Write a 4 page essay based on the question provided

Write a 4 page based on the question provided - Essay Example There are many in the â€Å"hard† scientific communities that argue that philosophy is obsolete as a whole and has been essentially unchanged for 2000 years (Andersen 1). They feel the considerations of philosophy as a science are rendered useless in the face of modern scientific awareness and technological advancements. They no longer see a place for philosophers like, Machiavelli, Socrates, Locke, and Hobbes. However, there are others who feel quite differently. Philosophy is still relevant and perhaps even more relevant in this modern technological age. Each of the philosophers mentioned has contributed greatly to the discussion of the human experience and remains relevant today. Machiavelli, for example, was a reluctant philosopher, perceiving himself as a historian and an academic. All the same his writings, concepts, perspectives, and ideas have sparked many a philosophical debate, be it to support his perspectives or to refute them. The term â€Å"Machiavellian† was coined in his honor to reference someone who cleverly excels in Machiavelli’s preferred areas; ethics, politics, and psychological phenomena (Nederman ). Socrates is a fascinating character of philosophical history; he remains somewhat of a mystery to scholars. He was an oral philosopher who wrote nothing in his lifetime, but developed and changed philosophy forever. Socrates was the first to openly discuss the possibility that the pantheon of Grecian deities might not be responsible for all of the events that occur in the world. This non-theological a pproach to philosophy was considered heretical to the Athenian courts. Socrates was found guilty of crimes against Greece and sentenced to death for his philosophies. It was this sacrifice in the name of free thinking that spawned much philosophical debate and discussion over the years (Nails). John Locke focused much of his

Racism among Human Interactions Essay Example for Free

Racism among Human Interactions Essay This essay will shortly focus on cultural diversity as the basis behind racial discrimination; its impact and effects on my community. It is important before in-depth digging on this assignment to consider the subject of racism as first, a belief that radiates passion, capable of igniting different forms of action ranging from discrimination, bulling, oppression, wrong prejudice, violence among others. Racism in accordance to Oxford dictionary is an ideology that holds that a particular racial stratum is characterized with generic abilities or capabilities that is different from other cultural caucus. This specific characteristic is to other culture considered inferior or superior in its whole essence. Some other definitions for racism do hold fast that race is the fundamental identification of human inherent traits (Smedley Brain 2005). The abilities thereof are a measure of racial dissimilarities that produce visible effect in assuming superiority to other racial groups (Merriam, n. d. ). In another author’s definition for racism, there is a pronouncement that human races possess distinct trait that predetermine their cultural orientation. The orientation thus follows that one’s race is superior and has a predetermined authority to lord control over other races (Macquarie). Legal description of the term racial discrimination according to the submit of U. N. Convention on Racial Discrimination Elimination in March 1966, â€Å"it shall be any form of separation, exclusion, refrain, or preference based on racial origin in terms of color, descendant, nationality, ethnic group which result in impairing or infringing an equality in recognition, exercise of fundamental human right to freedom in affairs such as political platform, socioeconomic, cultural or any other diasporas in life. † British law describes racism as a concept implying the definition as a particular society in terms of their â€Å"nationality, color, ethnic, race or citizenship. A sociologist, David Wellman in 1993 thus defined racism as a cultural convention that defends Whites’ superiority owing to the incapacitated position of the derelict minorities. Feagin, a former president of American Sociological Association, submits recently in a â€Å"theory of racial oppression† in the U. S. , that the White Americans intentionally create and circulate a system of racial discrimination that has presently uncontrollable eaten deep the bone of their society. Major institutions are built on racial segregations in a non accidental manner but direct arrangement. Feagin recognizes that the operating racial system over decades have taken some forms of change, contending that there has been a significant reproduce of elemental seed of racism. The seed is a reflection of the present day’s â€Å"racial hierarchical institutions as far back as seventeenth century. The present day racial witnesses should be fast traced beyond the peripheral but seen as a rather infiltrating, and interconnected phenomenon that cut cross diverse social groups and establishments among the society. Feagin’s view is in contrast to the assumption that racism is more of an attitude or a kind of irrational bigotry that is independent of social organization. This assumption is supported by the psychologist. Human Racism within Neighborhood in my community It is a sad experience to stay in a habitation among the people of unlike minds who do not for any reason believe that men are born equal, be it white or black, Negro or others. It is rather more saddened that there is a constant atmosphere of insecurity to live among people whose signals of dealings with them constantly radiate hatred and disregard of high caliber. Where else does one needs to find rest if not home among neighborhoods? But the neighborhoods are soaked in an aura of perpetual dislike for color, for nationality and for genealogy order than the White they are. This is exemplified in a scenario when there was a call for a meeting to decide the fate of security our community one weekend. The leader do not border inviting a particular black and therefore, erroneously perceiving his opinion may not count but would rather give a second to the best of taught. And even peradventure, should he surpass every expectation; the White race would feel embarrassed and inferior. The leader presumes this may generate a violent attack and it would be in the interest of the community to live out his contribution as black. This is grossly unfair to humanity and the entire race of mankind. I doubt if the lower animals base their condemnation (if only it exists at all) on racism, how come we claim to be a better one called homo sapiens – I hope scientists will re-evaluate man as a social been. Human racism within Service groups and workplace in my community Service groups majorly constitute the White Americans. The cultural diversity is part and par sues of everyday dealings. It all began from the employment process. The communities around me often times neglect high level of hospitality to Black workers and extend apathy even in recruitment process. One researcher named, Dean Karlan with Marianne once found among a study conducted in 2003, that the extent of racial discrimination among people in workplaces is demoralizing. They discovered that people whose names where trace to black genealogy were more than fifty percent likely not to be shortlisted for the second phase of interview when they apply for a similar job with the Whites. This result is one out of the numerous societal biases forming a giant procedural method in application for job where cultural diversity triumph. I supposed securing job should rather be of intellectual competence and acumen instead of racial introduction that may corrupt the seed of greatness towards achieving the employing institution’s mission statement and its objectives. Despite the fact that blacks in this community can barely afford a day hospital bill without insurance, they are mostly faced with the major health hazard at workplace without a corresponding compensation to make up for the risk of life involved. This could be traced down to the aged fought battle on black slavery. The white society would rather hide under the canopy of existing racial system and enslave fellow mankind. I wonder where the world is heading to at this age long civilization era. If I could be opportune to effect any change in my community, I will gladly revisit this aspect of racial diversity and treat all men equally at workplace. The means of livelihood is a sensitive part of one’s live. That should not be negotiated for any racial operating system in a society with diverse culture. It should be left undiluted as this would be an eventual benefit to the company if nothing but just excellence is the sole key for employment. The disparity in the salary scale I would balance once an individual can prove his or her worth irrespective of the cultural diversity. Human racism within clubs, local governments, and schools The extension of induction to the minority black in my community for a cooperative cohabitation in a club is not a known issue but a taboo. Blacks rather form one in their own minority shell. Members of the club benefit in no small ways. They are treated equal and one among themselves. This makes it possible for numerous assistances members’ enjoy at either on an occasion or whenever there arise the need to give moral or/and financial support. The unity covers the shame of fellow individuals in the club. An applicant into the club of different race suffers these whole benefits even though he lives within this people. The psychological trauma is enough to initiate mental disturbance, mania, depression and bipolar syndrome (some psychiatric diseases) owing to a huge sense of delineation and alien among fellow human being. The presence of cultural diversity among schools at all levels of studies is certain. Students from different homes prefer one school to the others. Privilege to attend is denied by the prevailing racial discrimination. The racial prejudice begins when some school authorities reject applications from people of a particular nationality. At times, the low socioeconomic income of a racialized group of people dictates where to send their children for schooling and not a direct rejection. All tends to same racism resulting from cultural diversity. Other form of racism within exists among the students themselves. We have heard cases where a student arose on a red morning and began to shoot sporadically into the air. Over thirty six casualties were recorded. This man was a black who felt injured by cumulative experience of racial discrimination. Conclusion The people in leadership position often times play a lip service to this very sensitive issue of unfair racial human interactions as a result of cultural diversity. Concerning leaders in my community, we do quite share the same believe that one must be very careful in an attempt to resolve the ideas of inequality birthed from cultural diversity. One example is the record of black massacre in South Africa. The killing in this region in a part is due to an overwhelming dominance of Black Africans playing key roles in the economy of the country. I do disagree that there is no way to resolve it permanently. Military enforcement in a way may assist in ensuring adherence to laws pertaining to racial discrimination among societies with diverse culture. There should be gradual introduction of minority interest for the sake of balancing the democracy we practice though with caution to avoid undue attention and popularity. Government installation should be enforced by the legislature to base campaign in a way to effect eradication of racism in communities. When men of icon in the society openly campaign for racial equality, their loyal supporters would reason with them and change. The impact of media is one of the most essential tools in correcting the society for racial discrimination. Some media publicize the goods of the white and the ugly of the black. Media staff should try playing neutrality and conducting themselves in a professional manner, sharing my idea to contribute in eradicating the obnoxious outcomes resulting from cultural diversity. References Feagin, Joe R. (2006). Systemic Racism: A Theory of Oppression. NY: Routledge. Feagin, Joe R. (2000). Racist America: Roots, Current Realities, and Future Reparations. NY: Routledge. Allen, Theodore. (1994). The Invention of White Race†. Volume 1, London, UK. Smedley and Brian D. (2005) Race as Biology if Fiction, Racism as a Social Problem is Real. American Psychologist 60: 16-30. Cazenave, Noel A. and Darlene Alvarez Maddern. 1999. â€Å"Defending the White Race: White Male Faculty Opposition to a White Racism Course. † Race and Society. http://www. rohan. sdsu. edu/%7Ergison/againstracism. htm. Retrieved on June 14, 2008.

Business Management: Small and Large Business Differences

Business Management: Small and Large Business Differences Small Large Management The purpose of this report is to review and provide a critical analysis (agree/disagree) if small businesses require different management style(s) compared to large businesses. In the contemporary business environment it is true that small business require different management styles compared to large ones. Therefore the report will start by outlining the differences between a small and large business and their characteristics. Moreover the report will look into different management styles and try to demonstrate their contributions to the small businesses compared to large ones, on top of that underpinning the strategic relationship which these style(s) have to the small businesses. 2.0 Introduction Before undertaking the discussion it’s important to know the meaning of a small and large business. What exactly is a small business and when does it become medium-sized or large, are the key questions whose answers will be portrayed in this report. The small business administration defined a small business as a firm with 500 or fewer employees with annual revenue under  £2500000 (www.delawarecountybrc.com `). However the legal definition of â€Å"small† varies from country and industry, a small business is the one with small number of employees generally under 100 employees in the United States while under 50 employees in the European Union (strorey, 2005). Some definitions focus on numerical parameters in order to differentiate between smaller and larger business types. The European commission (EC) initiated an important set of definitions of small and medium sized enterprises based on the headcount, turnover and balance sheet value. The committee of inquiry on small firms, set up in the UK (1971) proposed that a small firm has three essential characteristics. A small firm is managed by its owner(s) in a personalized way. It has a relatively small share of market in economic terms. It is independent, in the sense that it does not form part of a larger enterprise and its ownership is relatively free from outside control in its principal decisions (Longenecker et al, 2000). 3.0 Methodology A background reading and research was done in writing this report by consulting lecturer notes of this module and creating points. A list of recommended text books (from the library) were consulted for application of academic theories and models. The report outline being updated when suitable new points were found, internet sources were used to gather examples and further arguments for consideration. 4.0 Findings Small businesses do not conform to any neat parameters, much depends on the industry in which they operate and the personalities and aspirations of those that run them. The objective of this section is to understand the deference between the management role in a small firm and in a larger corporation. Griffins (2000) explain the meaning of management as a set of functions directed at efficient and effective utilization of resources in the pursuit of organizational goals. Efficient in the sense that the resources are used wisely in a cost effective manner, and effective in making the right decisions and successfully implementing them. The management challenge is to maintain control over the process of an organization while at the same time leading, inspiring, directing and making decisions on all sorts of matters. Hannagan (1998) points out that the challenges of modern mangers is to deal with this tension between operating the present systems, structures and processes and the need to change in order to survive. The larger an organization the more specialized management can become, and at the highest level an organization need convergence of skills (Hannagan, 1998). Managing in a small business is not like managing part of a large organization, however, (Stokes Wilson, 2006 ) argue that it is difficult to say precisely what the difference are other than having fewer resources to things. According to (Stokes Wilson, 2006), Small business management is different in several respects to management in larger organizations because of social structures, relationships and because of the level of resources available. While these differences are derived from the numbers of employees and the size of turnover, it is their management implications that are the primary concern of this report. For example a manager who has special department in a small business is facing situation typical of small challenge than large business manager. Coyle (2003) explains that businesses with les than 10 employees rarely need a middle management structure, but over that size there is often pressure on the owner-manager to delegate more of the decision making. Waynarczyk (2001) identifies three key aspects in which small and large firms differ: uncertainty, innovation and evolution. Uncertainty- is a persistent feature of small firms which tend to have small customer bases and limited resources Innovation of either very new products, or marginal differences to well established ones, is a key factor in the success or failure of new business start-ups. Evolution refers to the state of constant structural and market changes which small firms are likely to experience as they struggle to survive and develop. It could be argued that uncertainty, innovation and evolution are also crucial part of the business environment of large corporates in today’s fast changing world. Siropolis (1998) also emphasize that management in small firms differ from that of large firms due a number aspects. These include; Centrality of the owner-manager The formality of structure The level of resource constraints Vulnerability to external context and change Limited product range and market focus. The vulnerability of small business to their external context has a relation to their inability to deal adequately with change. The introduction of new regulations can have a disproportionate effect on the fortunes of small business, whose limited resources cannot easily be redeployed to deal with the new procedures. (Hall, 1995) points out that small business environment exerts some pressure that can be different to the influences on larger organizations. Problems of the availability, cost of finance, and the burden of government regulations and paper work are examples of the preoccupation that concern the manager of a small enterprise but possibly do not concern many corporate managers in large organization (Scarborough Zimmerer, 2000). Differences in the environment are probably as great between sectors defined by products or markets as they are between those delineated by size of company. Such differences in the business environment justify the need of different management styles between small and large business firms. Moreover the financial management of a small business is different from that of a large firm. In a study conducted by walker and Petty the financial difference between small and large firms were evaluated and saw that there are clearly some differences between them. The disparities in dividend politics, dividends as a percent of earning are approximately 3% and 40% for small and large business (Hall, 1995). The second difference is the liquidity; large firms have more liquidity which is reflected by the current ratio, the quick and current ratio increase as the firm size becomes larger. This difference exists because, small firms retain smaller amount of accounts receivable and inventory, second small firms rely heavily on current liabilities, thus small firms maintain less liquidity. The apparent difference in liquidity between large and small firms lends further support that small business require a different management style to large ones. If the managers of small businesses are willing to assume greater risk, their attitude may well be reflected in the small firm’s liquidity (Zimmerer and Scarborough, 2005) According to (Stokes Wilson, 2006), the internal structure of a small business creates the need for a different management approach. In a larger company, the chief executive is the head of the team of specialists in production, finance, marketing, personnel and other functions. There is a clear distinction between those planning the future of the business in the longer term and those implementing the strategy on day to day basis. On the other hand small business owner-managers have to do it all; they are generalists who will have to turn their hand to all functions from sales to production. They are the planners and implementors, responsible for deciding strategy and making it happen. 4.1 Types of management control The way in which an owner-manager exercise control over their workforce will depend not just on the personality of a manager, but also the deposition of power in the employer-employee relationship. Saini Dhameja (1998) points that some circumstance gives the owner –manager, as employer, relatively high levels of control over employees; in other situations employees may be able to call more of tune. To illustrate this relationship Goss identified four types of management control- fraternalism, paternalism, benevolent autocracy and sweating in small firms. Extent of employee potential economic independence Fraternalism This describes a situation where the owner-manager is heavily dependent on the skills of the employees(s) to get the job done. This management is style is also common in professional and high technology small business. Paternalism This occurs where alternatives for employees are more limited, and the employer is less dependent on specific workers. E.g. farming Benevolent autocracy This is the most common situation in a small firm; the manager-owner is less dependent on the employee and able to exercise their influence from the position of power as an employer. Sweating This occurs in circumstance by which the employer exercises all the power and the employee none. These four examples of types of management control are not meant to be exhaustive; there are many variations on the theme. In some small firms two different modes of relationship can exist side by side. What emerge from looking at these types is that there is a highly varied pattern of management of people in small firms. 5.0 Business growth models Small businesses vary widely in size and capacity for growth. They are characterized by independence of action, differing organizational structures and varies management styles. As growth occurs managerial capacity constraint (Jensen and meckling, 1976) imply that existing behaviors are further reduced in frequency as new behaviors are adopted to manage the growing firm. As small businesses undergo these changes, a differentiating factor between successful and unsuccessful firms is that successful firms act in â€Å"anticipation of bigness† (Hambrick and Crozier 1985). Hence growth stage theories provide a measure of predictability regarding what to expect in anticipation of getting bigger. As newly formed business becomes established and grows its organization structures and pattern of management change. Longenecker et al (2000) points out that management in any organization must adapt to the growth and change, however they explain that changes involved in the early growth stages of a new business are much more extensive than those that occur with the growth of a relatively mature business. A number of experts have proposed models related to the growth stages of a business firms. These models typically describe four or five stages of growth and identify various management issues related to each stage. Some of these models are; 5.1 Churchill and Lewis growth model Churchill and Lewis suggest 5 growth stages of small business which each have its own management style. These stages are; Existence-this is the initial stage, where a business has an aim of staying alive, at this stage a business needs to find and maintain customers. Survival- at this stage a business, establish customer and produce position, viability, maintenance of cash flow. Success- this is stage where a business makes a choice between growth and consolidation. Take off-this is the growth. Maturity- a mature stage. This model provides the linkage of growth stages to management style, organizational structure, systems and overall strategy. See fig below Stage Management style Extent of formal system Major strategy Existence Direct supervision Minimal to non existent Existence Survival Supervised supervision Minimal Survival Success (growth) Delegation/coordination Basic, developing Maintaining profitable status quo; get resources for growth Take-off Divisional Mature Growth Mature Decentralization Extensive Return on investment Source: lecture notes, 2007 Moreover Scott and Bruce (1987) also presented changes in a firm which are associated with growth. These changes are presented in a form of stage models. They infer that the small firm moves from inception (stage 1) through to maturity (stage 5). Inception-this is the stage of generating profit gaining customers limited, gaining customers. Survival- at this stage a business experience over trading, uncontrolled growth. Growth- at this there is adequate resourcing, organizational structure develop, system and control. Expansion- there is financing growth, focusing externally on environment and At each of these stages the top management, the management style, and organization of structure change. The table below summarizes this application of this model. Growth stage Top management Management style Organizational structure Inception Direct supervision Entrepreneurial/individualistic Unstructured Survival Supervised/supervision Entrepreneurial/ administration Simple Growth Delegation/ condition Entrepreneurial/co ordination Functional centralized Expansion Decentralization Professional administrative Functional decentralized Maturity decentralization Watchdog Decentralized/functional product Source: (Storey, 2002.pg 121) In addition Greiner model (1972) sees also the relationship between management style and growth stage. He categorized the growth of a small business in five different phase stages, from phase 1 to phase 5 as explained below. Phase 1- involves growth through creativity and followed by crisis of leadership Phase 2-involves growth through direction followed by crisis of autonomy. Phase 3- involves growth through delegation and followed by crisis and o control Phase4-involves growth through coordination followed by crisis of red tape Phase 5- involves growth through collaboration and followed by crisis. 6.0 Is Mall Business Management Fundamentally Different To A Large Enterprise? Burns (2003) agree stating that â€Å"of course there are other characteristics of small business that may be added to the list: perhaps the most obvious is the severe limitation of resources faced by small firms both in terms of management and power as well as money. This statement highlights the qualitative and quantitative elements of small business that makes them fundamentally different to large business and not small scale. He points out that small business have many characteristics that set them apart from larger ventures. Personalized management-it is expected that the owner of a small company should always be involved material decision and take an active role on all aspects of the management. Since one person has much overwhelming control over decision. Managers deal with their staff in different ways, some are strict with their staff and like to be in complete control, whilst others are more relaxed and allow workers to the freedom to run their own working lives. Whatever approach is used it will be vital to the success of the business (Boddy, 2005). The organization is good as the person running it, hence he outline that there are three main categories of management styles which are; autocratic, paternalistic and democratic. Autocratic style of management (o authorial) managers likes to make all the important decision and closely supervise and control workers. Managers do not trust workers and simply gives orders (one way communication). Longenecker (reference) points that total management of an autocratic style and the use of informal control system often arise from the very real pressure of time in small business environment. Paternalistic management gives more attention to the social needs and views of their workers. Managers are interested in how happy the workers are in many ways, they consult employees over issues and give feedback or opinions. The manager will however make the actual decision. Democratic style of management will put trust in employees and encourage them to make decisions. They will delegate to them the authority to do this and listen to their advice. Small market share-they can not dictate price or influence heavily on the numbers of goods sold. Their buying power is reduced since they do not buy in large quantities they must buy at a more expensive price. Small businesses must therefore sell at a more expensive price and become less competitive. Customer loyalty-small businesses especially those occupying the niche market often become reliant on small but loyal customer base. Should they only lose one or two of these customers the business may fail. Finance –small business often find it difficult to raise finance to grow, and are very dependant on customer prompt payment in order to survive. Small businesses are often family owned enterprises, Kets de Vries (1993) outline the following advantages and disadvantages of family owned enterprises. Advantages Long term perspective Dependable culture that encourages long lasting relationship with all business partners Strong identification/commitment and stability Knowing the business Family culture as a source of pride. Disadvantages Static thinking Managerial difficulties when family objective are in conflict. Less acceptable capital market Nepotism Succession problems 7.0 Conclusion Managing a small business is different to managing in a large company. Entrepreneurs need total management to jungle their many responsibility in running a small firm. Premises are key resources that require decisions on locations, physical and environmental features and types of lease or purchase. other operations resources to be managed include materials and equipment. People are the key resources in most enterprises,many entrepreneurs feel inadequate to deal with the legal issues and conformity to employment laws that are required today. Hence four management control have been identified in small business firms. Although small firms are frequently managed by solo owners some high growth firms are manged by an entrepreneur team. 8.0 References Boddy, D., 2005. Management: An Introduction. Pearson Education Limited: England Bridge S, O’Neil K and Cromie S, 1998. Understanding enterprise, Entrepreneurship and Small business. MacMillan Press Ltd, London. Burns P, 2001. Entrepreneurship and Small business. Palgrave, New York. Deakins, D., 1996. Entrepreneurship and Small Firms. McGraw-Hill Publishing Company, London. Hanna Longenecker, J., Moore, C., and Petty, J., 2000. Small Business Management: An Entrepreneurial Emphasis. 11th Edition. South-Western College Publishing, USA Mullins, L., 2005. Management and Organisation Behaviour. Pearson Education Limited, England Saini, J.S., 1998. Entrepreneurship and Small Business. Rawat Publications, New Delhi Scarborough, M.N. and Zimmerer, W.T., 2003. Effective Small business management: An entrepreneurial Approach. 7th Edition. Pearson Education, Inc: New Jersey. Siropolis, N., 1998. Entrepreneurship and Small Business management. 6th Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, New York. Stokes, D. and Wilson, N., 2006. Small Business Management and Storey, D (2002), understanding small business sector , Thompson Learning, London http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_business Accessed on 29th October 2007. (http://www.delawarecountybrc.com/glossaryterms.htm Accessed on 29th October 2007.

Lucky :: Personal Narrative Writing

Lucky When I was little, I used to dream about being the Governor of Hong Kong. I still remember the composition I wrote in my primary school, in which I conveyed my vision and even outlined the policies I planned to carry out once I became the leader of the government. After a few years, I realized that it was almost impossible for me to be the Governor of Hong Kong, because the position was in fact appointed by the British government. This was a piece of disheartening news. I tried to console myself by saying that at least I had aimed at entering politics. In my mind, politicians are not only smart, but also selfless and I sincerely appreciated their contribution to the society. In Hong Kong, however, it was unusual, if not odd, for a young boy to want to be a politician. You might accuse me of over-generalizing, but this was what I thought at that time. A few years later, as my general knowledge of the world outside my classroom gradually developed, a gleam of light was shed on my dream again. I realized that Hong Kong people would eventually have the chance to choose their own governor some years after the handover of Hong Kong back to Mainland China in 1997. The idea of Hong Kong being returned to China was frightening to many Hong Kong people in the early 80s, but the handover turned out to be a joyful and memorable moment for most of the citizens. Today, Hong Kong is no longer a colony of Britain and Chinese are holding most of the top positions in the government. More significantly, the Governor, now renamed as the Chief Executive, is also Chinese. In other words, I still have my chance. I am convinced that not only I, but the Hong Kong community in general welcomes this political change, which brings more power to the hands of Hong Kong citizens. Possessing more political rights seems to be a foreign concept to us, but it definitely sounds like something positive. People used to wonder why Hong Kong people were so indifferent to politics. I think I know the answer now. It is indeed very straightforward. Hong Kong people were essentially unable to make an impact on the government, as we were under the rule of foreigners.

Okonkwo :: essays research papers

Okonkwo My name is Okonkwo a clan leader in Umuofia. I had a tough childhood due to my father Unoka, which has driven me to succeed. Due to my hardwork in war i earned a high position in my clan, and I'm still able to support my three wives and their children. My character in this novel is superior, I get angry at times and I'm not afraid of violence, but yet i have unmanly emotions for Ikemefuna and Ezinma, and i will do anything to not end up like my father Unoka. Unoka and i don't get along with each other. Unoka is lazy and could care less about wut I want in life. I have been ashamed of my father since I was a little boy, because of what my clan thinks is cowardness. My emotions for Ikemufuna and Ezinma which are unmanly conflict with my manly emotions as a superior leader. My oldest son Nwoye i believe is very weak and lazy. I beat Nwoye on a daily basis hopin it will turn him into a man. Nwoye begins to develop into being more masculine influenced by Ikemefuna which pleases me. I believe Nwoye has the same weakness that my father Unoka possessed. My problem is that I am afraid of looking like my weak father Unoka. Due to his behavior it forces me to act like a fool and bring a whole lot of trouble upom myself and the rest of the poeple in my family. I was not able to change when I went to go live with the Umuofians and could not adapt to their living style. So i realized that i have become a bad person and not able change with society. I beleive I okonkwo will have to change due to the changing in society and the diverse cultures there are. Not everyone can go about the same rules and

The History of Capital Punishment Essay -- History Crime Punishing ess

The History of Capital Punishment   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Crime has been a plague on society from ancient times to present. In response to this plague, society has formed structured rules to deal with the perpetrators of crime. A crime can be defined as act that society’s government deems as illegal. Different societies have formed various methods and standards for evaluating crime and assigning corresponding punishment. What constitutes a crime has changed throughout the course of history. In ancient times, such extreme actions as the deliberate killing of another human being for the sake of family honor or religious rite was considered socially acceptable and therefore not legally wrong. Now, the majority of the modern world (with perhaps the exclusion of some Middle Eastern sects) view the deliberate killing of another human being as non-socially acceptable, and therefore legally wrong. The overall exceptions to this rule are the taking of human life in the act of war and in punishment for extreme crime(s) against humanity.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Punishment for crime has ranged from mild, in the form of fines, or incarceration, to severe, in the form of physical torture or death. In ancient times, punishment for serious crimes such as treason, theft, or murder was frequently severe and inhumane. Offenders were often tortured for hours to be either left to die a slow and painful death or be executed publicly. The use of the death penality has declined throught out the industrial Western world since the 19th century.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The concept of confinement for punishment dates back to ancient times. Imprisonment is generally a milder form of punishment which removes an individual from society and confines him/her in an institution with other offenders. Examples of historical places of confinement are London’s Tower and Paris’s Bastille. The Tower and Bastille were used to confine political prisoners, not criminals in the ordinary sense. The common jail has existed since approximately 1166, when King Henry II of England ordered places of confinement for criminals built. Jails mainly served the purpose for prisoners awaiting trial, while also holding unfortunate petty offenders such as beggars, vagrants, and debtors. The purpose for places of confinement remained the same until the development of the American prison system. The purpose of the American prison system posed a t... ... person recieving punishment, and (4) the death penalty lowers the goverment to the same level as the criminal.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  All prudent people have concern for the sanctity of human life. No one enjoys having to be responsible for sentencing a person to death no matter what crime they have committed. However, as President George W. Bush recently said, â€Å"There are evil people in the world and we must respond appropriately.† Basically, what he is means is that there must be just and direct punishment for evil and heinous crimes. Therefore, capital punishment is and can be a deterrent for crimes of serious nature against individuals and society. This is an attempt to punish some and deter others. For certain, those sentenced to death will no longer be a threat to society. Works Cited McCuen, Gary E. â€Å"Reviving the Death Penalty† Copyright : 1985 Gary E. McCuen Publications Wekesser,Carrol - editor â€Å"The Death Penalty† Copyright: 1991 Greenhaven Press, Inc. Abelson & Friquegnon - editor â€Å"Ethics for Modern Life† Copyright: 1995 St. Martin’s Press, Inc Zimring, Franklin E. - The World Book Encyclopedia - â€Å"Capital Punishment† p. 193 Copyright: 1993 World Book, Inc

To Kill a Mockingbird Passage

â€Å"If you had a clear conscience, why were you scared? † â€Å"Like I says before, it weren’t safe for any nigger to be in a—fix like that. † â€Å"But you weren’t in a fix—you testified that you were resisting Miss Ewell. Were you so scared that she’d hurt you, you ran, a big buck like you? † â€Å"No suh, I’s scared I’d be in court, just like I am now. † â€Å"Scared of arrest, scared you’d have to face up to what you did? † â€Å"No suh, scared I’d hafta face up to what I didn’t do. † â€Å"Are you being impudent to me, boy? † â€Å"No suh, I didn’t go to be. † This was as much as I heard of Mr. Gilmer’s cross-examination, because Jem made me take Dill out. For some reason Dill had started crying and couldn’t stop; quietly at first, then his sobs were heard by several people in the balcony. Jem said if I didn’t go with him he’d make me, and Reverend Sykes said I’d better go, so I went. Dill had seemed to be all right that day, nothing wrong with him, but I guessed he hadn’t fully recovered from running away. â€Å"Ain’t you feeling good? † I asked, when we reached the bottom of the stairs. Dill tried to pull himself together as we ran down the south steps. Mr. Link Deas was a lonely figure on the top step. â€Å"Anything happenin‘, Scout? † he asked as we went by. No sir,† I answered over my shoulder. â€Å"Dill here, he’s sick. † â€Å"Come on out under the trees,† I said. â€Å"Heat got you, I expect. † We chose the fattest live oak and we sat under it. â€Å"It was just him I couldn’t stand,† Dill said. â€Å"Who, Tom? † â€Å"That old Mr. Gilmer doin‘ him thataway, talking so hateful to him—† â€Å"Dill, that’s his job. Why, if we didn’t have prosecutors—well, we couldn’t have defense attorneys, I reckon. † Dill exhaled patiently. â€Å"I know all that, Scout. It was the way he said it made me sick, plain sick. † â€Å"He’s supposed to act that way, Dill, he was cross—† Page 202 He didn’t act that way when—† â€Å"Dill, those were his own witnesses. † â€Å"Well, Mr. Finch didn’t act that way to Mayella and old man Ewell when he crossexamined them. The way that man called him ‘boy’ all the time an‘ sneered at him, an’ looked around at the jury every time he answered—† â€Å"Well, Dill, after all he’s just a Negro. † â€Å"I don’t care one speck. It ain’t right, somehow it ain’t right to do ‘em that w ay. Hasn’t anybody got any business talkin’ like that—it just makes me sick. † â€Å"That’s just Mr. Gilmer’s way, Dill, he does ‘em all that way. You’ve never seen him get good’n down on one yet. Why, when—well, today Mr. Gilmer seemed to me like he wasn’t half trying. They do ’em all that way, most lawyers, I mean. † â€Å"Mr. Finch doesn’t. † â€Å"He’s not an example, Dill, he’s—† I was trying to grope in my memory for a sharp phrase of Miss Maudie Atkinson’s. I had it: â€Å"He’s the same in the courtroom as he is on the public streets. † â€Å"That’s not what I mean,† said Dill. â€Å"I know what you mean, boy,† said a voice behind us. We thought it came from the tree-trunk, but it belonged to Mr. Dolphus Raymond. He peered around the trunk at us. â€Å"You aren’t thin-hided, it just makes you sick, doesn’t it? † Page 203