to strict regulations, WorldCom executives resorted to fraud to allocate costs of capital as prepaid. Similarly, it also engaged in improper release of accruals so as to reduce current year expenses to increase earnings. Not only this, the company also ensured that minor revenue entries are made to increase operating earnings (Scharff 2005). The finance and accounts department had been encouraged by top management to engage in fraudulent behaviours (See Appendix 2) to cover for the invulnerable position the organization had been in. However, the most important issue had been when the company found out about loopholes in the GAAP that would support the entries the executives wanted to include. Through them, the company also managed to inflate cash flows for five quarters with the assumption that the company received cash flows from operations whereas most of its activities had been based on accruals. According to Tergesen (2002) the accounts manipulation engaged at WorldCom had been aimed at inflating consolidated cash flows to present a positive operation picture so that investors are attracted in buying its stocks to increase capitalization. Realizing that investors are risk averse, and avoid company stocks that raise cash through financings, such as debts or investment related activities such as assets, WorldCom managed to pose a positive and attractive picture through accounts manipulation. It managed to secure operations cash flows through securitizing, which is the selling of account receivables. Selling of receivables is recognized as cash collections, even though they are collected in the future. Although this practice is regular, the timing and the manner of entry makes it culpably the basis for accounts manipulation. Not only this, Tergesen also notes that WorldCom engaged in capitalizing expenses. This practice involves the capitalization of costs of assets in the bala nce sheet and writing it off as annual instalments. To compensate for the lack of cash, WorldCom also manipulated the GAAP rules of allowing cash raised through securities sales recorded in the â€Å"cash from operations† section, even though the activity is not related to cash flow. (Tergesen 2002). The motivation according to Zekany, Braun and Warder (2004) stemmed from the pressure to meet analysts and investors’ expectations. WorldCom had been closely connected with the stock market and a favourite of investors. To meet analysts’ forecast expectations, WorldCom used its public relation as guidance for meeting such expectations. These expectations are derived from earnings estimates, securities performance and market position of its stocks. WorldCom, pressured from the intensity of investment demand and analysts’ expectations, devised financial measures to meet the financial requirements. To increase the stock market value, the top executive had to engage in expansionary acquisitions, to increase revenue growth. At the same time the companys performance deteriorated along with the industry yet it had to prove that it performs above the others (Zekany, Braun and Warder 2004). The accounting department at WorldCom had become an important functional component under the directives of its executives engaged in accounts manipulation activities to boost E/R ratio. The authors explain that WorldCom adopted the line cost accruals system to compensate for the accrual revenue and the liability reported in the balance sheet. However, since the accrual system is highly risky, it is difficult to make provision for its accurate reportage. The pressure to meet up with the line cost accruals motivated executives to find creative accounting ideas to reduce and save costs. This approach would have been successful, however since the industry had been strived by deterioration, earnings could not be inflated to achieve the expected levels to portray a positive E/R ratio. E/R is basically a ratio to measure the return on business resources available to the management. It is similar to a measure of shareholder equity and management effectiveness. (Alexander 2001). Ratios Fraudulent financial reporting has given new dimensions to corporate fraud. Both external and internal auditors are striving with the legal liability to detect fraudulent financial statements, so as to save damage to their professional reputation and to prevent public dissatisfaction (Kaminski and Wetzel 2004). Previously professionals relied on the efficiency of ratios to detect expectation errors to make decision pertaining to stock prices, risks and value of stocks for future growth. Subsequent decisions are based on the credible reportage. Investors, borrowing institutions and the public, use accounting ratios to predict returns or performance. Ratios rely on earnings and book value to measure a firms value. Performance is predicted by a cross-sectional aggregate and indicators from figures in the financial statements. Investors use strategies such as fundamental ratio analysis, accruals analysis and fundamental value analysis, to account for their decisions and treatment of inve stment portfolios. However, Daniela, Hirshleifer and Teohb (2001) are of the view that these strategies are not effective predictors of future stock returns. They write: Earnings reported on firms financial statements differ from cash flows by accounting adjustments known as accruals. These are designed in principle to reflect better economic circumstanceshigh accruals predict negative long-run future returns. (Daniela, Hirshleifer and Teohb 2001) This strategy is affected by the discretionary working capital accrual and new equity. This is so because investors are fixated by earnings numbers. Consequently they tend to underestimate other accrual factors. Similarly, the authors also note that the fundamental value analysis strategy to predict future stock returns, relies on stock prices from an imputed value based on a fundamental value model (Daniela, Hirshleifer and Teohb 2001). Even in this model the discounted value of expected future residual earnings are defined in the context of normal return employed in future years. In re