Music Therapy

Professor Yankee 11/19/12 Music Therapy Why do people use this type of therapy exactly? Well music has been used as medicine for thousands of years and there's a growing field of health care known as music therapy, which uses music to heal. Those who practice music therapy find benefits in using it to help cancer patients, children with ADD, and others, and even hospitals are beginning to use music therapy to help with pain management, to help ward off depression, to promote movement, to calm patients, to improve communication, to ease muscle tension, and for many other benefits that music and music therapy can bring.A lot of people don't understand what kind of therapy this is, people have different assumptions about it but it is a real profession that takes a bachelor music degree. Music therapists work with a variety of physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms. It is often used in cancer treatment to help reduce pain, anxiety, and nausea caused by chemotherapy. Some people believe music therapy may be beneficial to the health care of children with cancer by promoting social interaction and cooperation.There is evidence that music therapy can reduce high blood pressure, rapid heart beat, depression, and sleeplessness. There are no claims music therapy can cure cancer or other diseases, but medical experts do believe it can reduce some symptoms, aid healing, improve physical movement, and enrich a patient’s quality of life. Ancient Greek philosophers believed music could heal both body and mind, Native Americans used singing and chants to heal millennia. More formal approaches begin in World War two when hospitals started using music to help soldiers with shell shock.In 1944, Michigan State University established the first music therapy degree program in the world. Music therapists design music sessions for individuals and groups based on their needs and tastes. Some aspects of music therapy include making music, listening to music, writing songs , and talking about lyrics. Music therapy may also involve imagery and learning through music. It can be done in different places such as hospitals, cancer centers, at home, or anywhere people can benefit from its calming or stimulating effects. The patient does ot need to have any musical ability to benefit from music therapy. Most peoples reaction to music is a burst of energy upon hearing an upbeat song or a sense of calm during a soothing classical piece. Music therapy uses this connection between music and mood. It has also been shown to lower amounts of the hormone cortisol, which becomes elevated under stress, and to increase the release of endorphins, the body’s natural â€Å"feel-good† hormones. Researchers have found that music therapy, when used with anti-nausea drugs for patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy, can help ease nausea and vomiting.A number of clinical trials have shown the benefit of music therapy for short-term pain, including pain from can cer. Music therapy works by stimulating parts of the brain that are associated with music in a person with Alzheimer’s disease, the section of the brain that allows direct recall of memories is damaged. Musical memories, however, are associated not only with the music itself but also with the circumstances surrounding the musical experience. Listening to music can indirectly stimulate the recall of memory fragments that otherwise could not be retrieved.The ability to retrieve some memories can be comforting to people with dementia. In a different manner, music therapy can assist those with Parkinson’s disease. In a person with Parkinson’s, the part of the brain that organizes thoughts and movements into action is damaged. Music with a strong, rhythmic beat can stimulate motor control, movement and coordination. Studies show that gait training that uses music improves walking speed and coordination for people with Parkinson’s.In general, music therapy done under the care of a professionally trained therapist has a helpful effect and is considered safe when used with standard treatment. Musical intervention by untrained people can be ineffective or can even cause increased stress and discomfort. Relying on this type of treatment alone and avoiding or delaying conventional medical care for cancer may have serious health consequences. Besides that there are no real risks or dangers to using music to heal. But how far can music heal you?There was a study that examined 200-300 patients with diabetes participants in a three year study starting this April. Although we do know that music can help vasculature, mental states and mood, there is little to no evidence to suggest that music therapy will help the outcome of diabetes. Perhaps there will be some miraculous benefit for patients suffering from diabetes to engage in extreme music therapy, however previous research indicates that it is not the music itself that determines the benefits, b ut the emotional responses to the music that is the key.Even though there is little evidence to support that music will help diabetes. Scientific studies have shown the value of music therapy on the body, mind, and spirit of children and adults. Researchers have found that music therapy, when used with anti-nausea drugs for patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy, can help ease nausea and vomiting. A number of clinical trials have shown the benefit of music therapy for short-term pain, including pain from cancer.Some studies have suggested that music may help decrease the overall intensity of the patient’s experience of pain when used with pain-relieving drugs. Music therapy can also result in a decreased need for pain medicine in some patients, although studies on this topic have shown mixed results. Studies have shown that students who take music lessons have improved IQ levels, and show improvement in nonmusical abilities as well. Other studies have shown that listening to music composed by Mozart produces a short-term improvement in tasks that use spatial abilities.Studies of brain circulation have shown that people listening to Mozart have more activity in certain areas of the brain. This has been called the â€Å"Mozart effect. † Although the reasons for this effect are not completely clear, this kind of information supports the idea that music can be used in many helpful ways. What can be improved ? Verbal & nonverbal communication, Gross and fine motor movement,Range of motion, Relaxation techniques, Anger management skills, Expression of emotion, Sensory integration, Academic skills, and Leisure skills. We use music to make your life better.Whether you need help socially, cognitively, physically, emotionally, or developmentally, music can help you get better and music therapists trained on how to do that. What’s more interesting, though, is why it works. When used properly, music can be an incredibly powerful treatment tool. And not just because it’s fun, relaxing, and motivating, but because music has a profound impact on our brains and our bodies. First off music is the core function of our brains, we have physiologic responses to music,Our brain is primed early on to respond to and process music.Every time your breathing quickens, your heart-rate increases, or you feel a shiver down your spine, that’s your body responding physiologically to music. Qualified music therapists can use this to help stimulate a person in a coma or use music to effectively help someone relax. Music often has a predictable steady beat, organized phrases, and a structured form. Most country/folk/pop/rock songs, they’re often organized with a verse-chorus structure. They’re organized in a way that we like and enjoy listening to over and over again.Even sound waves that make up a single tone or an entire chord are organized in mathematical ratios–and our brains really like this predictability an d structure. Music is in our everyday lives, we hear it in the store, at school, church, music is part of our thoughts, how we speak, even when there's none around we can still it in our heads. With all these benefits that music can carry, it's no surprise that music therapy is growing in popularity. Many hospitals are using music therapists for pain management and other uses. Music therapists help with several other issues as well, including stress.While music therapy is an important discipline, you can also achieve many benefits from music on your own. Music can be used in daily life for relaxation, to gain energy when feeling drained, for catharsis when dealing with emotional stress, and in other ways as well. Music therapy has been proven to be an effective form of therapy in a variety of areas for a multitude of ailments. However, there is still much more theorizing, discussion, and research that needs to be done in this area, and that fact makes it all the more interesting.Thr ough technological advances and constantly evolving musical styles as well as cross-cultural influences, this is one form of therapy that will never cease to be innovative and topical. Hopefully, researchers will continue to treat this topic as a serious area of psychology and one that deserves to be molded into a more scientific pedagogy through advancement and refinement of research and therapeutic techniques. I believe there is much more to be discovered about music and its effect on humanity.

Criminology Theories-Differential Association and Strain Theory Essay

Abstract   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In criminology, theories play an important role especially in understanding the settings, motivations, assets, behaviors and actions of criminals. These theories serve as their guidelines in order to detect and sometimes read the plans of their enemies. Unfortunately, these theories are not one hundred percent accurate, however, learning these aspects are still essential. Differential Association and Strain Theories are most commonly used in the field of criminology. These theories aim to explain the totality and the instinctive or social development of criminal ideation in a person. The theories mentioned are extremely necessary for authorities to understand and to be familiar with. Criminal Theories – Differential Association Theory vs. Strain Theory   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Theories in criminology tend to be unclear and lacking in justifiable broadness. The lack of clarity can sometimes end up in apparent inconsistencies, although more attention to the structure of a scientific theory and its requirements might reveal more agreement among theorists than now recognized. In fact, rarely do available theories offer guidance that does not require heroic leaps of conjecture. Practicality is not a requirement of a valid theory since theories might be void but still of use. However, condition for a theory to be considered certifiable is none other than practicality. Criminology is the scientific study of crime; hence, theories need to have adequate basis in order to prove true and be considered useful. Another denotation of the term Criminology is the study of law making, law breaking and the response to law breaking. This definition of criminology is also a useful way to categorize the theories. Theories of law breaking are the most common and essential in the field of Criminology. The questions that usually come out is â€Å"why do people commit crime?† or â€Å"What makes countries more prone to crime than other?† These theories serve as the guide of practice and a protocol to assist the implementation of law and reading of crimes (Vito, Maahs & Holmes, 2007 p.14).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The research paper aims to describe specific theories and analyze its over-all concept as well as comparisons. The main theories highlighted in this paper are Differential Association Theory and Strain Theory. These theories are explained and scrutinized in order to obtain various points of essentials and utilize it in order to come up with a critical analysis of the said theories. The following are questions that are considered objectives of this research work. What are the theories of Differential Association Theory and Strain Theory? Discuss the concepts embedded in each theory and obtain the important data present. What are the comparisons and differentiations of the following theories? What are the important points to be noted in each theory? The research study does not deal with any under topics except for these theories. By the end of the paper, a conclusion regarding the over-all study is present. Differential Association Theory   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Differential Theory has been brought by Edwin Sutherland, and this has been considered as one of the best constitutions in the field of criminology. The evolution of criminology and formation of this theory have started because of this man’s desire to have a new direction in the field of criminology. He has rejected the biological determinism and the extreme individualism of psychiatry, as well as economic explanations of crime. The need for money or resources is never a motivating factor for a person to commit a crime. Due to this curious out-searching, he has arrived in the theory of Differential Association Theory. Another term for this theory is the â€Å"Social Learning Theory†, wherein psycho-cognitive and analytic observations are implemented. Different association proposes that criminal associations and normative conflict vary across community types; hence, this variation is linked in the rationale for varying crime rates (Hoffman 2003).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The concept of this theory states that delinquency is learned just as all other forms of behavior are learned. It implies that Different Association Theories are those associated in various factors such as changing community, the individual itself, the environment and family upbringing. These are the things that influence the person’s behavioral concept, and if not guided properly, criminal acts may be produced. Sutherland (1947) proposed that crime and delinquency are learned in small-group contexts through the acquisition of a preponderance of messages defining law-violating behavior as acceptable or appropriate. (Dennis & Neff, 2007) Moreover, this theory emphasizes on the genetic origins of criminal behavior, thus implying biological initiatives in crime control. In contrast to both classical and biological theories, Differential Association Theory poses no obvious threats to the humane treatment of those identified as criminals (Hoffman 2003). The conditions of this theory also suggests that the more frequent, intense, salient, and enduring a youth’s exposure to prodelinquency definitions, the more likely they will be to adopt these definitions and to use them to rationalize or justify engaging in delinquent behavior. Delinquency stems from a positive identification with law-violating behavior learned in interaction within primary groups, which is an exact opposite of strain-induced negative emotions (Dennis & Neff, 2007). Testing Theory Validity According to the journal of Van Gundy and Rebellon (2006), differential association theory can be used in tracing out the behavior of crime acts in an individual. A test has been conducted in teenagers who are into use of Marijuana. Specifically, among respondents who reported using other illicit drugs in 1980, only 2.8% simultaneously reported that they had abstained from the use of marijuana in the same year. The researchers gathered these individuals and they obtain an interview as well as drug sample from this group of people. The focus is too asses the origins of criminal behavior guided by the conditions of marijuana usage. According to the respondents who have been reported using drugs other than marijuana, the presence of moral attachments, commitments or involvements are either fragile, low or absent. It has been noted that these individuals have higher association with substance-using peers than do those who report abstaining from such drugs. These results suggest that variables derived from existing delinquency theory are capable of explaining about fifty percent of the relationship between prior marijuana use and other illicit drug use. In terms of differential association, the results obtained from the two controlled groups lies differently. The presence of reinforcement agents (peers, drug-using community, etc) and negative events are also being examined if these factors can directly affect the said behavior. It has been noted that the individuals who have been using other drugs aside from marijuana have intense negative feelings towards family, difficulties and other personal areas of their lives. On the other hand, the other group also manifests negative feelings; however, the difference is the degree and coping towards these causations. In the end of their experiment, the criminal behavior that develops in a person is not brought by economical needs or the problems itself but with the environment present around the client. Strain Theory Strain theory is another proposed subject in this argument. The theory of Strain suggests that a key motivational factor in delinquency and misconduct is strain, which is some perceived or actual state of discomfort. The strain of pursuing goals within diverse opportunity structures may lead to adaptations such as crime, delinquency, and other deviant behavior (Hoffman 2003). One example in this statement shows when a teenager desires for money, since the things that money can buy–nice clothes, CDs, movies, and so on—and the lack of money causes inability to obtain such wants. This event now produces strain in the part of the teenager. This strain in turn leads to attempts to resolve the problem through theft (a direct attempt to resolve financial insolvency) or alcohol and drug use (an indirect attempt to deal with the shame of insolvency). Either way, the theory of strain works by the induction of psychological strain itself (Apel et. Al 2003).   Another definition provided by Dennis and Neff (2007) supports the claims of Apel (2003). General strain theory (GST) suggests that delinquency results from a youth’s emotional response to negative relationships with others. The negative relationships embody situations in which a youth fails to obtain a valued goal, loses something of value, or is presented with some type of noxious or aversive stimuli. Thus, a juvenile who is failing in school, or who loses contact with a parent due to abandonment or death, or who experiences some type of victimization can be said to be experiencing strain. The emotion of anger or frustration resulting from the experience of strain, rather than the strain itself, leads the youth to engage in law-violating behavior. The main point in this statement is the occurrence of strain is not directly the valued point of origin in the case of Stain theory. The reason behind is the power of a person to control or manipulate the situation is still present; however, if in case the person breaks down because of this strain experience, that is the time wherein a person manifests valiant and law-breaking actions (Siegel, 2004 p.71). Moreover, different types of delinquency or crime results from different forms of adaptation to anomie-induced strain. Property crimes, such as theft, represented innovative adaptations. Using alcohol and other drugs, on the other hand, could be thought of as a retreatist mode of adaptation; i.e., behavior that not only symbolically rejects the institutionalized means to achieve a positive goal, but also rejects the goal itself (Dennis & Joan, 2007). Strain comes from various origins depending on the case situation of an individual. Not every case of a person entitles him in a single strain response but rather, multi-evident causations. Using alcohol and drugs, for example, can be considered forms of â€Å"self-medication,† which may provide a sense of relief. Often than not, financially or resource depressed societies are more likely to be populated by â€Å"strained† individuals. In this case, these communities suffer from more blocked opportunity structures. Hence these communities tend to create an atmosphere conducive to anger and frustration, key antecedents to delinquent behavior. Such kind of community breeds crime, as according to the theory, and acts of wrongdoing. Differential Association Theory vs. Strain Theory Differential theory by definition stated above originates from the intrinsic characteristic of a person, influenced by the individual’s environment and molding assists. The criminal behavior is primarily because of influence of those individuals who are also linked in the same act of criminal acts. A person learns to commit crimes little by little until a person commits it without any hesitation. The psychosocial environment greatly suggests such conditioners as the primary causation of crimes. The raise of crime rates are because of the instilled negative thoughts, inappropriate guidance and lack of attachments, commitments or relationships. On the other hand, Strain theory talks about the causation of crimes not directly because of strain but due to failure in tolerating these kinds of stimuli. They are both result of negative impregnation of environmental pressures that in the end leads the client vulnerable to breakdown. The theory suggests that a person performs acts of delinquency not because of attachments or relationships but rather because of the pressuring strain. The crime rates, according to this theory, justify the increased criminal persona in places wherein financial depression or extreme difficulties are present. The last resort of the individuals is nothing but to commit crimes. In an example given, a person is ready to kill just to get the material possession that the person wants to acquire. We can determine some connections between the two since both of them are etiological conceptualizations of criminal behavior. In the case wherein, a depressed community is surrounding a person, significantly full of drug addicts and negative and influencers, a person still strives to obtain moral life. Let us say that this person has a good job as well as good family relationships. The strain in his job is greatly pressuring his everyday living. Fortunately, the person can still withstand such condition. However, because of the influence brought by the environment, such as the person’s peers, he begins declining his work productivity. Given a situation wherein his brothers are hospitalized and he just got fired from work, he badly needs money. In this case, the person breaks down and resort to theft. The situation calls forth occurrence of the two theories in simultaneous condition. The surrounding environment of the client influences the breeding of negative emotions, which cause the person to have fragile stand in his principles. The strain theory becomes evident when the strain of loosing a job and need for money enters in. In the end of the discussion, the person commits the crime based on influential factors as well as straining. Conclusion In conclusion, of this paper, the answer to the proposed questions in the introduction is properly addressed in the body of the research paper. The significance of such theory in criminology is the substantial or even estimated estimate analysis of the person’s criminal behavior origin. In such cases, the authorities require to learn such principles because this can help understand the motives, intentions and plans of the whole crime actions as well as the criminal itself. However, we should not be limited in these two theories alone since, human beings vary the same as their intentions and modes of focus. These theories are not applicable in other cases, therefore the best thing to do is to understand the whole concept of theory and at the same time train the assessment skills in order to avoid theoretical falsehood. References Apel, R., Brame, R., & Bushway , S. (2003, September 1). The effect of teenage employment on delinquency and problem behaviors. Social Forces Dennis, W. E., & Ness, J. L. (2007, March 1). Male Versus Female Substance Abuse Patterns Among Incarcerated Juvenile Offenders: Comparing Strain and Social Learning Variables. Justice Quarterly : JQ Hoffman, J. P. (2003, March 1). A contextual analysis of differential association, social control, and strain theories of delinquency. Social Forces, Holmes, R. M., Maahs, J. R., & Vito, G. F. (2007). Criminology: Theory, Research, And Policy. Jones and Bartlett Publisher. Siegel, L. J., & Senna, J. J. (2004). ntroduction to Criminal Justice. Thomson Wadsworth. Van Gundy, K., & Rebellon, C. J. (2006, July 1). CAN SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL DELINQUENCY THEORY EXPLAIN THE LINK BETWEEN MARIJUANA AND OTHER ILLICIT DRUG USE? A LONGITUDINAL ANALYSIS OF THE GATEWAY HYPOTHESIS. Journal of Drug Issues

Factors behind the Growth and Increasing Globalization of Ted Baker Essay

Factors behind the Growth and Increasing Globalization of Ted Baker Retail Brand - Essay Example The present research has identified that in recent years, Ted Baker retail has introduced the variety of items rather than men’s wear that includes women wear, children wear, sleepwear and same accessories such as shoes. The retail has divided the store into different departments to enhance the accessibility of the items in the store. The retail has created its good reputation by providing better quality and services to a customer. Good reputation brings about the increased selling of product through word of mouth to different consumers located in different geographical areas. The selling of retail products across the globe has led to a collection of large revenue for the company, which in turn increases the retails profit. High profit lead to the expansion of the retail sector to other areas since the retail has saved that provides capital to start another store. By the end of the paper, the learner should know the factors underpinning the growth and increased globalization o f Ted Baker retail sector. Ted Baker retail mainly focuses on quality improvement for the products that they sell to the customer. The retail emphasizes better quality and better design in order for them to attract large potential buyers willing to make purchases. Kelvin, the founder of Ted Baker states that better products and better design form the key success for his retail store. He says that the retail focuses on design, tailoring, and pattern since they know that it will command higher prices than that of their competitor. In contrary, the high price worth the quality of product sold and the customer is prepared to pay the extra bit for the product as compared to those sold by the competitor.

Business law 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Business law 1 - Essay Example Black hackers could penetrate company websites and steal information that would be fundamental to them. This trend has led companies to hire hackers whose primary function is to counter the work of the black hackers. The skyrocketing use of social media has created a cyber threat. Apart from individuals, businesses are getting into social media which has substantially increased the threat of attack. Companies have taken a step beyond policies and procedures and developed tactics to combat these attacks. File log systems, data leakage prevention and enhanced monitoring of the network are among the advanced technologies developed to curb cyber attacks on companies. Research has advised that large firms should look into developing specialist policing and forensic computer resources for easy detecting and mitigation of cyberspace strikes. Law enforcement agencies are targeting social media sites are they are the easy places to find data. The unwarranted use of social media is giving a rise in cyber harassment, identity theft, and cyber stalking. Users are being tracked, and their data stolen, and illegally used on other platforms. The biggest challenge to social media legislator is mitigating the risks to the users and providing appropriate remedies to the victims. Corporations have come up with the e-signature technology where individuals can sign documents online and deliver them with embedded sign on the owner. It has the same impact legally as the hardcopy signature and enables identification. However, with knowledge asymmetry in the internet usage, ill-intentioned users can hack and impersonate others for selfish reasons. It can also amount to identity theft. Trespass as a cyber tort may include sending spam emails and spyware that if negligently handled, may gather data from one computer and send back to the source of the email. The other emerging trend is the need for the

Why do you think science fiction is so popular today Essay

Why do you think science fiction is so popular today - Essay Example the modern world is attributable to the great scientific progress that has been made in recent years, the expansive nature of the genre, and a general unease with contemporary society and our collective futures. One of the major reasons science fiction is widely popular today is because of modern technological advances. The last two decades have witnessed an infusion of technology the rapid progression of which the world has never before experienced. In these regards, one considers the development of the Internet and digital technology as some of the prominent developments. In addition, cloning and stem cell research has also presented great potential for the genre. Ultimately, with the explosion of these technologies a corresponding desire to explore their extreme potentials in literature and entertainment has largely fueled the genre. Another prominent reason science fiction is extremely popular in the contemporary world is because of the expansive nature of the genre. Science fiction is unique among genres in that it is restricted only by the imagination of the writer. This is contrasted with genres such as film noir, westerns, or even romantic comedies that are subject to highly restrictive genre conventions that grow tired after a number of years. Conversely science fiction is constantly able to reinvent itself in accord with specific changes in technology and the cultural milieu. This ability to constantly explore the spectrum of human knowledge and experience allows the genre to stay highly relevant in the contemporary world. A final reason science fiction is widely popular is because of general unease with society and our collective futures. The current world has problems. Countries such as Italy and Greece are facing bankruptcy and the rest of Europe and the United States face a considerable recession. There are growing concerns with global warming, world hunger, and HIV. With this great amount of social unease the need for a dream-like and imaginary

Commerce Bank Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Commerce Bank - Case Study Example It has been recommended that the bank keeps the entertainment costs at minimal and ensure that the staffs are not distracted by the entertainment programs from offering prompt services to the customers. There is no need to spend too much on entertainment as it has no direct contribution to the company overall profitability. The entertainment programs offered in the different branches should also be coordinated to ensure that customers receive consistent treatment. Commerce Bank is one of the banks based in New York which has managed to grow organically in a city which has the largest number of banks. The bank has achieved this success by differentiating its product and services from those of its close competitors. It has always been the banks aim to retain the customers by â€Å"wooing† them through great customer service. It also managed to attract a large number of customers by designing the physical structures of their branches in an appealing way and locating them in close proximity to the target market. The bank had experienced considerable growth and received several awards 2001 due to its superb customer service. Over time, other competing banks have adopted Commerce Bank strategies of wooing the customers. It has treated its clients not as customers but fans and transformed banking into a retail business and not service industry. In a bid to differentiate itself from the rival bank, the company has now developed the retailterta inment where it provides various forms of entertainment to keep the customers busy as they wait to be served in the banking halls of the various branches (Frances 2006). As such the company has introduced an entertainment program on Fridays where customers are served with free hot dogs and are entertained by a juggler and a guitar player. Some managers feel that this could be taking the retailtertainment too far and may actually act as a

Ethics Challenge and Communicating in Practice Essay

Ethics Challenge and Communicating in Practice - Essay Example A budgetary slack is a premeditated allowance for excess spending as overstated expenses or understated income (Stevens 1). Atkins and Granger make liberal use of this budget-making technique when making sales and expense projections. Budgetary slacks alleviate the effects of deviations if they occur. A more shifty use of the technique is to make it easier for managers to achieve targets, especially where sales performance results in bonuses and appraisals (Stevens 1).   In the case of Atkins and Granger, altered projections can result in less motivation to achieve more in their areas of responsibility as they can alter the figures to give the impression that they are performing beyond the projections. On another note, if the two staff can alter the financial figures at will, then there is a serious risk of the pair falsifying account figures to serve selfish interests (Stevens 1). The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) requires its members behave ethically, and in ways that are responsible, honest, fair, and objective (IMA 1). IMA categorically opposes the use of confidential information for unethical and illegal motives. Overall, management accountants should cultivate restraint in situations that pose conflicting interests. IMA also requires that management accountants evade activities such as the budgetary slack that may jeopardize efficient execution of some activities. A budgetary slack presents ample opportunities for information asymmetry (Stevens 1).  

Different media texts analysis, relationship between media and Assignment

Different media texts analysis, relationship between media and communication and in terms of culture - Assignment Example Media will always want to maintain a good relationship with the society and therefore it tends to sell itself to the consumers by telling the society what they want to hear. Media is so dependent on the society because it cannot exist without it. Communication on the other hand is the flow and of ideas and information between individuals. Communication is only effective if the two or more communicating persons understand one another. It is only successful if the receiver is able to decode and understand received the message from sender (Carey, 1989). The communication process involves, first, the sender has to possess an element of feeling, idea, concept or information that he wants to pass to the sender. Next, involves encoding of the message. The message is sent to the intended receiver in words, symbols or appropriate language of the medium. Next, the decoding of the message takes place. This involves expression of the message in an intelligence language that the receiver understa nds. Lastly, the receiver gives feedback to the sender. This is an expression of the sender’s opinion. This can be in form of words, facial expression or feelings. Media textual analysis is the way in which the audience of given information make an intelligent, educated and a well understandable choice at the most likely interpretation about the information (Chin, 2011). It is a methodology used to carry out quantitative analysis of the content of some information in question. Texts from magazines, advertisements, television, clothes or films can be closely analyzed so as to obtain different ways in which different audiences interpret them according to different situational analysis. There are several factors that affect interpretation of media messages. First, cultural background has got a say on the interpretation an individual will give to a particular message. The cultural backgrounds could be religious, tribal or economic. For instance, journals from the west report that fatness is unhealthy. However, there is no general universal agreement that being fat is something worth not appreciating or appreciating. Some western medical and anesthetic arguments insist that having a larger body is neither attractive nor healthy. This is not the case in Africa (Chin, 2011). For example in Niger, being fat is the beauty of a woman. Therefore women get encouraged to take pills to gain appetite and steroids to become heavy. The media case above about the western journal is clear evidence that cultural disparity result to different aspects in which a media message gets interpreted. People from the western community who are influenced by scientific research would support the health journal report. On the other hand, the Niger community from Africa is greatly influenced by their African traditions (Berger, 2011). They believe that a woman is quantified by her body size. Their reaction to the journal would be dismissive. Differences in critical reasoning and thinkin g also display varying interpretation about media information. Logical reasoning is the basis of factual argument in the western countries inherited from Classical Greece (Silverstone, 1999). They will often subject facts to many options of possible understanding. Culture of the Jains in India poses several possible results of factual analysis. Is it a fact? May be it is, may be it is but it is not, and may be it is not. Let us consider a television advertisement of a sexual protective wear. Medium analysis has to take into account several

Medical Law Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6500 words

Medical Law - Coursework Example In this regard, an individual’s right to self-determination is based on the individual’s capacity to exercise that right. In other words, autonomy and the right to self-determination are the ethical factors underlying what UK law accepts as capacity or competency.5 The law assumes outright that individuals have the capacity to consent to medical treatment. Under Section 1(2) of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, â€Å"a person must be assumed to have capacity unless it is established that he lacks capacity.†6 In other words, the capacity to consent is a rebuttable presumption, although healthcare professionals are required to start out with the presumption that all patients have the capacity to consent to medical treatment. The presumption of capacity to consent is not automatically denied minors. ... s it would be if he were of full age; and where a minor has by virtue of this section given an effective consent to any treatment it shall not be necessary to obtain any consent for it from his parent or guardian.7 It would therefore appear that the age of majority has been lowered to 16 in terms of determining the legal capacity to consent to or refuse medical treatment. However, Section 8(3) of the 1969 Act goes on to provide that Section 8 â€Å"shall not be construed as making ineffective any consent which would have been effective† in the event â€Å"this section had not been enacted†.8 It therefore follows that common law considerations relative to assessing capacity on the basis of the patient’s ability to process and understand information relative to medical treatment in a rational manner may be applied to all minors. Lord Scarman noted in Gillick v West Norfolk and Wisbech Area Health Authorit that fixing the age of minority at 16 was undesirable as it: Brings with it an inflexibility and a rigidity which in some branches of the law can obstruct justice, impede the law’s development and stamp on the law the mark of obsolescence where what is needed is the capacity for development.9 In other words, Lord Scarman felt that it was unrealistic to fix the age of development when many factors influenced a child’s level of maturity and thus the issue of whether or not a minor was in a position to understand the medical treatment proposed and thus make a rational decision about accepting or refusing to accept it. It therefore follows that capacity to consent to or refuse to submit to medical treatment is a subjective issue. Legal capacity to consent to medical treatment or medicine is not determined or fixed on the basis of the individual’s status. Therefore

Understanding the Risks and Benefits of Importing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Essay Example for Free

Understanding the Risks and Benefits of Importing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Essay In April, 2009, the national headlines were dominated with the story of a small, rogue group of modern day pirates who somehow managed to hijack highly armed American ships off of the coast of Somalia; these pirates were motivated by the huge financial gains to be had by stealing from the ships that are used to import liquefied natural gas (LNG), petroleum, and other energy resources from around the world, but primarily the middle east, a highly volatile region of the world for decades (Cordesman, 2004). While in itself the magnitude of what a small group of determined individuals were able to achieve is horrifying in its impact, there is a larger issue which came to light in the midst of the incident. That issue is a fair examination of the relative risks and benefits, specifically, of importing LNG to the United States. With this issue in mind, this research will explore several key facets of the question. Upon completion of the research, a better understanding of the overall topic will have been gained. This topic is especially interesting, as it encompasses the sub-topics of the energy crisis of the 21st century, international political complications, and much more. Risks of Importing Liquefied Natural Gas To begin, it is important to truly understand the risks of importing LNG; as with so many other facets of this topic, there are a wide variety of aspects to consider when tackling this pivotal question. While the threat of terrorism aimed at the United States has been a factor for decades, in the aftermath of the horrors of the 9/11 attacks, a renewed level of concern emerged for the protection of domestic chemical storage and transportation facilities against possible acts of sabotage. LNG facilities were identified as potentially attractive targets for terrorists, as the destruction of LNG supplies could dramatically affect the productivity of the nation, and the general perception is that LNG is highly explosive, which in fact will be dispelled later in this research. At any rate, ships bringing LNG to the US, especially in a post-9/11 world, are ripe targets for terrorist attack, representing a tremendous risk to those who are involved in the actual transportation of imported LNG (Johnson, et al, 2005). While LNG may not pose a huge threat once it is brought onto land, there is evidence to indicate that in the transportation of LNG via the tanker ships which are used to transport it, in the event of an LNG spill at sea, the effects could be huge. Without the means to contain the spill if it were to occur hundreds of miles from any given nation’s shore, LNG, when expelled into the water, poses a huge risk to the plant and wildlife that lives at sea. Eventually, if the spilled LNG were to reach the shores of any land mass, there could likewise be a large amount of soil pollution and the like, effectively undermining the environmental effectiveness of LNG when it is properly used in its intended applications (Downs, 2000). Financially, engaging in the importing of LNG can also be a risky proposition; in the previously presented scenario, if LNG shipments are hijacked for example, a huge loss of money for many stakeholders. Although all businesses carry their own relative level of risk, the importing of something like LNG, which is a prime target for theft or destruction, is especially risky. Lastly, the effort on the part of modern day pirates to try to steal as much LNG as possible from shipments meant for American importing represents a huge risk to both the financial and safety aspects of the shipments themselves; while one would probably say that the US should simply take military action against any nation from which these pirates hail, the diplomatic implications are far more complicated than that. The specifics of these implications will be discussed in more detail later in this research. Benefits of Importing Liquefied Natural Gas As one would expect, there are benefits to importing LNG that make the risks worth the effort of taking them. First, it is critical to understand the value of imported LNG for the United States and Canada alike, as well as countless other nations across the globe. For the purposes of this research, however, the focus is on the United States and LNG. The fact of the matter is that the United States’ production of LNG has been declining for at least the past decade, the only exception being the state of Alaska which still represents a vital source of LNG. However, even taking into account the access to LNG from Alaska, the United States still must import almost 98% of its needed supply of LNG, by some estimates. Further, additional estimates project that this trend will continue until at least 2025, and after that point, it is very likely that 100% of the LNG needed by the US will have to be imported from elsewhere, as even the expansion of available LNG from Alaska will be woefully inadequate to meet American demand (Kelly, 2005). Not only has the American supply of LNG diminished in recent years, but the demand has also skyrocketed for a variety of reasons. One of the reasons for this increased demand is an increase in the population of the US, which naturally increases the need for LNG in many applications, including residential, commercial, industrial and military. Additionally, the desirability of LNG as an energy source has increased given the growing effort to utilize energy sources which have very little impact on the environment, and the earth-friendliness of LNG makes it highly desirable for a way to provide energy without causing pollution, global warming and the like (Melamid, 1994). This research would be seriously lacking if at least some consideration was not given to the economic benefits of importing LNG for those whose product itself is LNG. As many people have realized in recent decades given the increase of political volatility in the middle east, this mostly desert, barren and hot part of the world is lacking in many of the natural resources that other nations use to support agriculture and other industries, this part of the world is highly dependent on the revenues derived from the export of LNG and other gas/oil products. Because of the reliance on this stream of income, the nations of the Middle East have in fact collaborated on the controlling of supplies and prices of LNG (Cordesman, 1997). While the details of the Middle Eastern situation will be discussed elsewhere in this research, suffice it to say at this point that there is tremendous benefit for the Middle East to continue to deal in LNG. Conversely, those who are involved domestically with the importing of LNG, there is a multi-billion dollar industry of opportunity to be reaped. The equipment alone to transport, store and dispense LNG represents a tremendous industry, employing hundreds of thousands of Americans. This is in addition to the endless number of end-users who use LNG as one of the factors of the production of other goods; as was mentioned earlier, this phenomenon will only increase with time, as the increased awareness of environmental responsibility will increase the desirability of LNG as a source of energy. While the environmental benefits of LNG have been mentioned several times already, this point deserves additional discussion as one of the many benefits that LNG provides. Not only is LNG a low impact element in terms of causing potential harm to the environment, relatively speaking, it is also quite safe in terms of its volatility. Unlike gasoline, for example, LNG is not highly explosive, and in fact, if LNG were to be ignited by an open flame, it would actually only generate a small, localized fire which in fact could be easily fought and contained. In the event of an LNG spillage, its nature as a dense gas makes it something that would only spread if it were hit by a hard, driving wind. Moreover, LNG is visible when released into the air, making it easy to avoid if it were to be spilled in large quantity. With the safety factor of storing LNG in mind, as a matter of fact, American storage facilities for LNG are required to have a sizeable safety zone of vacant land around them so should a leakage take place, the risk to the general population would in fact be nominal (Melamid, 1994). Environmentally, financially, and industrially, LNG importation has been seen to have many benefits which are substantial. However, in fairness, it is also important to discuss the effects that the importation of LNG has on other facets of everyday life, as well as international relations, homeland security, and much more.

The Xenophobia Through The Social Theory Sociology Essay

The Xenophobia Through The Social Theory Sociology Essay In this essay Id like to analyze the phenomenon of xenophobia in Ukraine. This topic corresponds to the issue of limits of tolerance. To start this paper its crucial to define what the tolerance is. Basically tolerance is will or capability to endure, allow and accept the existing opinion or behaviour, which the person dislikes or disagrees with. This definition makes it clear that the ties between two notions of tolerance and xenophobia are undoubted. The context, in which the xenophobia is investigated here, is quiet interesting. Ukraine has got its independence in 1991, but before that for almost 400 centuries (with the exception of few years during the interwar period) it was a part of different Russian empires, Polish states and Habsburg Empire. Therefore, the conditions of Ukrainian nation formation were really interesting. To my mind this process is still in progress, thats why nowadays we have such an interesting case of xenophobia phenomenon there. The question my essay is going to answer is: What are the reasons of xenophobia in Ukraine? To answer it I need to fulfill following steps: 1. To review the contemporary approaches to the studying of xenophobia. 2. To analyze the results of two sociological researches on xenophobia in the state in 1995 and 2006. 3. To propose and analyze the reasons of xenophobia in Ukraine. The structure of my essay is closely related to the steps, which I mentioned above. Therefore, the first part will give the theoretical basis for the data analysis, which will be done in the second part. The third part will be more theoretical as Im going to find out which reasons play the key role for xenophobia level in Ukraine. The central place in the logic of my essay is occupied by the results of researches made by Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, one of the leading sociology research agencies in Ukraine. As I mentioned above two researches were made in 1995 and 2006 correspondently. During each of these researches a little bit more than 2000 people were interviewed. The results of these researches are representative for the adult population of Ukraine (18+). Part 1. Theory overview 1.1. Xenophobia through the social theory Before turning to statistical data it is crucial to see which theoretical basis this topic has, thats why I decided to look at xenophobia through the prism of social science theories. The generally accepted content of the notion of xenophobia can be expressed by the following theses: 1. This is the condition of fear towards strangers or simply something unknown, unusual and strange; 2. Hatred, intolerance and hostility towards representatives of other races, religion, culture, foreigners or representatives of other regions as well as towards something unknown, unusual and strange.  [1]   This definition proves that the phenomenon of xenophobia has not only individual character, but also has the social nature as it is made of social reasons, factors of influence and consequences. Basically, the investigation of xenophobia is grounded on the following sociological concepts and theoretical explications: Other, Strange, identification, ethnocentrism, cultural compatibility, nation and nationalism, collective ideas, tolerance and racism. The notion of xenophobia is ontologically connected to the categories of Other and Strange. G. W. F. Gegel, E. Gusserl, M. Haidegger and others made a great contribution to the development and investigation of these categories. It is crucial to mention that the Other is not obligatory the Strange. According to G. Simmel, B. Vandelfels and E. Goffman the Strangers are not simply unknown people, but they are uninvited guests in ones world, who are not going to leave it. They come today to stay here tomorrow, but even if they stay they continue being the strangers. In other words, getting closer physically doesnt mean becoming closer spiritually. The realization of Their existance allows us to constitute ourselves and to isolate our We from them.  [2]  From this point of view xenophobia fits the theory We (not strange) They (the Strange) very well. The next dimension, which xenophobia can be investigated through, is the concepts of identities. In different times the problem of identity and identification was developed by E. Fromm, G. H. Mead, A. Giddens, E. Erickson, J. Habermas, K. Horney, E. Smith, etc. People have numerous identities, force and volume of which varies depending on different factors. The structure of identity develops during the whole life according to the change of social context. Identification has opposite nature and foreknows the statement that they are different from us. The beginning of xenophobia can be seen when the stating of peculiarity is replaced with hard valuating contrasting (they are worse than we are, we are their victims, etc.).  [3]  Usually it is connected with the phenomenon of negative identification, when self-affirmation occurs through the humiliation of others. To my mind this approach to xenophobia is very logical and well-grounded. In time of globalization in contemporary societies the ethnic (national) community predominates in peoples identification. Respectively, the issue of ethnic identity gains a great value and a special status. From this point of view in such a situation ethnic identity causes intolerance towards representatives of other ethnic groups.  [4]  Here we can see how xenophobia is born as a result of the Others deviation from the accepted by majority unitary cultural norm and the xenophobic person considers him/herself to be the standard of this cultural norm. To my opinion its time to turn to the theories of ethnocentrism and cultural compatibility. The notion of ethnocentrism was introduced by L. Gumplowicz and was defined as the reasons, which make every people believe that it occupies the highest place not only among the contemporary peoples and nations, but also comparing to all peoples of the past.  [5]  For ethnocentrism it is typically: 1. To accept own group as a standard for the evaluation of other groups (own is always right, natural and the best). It causes groups inner consolidation; 2. To recognize the other groups as worse ones. Its accompanied by hostility, distrust and disrespect to the members of other groups. These tendencies can exist separately from each other, but for xenophobia the last feature is obligatory condition. So, this is how xenophobia can be studied from the ethnocentrism point of view. Considering xenophobia its important to stress that xenophobic world-view includes negative collective ideas, social stereotypes and prejudices. The stereotypes can have neutral or even positive character, but xenophobia is a consequence of negative stereotypes only. These negative stereotypes influence much the formation of social consciousness, defines the disfigured way of social and cross-cultural communication. This phenomenon is common for individuals and social groups. Therefore, to understand xenophobia it is crucial to investigate the stereotypes of social environment, but not the individuals prejudice. From the point of xenophobia its more logical to speak about collective ideas (the notion proposed by E. Durkheim).  [6]   During the end of 19th beginning of 20th centuries the racial myths became a part of nationalistic arguments. Therefore, the overview of approaches to investigate xenophobia wont be full without turning to theory of nations and nationalism. Diverse understanding of nation is expressed in different approaches of understanding of nationalism. In contemporary tradition of national studies nationalism is characterized as either neutral, or good, and only sometimes as negative phenomenon. The discussion around the question of nation and nationalism still takes place. But there is no doubt that the radical aggressive manifestation of nationalism (chauvinism) is one of xenophobia types. For sure, xenophobia should be considered in terms of bipolarity, when its other pole is the phenomenon of tolerance. One of the ways to analyze xenophobia is to observe its opposite side. The notion of tolerance was discussed in works of M. Weber, G. W. F. Gegel, T. Hobbes, J. Locke and others. The real revolution of tolerance theory was made by the theory of personal autonomy of J. St. Mill. He claimed the authority of individual freedom. An individual is absolutely sovereign in his actions. His/her freedom can be limited if his actions harm or trouble other members of society. Starting from the times when this theory was elaborated the principle of personal freedom became the basis of toleration and human rights in liberal theory.  [7]   Thereby, this overview provides an understanding of existing approaches to investigate xenophobia as social phenomenon. I named and discussed briefly basic theories to approach intolerance expressed in xenophobia. The concepts of Other, Strange, identification, ethnocentrism, cultural compatibility, nation and nationalism, collective ideas, tolerance and racism constructed the basis for further investigation of the issue Im interested in. For me the central place in this overview is taken by identity and issues related to it. In this essay we are going to see how human (social) identity influences xenophobia in Ukrainian case. Nevertheless, I would assume that all named above theories are applicable for the case, which is discussed in this paper, but Im going to stress on the most important just for that very case of Ukraine. Part 2. Analysis of empirical data 2.1. Bogardus scale Its important to describe Bogardus scale briefly as this method was used for the researches, results of which are going to be discussed in this paper. The  testing scale of xenophobia was named after its creator Emory S. Bogardus. It was elaborated to estimate willingness of people to take part in social contacts on different levels with representatives of varying social groups (for instance, different  ethnic, racial  and  socio-lingual groups,  sexual minorities, etc).  [8]   The Bogardus scale asks how close people would accept the representative of each group, which research interested in (the answer 1.00 represents no social distance at all as its the closest possible social contact): to accept as family member (no social distance); as the close friends; as neighbors; as colleague; as the citizens  of the same country; as the  visitors  of the country, where responder is coming from; the responder wants to exclude this person from his/her country.  [9]   The Scale of Xenophobia proposed by Bogardus is based on the method of cumulating as the respondents answer, the social distance, which the respondent chooses, means that he/she also accepts bigger social distances (according to the scale) with a member of social group, which he-she asked about. This method was criticized much, because it simplified the meaning of different social contacts, because family relations as well as close friendship cant be compared to interactions of far-away type. Nevertheless, this scale started being used in 1925 and is still used. This is not the only way to measure social distance, but it was applied for the researches, which are discussed in this paper. 2.2. Xenophobia in Ukraine. General overview To make the general overview of xenophobia in the country the best way is to see the dynamics of xenophobia rates change in time. Lets see the Figure 1, which represents the table comparing the xenophobia index in Ukraine in 1995 and 2006. Its obvious that in Ukraine the xenophobia index towards all ethnic, ethnic-lingual and racial groups presented in the table increased. Hierarchy of dislikes almost didnt change except of Americans, intolerance towards who increased of 0.9 points. Ethnic/Racial/Ethnic-lingual Group 1995 2006 Ukrainian-speaking Ukrainians 1,72 2,06 Russian-speaking Ukrainians 1,84 2,23 Russians 2,05 2,39 Jews 3,71 4,13 Polishes 3,82 4,37 Germans 3,92 4,56 Americans 3,72 4,63 Black people 5,01 5,42 Figure 1. The xenophobia index in Ukraine towards several ethnic/racial/ethnic-lingual groups. 1995 and 2006.  [10]   The table also shows that the highest rate of intolerance was towards black people, the members of different racial group, both in 1995 and in 2006. Intolerance rates towards the representatives of different ethnic groups, which are culturally distant (Americans and Europeans), are a bit lower comparing to the black people. The smallest social distances are towards ethnically and culturally close ethnic groups. To observe the real picture of xenophobia it is crucial to consider the following percentage of those, who according the researches results wanted the member of other nations to become the member of their families. So, 59% of Ukrainian population want to accept Ukrainian-speaking Ukrainian as a family member, 13% of responders said yes to accepting Americans as their families and only 5% considered as possible to include a black person to their family. Moreover, the percentage of those, who wouldnt let the representatives of the named above groups in Ukraine, makes the picture even more impressive: 0,5% of responders dont want to see Ukrainian-speaking Ukrainians in Ukraine (!), 9% are against Americans presence in the state and 21% of population said no to black peoples arrival to Ukraine.  [11]   There are some basic theories of xenophobic dislikes. So Im going to see in which ways the xenophobia is usually explained by the theorists of this phenomenon in Europe and the USA. According to Theodor W. Adorno intolerance is an element of authoritarian system, which depresses personality and makes people seek for some objects to wreak their anger on. But this theory has nothing in common with image of scapegoat, because this object should be historically grounded and perform as incontestable element of tradition and it has to be defined quite well by the existing well-known stereotypes  [12]  . He created this theory regarding anti-Semitism and ethnical prejudice in authoritarian societies. Investigating post-war intolerance in the USA and Germany he didnt probably realize the topicality of his invention for the democratic Eastern Europe in 1990s and even 2000s. Another theory, which can be relevant for the Ukrainian case and is worse to be considered, is economic theory. Its explanation is quiet different, but fits Ukrainian reality for my mind. Gordon W. Allport argued that prejudice increases when the members of different unequal ethnic and racial groups contact each other, when one group dominates the other one. It means that not every experience of contact with representatives of other ethnical groups leads to decreasing of stereotypes. In other words the experience of interaction between members of different ethnic/racial groups is positive and successful if only they are equal by social status and they do not compete against each other.  [13]   The theory of cognitive-linguistic orientation stresses on the fact that stereotypes are to simplify the communication inside the social group and to strengthen sense of belonging to this social group between its members. This rule especially works during the radical social change periods, when group interests and mechanism of group protection form.  [14]   Three theories were proposed, which to my mind explain xenophobia in Europe and the USA well. Moreover, it fits Ukrainian case as Ukraine belongs to post-authoritarian states of Eastern Europe, which face a lot of difficulties on the way of following the democracy and improving democratic values in societies, thats why we can assume that authoritarian personality, who is intolerant to others, is still widespread. Following the second theory we can also suppose transformation of economy to lead to phobia increase on the ground of economical competition. The opening of Ukrainian market after the years of closed plan economy faced and is facing resistance from ordinary Ukrainian. Im sure that low living standard caused by economical instability and weak economy of Ukraine led to the fear of new economic reality, which is followed by intolerance increase. Unfortunately any comparisons of Ukraine to other states are senseless as Ukrainian xenophobia situation is quite different because of intolerant attitude of Ukrainians towards each other and even themselves. This peculiarity makes me look deeper for other possible reasons of xenophobia in Ukraine; otherwise the reasons named above would be enough. 2.3. Xenophobia in Ukraine: internal dimension The results of the researches, which are discussed in this paper, were also analyzed on the basis of the geographical division. Usually Ukraine is divided into two ethnic-lingual parts East and West, but KIIS divided it into 5 sub-regions (see Figure 2). Figure 2. Map of Ukraine: this dimension is used for data analysis in 2006. 2 orange parts are Ukrainian-speaking and 3 blue sub-regions are mostly Russian-speaking.  [15]   The detailed analysis of ethnic evaluations and attitudes, which were made on the basis of this researchs results (see the Figure 3), declared that Eastern and Western parts of Ukraine differ from each other by the level and character of xenophobia attitudes. From the table presented below it is possible to see that the level of xenophobia is higher among the Western Ukrainians than among the population of Eastern Ukrain. The table, which shows the xenophobia rate by large Ukrainian ethnic-lingual groups, is also presented below (see Figure 4). This table as well as the previous one shows the percentage of respondents who agree to accept the representative of these large ethnic-lingual groups as a family member. The lower the percentage is, the higher rate of xenophobia is. to accept as a family member West, % W.-C., % E.- C., % South, % East, % Ukrain.-speaking Ukrainian 58,5 65 57,5 58 52 Rus.-speaking Ukrainians 27 62 57 65,5 62 Russians 19 52 55 58 62 Jews 7 15 10 23 11 Figure 3. Willingness to accept representative of large ethnic-social groups as a family member by regions (2006).  [16]  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   to accept as family member All respondents of 2006, % U-s Ukrainians, % R-s Ukrainians, % Russians, % Ukrain.-speaking Ukrainian 59 60 61 53 Rus.-speaking Ukrainian 55 42 64 67 Russian 49 33 56 74 Jew 14 9 17 20 Figure 4. Willingness of large Ukrainian ethnic-lingual groups to accept the representative of these groups as a family member (2006).  [17]     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   So, according to these tables the highest level of intolerance towards related cultural and ethnic groups is in the Western Ukraine and among Ukrainian-speaking Ukrainians. The data of the Institute of Sociology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine claims that the situation was the same in 1992  [18]  . The highest xenophobia rate in this region and among this group of Ukrainians is towards Jews and Russians comparing to the other ethnic-lingual groups. The tables data also show that both groups of Ukrainians, Ukrainian-speaking and Russian-speaking, has a low-level tolerance towards the members of their own groups. Only 60-64% of respondents agree to accept a member of their ethnic-lingual group as a family member. Thereby, in this part the results of researches made by KIIS in 1995 and 2006 were analyzed. The general overview of xenophobia level in Ukraine indicated the most tolerated and not tolerated groups. From this point of view Ukrainian-speaking Ukrainians were the most tolerated group in Ukrainian society, but black people were tolerated much less. In general during 1995-2006 the level of xenophobia increased much. I turned to three theories to ground the xenophobia: Adornos depressed personality theory, economic and cognitive-linguistic theories. Post-socialist depression, the fear of new economic realities and low economic development of country (causing the low standard of living), dominance of stereotypes in interaction/communication with representatives of other ethnic and racial groups represent main social reasons for high level of xenophobia in a country. The increase of it can be explained by long-term no change in socio-economic situation in the state. Of course, these theori es explains partly the xenophobia in Ukraine, but to my mind Ukrainian case needs detailed individual approach as it has peculiarities. The Ukrainian xenophobia peculiarity is xenophobia inside dominant national community. According to KIIS data of 2006 there is xenophobic tension between Ukrainian-speaking and Russian speaking groups of Ukrainians. Moreover, there is xenophobia inside each of these groups towards the members of each of them. This part of the paper declared the low level of tolerance in Ukrainian society towards all possible ethic-lingual/ethnic/racial groups. To my mind there are three different ways to explain this phenomenon of intolerance in the Western Ukraine. Part 3. Theoretical argumentation of research results 3.1. Structural theory The first explanation is based on the structure of peoples settlements as from this point of view the Western Ukrainian region is quite different from the Eastern part. Statistics are quite interesting, they show that half of the Western population lives in countryside, but only 10% of Eastern Ukrainians live in villages.  [19]  Its crucial to emphasize that difference between the urban and rural areas is still very big in the meaning of education and wealth. In some villages it is even hard to get access to the basic school education. The villagers are less educated than townsmen are, thats why its possible to assume that the level of education is higher on the East than on the West of Ukraine. This can partly explain the xenophobia level differences in both regions of Ukraine. This approach was called structural (the structure of settlements) by sociologists  [20]  . The lower toleration level in rural areas can be also grounded on economic factors. During the independence period the economic situation became much worse in countryside comparing to cities. Here we can go back to T. W. Adornos theory about depressed personality. In contemporary Ukrainian village we have classical case, when people being unsatisfied with their life blame other people in their misfortune. In Western Ukrainian case Jews, Russians and Russian-speaking Ukrainians are blamed. On the East of Ukraine traditionally (from the USSR times) they blame Ukrainian-speaking Ukrainians and foreigners from the West. Nevertheless, it is obvious that economic factor-based explanation is not enough. The Western Ukrainian case turns to the deeper historical and cultural roots of this phenomenon. Western Ukrainians have already got the image of enemy, they hand this image down from parents to children. In the situation of radical social change they use it more actively. Of course, the image Im speaking about is embodied in a Russian. This image is very well supported by the stereotypes. Russian is a symbol of enslavement of Soviets times (the attitudes to this on the East is much differs). I propose to take a look at the table, which is to present the xenophobia rates in Western and Eastern cities and villages. This will make it clearer if this difference between both regions xenophobia depends more on structural or historical/cultural reasons Ethnic or Ethnic-lingual group Western region Eastern region City Village City Village Ukrainian-speaking Ukrainians 2,33 2,02 1,97 1,82 Russian-speaking Ukrainians 3,38 3,48 1,61 1,61 Russians 3,67 3,86 1,61 1,44 Figure 5. Xenophobia rate in Ukrainian city and village by regions (researches for 2005 and 2006).  [21]   The data from the table testify against the structural theory but not at all as we can mention the small difference between the citys and the villages xenophobia rates. It is also easy to notice that city and village from one region have more in common in their attitudes than villagers and townsmen from different parts of Ukraine. 3.2. Insecure majority To explain the phenomenon of xenophobia in both large Ukrainian ethnic-lingual groups Id like to turn to the theory presented by  K. Liebkind in 1996  [22]  . According to Liebkinds point of view minorities and majorities can be observed through the dimension into secure and insecure in order to investigate the way how minorities get along together with majority. I think that Ukrainian case fits in with this theory much. This theory sees two types of majorities and minorities in this perspective. The group of insecure majority is defined by the defensive internal identity, which is constructed on strong ethnic or national basis. Interacting with minority usually insecure majority declines their demands. Secure majoritys identification is vice-versa constructed on weak ethnic or national basis; moreover, it doesnt accent its own identity much. Obviously, this kind of majority respects the rights of minorities more and tries to fulfill their demands while including them into the society where they rule. The other side of this coin is minorities. Insecure minorities are opposite to insecure minorities, which were presented above. This group has a very weak ethnic or national basis, thats why their identifications construction goes beyond the scope of their group. In the case of insecure minority the assimilation is widespread while including them into the society ruled by majority. For the representatives of insecure minority the community of majority is the standard, which they strive for. In case, if assimilation as the only possible method of insecure minority inclusion fails, this group is supposed to be marginalized. The secure minority position is simpler as they admit their own particularity and wants to be recognized by the social majority. Its inner identification is built on the strong ethnic or national ground.  [23]   By-turn she noted that this scheme allows to invent different combinations of its components. He also mentioned that this distinction of majorities and minorities has another consequence while forming new states. If, for example, a secure minority happens to create its own state, its more likely that this minority will become an insecure intolerant majority.  [24]   Turning to Ukrainian case after the analysis of this scheme I realized that from the point of view of these categories in Ukraine we deal with two groups, one of which is insecure majority on the Western part of Ukraine, and another group is secure majority of the South-East of the country. Of course, this distinction is far from perfect as I assume there are no pure categories in real life, but anyway for the purposes of this essay Im able to make some generalizations on the basis of contemporary Ukrainian socio-political life. In XIX century the leaders and inspirers of Ukrainian national building considered the Western Ukraine to be Ukrainian Piedmont as Ukrainian national building was mostly promoted by Lviv. The national idea was the thing, which the West carried all the time in the interest of whole contemporary Ukraine. Even now this region is highly nationalistic (I will turn to this issue in the next part). As it was said above the identification of Western Ukrainians is based on high national profile. The radical right parties are highly popular there (this fact also has some correlation with xenophobia rate). It can be explained by historical path of this region. The situation is much different on the East. I consider Eastern Ukraine to be secure majority. It means that population of this region has no strong nationality-based identity, because its identity is citizenship-based (I will turn to this later in the next part). Eastern Ukrainians never cared much about the Ukrainian nationalism, b

Television and Media - TV Advertising - Selling Magic Potions and Happy

Advertising - Selling Magic Potions and Happy Pills The marketing world is a sea of fishermen waiting for some starving little fish to snatch up the bait. The bait is the commercial. Although the advertising industry provides the consumer with the opportunity to explore what is available, this industry can also lead people into believing that there are magical cures that can eliminate the unwanted and create the wanted. For instance, the print ad for Dove Nutrium Age Defying Body Wash implies that by using this product you can [look] as young as you [feel]. However, by analyzing the impact of the ad, the visual and verbal content, and the audience that it targets, the consumer is able to conclude that this product may help your skin, but will not affect "feeling" in the way of your emotions as portrayed by the laughing lady. The impact of this ad encourages consumers to buy this product so that they can feel the way the Dove woman feels. The term "feeling" is mentioned three times in the print, and the look on her face is expressing an exhilarated emotion. If I were to attach words to the expression on her face, they would say, "I am so happy and full of joy that I want to throw my head back and laugh." Is the Dove Company trying to tell me that this body wash is going to make me feel like that and defy age at the same time? So the next time I am feeling broke, fat, ugly, old, alone, and depressed, I will whip out my Dove and it will wash [all those bad feelings] away. I may have gone too far with the emotion, but the lure is about "how I feel." I would love to feel the way the laughing lady feels. But smart consumers wi... ...men that I know that fit into this category, are looking for age-defying products that reduce signs of wear and tear and that increase the youth they once had. In some form or another, everyone is trying to be healthy, and being healthy helps improve the way they feel. Women above the age of 29 are beginning, if they don't already, to feel the decline in their health. This ad is a decoy for those women. The commercial world is full of disguised promises. Through images, trick sentences, gripping messages, and society made into moving targets, the consumer is trapped into believing that magic potions and happy pills exist in the world. Not all advertisers are out to pull the wool over our eyes, but they all want our attention and they will do mind-twisting acrobats to get in to the world of the consumer's unconscious.

Dont Judge a Book by the Cover Essay -- essays research papers

You Can’t Tell Many people feel that you can tell a lot about a person by observing what they wear and what they eat. This is not the case. Choice of clothing and eating habits, in no way, allow you to pass judgment on a person. Judging people based on these factors is extremely shallow. What one wears and eats in no way depicts character, behavior, or even intelligence. One simply cannot know a person by looking at them and observing what they eat. Such a thought is ridiculous.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Instead of looking at clothing and what one is eating, character should be the basis for opinion. Judging a book by the cover only leads to surprises, and in this case, judging a human by dress can lead to surprises as well. Just because a man or woman may not dress as nicely, they’re not necessarily bad or even poor. The particular individual may not care what anyone thinks. They may dress a certain way just so people will pass judgment on them, some may just want the attention. This is often the case. One’s appearance can lead to many false judgments. By saying someone is a bum because of what they eat or wear shows total ignorance. If a person did nothing to better their situation, they can be considered bums. If the person has good character and is just going through a rough time, passing judgment because of clothing and what they eat is wrong. The person one may think is a bum may be the best worker around, with the most character. Without getti ng to know a per...

Bankruptcy Essay -- essays research papers

Bankruptcy, today, is a very common thing among companies and individuals alike. Sadly enough there were as many bankruptcy cases filed in federal courts, as there were all other cases. The American bankruptcy law allows people to avoid paying their debts, by offering the debtors a discharge, which eliminates all their legal responsibilities. However, bankruptcy is a controversial issue amongst religious members of the Jewish population, for one must question whether it is morally correct to avoid paying a dept by filing for bankruptcy. According to the torah, a debt is an obligation that must be fulfilled. Consequently, if a bankruptcy discharge is invoked, under the strictness of Jewish law, one is still required to pay back the money no matter how long it may take him. According to Bais Din the debtor must hand over his property, with a few exclusions, to the creditor, and if this does not cover what he owes the creditor, then every time the debtor acquires new assets, he pays the creditor until he no longer owes him anything.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  According to Halacha there is a way for the debtor to be discharged. This is through â€Å"Yeush†. This term denotes that this is the point where a person no longer believes he will recover the object he has lost. In this case, the creditor loses hope of being paid back the money the debtor owes him. Therefore the debtor is free from his obligation to pay the creditor. According to some poskim, yeush does not discharge the debtor, unless the circumstances, such as where the debtors fields are ruined by a flood, the debtor is in, makes the creditor lose hope of ever being paid back According to others, yeush can discharge the debt if the debtor becomes impoverished only and not because he didn’t want to pay back his debt.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  If the debtor does not become discharged through the creditors yeush, there is one of two ways to obtain a bankruptcy discharge through halacha. The first way is through liquidation. This is where the debtor hands over all his property, with keeping some exempt property, and this covers his debt to the creditors and he is now free of his obligation to pay them. The second way is through reorganization. The debtor makes a plan to repay his creditors over a number of years, with a minimum payment required for each year. When he has finished with these payments,... ...t that the halacha is in accordance with one aspect of the debate, this being called â€Å"kim li†. Now the plaintiff, the creditor, can only win if he proves his case according to the view chosen by the defendant. In this case of a â€Å"kim li†, bais din has to determine whether dina d’malchusa dina applies to a bankruptcy discharge. As mentioned above, the Rema states that it does, and therefore the defendant may win this case and be free of debt. However, there is a question now as to whether the defendant should pay the creditor because of religious obligation. In a regular bankruptcy discharge, the debtor is free of all his debt and thus it may assumed in this case that the defendant is free from debt because of the use of â€Å"kim li†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Working through secular law, unfortunately, may be the only way to clear debts owed between many. Although it is not the preferred way to do business, especially between religious Jews, it is the way the world works and it makes it easier to get rid of the debt between Jews and non-Jews. This paper is a very revised version of bankruptcy and the Halacha perspective, but I hope it provides all the information that is necessary. Bankruptcy Essay -- essays research papers Bankruptcy, today, is a very common thing among companies and individuals alike. Sadly enough there were as many bankruptcy cases filed in federal courts, as there were all other cases. The American bankruptcy law allows people to avoid paying their debts, by offering the debtors a discharge, which eliminates all their legal responsibilities. However, bankruptcy is a controversial issue amongst religious members of the Jewish population, for one must question whether it is morally correct to avoid paying a dept by filing for bankruptcy. According to the torah, a debt is an obligation that must be fulfilled. Consequently, if a bankruptcy discharge is invoked, under the strictness of Jewish law, one is still required to pay back the money no matter how long it may take him. According to Bais Din the debtor must hand over his property, with a few exclusions, to the creditor, and if this does not cover what he owes the creditor, then every time the debtor acquires new assets, he pays the creditor until he no longer owes him anything.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  According to Halacha there is a way for the debtor to be discharged. This is through â€Å"Yeush†. This term denotes that this is the point where a person no longer believes he will recover the object he has lost. In this case, the creditor loses hope of being paid back the money the debtor owes him. Therefore the debtor is free from his obligation to pay the creditor. According to some poskim, yeush does not discharge the debtor, unless the circumstances, such as where the debtors fields are ruined by a flood, the debtor is in, makes the creditor lose hope of ever being paid back According to others, yeush can discharge the debt if the debtor becomes impoverished only and not because he didn’t want to pay back his debt.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  If the debtor does not become discharged through the creditors yeush, there is one of two ways to obtain a bankruptcy discharge through halacha. The first way is through liquidation. This is where the debtor hands over all his property, with keeping some exempt property, and this covers his debt to the creditors and he is now free of his obligation to pay them. The second way is through reorganization. The debtor makes a plan to repay his creditors over a number of years, with a minimum payment required for each year. When he has finished with these payments,... ...t that the halacha is in accordance with one aspect of the debate, this being called â€Å"kim li†. Now the plaintiff, the creditor, can only win if he proves his case according to the view chosen by the defendant. In this case of a â€Å"kim li†, bais din has to determine whether dina d’malchusa dina applies to a bankruptcy discharge. As mentioned above, the Rema states that it does, and therefore the defendant may win this case and be free of debt. However, there is a question now as to whether the defendant should pay the creditor because of religious obligation. In a regular bankruptcy discharge, the debtor is free of all his debt and thus it may assumed in this case that the defendant is free from debt because of the use of â€Å"kim li†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Working through secular law, unfortunately, may be the only way to clear debts owed between many. Although it is not the preferred way to do business, especially between religious Jews, it is the way the world works and it makes it easier to get rid of the debt between Jews and non-Jews. This paper is a very revised version of bankruptcy and the Halacha perspective, but I hope it provides all the information that is necessary.

Essay on the Internet Essay

There are conflicting views on how people should finish their reading in the more and more productive society. Some people tend to support that a city/town should provide a public library to their citizens, while others have different views that reading could be done on the Internet instead of being finished in a library, which is a waste of money. Both views appear reasonable. On the one hand, some people’s approval of building a library by the city/town is due to the fact that readers can keep themselves away from the noisy environment and daily hassles and are able to relieve stress from work by reading in the library which makes readers peaceful, comfortable and undisturbed. Besides, the library is a boon for poor students who can’t afford to buy text books or other books of their interest. They can borrow these books and read or study them at ease at home. A library is thus a help to the society. On the other hand, advocates of reading online take the cost of running a library into consideration. The newest information online is updated so rapidly from time to time that you can research and receive the news at the same time when it happens. And all these things you need to do is just a click of the mouse which helps you finish reading in a second. In my opinion, although reading online makes us more convenient and receive information more rapidly, a library is a necessary to the society. There has been an increase in the popularity of the internet; one may pause to think the decreasing relevance and importance of a library in today’s world. But one should keep in mind that a person goes to a library not only to search and absorb knowledge from books but also to sit and study there. The ambience and the peaceful and scholarly atmosphere then helps one to concentrate more on one’s study and work.. Thus libraries will never become redundant. They will always be there to indicate the presence of a well-read and educated society.

Ap World History Chapter 26 Notes

Chapter 26 Notes: Ottomans and Arabs Ottomans: Factors of Decline * Competition between elite * Weak rulers * Increasingly powerful Janissary corps * Increased competition from European merchants * Military challenges from the West * Ottomans vs. Russia (result: loss of Serbia, Greece, and most of Balkans) Survival * Played European rivals against each other * Selim III: reformed bureaucracy, new army and navy.Killed by janissaries in 1807 * Mahmud II: slaughtered Janissaries, families and religious allies, reforms based on Western influence (angered conservative religious leaders) * Tanzimat Reforms (1939-1876): series of Western influenced reforms in education, government, newspapers, and constitution. Introduction of railroad and telegraph systems (effect: communication increased, minority groups increased power) * Consequences: artisans negatively effected (thank you, Britain), women ‘s status remained stagnant Backlash to Reforms Conflict between old and new orders * Abdul Hamid: attempted to return to despotic governing.. nullified constitution, removed Westerners in power, continued SOME Western policies * Coup 1908: Ottoman Society for Union and Progress (Young Turks) fought for return to 1976 constitution, Sultan remained as figurehead. * War in North Africa: Ottomans lost Libya * Young Turks vs. Arabs * World War I: Turkey sided with Germany†¦. Arab Heartlands Fertile Crescent, Egypt, North AfricaIdentified with Ottoman rulers as Muslims, disliked Ottoman rule * Fear of Western rule Muhammad Ali, Westernizing Europe * Napoleon invades Egypt (1798): example of Western military power, eventually defeated by the British * Western reforms introduced (military, agriculture) little accomplished in the long-term * Khedives: Muhammad’s descendants, ruled Egypt until 1952 Issues and European Help * Cotton: solely dependent on export * Misuse of money by the elite Indebted to European powers * Suez Canal: introduces power struggle b/w European powers and Egypt (France and Britain) * Conservative Muslims resented Western presence * Liberal Muslims borrowed from West * Skirmish between Britain and Khedival army results in British domination (Egypt is NOT colonized) Egypt in Sudan * Sudan exploited, forced to reform slave trade * Jihad called against Egyptian rulers and Britain * Sudan successful in maintaining independence until 1896 * Western technology vs. Eastern technology

Jaws

The film ‘Jaws’, was made in 1975 and is a thriller set on a small American town called Amityville. The film is about a man-eating great white shark that terrorises the seas of Amityville and it’s public who swim in it. Steven Spielberg directs this nail-biting thriller. ‘Jaws’ is set on the 4th of July, which is an American Independence day. This film will keep you on the edge of your seats. This essay will show how Spielberg creates tension and suspense throughout the film. One of the most famous techniques used in the film ‘Jaws’ was the music. At the start of the film the screen is dark and the music begins. The pitch is low and the tempo is slow, as the sequence goes on the tempo starts to speed up and the pitch gets higher. When the tempo of the music speeds up it is like the heartbeat of the shark, which is getting faster because the shark is getting excited about something. At the same time the audience get nervous about what the shark is preparing to do. This sequence is used throughout the film to make the audience aware that the shark is about to attack. Before the first attack is about to happen there is a lot of chatter, firelight and mouth organs being played. This makes it a good contrast to the scary scene that is about to happen. When the girl runs off with the drunken boy the scene starts to get darker and quieter as they go further and further away from where all the people are. The girl runs into the water and the drunken boy lies down on the beach. The camera then points at the girl who is all alone in the water and there is no sound or light at all which makes the audience think that something bad is about to happen. This is really helpful to build tension and to begin putting fear in the mind’s of the audience, through the contrasts in the setting and in the changes in the music. As well as the use of music in this film Spielberg similarly uses camera techniques to scare the audience. Before the second attack the camera shows a mid shot at the boy and the women who are close together which makes the audience think that the relationship between these two people is like mother and child. While Brody watches the sea Spielberg uses mid shots, medium close ups and close up shots to show that Brody is getting more anxious. Then there is a point of view shot which is shot under water were the audience can see everyone’s legs. This creates a sense of dramatic irony where the audience know that something is underneath their feet but the people in the water don’t. As the second attack starts Brody realises suddenly what is happening and the camera zooms into his face. The camera also starts to show lots of flashing images of people panicking and the boy being eaten. This scares the audience because they have just witnessed an innocent child being eaten. This keeps the tension up in the film which makes the audience think that if it can kill an innocent child, how much further will it go. Another way Spielberg builds up tension is by how he portrays the shark. In the first attack he doesn’t show the shark; this makes the audience think and imagine what is lurking under the waters. He also shows how strong this shark is when in the first attack the creature attacks the girl and swings her from side to side and eventually pulls her into the water. Also into the second attack the creature eats the little boy and rips his Lillo to shreds. Throughout the film Spielberg reveals the shark bit by bit. Spielberg also shows real shark footage (when he films the attack in the cage) to make it look real and scare the audience, the audience is eager to see the shark which is another reason why he filmed it using a real shark. On the last attack the shark jumps onto the boat, the audience find it amusing because throughout the film they’ve been getting scared of a model shark. When the shark bites the girl you can from her face immediately that she is in pain she also shows this because she screams hysterically which makes the audience think what is happening to her. Spielberg avoids the shark at this point because it’s so early in the film and if he shows it at this stage then the audience will realise that it’s only a model shark and there would be no point watching the film. Another reason why he didn’t show the shark at this stage is because he wouldn’t have caught the audience out at the nd. So instead he used the characters’ reaction to show the power and the strength of the shark. Finally the way the story progresses will add to the tension of the film. Spielberg films the first two attacks together so throughout the film the audience will except an attack at any time which will make them always feel tense. The 4th of July is an American Independence Day which is a public holiday for everyone. It is summer and all the people are at the seaside having a good time. Spielberg chose this scene because there are more people in danger which leads to a dramatic affect. This attack also involves Brody’s son, which keeps the audience tense because we know who Brody’s son is. The more you know about a character the more the more tense you will feel about them when they are being attacked. For example the last section of the film when all the main characters are under attack in this scene, the fact that we know more about the characters makes every moment tense when the shark circles around them. Overall, the most tense moment in the film is the scene when the shark is attacking the cage. This scene is particularly scary because Spielberg used a real shark to film this scene which looks bigger and scarier, and the way it bent the cage bars really showed how strong the shark is. This is what I think is the most tense scene and is the scene that made most of the audience tense. These are the most important techniques that Steven Spielberg used to build tension and suspense in the audience’s minds.

Love, Hate and Beyond. Emotions, Culture and Practice

When analysing grief in an ethnographic fashion it can be quite difficult as it is such a sensitive issue. My partner and myself worked together to devise a project that could target the issue of grief on a wider scale in Northern Ireland. We decided to address the case of the Omagh bombing in 1998 that killed 31 people (two of those being unborn children). This would allow us to look at personal grief but also enable us to concentrate on the grieving process of a community. On a normal Saturday afternoon at 3:10pm, in the small town of Omagh in Northern Ireland, a 500Ib car bomb exploded on the Market Street. This news reached the whole world as the grief of a small town was presented on every news channel and in every newspaper. Northern Ireland is a place that is used to dealing with tragedy as nearly 4,000 people have been killed as a result of the troubles. The bomb resulted in destroying many people's lives, the community had to pull together to combat what one priest there described as, â€Å"good over evil†. We both interviewed someone from Omagh. Making sure that it was a male and a female in a similar age group. We also made sure that one was Protestant and one was Catholic to gain a fair overview of the situation. Methodology and Ethics The technique that I used to research was an in formal interview with a 23-year Old girl from Omagh, who was there at the time of the bombing. She herself was a Roman Catholic. The interviewing process is one of the most common ways of obtaining information for the anthropologist. It could be seen, as being very flexible as there are set guidelines on how one must interview. However there are different types of questions that can be used according to the sensitivity of the subject that is being addressed. During my interview I wanted to let the conversation flow easily so I asked what are known as semi- structured questions. This allows the person being interviewed to talk away about the subject, â€Å"The interviewer responds using prompts, probes and follow up questions to get the interviewee to clarify or expand on the answers†1. The prompts I used throughout the interview allowed her to say what she wanted to say and was a sensitive approach due to the subject in hand. â€Å"Prompting is an art that has to be cultivated, and a certain amount of effort must initially be put into pump-priming (that is, encouraging informants to speak freely and informatively on subjects that interest you)†2. I could see that during the interview she could start talking about something that was upsetting her but then we were able to move on to another aspect of the question. Drever explains that semi-structured interviews allow one to, gather factual information, collect statements of their preferences and opinions explore in some depth, their experiences. I just tried t o get my interviewee to explain the events in chronological order, getting her to tell me how she felt at all times putting the emphasis on grief and community. As my interviewee was a female friend I think that allowed her to open up to me when she was talking about her experience at two of the victim's wakes. This method of asking questions allowed me to gain high quality information for my research project, I could listen carefully to what she was saying and explore her individual viewpoints. The essential aim to ethnography is to produce knowledge, ‘central to researching the truth: the aim should be to produce accounts of the social phenomena' (Paul Atkinson). When analysing an issue such as the emotion of grief one has to be careful that their pursuit of knowledge does not become offensive to anyone involved. There seems to be five main factors when dealing with the ethics of the interviewing process. 1, Informed consent, the interviewee should know exactly why they are being interviewed and give their â€Å"unconstrained consent†3, it could be seen as being devious or unfair if this is not the case. It seems only fair when addressing the subject of grief to be truthfull.2, Harm, is something that can occur to those being researched if the anthropologists are not careful. For example an interviewee may feel anxious about the publication of the results of an interview if they have said anything controversial. Sensitive issues need careful consideration, as the subject can be harrowing for the interviewee. Finch expresses her feelings on harm and explains that it is difficult even for feminists â€Å"to devise ways of ensuring that information given so readily in interviews will not be used ultimately against the collective interests of women' (1984:83). 3, Exploitation, can occur during a research study as people do not appreciate being used as ‘fodder for research', Beyon (1983). People do not appreciate giving time and effort to take part in research and not be able to get anything out of it, once their job has been done some interviewees can be cast aside. People however do enjoy helping others for a good reason. As my interviewee was a personal friend she was more than happy to talk to me and felt it had helped once again to get some thoughts out in to the open. 4, Consequences for future research, are an important issue as it allows research to carry over years developing our knowledge and understanding. If an anthropologist were to do something so objectionable that it would stop future research then â€Å"ethnographic research would become virtually impossible† (Fred Davis). The researcher has a duty to everyone else not to ‘spoil the field'. Omagh bombing interview with Tracey Donally Tracey first describes where she was at the time of the bombing. â€Å"I was working in a shop in Omagh, about a 1/4 of a mile away from where the explosion actually took place. When we first heard the loud bang, we all thought that it was a controlled explosion. It was quite a bit later when we realised what had happened, the phone lines in Omagh had gone down and nobody really knew what was going on. News soon spread that it was a bomb near the courthouse; at this point the number of people that had died was still unclear. Omagh was just a small town nobody expected this, panic hit everyone straight away, my brother was in the town as well as my boyfriend, thankfully they were fine, however, I knew that someone I knew would be hurt as it is such a small community.† Then we move on to who she knew that was killed and the wakes and the funerals of these people. † It was a couple of days later that the whole death toll was clear, my aunt was a nurse in the hospital and I kept hearing names of my friends that were coming in to the hospital in critical conditions. Samantha McFarland was my friend she had died in the bombing, there was also Lorraine Wilson, Elizabeth Rush and my friends mother Philomena Skelton. I attended two wakes and two funerals, one Church of Ireland and one Roman Catholic. The feeling around Omagh at this time was unbelievable only people that were there or a part of the community will ever understand. Queues of people lined up outside the wake houses to pay respects to the dead and offer their condolences to the family. I stood there and waited in silence, everyone was suffering terrible grief. When I went into Samantha's wake room I didn't really know what to say to her mother or her closest friend who were there with the body, (an open coffin). I offered my sympathy, and her mother was in pure shock sat there saying to people, ‘oh Samantha used to talk about you', or, ‘I remember you being in Samantha's class at school'. The family and friends were all stood outside the wake room, some silent, some regaling stories of Samantha and discussing what had actually happened during the bombing. In true Irish fashion the women ran around with tea and sandwiches for everyone there. I only stayed there for a couple of hours as the house was so full of people, however close friends and family would sit up all night with the body, taking it in turns to try and get some sleep or just rest themselves at least. At Philomena's wake the atmosphere was very much the same, I was there to show my friend support at this time when her Mummy had just died. As this family were Catholic the Priest came round to the wake whilst I was there and everyone inside or standing around the outside of the house said the Rosary, this would happen at several different times throughout the night, (helping the soul of the body reach Heaven). During this report it has become apparent that death has the ability to release the most powerful emotions amongst people that is why it is important to discuss the rituals that follow, ‘There are many emotional dimensions to ritual'4. In this part of the interview Tracey explained about how she attended the waking of two of the victim's bodies. Waking the body is a traditional ritual that occurs all over Ireland. It involves all of the surrounding community. The wake approaches death head on. The wake room is where the body is kept, usually in an open coffin, surrounded by candles and maybe flowers. Any family or friends who wish to come to the house do so to pray for the dead, it is also a great display of support for the grieving family. It helps many grieving family members as they have something to concentrate their grief on. People will stay up all night the body is never left alone. Outside the wake room win the rest of the house is where people will usually run around helping when thy can, women make gallons of tea and feed everyone. People can sit and think about the person they have lost in silence, or talk to many other people that knew them. Talking about the dead helps people to grieve for the dead. During my time researching this report, my partner's cousin died. As an English girl I had never experienced a wake, which is common practice over here. I thought it was a good way of dealing with death and grief as there were always many chances to talk and reflect with others. Having the body in the house was also a positive thing as the family were not ready to say goodbye suddenly they wanted to look at him, remember him and pray for him, although they were praying for his soul to go to heaven (saying the rosary several times, led by the priest or leading family members) throughout the wake the body was of great importance also. When looking at other death rituals and grieving processes, the Dagura people in Africa have some thing similar to a wake. The women of the village are allowed to grieve first however this must be in silence. It is this way until the men have found a ‘sacred space' in which they announce the death and invite the whole village to come and grieve. The men are forbidden to show any signs of grief until this ritual space is created. The journey of the soul is of great importance after death â€Å"The invoking of the spirits is partly designed to elicit enough grief from the mourners, to allow the dead person to move into the world of the ancestors. The Dagura believe that the soul's journey into the next world is dependant in some ways upon the grief expressed by the mourners.† Tom Golden5. This does relate to the Catholic waking practice of saying the Rosary and other prayers to help the soul enter the kingdom of heaven, (the soul could be in a place called Purgatory where it would have to spend some time before moving on into Heaven, only saints go straight to Heaven). This gives both these groups of people a purpose for their grief. Grief is a state where one may not know what to do with themselves some may even go off the rails. Dagura people keep two women elders with the body at all times collecting the grief from the rest of the community around them that come to visit. This displays an example of coping behaviour within both of these societies. As both cultures appreciate the rebirth of the soul, one is left to think about thee relationship of the biological and the social collectivity. â€Å"Bloch and Parry hold a particular view of ritual, seeing it basically as a form of social control. One aspect of this is that society actively shapes the emotions of its m embers through ritual†6. The funerals of these two people were on different days, both had the Guard of honour before they reached the church. I have never experienced such a feeling of pure sadness amongst so many people in all my life. They were both very hard days. At both, the churches were so packed I had to stand outside. I could hear the service through the speakers outside, I could also hear horrible cries of agony from inside the church of close family. This was the most painful thing for me, openly hearing and seeing the physical grief of the people. Both bodies were buried in Omagh in the different graveyards of the different churches. Although it was the last goodbye to these two women it was only the start of the grieving process for their family and friends†. I asked what the communities did do then to help the families and what they did to display their sorrow to the rest of the watching world. â€Å"One week later at exactly the same time as the bomb had happened there was a memorial service in Omagh town. We stood there in complete silence as a mark of respect. Thousands of people came, including politicians from all the Northern Irish parties, the Irish Prime Minister, Tony Blair, Bill Clinton and the Northern Irish secretary at the time Mo Mowlam. Prayers were said, different leaders stood up and spoke about how evil and wrong the bombing was. It was comforting to have outside support at this time, however it was still too painful for some of the victims family members to attend, their own personal grief and suffering was still too hard to cope with at this time. The whole community supported the families of those directly affected, it really brought the whole community together as everyone in Omagh was grieving for someone they has lost, it was such a close community, everyone knows or knows of nearly everyone there. The police and the army were major helpers after the bomb erupted this brought the community closer as there had always been a lack of trust between the Catholic community and these two organisations. Catholics and Protestants of all denominations came together to rebuild Omagh as both sides were suffering greatly. 31 people died both Catholic and Protestant, we all mourned together†. My aim during this research was to find out how the community dealt with such a tragic event. It is apparent that there was a sense of mass grief, not just the grief of family and friends but also people from surrounding areas. Irish people place a big emphasis on family and community. The Omagh bombing brought the community of Omagh together in a collective disgust at what had happened as well as a collective grief. Memorial services were organised so the community could demonstrate their solidarity. Both interviewees explain about the continuous memorial services that occurred after the bombing. Everyone showed their solidarity and deep sadness at the services it even provoked visitors from around the world to come. â€Å"Sharing affects provide relief. Grief resolution through collective mourning / healing creates positive group identity. Commitment to community† Meline Ottenbacher7. There has also been a memorial garden created for anyone to come and reflect, pray, or just to be in a quiet place. Catherine Sheehy wrote about the importance of a place like the memorial garden in Omagh. Talking about the grief after September the 11th she states, â€Å"When loss is collective, grief requires public support. People need space to grieve and often create physical sites to recognise collective grief8. I wanted to try and find out if any blame for the disaster and loss of life was placed in Omagh. â€Å"Yes, there was blame. It was revealed that certain people within Omagh were involved in a terrorist organisation called, '32 County Sovran', a wing of the Real I.R.A. One man called Mackey was given a hard time by the rest of the town, as it was known that he was involved. The truth and justice is still to be revealed yet as the case is still in court, six years later. People blamed themselves for the members of their family dying, saying things like, ‘I should have gone into town myself now they wouldn't be dead'.† Blame is an issue that would play on some people's minds. Allowing themselves to figure out why it happened. Having someone of something to blame gives them something to focus their instant anger on. What about people in Omagh now how are they all this time later? â€Å"Some are emotionally scared for life. It is still hard to talk about in front of some people who took it very badly. I know people that still have to go to therapy and see councillors to cope with their grief. Even now the family and friends have yearly anniversaries for those that died and there is a group memorial service that the whole town attends yearly. Together the people of the town have created a memorial garden in Omagh to always remember the lives lost on that horrible day. It's a quiet place where anyone can just go and sit and think and pray. People in Omagh will always remember as long as they live, some will always feel the pain. Something nobody else can understand if they did not go through this with us. It is completely different from when you watch it on the telly and think that will never be you. It really makes you realise your own mortality†. Whilst researching this case I spoke to Johanna Thompson, a barrister in Northern Ireland who has dealt with some of the Omagh bomb law suits. Many of those people that had survived the bombing suffered from Post Traumatic Stress. This would not allow them to sleep and would cause them to keep reliving the events. Many would feel a great sense of guilt that they were able to claim compensation when others had died. This would make them dumb down their injuries. â€Å"Many people have suffered a great psychological trauma, grief plays a large part in this. It could take a very long time for some of these people to go back to living anything nearly like their old lives†9. Conclusion Bloch and Parry stress the importance of the â€Å"Individual's identification with society† and of the â€Å"relationship between the biological individual and the social collectivity†. They see ritual as a method of social control. However it seems to be that the ritual is a great demonstration of the emotion, and can indeed help people throughout the grieving process. Grief can be a very private thing however this does not always help those that are suffering. Having something to focus ones grief on can stop people from going into complete emotional turmoil. The community in Omagh strived to help everyone whose lives had been affected. They showed great solidarity and unity. It can be seen that sharing the pain can definitely provide some kind of relief. Dr Sheila Clark, from the University of Adelaide states that, â€Å"Without appropriate support, grief and trauma can lead to depression or lead to an increase in illness†. I have learnt a great deal about interview techniques. If I could improve on this piece of work I would have interviewed more people using different techniques. The triangulation that occurred during this research report was helpful. I would also like to thank my partner for working with me on this project I think that we came up with some good ideas together it was enjoyable.