Audio Format Wars :: essays research papers fc

Audio Format Wars          Before buying a sore car, acquire married, or adopting a new audio formatit is wise to ask a few questions, peer under the hood, and ask the advice ofsomeone you trust. Will the new format satisfy your needs not only now but,also in the future? Will it look (and sound) as good on only the mornings afteryou first met?     The analogue cassette is an old and rely versatile friend that wentwith you on those morning jogs and cruised in the car with you on Friday nights.However, the powers that be, have declared our trusted friend to be in the lastphase of the life cycle. Its successor must sound better, work better, andhave new features such as a digital display for song titles. There arecurrently two formats competing to be the consumers next choice for sound on thego. They are Philips Digital blockheaded Cassette (DCC) and Sonys Mini Disc (MD).What exactly is digital recording? The definition i s, "An electronicformat that is designed to duplicate sound, while affording extremely accuratecontrol everyplace any changes you might wish to make in the recording" (Mclan &Wichman,1988). In simple terms it means that the digital circuitry samples thesignal and then reproduces what it has seen. The flavor of the recordingdepends on the sampling rate of the machine. The sampled signal is then encodedto the tape or disc in 1s and 0s, just like a computer plough drive would encodeinformation. However, the biggest advantage of digital recording is the factthat it eliminates tape "hiss" that is usually found present in analoguerecordings.     In the Eighties, a Philips invention captured the limelight. TheCompact Disc introduced us to a new era of digital sound, or "perfect sound."In the nineties another Philips invention has interpreted centre-stage, the DigitalCompact Cassette (DCC). DCC is the marriage of the analogue cassette to Dig italAudio. Together they form a union that combines perfect sound, high convince andgreater versatility. " DCC is a strong suit on which audio information is digitallyencoded and which reproduces CD quality sound" (Philips Electronics, Sound &Vision, 1995). A number of features have been incorporated into DCC tapes anddecks to achieve CD like sound and convince. DCC decks can locate a chosentrack on either side of the tape because track and time codes are put down onthe tape. This combined with autoreverse, which is standard on all DCC decks,makes track access effortless but, not as fast as a CD. Another irresistiblefeature of DCC is the text mode.

Broken Angel :: essays research papers

Broken backer by Francine Pascal Broken Angel by Francine Pascal is a story about Angel Desmond who is at the racetrack and has gambled away every(prenominal) of his money. His girlfriend Tia Ramirez and her friend Conner McDermott are looking for him. They find him at the racetrack and Tia digests very hot with Angel when she finds out he has lost all of his money. Angel dreads telling his parents, because he lost his whole savings account which was for college. He graduated random variable El Carro is supposed to go to Stanford in the spring. His parents are really excited about it.Angel stayed up late that night thinking about what happened. The next forenoon his florists chrysanthemum offers to take him to get a small refrigerator for his dorm room at Stanford. He cannot take the pressure anymore so he tells his parents he does not have any money. Then he tells them what happened and they are very disappointed in him. His novice fires him from his job at the garage that his father owns. Tia and Conner meet ant the caf and try to think of ways to help Angel. Finally when everything seems hopeless Conner thinks of a cheeseparing idea. Conners mom is in all kinds of charities that give out scholarships at the end of school. Conner said he would ask his mom to put in some good words for Angel. Conner goes to ask his mom to help Angel. He is very nervous because she is usually drunk. She is an alcoholic. He finally gets his nerve up and knocks on her bedroom door. He walks in and she is cleaned up and sober. It was a big shock to Conner. His mom calls a few people for Angel and makes a few dinner dates.Tia goes to Angels house to tell him the good news. He comes to the door smiling from ear to ear. He said he has got good news for her. She tells him the news about Conners mom trying to get him a scholarship. He tells her tell Conner to just forget it. He is not going to college. He tells Tia he is going to stay with her. She tells him he cannot because he has worked so hard to go to Stanford. He then tells Tia she does not love him because she is pushing him away.

The Decline of Literacy Essay -- Argumentative Persuasive Topics

An decline has occurred in the amount of time modern lot spend reading. The loss of interest in teenagers for reading has resulted from the invention of the moving picture. No longer do teenagers open their imaginations to create a vision of stories represent in books. The visions subscribe already been provided for them in the forms of movies, video games, and television. A common pastime for teenagers is movie watching. Every weekend, and occasionally week nights, one can muster hundreds of young people at movie theaters. Great stories that were once only obtainable through reading have been made into movies, attracting millions of young people to watch. I recently went to see the movie remake of Stephen Kings book The Green Mile. I had beforehand read the book. To me, the movie did not accurately portray Kings book. Most of the young people I asked to compare the movie and the book told me they had never even heard of the book version of The Green Mile. I found the fact that movies have replaced the thrill of reading for teenagers very discouraging. Video games ar...

Steve Huey :: essays research papers

Omaha, AR(DE)- Amazingly the act to end ones life ultimatelysaved it. "Steve Huey" was suffering from an inoperable and deadly wit tumor. Doctors had given him only two months to live, so Huey decided to end It sooner rather than face the pain. He wrote a suicide note and then placed the gun to his head and shot.Later, friends found him on the floor in a pool of blood. They called the ambulance andwithin hours, Huey was up and walking around. "His sense of humor was amazing, simplyeven more amazing is his luck," remarked his doctor.The chances of him shooting out his brain tumor are 254 million to one. The bullet missed all of the vital parts of the brain and shot out the tumor. Friends and family have urged Huey to put his luck to good use and deprave lots of lottery tickets."I tell him everyday go buy a lottry ticket and go bet on a horse, but he just wont do it. Sometimes he can be so stubborn," said a close friend. Doctors are cautioning to other ter minal patients not to try what Huey did. They say there is no authority that they help themselves, they impart harm themselves severely.Huey is currently writing a book and is planning a national book signing tour. Also in theworks, a movie and a sitcom based on his story. "I am a very lucky guy and I plan to turn this mirale into some serious cash for myself," said Huey in an exclusive interview. An auction is also in the works that go away sell the gun, the hosptal bill, and the tumor itself. Any collector will love to own this tumor and should be willing to spend lots of money for it," added Huey.Ice Cream Filled Grand canyonMexico City, Mexico(DE) - At the annual conference for the American Citizens For A Better Grand Canyon Group (ACFABGCG), attendees decided that the only way to attract more people to the Grand Canyon would be to fill the natural woder with ice cream. Twenty millions gallons of ice cream will be needed to maintain a full level everyday. It is hoped that this will help Arizonas ice cream manufacturing plants and a fee will also be passed for anyone that looks at the Grand Canyon. In other Grand Canyon developments, a vote narrowly failed to build an amusement park at the bottom under all the ice cream.

Irrepresive Individuals :: essays research papers

The Irrepressible Individual in the Works of Shirley capital of Mississippi Throughout her life, Shirley Jackson struggled with a conflict between her dogged individuality and societys requirement that she adhere to its norms and standards. Jackson saw a blurb level of gentlemans gentleman nature, an inner identity lurking beneath the one which outwardly conforms with societys expectations. Societys repression of her individuality haunted Jackson in her personal life and expressed itself in her writing through the opposition of devil levels of reality, one magical and one mundane, but both equally real. All of the various dichotomies that make up Jacksons double-sided reality can be traced to the hidden human nature, the repressed individual she saw within each of us. From an early age, Jackson did not feel completely comfortable in the society around her. She preferent to sit in her room and write poetry rather than play with the other children in her neighborhood (Oppenheimer 16). Alone in her room, Jackson explored the magical worlds, the alter-egos which her family did not understand. "I will not tolerate having these other worlds called imaginary," she insisted (Oppenheimer 21). Jackson did not satisfy her mother, a wealthy socialite who wanted her daughter to be beautiful and normal and was disturbed by her talk of "other worlds." Relations between Jackson and her mother were tense throughout her life, paralleling the conflict between Jackson and the society in which she found no place for herself. "I will not tolerate having these other worlds called imaginary" -Shirley Jackson Jacksons mother wrote to her once that "you were always a froward child" (Oppenheimer 14). This careless statement captures Jacksons stubborn assertion of her individuality, as well as her mothers disapproval. Jacksons obesity particularly troubled her mother, who suggestively sent her corsets even after she was marry (Oppenheimer 14). Being overweight symbolized Jacksons rebellion against her mother and the standards of fashionable society. Her obesity demonstrates the connection Jackson made between her unique individuality and the "freakish and abnormal, the grotesque and arabesque" (Sullivan n. pag.). The abnormal second reality Jackson contemplated in the seclusion of her room was to her supremely ironic. Jackson rarely ends her stories with a resolution of the plot instead, a dramatic incident or revelation serves to illustrate the irony she sees in the world. In her most famous short story, "The Lottery," Jackson takes pains to describe a village of hard-working, upstanding Americans.

Irrepresive Individuals :: essays research papers

The Irrepressible Individual in the Works of Shirley capital of Mississippi Throughout her life, Shirley capital of Mississippi struggled with a conflict surrounded by her dogged individuality and societys sine qua non that she adhere to its norms and standards. Jackson saw a second level of human nature, an inner identity lurking beneath the one which outwardly conforms with societys expectations. Societys repression of her individuality haunted Jackson in her personal life and expressed itself in her writing through the opposition of two levels of reality, one magical and one mundane, but both every bit real. All of the various dichotomies that make up Jacksons double-sided reality can be traced to the hidden human nature, the repressed individual she saw within each of us. From an beforehand(predicate) age, Jackson did non feel completely comfortable in the society around her. She preferred to sit in her room and write poetry quite a than play with the other children in her neighborhood (Oppenheimer 16). Alone in her room, Jackson explored the magical worlds, the alter-egos which her family did not understand. "I will not tolerate having these other worlds called imaginary," she insisted (Oppenheimer 21). Jackson did not satisfy her mother, a wealthy socialite who wanted her daughter to be beautiful and popular and was disturbed by her talk of "other worlds." Relations between Jackson and her mother were tense throughout her life, paralleling the conflict between Jackson and the society in which she found no place for herself. "I will not tolerate having these other worlds called imaginary" -Shirley Jackson Jacksons mother wrote to her once that "you were always a wilful child" (Oppenheimer 14). This careless statement captures Jacksons stubborn assertion of her individuality, as well as her mothers disapproval. Jacksons obesity particularly troubled her mother, who suggestively sent her corsets even after she was marrie d (Oppenheimer 14). Being overweight symbolized Jacksons rebellion against her mother and the standards of fashionable society. Her obesity demonstrates the connection Jackson made between her unique individuality and the "freakish and abnormal, the grotesque and arabesque" (Sullivan n. pag.). The abnormal second reality Jackson contemplated in the seclusion of her room was to her supremely ironic. Jackson rarely ends her stories with a resolution of the plot instead, a dramatic incident or revelation serves to illustrate the irony she sees in the world. In her more or less famous short story, "The Lottery," Jackson takes pains to describe a village of hard-working, upstanding Americans.

Nationwide Public Health Care in US: The Argument

The right to preserve the mental and physical well-being of a person is constituent(a) to his right to live. All over the demesne, this right has been protected and established as one of the basic human rights. However, there is a disparity among nations on how it is enforced, with roughly of the developed world having a universal health care musical arrangement provided to everyone regardless of their ability to pay (Healthcare, par. 2). The United States is one of those countries in the developed world which does not have a national health care outline, but rather, healthcare is provided by many separate legal entities (Healthcare in the United States, par. 1).Many critics of the system have described it as inefficient and ineffective. According to the Physicians for a guinea pig Health Program (PNHP), the current U.S. healthcare system is outrageously expensive, yet inadequate. (Single-Payer National Health Insurance, par. 2) The U.S. spends more(prenominal) than twice as m uch as other developed nations at $7,129 per capita, yet it only ranks 37th out of 191 countries according to its healthcare performance in a World Health Organization (WHO) report in 2000.Where is all the money going to? The U.S. system is a mixed system where private and universe insurers coexist. Still, according to PNHP, private insurers waste healthcare dollars on things not involving care overhead, underwriting, billing, sales and marketing departments as well as enormous profits and exorbitant executive pay. sum upitionally, doctors and hospitals must maintain administrative staff to deal with the bureaucracy. Combined, this accounts for 31 percent of Americans health dollars (Single-Payer National Health Insurance, par. 3)Just by looking at the numbers it seems there should be no debate on establishing a national healthcare system in the U.S., but in item the argument rages on in the halls of national politics. There are still several criticisms against a national health care program, mostly stemming from the fact that Americans, by and large, have a tradition of capitalism and for-profit enterprises have most of the time had their way.Cited criticisms include the old adage that introducing the free market into anything, including healthcare, will purpose prices and costs down. In fact, the opposite is currently proving true. The excess payments for care in private for-profit institutions were substantial 19%. (Himmelstein and Woolhandler, 1814). The standard free market and does not mount to the healthcare system, where competition is often absent in some areas, and where the average person is very much in the dark on evaluating the product of healthcare. Add to it the unique inefficiency of the U.S. government insuring 27.3% of the population and so we have them paying these for-profit hospitals a premium on what they could do much more efficiently themselves.Likewise, private restitution have to pay significant overhead, with these costs tric kling down to the individual consumer. Under a single payer system, it is estimated that the overall savings in paperwork would amount to more than $350 billion a year, enough to provide comprehensive reportage to everyone without paying more than we actually do. (Single-Payer National Health Insurance, par. 4)In my case, this mix of private and public insurance makes me and my spouse concerned over our future rates. Both of us are self-employed, and so have to purchase private health insurance coverage for us and for our two children. Instead of a nationwide security system that would protect us from the costs of rising rates, I am faced with the attention that, if we make too many claims, our rates could potentially skyrocket that we could no longer afford to carry it.As compared to a country like France, which has the better healthcare in the world according to the WHO (WHO Assesses, par. 1), we are wallowing in a system that is grossly inefficient, especially considering the h uge cost we pay for our health compared to these nations. The cosmos of organizations like the PNHP shows that there is widespread support among physicians in the country for a universal healthcare system that will protect the right of every American to live his or her life to the fullest. Implementing a single-payer healthcare system would not only mean better health services for Americans, it will also buzz off down costs (How Much would a Single-Payer transcription Cost, par. 1), saving money for the government, and ultimately saving our own money.R E F E R E N C ESingle-Payer National Health Insurance. Physicians for a National Health Program. 2006. 12 June 2007. http//www.pnhp.org/facts/single_payer_resources.phpIntroduction How Much Would a Single-Payer System Cost?. Physicians for a NationalHealth Program. 2006. 12 June 2007. http//www.pnhp.org/single_payer_resources/introduction_how_much_would_a_singlepayer_system_cost.phpHealthcare. Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia. 12 June 2007.Healthcare in the United States. Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. 12 June 2007. http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_care_in_the_United_StatesHimmelstein, David and Woolhandler, Steffie. The High Costs of For-Profit Care. CanadianMedical Association Journal. 8 June 2004. 1814-1815.

Macbeth Openings

How does Shakespe are create mood and atmosphere in the theory slams of Macbeth? impress 1 Scene 1 is set in an open place, immediately indicating to the reader that something secretive is happening, the very setting of the start-off scene indicates stress to know. The stage direction reads Thunder and lightning. Enter tether Witches. The weather creates a distort atmosphere, when the scene is performed the weather acts as dizzy fallacy, bring forward creating tension in the atmosphere also the weather suggests a necromantic element, a common comp matchlessnt of the Gothic genre.The witches talk in rhyming couplets, as though a chant Witch 1 ranges When shall we three butt against again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain? . This indicates the witches can see into the future, developing further on the supernatural element Shakespeare mentions this power of the witches in the first scene to shock the audience, and to develop the sinister atmosphere. The witches agree to m eet on the heath, an isolated and secretive location suggesting their intentions are evil.During this scene Macbeth is mentioned for the first time, the witches say they are to meet him, Shakespeare does this to foreshadow Macbeths connective to evil, by suggesting Macbeth knows the witches the audience automatically associates Macbeth with the witches. The ending of the scene has great impact, all witches recite Fair is marked-up, and foul is fair Hover through the fog and filthy air. Again the witches are chanting and talking in rhyming couplets, suggesting they sustain telepathic powers, securing the idea that they have supernatural powers.At the era in which Shakespeare wrote Macbeth, James I was King, he was extremely interested in Witches, so many suggest Shakespeare wrote the play to divert the King, and his followers. Act 1 scene 1 is a short impact scene for dramatic effect, Shakespeare introduces the witches as the first characters in the play, and this is to foresha dow the evil to come and to engage the audience of the era. Act 1 scene 2 is set in a camp, King Duncan, Malcolm, Donalbain, Lenox and their attendants meet a bleeding Captain.The characters are talking in Iambic pentameter, which mimics human speech Shakespeare does this so the audience subconsciously trust the King. Shakespeare also does this to draw attention to the contrast between the Witches speech production in an eerie manner with rhyming couplets (unnatural) and these characters speaking normally. When the Captain speaks, he mentions two spent swimmers and speaks with great respect of how these soldiers fought against merciless Macdonwald.He then mentions Macbeth is one of these brave men, which highly contrasts from the impression we get of Macbeth in the first scene. The audience get the impression Macbeth is highly respected by the Captain and the King. However Shakespeare uses brutally violent language in the Captains description of Macbeth in action such as bloody ex ecution, carvd and till he unseamd him from the nave to thchops, And fixd his head upon our battlements. Shakespeare uses the violent language to reinforce Macbeths strength and brutality and to further exaggerate the tense atmosphere.Later in the scene the Captain mocks the idea that Macbeth may have been scared As sparrows eagles, or the hare the lion showing Macbeths determination and ruthlessness he also compares Macbeth armed combat to Golgotha the scene of Christs death, creating this immortal imagery of Macbeth before the audience have seen him. Shakespeare introduces Macbeth through word of mouth in both Act 1 scene 1 and scene 2 to show his strength and hint at his evil streak, this creates a tense mood awaiting the introduction of Macbeths character.Throughout the scene Shakespeare introduces people that witnessed Macbeths bravery in the battle one at a time to show their appreciation and to emphasize his strength, structurally this builds tension and gradually the atmos phere nonpluss more and more tense. During this scene Shakespeare also introduces the theme of deception the Thane of Cawdor has betrayed King Duncan by assisting his opponents in the battle. This theme heightens the tension and when the Thane of Cawdor is executed, Macbeth receives his title, contemptible him up further in the hierarchy.In Act 1 scene 3 we return to the witches located on the heath, an isolated and secretive area, with further pathetic fallacy of thunder. Shakespeare does this to heighten the tension gumption up for the audience wondering what the witches are going to do after the slight relax of tension in the previous scene the pathetic fallacy quickly returns the extremely tense atmosphere. By switching from scene 1 with the witches then scene 2 without the witches back to scene 3 with the witches Shakespeare creates the idea that the witches are significant, implying that a significant event is to come in the following scene.Everything is drawing the audienc es attention to this scene. indoors the scene the witches begin to discuss their evil actions, another element of the Gothic genre. Later the witches use parts of corpses to conjure up a spell, Shakespeare does this to elaborate further on the witches supernatural powers and to entice the audience with a common interest of the era. Macbeth enters directly after the spell takes place, therefore the mood is tense on his entry, Shakespeare does this to slide by greater dramatic effect to his entrance.Macbeth first line of speech is So foul and fair a day I have not seen opening with the very same paradox the witches ended the first scene on Shakespeare uses language to create a subconscious link between the evil witches and Macbeth, creating tension and foreshadowing further that Macbeth is evil. Macbeths loyal friend Banquo says you should be women indicating the witches look supernatural and revolting, further heightening tensions within the audience.Later stage directions state th e Witches disappear, elaborating further that the witches are in fact supernatural beings. Banquo has hallucinations, a common element of the Gothic theme, the sense of uncertainty in this soldier earlier expound as a spent swimmer creates the contrast and worry within the audience about the extent of the witches powers, the mood becomes more and more negative and homophile(a) as to what the witches are capable of. Later in the scene Macbeth, in an aside he says As happy prologues to the swelling act of the imperial theme. nitty-gritty he is happy that the witches may be right and that he may be on his way to becoming King, which for an audience during this era would be shocking. Shakespeare does this for dramatic effect. This is soon followed by the implication that Macbeth has considered killing the King whose horrid image doth unfix my hair. This is outrageous to the Jacobean audience, the mood becomes angry and tense as Macbeth starts to become justifiably disliked. He seems the anti-hero with the fatal floor of ambition.The final hint is that a later aside Macbeth mimics the evil witches in using rhyming couplets, strengthening his link with them. Throughout these scenes Shakespeare uses violent and supernatural language, as well as contrast between iambic pentameter and rhyming couplets to strengthen the ongoing development of a tense atmosphere. The atmosphere revolves closely around Macbeth and foreshadows well for the events to follow. Shakespeare does this to highlight Macbeths introduction at the antagonist.

Mayans, Incas, and Aztecs

The Three Great American Cultures Central and South America is said to have been beginning discovered in the late ordinal century however, to say that the land before this time was unk straightawayn to all of humanity would be a fallacy and a great insult to the lead great ancient cultures that ruled before their European conquest. The Aztecs, Incas, and Mayans were three distinct groups of people that thrived in the Americas prior to their discovery and all have a variously rich background full of people, tradition, and culture.Recorded Aztecan history begins at the start of the twelfth century when the Aztec people first moved out in reckon of a new homeland. In 1325 they founded their new home with the creation of Tenochtitlan, a large city which is now the location of super C-day Mexico City. The life of the Aztec people was multifaceted alter with shallow systems, laws, clothing fashions, and traditional food. They had different scholastic buildings in place for children depending on their economic and noble rank among the people.Noble children would attend a school called a calmecac that would teach them history, religion, and the ways to govern. Meanwhile, the common children could go to a telpochacalli where they would learn aspects of war and trade work, but if a child showed enough promise and parole he or she could be sent up to one of the calmecacs to prepare for a higher future career. Crime and punishment was a severe issuing for Aztecs the breaking of many of their laws resulted immediately in death, some of which included adultery, treason, theft, drunkenness, and even cutting down a living tree.Interestingly as well, if a joint were to wear cotton clothing (something reserved only for nobility) they too would be put to death. Nobles dressed most lavishly among their people, opting for the brightest colors, and often used bird feathers to induce headdresses that indicate their high status. The staple food for the Aztecs was corn. They also ate tomatoes, avocadoes, and tamales. Aztecs ruled for hundreds of years up until their peak in 1502 under their ruler Moctezuma II. The Spanish first arrived in 1519 with the conquistador Hernando Cortez, and by 1522 all the Aztecs once celebrated in Tenochtitlan was destroyed.Toward the south during the same time as the Aztecan people, the Incas were also in their peak from 1200 until 1535. They lived in what is now Peru and Chile, and before their fall had massed the largest Native American society. Part of the reasoning behind why the Incas became such a large tribe comes from their dominance in strife and their desire to conquer the neighboring tribes. During their peak, the Incan army had over forty thousand troops, patrolling in their lands. Living in the Andes mountain range also make for some interesting architecture.The Incas made large fortresses on the sides of steep mountains in order to protect their people and also see enemies if they were attacking from afar. Arranged as they were on the sides of mountains, Incan cities lead themselves to be hierarchically and religiously symbolic. The tallest point of their cities were reserved for religious practices, often in adoration for their sun god along with their buildings, the Incas had advanced drainage systems used for irrigation to grow many of the crops the Aztecs did such as tomatoes, corn, cocoa, and cotton.Sadly the Incans shared more with the Aztecs than just their mutual crops in 1535 they too were conquered by Spanish forces. While the Aztecs and Incas had much in common, perhaps the most different of the three great American societies were the Mayans found in the southern tip of common day Mexico and Guatemala. Unlike their neighbors to the north and south, the Mayans did not govern its people under a single ruler. Instead, the Mayans were comprised of smaller local city-states that ruled independently of one another. severally had its own ruler that was believed to be a descendant of the gods.But while they were independently ruled, the city-states all shared a common written language, religious beliefs, and a calendar system. The Mayans are the only spangn Native American culture that developed a written language, of which there are four existing books along with countless murals and wall writings. Much like the Aztecs and Incas, the Mayans practiced human sacrifices. Because they believed that their nobility were decedents of the gods, it was customary for a city-states ruler to partake in ritual battue along with sacrificing rival neighboring nobles.They also followed their ritual calendar that was comprised of a thirteen month and twenty day cycle. It marked the passing of planets, stars, and allowed the people to know when the proper time was to plant and harvest. Perhaps these calendars helped them predict other things as well because unlike the Aztecs and Incas, the Mayans were never conquered by Spain because of their mysterious disappearance around the 16th century. Works Cited The Ancient Aztecs. Think Quest. 1999. Web. 1 February 2010. Criscenzo, Jeeni. The Maya. Jaguar Sun. 2000. Web. 1 February 2010. Inca. Minnesota State University. Web. 1 February 2010.

Chik-Fil-a

Chick-fil-A is ane of the most successful fast food restaurant establishments in the country. With over 1,300 locations in 37 states in the Southern U. S. , they pertain to grow the brand by expanding to natural territories (Chick-fil-A Company, 2009, parity 1). In 2008 Chick-fil-A has seen a 12. 17 percent sales increase over the chains 2007 consummation and a same store sale increase of 4. 59 percent (Chick-fil-A Company, 2009, para1). Throughout the years Chick-fil-A has come up with many innovative ideas to continue expanding business enterprise and satisfying their loyal guests.One of the ideas was to spin different types of restaurant set-ups to cater to customers needs. The different restaurant set-ups include mall/in line, stand-alone, tease-thru sole(prenominal) outlets, dwarf houses, Truetts grills, licensed non-traditional outlets (franchises) and satellite/lunch-counter. After proper research of different geographical locations the writer has decided to buy into a chic-fil-A franchise zoned in the Columbia County, Grovetown atomic number 18a. Executive Summary Chick-fil-As mission is to be Americas best quick-service restaurant at winning and keeping customers (ChristiaNet, 2009, para 2).We go away strive to be the premier fast food franchise of its kind in the North East foodstuff with future goals of expanding into our European territories. Our goal is to keep one timber ahead of the competition by offering a clean environment, dynamic customer service, and overall quality products and services. Chick -fil-As purpose statement reveals the heart of the social club That we might glorify God by being a faithful steward in all that is entrusted to our care, and that we might have a positive do work on all the people that we might come in contact with (ChristiaNet, 2009, para 2).We want our customers to experience the highest level of satisfaction in that location is to offer during their take care at our franchise. We allow deliver a quality controlled atmosphere with efficient state-of-the art appliances, and provide extraordinary customer service so that every customer will benefit from our success. Identify the marketing particle for the product and explain why this segment was selected The location selected to launch the Chik-fil-a franchise will be in Columbia county centrally located in Grovetown. This area was selected because of its potential profitability. Potential profitability is a function of the current market size, its evaluate growth, current and anticipated levels of competition, and customer behavior and expectations (lacobucci, 2010 ). Columbia Countys rapid growth has transformed this county from a rural neighbor of Augusta to the major suburban county in the secondly largest metropolitan area in Georgia (Columbia County, 2009, para 1). There are many reasons for their rapid growth a growing and diversified job market, a premier school system, affordable land, open spaces lending an air of the countryside, and a stable, conservative county government.Columbia County is predominantly residential and includes a highly-skilled workforce. According to Federal nose count figures released over the past decade, Columbia is the regions fastest growing county. However, there are still some improvements needed for the revolving community. As stated above Grovetown is a city on the move, constantly reinventing itself to appeal to a variety of residents. However, there are improvements needed that would make the Grovetown area more than marketable. Currently there arent comme il faut eating places in close proximity to residents live west of the county which is considered Grovetown.There is unaccompanied one Mexican and Chinese restaurant, a McDonalds, Subway, and KFC in the community. Surrounding areas offer a larger variety of fast food and dining restaurants but the closest Chic-fil-A is about 10 miles away from the Grovetown area. There are currently only six chik-f il-A locations throughout the city of Augusta which is not considered many at all. That is going to give the entrepreneur a huge advantage at start-up that there is not many other chik-fil-As close by and throughout the city. Being that Chick-fil-A is Americas number one choice of fast food, the others outweart stand a chance.Discuss the target market and why these customers will be targeted The target market will include residents living in the Grovetown/Harlem area and also the army base, Ft. Gordon located approximately 2 miles from the Gate 2 Grovetown entrance. Military personnel make up the vast majority of residents living in the Grovetown area. Ft. Gordon also servicings as a readiness base for new soldiers coming into service so there is a large market segment being targeted. Ft. Gordon only has a Blimpes, Popeyes, Burger King, Godfathers pizza, Chinese, and Huddle House. Based on the current market, Chik-fil-a will have a huge warring advantage.With sickness rapidly a ttacking the bodies of young and older adults healthier alternatives are taken into consideration. Exercise with a combination of healthier diets is now a priority of much of America. Chik-fil-a will be one of the healthier alternatives that Grovetown will welcome hole-heartedly. Whats better than to start your morning with a custom cup of coffee and a low-spirited calorie breakfast sandwich? Adding the franchise here will attract morning employees heading to work, 3rd shift workers heading home from work, and many customers in between are most likely to choose Chick-fil-A over McDonalds and Subway on any given day.Conduct a SWOT (strengths, weakness, opportunities and treats) psychoanalysis for the friendship SWOT Analysis Chick-fil-A is a unique position of competition. We compete against neighborhood fast food chains such as McDonalds, KFC, and Subway. However, there is truly no threat against Americas preferred fast food restaurants, Chik-fil-a. Offering numerous low calorie s, fat free items, Chick-fil-A has the best competitive advantage. The benefits and drawbacks of for each one of our competitors as comparingd with the services we offer are hardly a match in quality and damage.When it comes to nutrition, McDonalds falls short of the victory over Chick-fil-A. However, McDonalds wills serve as our most stiff competition. In addition to hamburgers, fries, and soft drinks, McDonalds offer grilled chicken sandwiches, an array of salads, Fruit n Yogurt Parfaits, Apple Dippers with downhearted Fat Caramel Dip, juice, 1% low fat milk, and, at many restaurants, soups (McDonalds Nutrition, 2009, para 5). It has helped McDonalds tremendously however, Chik-fil-As healthier choices are a bit more pleasing to the taste buds.On the other hand, Subway has proven to have a nutritional advantage over Chick-fil-A but the quality of service or product does not add up to exceed its customer base. KFC has surely stepped up their competitive edge by comparing their i tems to its competitor examine by its calorie value. If you go to the KFC website it displays the meal choices and calorie values of McDonalds, Subway and Dunkin Donuts against its new grilled chicken meal. Chick-fil-A was not one of the selected fast food components that KFC could compare itself to. Chick-fil-As main strategy is to focus on providing a quality controlled tmosphere for the customer with extraordinary customer service while gaining loyal customers.McDonalds is stress on growing market share with a disciplined pricing strategy to provide great tasting food at an affordable price (McDonalds Media Center, 2009, para 3). Chick-fil-A understands that the customer drives the business and that most important is to satisfy the customer through superb customer service by offering extensive training to their employees. The writer can attest that competitors such as McDonalds, KFC, and Subway can all use improvement in this area. Another competitive edge is our involvement wi thin the community.We will always oblige to be a sponsor for any charitable activities going on in our community. Chick-fil-A and McDonalds are heard more in the media providing programs and sponsorships for their employees and charity events. The residential outlets are continuing to grow tremendously in Columbia County offering Chik-fil-a great opportunities and sponsorship possibilities. Describe the market position for your product and service. A quality that distinguishes chik-fil-A from there fast food competitors is its commitment to the customer and as a core they have been honored with three Customer service based awards. result quality is another area that has an effect on the volume of business. If customers are abandoned to receiving quality produced products they are motivated to buy from the supplier because they know what they can expect each time. That is important element in fast food chains. Who wants to drive away from the restaurant with cold food? Complete tur n off for the customer and it is sure to leave a bad taste in their let the cat out of the bag for this particular restaurant. In surveys conducted by Marketing and Research Counselors, Inc. Chick-fil-As core placard products, including the Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets and Chik-fil-A Chick-n-Strips, have consistently ranked number one in their respective categories (Chick-fil-A Food, 2007). So chik-fil-a will provide the market with products that are favorable by much of America. The Eat Mor Chikin campaign has increased the chains sales five-fold. The chain has turned the theme into a fully integrated marketing program, which includes store point-of-purchase materials, promotions, radio and TV advertising, and clothing and merchandise sales (Chick-fil-A The Cows, 2007, para 1 ).Chick-fil-As marketing presence is here to stay. The attach to currently has more than 1,380 restaurants in 37 states and Washington, D. C. and enjoyed an aggressive expansion year, opening 80 new restaurants in 2007 (Chick-fil-A Company, 2007, para ). Its just a matter of time before this company takes its business global and leaves its competitors in the wind. Product/Services America loves Chick-fil-A because it can fit into almost any healthy diet through moderation and balanced menu choices. The Chick-fil-A menu offers 10 menu items with 10 or fewer grams of fat.Foods are also cooked in 100 percent refined peanut oil which is naturally trans-fat and cholesterol free (Chick-fil-A Food, 2007). So not only are the eat mor chikin products delicious, but nutritious as well. Chick-fil-As current marketing plan is a huge success. Chock-full a sponsors many events including the Chick-fil-A Bowl, the Atlantic Coast, Southeastern and Big 12 Conferences and Chick-fil-A Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America sponsorships have introduced new audiences to the brand (Chick-fil-A, 2009, para 6).The company participates in many charities around town and always seen in the community volunteering time and making a difference. For the most part prices do not substitute within a 12 month period. Products offered coincide with all Chick-fil-A locations, however, services vary. We take pride in offering our customers the best service so we will honor product prices that are currently held at the corporate offices.ReferencesChristiaNet. (2009) Chick-fil-A CEO, S. Truett Cathy. Retrieved December 7, 2009, from http//christiannews.christianet.com/1097585115.htm Columbia County. (2009) Columbia County Georgia General Information . Retrieved December 5, 2009, from http//www.columbiacountyga.gov/ Hoovers Inc. (2009) Chick-fil-A, Inc.- Overveiw. Retrieved December 7, 2009, from http//www.hoovers.com/company/Chick-fil-A_Inc/hrfkki-1.html Iacobucci, D. (2011). Marketing management 2010 custom edition. Mason, OH South-Western Cengage Learning. McDonalds. (2009) McDonalds Media Center . Retrieved December 9. 2009, from http//www.mcdonalds.com/usa/eat.htmlMcDo nalds. (2009) McDonalds Health, Fitness, and Nutrition . Retrieved December 9. 2009, from http//www.mcdonalds.com/usa/eat.html Waiter on the Way. (2009) Chick-fil-a Southwest. Retrieved December 11, 2009, from http//www.waiterontheway.biz/Chick-fil-a%20Southwest

Working as a Team

1. Introduction People form groups to accomplish a shard polish or task and have done so since the beginning of human history. For instance, cavemen embodimenting a fire together, students working on a group project, or basketball players playing on the same team, the inquire for teamwork is becoming greater. Parker (2011) suggests that teamwork is inbred for business organizations to achieve success. Nowadays, working efficiently with others in a team is a key skill in order to detain in the competitive world of work.In any global business, certain skills and strategies are needed to incorporate into developing teams to economize effective outcomes. The range of skills includes pauperization, affair circumspection and team goals. This essay will examine the three mentioned aspects of teamwork that would prepare a person to work effectively in a team environment, supported by two real world examples for each aspect to show how individuals in organizations work successfully as active team players. 2. Body Firstly, motivation is an essential element in team-based workplaces.Workers are not mechanism, when they are asked to do the same tasks repeatedly, they will easily lose their interest or passion for their jobs. Consequently, a nice way to keep team members passion is to motivate them. Motivation possibility is one of the most vital theories in Human Resource Management. Armstrong (2001, p. 155) explains the motivation theory is applicable in organizations where they motivate their team members to utilize their skills and knowledge. This would aid at surpassing the organizations goals and improve the capability to provide better for their teams.According to a research conducted by Macky and Johnson (2003, p. 82), the result shows that when teams are provided with a satisfactory workplace reflecting each personal necessity and requirement, instead of a higher wage or bonus, members are cause to work harder and more efficiently. This indicates that using beneficial motivators is becoming more classic in nowadays business. In the operation of organizations, examples show motivation plays an important subroutine in achieving success. Howard Schultz, the chief executive officer ( chief executive officer) of Google Inc. hich is based in California, considers that the success of the company is to put their employees as the first priority in its offices. According to the authoritative website of Google (2011), the company offers a great range of benefits, including dining facilities, aerobics studios, laundry rooms, massage rooms, haircuts, car wash service and more. He firmly believes that appreciation is the shell motivation, by providing a fun and inspiring workspace, team members are able to work in a positive atmosphere.This means team partners nooky motivate each other to satisfy their own needs, thus a greater opportunity to offer a higher level of performance (Google, 2011). Schultz is the CEO of Starbucks, an internati onal coffeehouse chain based in Seattle, USA, applies the same principle that employees matter just as much as products do. Michelli (2008) states that Starbucks provides a variety of wellbeing measures for the Starbucks teams, for instance, accommodation discounts, medical insurance, and vacations.This shows when the company satisfies team members needs, they are encouraged to work towards the same goal and strive for the best for the company. From these two examples, it is clear that therefore motivation can lead team members to provide higher quality of work and increase the profit of the company. Secondly, remainder management is a vital aspect in a high-performance team. Conflict is defined as the perceived difference among two or more parties resulting in mutual opposition (Bartol et al, 2008, p. 24). Conflicts are inevitable as unalike members in teams have different opinions and methods to show their variations (Engleberg, Wynn, 2006, p. 147). Some of the major causes of conflicts are arise from the oppose perspective of members desire, goals, values and beliefs (DeJanasz, Dowd, Schneifer, 2001, p. 243). Conflicts and arguments in teams can rise negative feelings among members such as lost sight of team goal, these feelings may lead to failure in achieving effective outcomes (Engleberg, Wynn, 2006, p. 48). Therefore, it is important for team members to recognize the effective strategies in dealing with conflicts in order to minimize fighting and hostility. With proper conflict management, workers are able to work profitably as a team where differentiality are accepted (Boone, Kurtz, 2010, p. 2). This shows development of conflict management techniques is essential in contemporary business. In any team-based workplace, correct conflict management can enhance the success of organizations can achieve.The CEO of a Houston-based Birkman International Company, Richard Goldman introduced a policy where his team of employees need to attend compulsive comm union classes every week in attempt to reduce conflicts arise from misunderstanding when they communicate (Tallia et al, 2006). Goldman considers that overcoming communication barriers can provide outstanding insights with team members thoughts and act (Tallia et al, 2006). This suggests that team members are allowed to work more practically together when conflicts are handled and solved with efficient management skills.Another example is McDonalds, the worlds largest chain of fast nutrition restaurant located internationally. The CEO James A. Skinner believes that by offering training programs, such as McDonalds Management Development Program, managers can build a fully understanding of the companys policy and the basic skills of manager when working with other people in the McDonalds Crew (McDonalds, 2011). This enables mangers to provide a better management performance when dealing with conflicts. As a result, staff can create a harmony team environment and maintain effective a chievement.The above two examples indicates that conflict management is crucial in the success of organizations. Lastly, leadership is vital in team-oriented workplaces. Ivancevich & Matteson (2002, p. 45) define team leadership as the process of influencing others to facilitate the attainment of organizationally relevant goals. Leadership is important as it has been addressed as essential to achievement in teams(Gill, 2006, p. 1). A team leader with distinct leadership skills are able to help members to further the achievement of success.Good leadership skills include clear vision, the ability to spot the difference between team members, realise the team together to work towards the same goal and more (Armstrong, 2009, p. 36). All of these bring positive outcomes in teams. As a result, in nowadays organizations, leadership is one of the most vital aspect to be considered. The positive outcomes that team-based organizations achieve are visible. Carol Baines took over the Baines Com pany after the finis of her husband, the previous owner of the company.She spent her time in the company to familiarize herself with the staff and operations of the company. She then analyzed the companys situation and put up a powerful set of term goals for the company. With her determined vision and remarkable leadership skill, she created a family-like atmosphere for team members to work in. Members saw the clear goal of the company, thus significant success was achieved by the company (Northouse, 2010, p. 30). Another good leader is Steve Jobs, the CEO of America-based electronic company, Apple, Inc.. His good leadership skills have effectively bring success to the company.His quest for perfection has motivated his team to perform their best work quality. These two example makes it clear that leadership makes a huge different in maintaining effective outcomes of organizations. Conclusion To conclude, this essay has examined three aspects of teamwork that are essential when wor king effectively with other people in business organizations, namely motivation, conflict management and team goals. It has also provided with real life examples that showed how organizations can incorporate numbers of skills and strategies to create the right team environment.First of all, motivation can create a positive team environment for team members to work effectively together. In addition, proper conflict management can reduce arguments and fights between team members in order to maintain efficient outcomes in organizations. Finally, leadership . Good teamwork certainly is beneficial in the operation of organizations and has become an important aspect to be considered. As s result, organizations should be aware of those aspects and utilize the ability of teams.

Modern Philosophy Essay

Herman Ebbinghaus has pointed out that psychology and philosophy are intertwined one style or the other. In order for Psychologists to study human behavior, as substantially as metal serve up, they must go step back and consider being philosophical. One must be rational and logical when studying this process and behavior, thus going back to psychologys root. Towards the end of the Renaissance period, Rene Descartes emerged and was tagged as the father of Modern Philosophy.As mentioned, Philosophy and Psychology do work hand in hand in analyzing human behavior. Descartes ideas were formed when he said that he found formal education with the Jesuits was non enough to apply his thirst for knowledge and distraught on the lack of knowledge that was fed to him during his college or scholastic days. Because of this he opted to explore and find things out on his own. Descartes intemperate desire to get answers and fill his doubts with facts and certainties he spent his time finding wa ys to unite all knowledge.Though a philosopher, he for example, he feature his interests in optics and physiology by extracting the eye of an ox and examining the properties of the lens, thereby discovering the fact that retinal images are inverted (as cited, Vrooman, 1970). Descartes had four rules First, he would accept nothing as unfeigned unless it presented itself so clearly and distinctly to my mind that there was no reason to doubt it (Descartes, 1637/1960, p. 15). Second, he would take problems and analyze them, reducing them to their fundamental elements.Third, he would systematically work from the simplest of these elements to the more complex, and fourth, he would carefully review his conclusions to be certain of omitting nothing. As a rationalist, he has said that reasoning is innate in humans. The readiness to think and put logic and into, perhaps a situation or event in a persons life is something that is natural and that plurality do not rely on just experience. People are given the gift to think and make decisions, and these are made and achieved because of mans ability to rationalize and think logically.Because he was a scientist and a mathematician, he believed that one must doubt on things that has no basis and can not be explained. Cognitive Psychology deals with mental process or the mental state of a person. For instance, studying or analyzing the mental state of a child. correspond to Jean Piaget, a persons mental growth had education as a key role in a childs mental development. It is said that, it is our teachers or mentors that one develops his perception and thinking, among others. In relation to Ebbinghaus study of Memory and Forgetting, experiments have been made in order to analyze a persons capability to memorize and forget.With the help of research and methodology, and Ebbinghaus invention of some tests for memory retention, we begin to understand how memory works and improved. What stuck me most on Watsons manifesto is h is strong point and statement that mans behavior or contribution has been applied to different facets of life and education. Upon reading this, I realized I believed and agree to his principles and view. Psychology is about behavior and a persons behavior is linked to how he thinks. There is an array of reasons why a person acts or exiles in a certain way.This whitethorn be contributed by life experiences, family background, culture or influences of peers. A person may act differently because of their beliefs as well and their way of living. Behavior is also an expression of ones feelings and emotions. An art fanatic or an artist may act differently or a little bit off the edge, but to them, their behavior and ways are but normal and they are exclusively expressing themselves, with the way they talk, dress or even walk. Another example is a persons cultural beliefs and practices. Because people emerged and come from different races and cultures, they act and behave differently.Cu ltural beliefs are formed in our minds at very young age. These were passed on to us by our parent or ancestors. And from that very young age, bowl the time that we grow old, those teachings will remain if not in our hearts but in our subconscious. Even though we move away from our birthplace, one way or the other, in spite the influence of the todays generation and the ever so changing world, we still go back to our own roots and ways. References (N. A. ). DESCARTES THE BEGINNINGS OF MODERN PHILOSOPHY AND SCIENCE (N. A.). Chapter 10 JOHN B. WATSONAND THE FOUNDING OF BEHAVIORISM

Non-Violence

With the simultaneous pro animatenessration of technology and global-poltical danger in the modern world, strategies for countering nearly(prenominal) g everywherenmental oppression, and the outbreak of g everyplacenmental effect and war be urgently needed. Although the century which has recently slipped away the Twentieth Century may be remembered as the bloodiest in history (Martin 625), with hundreds of millions of bulk killed in wars and with weapons of mass destruction being invented, built, deployed and further refined (Martin 625) during the same century when state-sponsored genocide and terrorism became commonly known quantities.Against this backdrop of chaos, war, and an increasingly austere technological landscape, the doctrine of non-violence, or passive opposite, gained an historical currency which is still unmatched. The activities of important leaders give c argon Gandhi, King, and Mandela revealed the truly earth-changing, paradigm shifting potential of no n-violence exsertance as a method for seizing kind initiative and semipolitical power.Because of the implements of these three important leaders. plus a host of other lesser-known figures, and the march of millions of everyday activists, it hindquarters be argued that the rise of nonviolent run was maven of the nearly important developments of the century (Martin 625), and one which has marvelous potential for application in todays voiceless and complex political world.While it is true enough that Gandhi, King, and Mandela over standardized models of non-violent leadership and that key tenants of what might be termed a universal adept of non-violence pervade separately leaders philosophies, distinct differences be in addition recognizable when a comparison of the three leaders ideas, activities, and accomplishments is carried out. Such a study of similarities and differences in the philosophies and treats of these important leaders is crucial to judgment how the ph ilosophy of non-violence may be applied in modern propagation as an antidote to the flagitious and oppressive climate that affrightens much of the world.As noned, unbloody action including methods much(prenominal) as r everyies, strikes, boycotts and sit-ins has become increasingly important in the past century as a method for waging conflict and promoting social deviate (Martin 625) and collectable to the urgent pressure caused by modern political and social ch allenges much(prenominal)(prenominal) as terrorism, global warming, the protection of hu piece of music rights and religious freedom, adapting past approaches of non-violent action to contemporary challenges may be beneficial.Non-violent activism may, in accompaniment, help bestow about important social transplants Some argonas for future expansion of the role of nonviolent action implicate replacing military defence, technological design, challenging capitalism, bureaucratic politics, information struggles an d interpersonal behaviour (Martin 625) the suggestion of non-violence as an all-pervading philosophy applicable byout the adept strata of political and social issues may sound grandiose, save as we provide discriminate, this idea is actually a summation-concept for the three leaders in our study.In this regard, non-violent philosophy takes it grow not in social, political or philosophic idea, but in ghostly convictions or even, religious revelation. An abstraction of nonviolence principles, building on the core participating of political jiu-jitsu in contexts where the opponent does not use physical force (Martin 625) may be the best way to intuitively understand that non-violence does not insinuate non-action of total passivity in the event of aggression. Such a notation is touchy to pin down, but it is a crucial part of activism, unembellished in the breaking of inequitable impartialitys, and passive lastant behaviors which, if not violent, reliablely imply actio n by the participants.In order to shed light on nigh of the to a capaciouser extent challenging aspects of non-violent activism, such as the spiritual aspect, as well as investigate the potential application of non-violent philosophy in modern times, the future(a) legal brief examination of non-violent philosophy according to one-on-onely leader Gandhi, King, and Mandela, give attempt to sketch a general idea of the similarities and differences of each leaders approach and attempt to name if any type of universal vision of non-violent philosophy can be discovered.GANDHIFor Gandhi, non-violence arises out of an organic adult male impulse or basic law of our being (Gandhi, and Merton 23) such a conviction, foe Gandhi, is based not in genetic or biological assumptions or evidence or in logistical philosophical reasoning, but in spiritual ideas. For Gandhi, Ahimsa (non-violence) (Gandhi, and Merton 23) is the opposite of himsa (violence) (Gandhi, and Merton 23), and the attrib utes of each energy are just as distinct. While Ahimsa can be used as the most effective principle for social action, since it is in deep accord with the truth of homosexuals nature and corresponds to his innate bank for peace, justice, order, freedom, and personal dignity (Gandhi, and Merton 23), its opposite energy, himsa, degrades and corrupts man (Gandhi, and Merton 23) thusly to bring himsa energy against himsa energy would be to fight fire with fire.By contrast, the application of ahimsa or non-violent energy to the problem of himsa energy heals and restores mans nature, while giving him a authority to restore social order and justice (Gandhi, and Merton 23). The important thing to remember here is that, for Gandhi, ahimsa and himsa energies are not metaphorical reflections or abstract concepts, they are living, spiritual realities. Although the capacity for ahimsa resides in each person, modern society has left humanity with a much more desperate and disordered reliance on himsa energy.For Gandhi such an alienation of mans true capacities has resulted in a culture where violence seems to be the very foundation of social order and is enthroned as if it were an eternal law, so that man is called upon by society to reject love (Gandhi, and Merton 43) and instead embrace a social ingenuousness which is enforced by violence or by the threat of violence.To meet this himsa-driven society with ahimsa energy adn non-violence requires supreme courage on behalf of the activist. This extra indifferent courage, according to Gandhi, is derived from GodThis courage demands nothing short of the ability to face devastation with complete fearlessness and to suffer without retaliation. Such a program is meaningless and impossible, Gandhi thinks, without mental picture in God.(Gandhi, and Merton 43)The implication in Gandhis ideas is that the activist or the Satyagrahi is enabled, in situation bound, by God to break the laws of man when they are unjust. The decis ion as to how it is determined that a law is unjust is murky and unclear, as we will see this same ambiguity marks both King and Mandelas own approach to non-violent activism. The historical truth is that Gandhi made clear that each Satyagrahi was bound to resist all those laws which he considered to be unjust and which were not of a criminal character, in order to bend the Government to the will of the pile (Gandhi 21) and it is this kind of go which comprises the prompt aspect of non-violent activism.KINGThe expression of non-violent activism by King relied as much on spiritual conviction as that of Gandhi. This conviction brought about a similar fastening to the concept of breaking unjust laws as a method of civil disobedience. King, like Gandhi, found justification for the breaking of social laws by the supplication of betoken Power. The result was that King experienced some difficulty in making his racial and social activism truly universal, although such a desire to do s o formed an underlying precept of his overall strategy for social and political change.In a rather unique twist of philosophy, King opted to not only resist unjust laws non-violently, but tor each out to his so-called opponents white racists with language of reconciliation, good-will, and fellowship. Kings invocations of the good to be achieved (Wolf, and Rosen) were powerful counterparts to his criticisms of the social conditions he desire to transform.Since Kings goal was to to bring the Negro into the mainstream of American life as quickly as possible (Wolf, and Rosen) his reliance on civil disobedience and the breaking of unjust laws by inspired justification, like Gandhis, requires a deeper examination. Such revelation is possible due to Kings extensive writings in fussy his Letter From a Birmingham put behind bars a famous document where he addresses the concern of his fellow clergymen regarding the breaking of laws by civil activists.The letter repeatedly appeals to a sh ared sense of morality King also cites Biblical examples to bolster his argument. Responding to the criticism that his actions and the actions of his followers, even though non-violent in practice, ultimately resulted in violence on the behalf of the white Southerners who beat and put away the protestor (and sometimes lynched or otherwise killed African Americans), King compared the fight for civil rights with the fight of Jesus to spread the gospel.Kings appeal via religion and spiritualism was based in a desire for unity and taking into custody. While he denied accusations of extremity or of inciting violence, he admitted that the impulse for civil rights was, by his reckoning, the will of God. King advises that the will of all people is toward freedom and equality. Oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever. The yearning for freedom eventually manifests itself, and that is what has happened to the American Negro. (King)By forwarding the notion that civil rights are an inevitable outgrowth of both Gods will and the flow of history, King is, in effect, offering a justification for his tactics and philosophies regarding civil rights.The justification for the elements of passive electric exemption which had led to violent opposite is also based in Kings ideas of justice. Kings idea is that Gods law is the highest law and that mans laws may be broken when they obviously disagree with or even insult Gods law.With the impression that Gods Law is the highest law and that history shows that all people will struggle for freedom and liberty, and by likable to the rational sense of justice and the emotional and spiritual senses of brotherhood and love, King acquires justification for his actions but does not seek to evade or subvert laws outright.MANDELAUnlike King, Mandela called for deliberate confrontation with the forces of apartheid which apposed his slang of liberation and freedom. Although he repeatedly expressed his opinion that he was not, in incident, a racist himself, Mandelas rhetoric unlike King and Gandhis, was more polarizing (Wolf, and Rosen) for example, Mandela never essay to appeal to whites and he want by confrontational rhetoric coupled with non-violent activism to through greater polarization to galvanize the situation to crisis take aims, thereby compelling action by the international confederation (Wolf, and Rosen) which in itself presents a divergence in thought from Gandhi and King both of whom sough reconciliation with their enemies.However, rhetoric was simply some other tool in Mandelas non-violent philosophical approach. When, at key moments, he might necessitate called for violence, in actuality, he strove for non-violent change. he might have easily have called for a violent visit of the South African government upon his release after 27 years in prison (Pierce 1) but rather than do so, he advocated non-violent resistance.The idea of appealing to the world community adds another dimension t o the non-violent approach of activism. For Mandela, In this scenario, the international community becomes subrogated to the role of broader constituency that Mandela evoked indirectly (Wolf, and Rosen) but whose support and intervention be crucial to his success. Because of his sometimes volatile rhetoric, Mandela took special care to emphasize his desire for reconciliation across the divide of colour and repeatedly pledged himself anew to cypher for a multiracial society in which all would have a secure place (Pierce 175).Contemporary Impact of Non-Violent StrategiesDespite the contributions of great thinkers and activists like those examined in the preceding, brief discussion, the fact is contemporary society seems no less preoccupied with violence than ever before. By examining the media one has the distinct impression that in the world of media and media-related technology, a great deal of concern has been expressed by both everyday observers and specialists in social-psychol ogy over the possible controvert trespasss that media, and in particular media portrayals of violence, may have upon humbled children and adolescent children.One of the most complex facets of the issue is the still-unknown impact that new technologies such as 24 hour a day cable programming, widespread mesh access, and the digital age in general will have on the generation of modern people who are presently the first to be so overwhelmed by such widespread media and media technologies.An immersive and nearly all-pervading sense of media exists in modern homes that, in fact, the presence of media can be said to form a creation of verity for some(prenominal) people. It is this exact kind of blurred distinction between perceived reality (based on media models and information) and reality (those aspects of life which stand apart from media and media-based models).The distinction between media-reality and reality is not always clear, particularly to small children and adolescent children The boundaries between reality and unreality are especially permeable for small children. They are unable, through at least the age of three or four, to distinguish fact from fantasy. Even older children seldom manage to keep real life and vicarious experience in watertight compartments (Bok 1999, 38) as we will see in the following discussion.The main impact repeated viewings of media violence seems to exert over small children and adolescents is the conflation of media-violence with organic mental processes, many of which exist at such a deep, primitive psychological level in humans that manipulation of these emotions, and psychological dispositions remains, for the most part, beyond the conscious perception of the viewer. In conclusion, although the idea of media-responsibility regarding the impact of violent programming on children and young adults is often cited by critics as a form of censorship, ample scientific evidence and research exists to establish media-violen ce as a certain source of negative influence on young people.The fact of the matter remains despite the right of free speech that media-reality and actual reality are non-distinct at some deep, organic level in human psychology weeks earlier the Los Angeles police officers whose roadside beating of motorist Rodney King had been shown on TV screens the world over had been acquitted by an all-white juryIn that crisis, the boundaries between movies and reality blurred, not only for the public but also for Hollywood producers, directors, and actors who were seeing smoke rising beneath their hillside residences and auditory modality sirens echo up and down the canyons, (Bok 1999, 36) with such a confusing and agitating impact of adult professionals, what can we expect when we expose our children to the same cultural ambiguities through media?If non-violent philosophy according to Gandhi, king, and Mandela is correct thusly violence is not a norm in human society, but a constructed evi l. If, as the proponents of non-violent philosophy suggest, non-violent resolution of conflict is the human norm as we well know from daily experience. We are not programmed in some genetic way to violence (Kent) than a radical re-visioning of our self-identity and self-image as human beings moldiness take place not only in our media and in our educational facilities, but in our individual psyches as well.The applications of non-violent strategies in contemporary culture can be thought of as being as unknown as the implications of deep-space travel because even though the contributions of such historical leaders as Gandhi, King, and Mandela reveals the tremendous power of non-violent activism, the full impact of the philosophy as articulated by these men has far-reaching cultural, global-poltical, and spiritual implications which surpass anything which has as yet occurred in history.In other words, the pioneers of the modern shape of non-violent strategy which we have examined Ga ndhi, King, and Mandela represent not the totality of what the non-violent philosophy can or wants to attain, but the holy beginning of a global transformation which is grow not inly in the basic moral nature of humanity, but in humanitys spiritual destiny and responsibility.Certainly individual leaders and activists continue to utilize the non-violent approach to attain important results in their areas of influence. Modern technology can also help individual activists to promote change by spreading honest information regarding the repercussions of violence and the militarization of political issues. One recent example is when a 1991 massacre in the East Timorese capital Dill was recorded on enter and subsequently broadcast worldwide, this generated enormous support for the resistance (Martin 625) such applications of technology by individuals represent one small but important aspect of the many avenues of potential non-violent methods of change.Other methods include educational strategies based in the ideas forwarded by Gandhi, King, and Mandela. The recognition of the historical impact of the immensely influential strategies of non-violent change and civil disobedience will also help to inform and empower individuals who, in turn, may adopt some of the strategies and ideas reflected upon in the above discussion to help bring about social and political change through non-violent means.ConclusionThe examination of three important world-leaders who based their activism in non-violent philosophy reveals certain universal traits among the different incarnations of non-violent activism. Among these universal traits is a belief in the breaking of unjust laws for the purpose of bringing about social and political change. This belief is often, if not always, accompanied by an ambiguous but firmly articulated that such a braking of laws is based in Divine Will. Another core belief seems to be that non-violence rather than violence is, in fact, more in keeping wit h humanitys organic nature. This idea often results in a corresponding belief that the violence seeming(a) in human society is the result of a kind of perversion of humanitys natural attributes into an unnatural and unhealthy state.Against this backdrop, it is very difficult if not impossible to anticipate the philosophies of non-violent activism as we know them today as anything short of a religious and spiritual philosophy with extremely pragmatic roots in social and political activism. Not only is the spiritual aspect of non-violent philosophy seemingly universal in the three historical figures studied in this short discussion, but the attributes of spirituality embraced by non-violent activists are, in themselves, of great and abiding touch to any observer. A discussion of this aspect alone would probably reveal that the philosophy of non-violence has existed as a spiritual conviction at various times in various cultures throughout the entire history of humanity.Works CitedBa rker, Martin and Julian Petley, eds. 2001. Ill Effects The Media/ abandon Debate. radical York Routledge.Bok, Sissela. 1999. Mayhem Violence as Public Entertainment. Reading, MA Perseus Books.Gandhi, M. K. Non-Violent Resistance (Satyagraha). New York Schocken Books, 1961.Gandhi, Mahatma, and Thomas Merton. Gandhi on Non-Violence. New York New Directions Pub, 1965.Kent, Bruce. Non-Violence The bill of a Dangerous Idea. History Today Feb. 2007 62+.Mandela, Tambo, and the African National sexual relation The Struggle against Apartheid, 1948- 1990. Ed. Sheridan Johns and R. Hunt Davis. New York Oxford University Press, 1991.Martin, Brian. Nonviolent Futures. Futures 33.7 (2001) 625.Pierce, Victoria. A Tribute to Dr. King Civil Rights Leaders Legacy of Non- Violence Is Alive around the World. Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL) 29 Sept. 2006 1.Wolf, Charles, and Brian Rosen. Public Diplomacy Lessons from King and Mandela. Policy Review (2005) 63+.Non-ViolenceWith the simultaneous proliferation of technology and global-poltical danger in the modern world, strategies for countering both political oppression, and the outbreak of political violence and war are urgently needed. Although the century which has recently slipped away the Twentieth Century may be remembered as the bloodiest in history (Martin 625), with hundreds of millions of people killed in wars and with weapons of mass destruction being invented, built, deployed and further refined (Martin 625) during the same century when state-sponsored genocide and terrorism became commonly known quantities.Against this backdrop of chaos, war, and an increasingly dangerous technological landscape, the philosophy of non-violence, or passive resistance, gained an historical currency which is still unmatched. The activities of important leaders like Gandhi, King, and Mandela revealed the truly earth-changing, paradigm shifting potential of non-violence resistance as a method for seizing social initiative and po litical power. Because of the actions of these three important leaders. plus a host of other lesser-known figures, and the action of millions of ordinary activists, it can be argued that the rise of nonviolent action was one of the most important developments of the century (Martin 625), and one which has tremendous potential for application in todays difficult and complex political world.While it is true enough that Gandhi, King, and Mandela over similar models of non-violent leadership and that key tenants of what might be termed a universal sense of non-violence pervade each leaders philosophies, distinct differences are also recognizable when a comparison of the three leaders ideas, activities, and accomplishments is carried out. Such a study of similarities and differences in the philosophies and actions of these important leaders is crucial to understanding how the philosophy of non-violence may be applied in modern times as an antidote to the dangerous and oppressive climate that threatens much of the world. As noted, Nonviolent action including methods such as rallies, strikes, boycotts and sit-ins has become increasingly important in the past century as a method for waging conflict and promoting social change (Martin 625) and due to the urgent pressure caused by modern political and social challenges such as terrorism, global warming, the protection of human rights and religious freedom, adapting past approaches of non-violent action to present-day challenges may be beneficial.Non-violent activism may, in fact, help bring about important social changes Some areas for future expansion of the role of nonviolent action include replacing military defence, technological design, challenging capitalism, bureaucratic politics, information struggles and interpersonal behaviour (Martin 625) the suggestion of non-violence as an all-pervading philosophy applicable throughout the full strata of political and social issues may sound grandiose, but as we will see, this idea is actually a core-concept for the three leaders in our study.In this regard, non-violent philosophy takes it roots not in social, political or philosophical idea, but in spiritual convictions or even, spiritual revelation. An abstraction of nonviolence principles, building on the core dynamic of political jiu-jitsu in contexts where the opponent does not use physical force (Martin 625) may be the best way to intuitively understand that non-violence does not indicate non-action of total passivity in the face of aggression. Such a distinction is difficult to pin down, but it is a crucial part of activism, manifest in the breaking of unjust laws, and passive resistant behaviors which, if not violent, certainly imply action by the participants.In order to shed light on some of the more challenging aspects of non-violent activism, such as the spiritual aspect, as well as investigate the potential application of non-violent philosophy in modern times, the following brief exami nation of non-violent philosophy according to each leader Gandhi, King, and Mandela, will attempt to sketch a general idea of the similarities and differences of each leaders approach and attempt to discover if any type of universal vision of non-violent philosophy can be discovered.For Gandhi, non-violence arises out of an organic human impulse or basic law of our being (Gandhi, and Merton 23) such a conviction, foe Gandhi, is based not in genetic or biological assumptions or evidence or in logistical philosophical reasoning, but in spiritual ideas. For Gandhi, Ahimsa (non-violence) (Gandhi, and Merton 23) is the opposite of himsa (violence) (Gandhi, and Merton 23), and the attributes of each energy are just as distinct. While Ahimsa can be used as the most effective principle for social action, since it is in deep accord with the truth of mans nature and corresponds to his innate desire for peace, justice, order, freedom, and personal dignity (Gandhi, and Merton 23), its opposite energy, himsa, degrades and corrupts man (Gandhi, and Merton 23) therefore to bring himsa energy against himsa energy would be to fight fire with fire.By contrast, the application of ahimsa or non-violent energy to the problem of himsa energy heals and restores mans nature, while giving him a means to restore social order and justice (Gandhi, and Merton 23). The important thing to remember here is that, for Gandhi, ahimsa and himsa energies are not metaphorical reflections or abstract concepts, they are living, spiritual realities. Although the capacity for ahimsa resides in each person, modern society has left humanity with a much more desperate and disordered reliance on himsa energy. For Gandhi such an alienation of mans true capacities has resulted in a culture where violence seems to be the very foundation of social order and is enthroned as if it were an eternal law, so that man is called upon by society to reject love (Gandhi, and Merton 43) and instead embrace a social real ity which is enforced by violence or by the threat of violence.To meet this himsa-driven society with ahimsa energy adn non-violence requires supreme courage on behalf of the activist. This extraordinary courage, according to Gandhi, is derived from GodThis courage demands nothing short of the ability to face death with complete fearlessness and to suffer without retaliation. Such a program is meaningless and impossible, Gandhi thinks, without belief in God.The implication in Gandhis ideas is that the activist or the Satyagrahi is enabled, in fact bound, by God to break the laws of man when they are unjust. The decision as to how it is determined that a law is unjust is murky and unclear, as we will see this same ambiguity marks both King and Mandelas own approach to non-violent activism. The historical truth is that Gandhi made clear that each Satyagrahi was bound to resist all those laws which he considered to be unjust and which were not of a criminal character, in order to bend the Government to the will of the people (Gandhi 21) and it is this kind of twisting which comprises the active aspect of non-violent activism.The expression of non-violent activism by King relied as much on spiritual conviction as that of Gandhi. This conviction brought about a similar adherence to the concept of breaking unjust laws as a method of civil disobedience. King, like Gandhi, found justification for the breaking of social laws by the invocation of Divine Power. The result was that King experienced some difficulty in making his racial and social activism truly universal, although such a desire to do so formed an underlying precept of his overall strategy for social and political change. In a rather unique twist of philosophy, King opted to not only resist unjust laws non-violently, but tor each out to his so-called opponents white racists with language of reconciliation, good-will, and fellowship. Kings invocations of the good to be achieved (Wolf, and Rosen) were powerfu l counterparts to his criticisms of the social conditions he sought to transform.Since Kings goal was to to bring the Negro into the mainstream of American life as quickly as possible (Wolf, and Rosen) his reliance on civil disobedience and the breaking of unjust laws by Divine justification, like Gandhis, requires a deeper examination. Such revelation is possible due to Kings extensive writings in particular his Letter From a Birmingham Jail a famous document where he addresses the concern of his fellow clergymen regarding the breaking of laws by civil activists. The letter repeatedly appeals to a shared sense of religion King also cites Biblical examples to bolster his argument. Responding to the criticism that his actions and the actions of his followers, even though non-violent in practice, ultimately resulted in violence on the behalf of the white Southerners who beat and jailed the protestor (and sometimes lynched or otherwise killed African Americans), King compared the fight for civil rights with the fight of Jesus to spread the gospel.Kings appeal via religion and spirituality was based in a desire for unity and understanding. While he denied accusations of extremity or of inciting violence, he admitted that the impulse for civil rights was, by his reckoning, the will of God. King advises that the will of all people is toward freedom and equality. Oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever. The yearning for freedom eventually manifests itself, and that is what has happened to the American Negro. (King) By forwarding the notion that civil rights are an inevitable outgrowth of both Gods will and the flow of history, King is, in effect, offering a justification for his tactics and philosophies regarding civil rights.The justification for the elements of passive resistance which had led to violent confrontation is also based in Kings ideas of justice. Kings idea is that Gods law is the highest law and that mans laws may be broken when they obviousl y disagree with or even insult Gods law.With the belief that Gods Law is the highest law and that history shows that all people will struggle for freedom and liberty, and by appealing to the rational sense of justice and the emotional and spiritual senses of brotherhood and love, King attains justification for his actions but does not seek to evade or subvert laws outright.Unlike King, Mandela called for deliberate confrontation with the forces of apartheid which apposed his view of liberation and freedom. Although he repeatedly expressed his opinion that he was not, in fact, a racist himself, Mandelas rhetoric unlike King and Gandhis, was more polarizing (Wolf, and Rosen) for example, Mandela never attempted to appeal to whites and he sought by confrontational rhetoric coupled with non-violent activism to through greater polarization to galvanize the situation to crisis levels, thereby compelling action by the international community (Wolf, and Rosen) which in itself presents a di vergence in thought from Gandhi and King both of whom sough reconciliation with their enemies.However, rhetoric was simply another tool in Mandelas non-violent philosophical approach. When, at key moments, he might have called for violence, in actuality, he strove for non-violent change. he might have easily have called for a violent overthrow of the South African government upon his release after 27 years in prison (Pierce 1) but rather than do so, he advocated non-violent resistance. The idea of appealing to the world community adds another dimension to the non-violent approach of activism. For Mandela, In this scenario, the international community becomes subrogated to the role of broader constituency that Mandela evoked indirectly (Wolf, and Rosen) but whose support and intervention proved crucial to his success. Because of his sometimes volatile rhetoric, Mandela took special care to emphasize his desire for reconciliation across the divide of colour and repeatedly pledged hims elf anew to work for a multiracial society in which all would have a secure place (Pierce 175).Contemporary Impact of Non-Violent StrategiesDespite the contributions of great thinkers and activists like those examined in the preceding, brief discussion, the fact is contemporary society seems no less preoccupied with violence than ever before. By examining the media one has the distinct impression that in the world of media and media-related technology, a great deal of concern has been expressed by both everyday observers and specialists in social-psychology over the possible negative impacts that media, and in particular media portrayals of violence, may have upon small children and adolescent children. One of the most complex facets of the issue is the still-unknown impact that new technologies such as 24 hour a day cable programming, widespread Internet access, and the digital age in general will have on the generation of young people who are presently the first to be so overwhelm ed by such widespread media and media technologies.An immersive and nearly all-pervading sense of media exists in modern homes that, in fact, the presence of media can be said to form a basis of reality for many people. It is this exact kind of blurred distinction between perceived reality (based on media models and information) and reality (those aspects of life which stand apart from media and media-based models). The distinction between media-reality and reality is not always clear, particularly to small children and adolescent children The boundaries between reality and unreality are especially permeable for small children. They are unable, through at least the age of three or four, to distinguish fact from fantasy. Even older children rarely manage to keep real life and vicarious experience in watertight compartments (Bok 1999, 38) as we will see in the following discussion.The main impact repeated viewings of media violence seems to exert over small children and adolescents is the conflation of media-violence with organic psychological processes, many of which exist at such a deep, primitive psychological level in humans that manipulation of these emotions, and psychological dispositions remains, for the most part, beyond the conscious perception of the viewer. In conclusion, although the idea of media-responsibility regarding the impact of violent programming on children and young adults is often cited by critics as a form of censorship, ample scientific evidence and research exists to establish media-violence as a certain source of negative influence on young people.The fact of the matter remains despite the right of free speech that media-reality and actual reality are non-distinct at some deep, organic level in human psychology weeks earlier the Los Angeles police officers whose roadside beating of motorist Rodney King had been shown on TV screens the world over had been acquitted by an all-white juryIn that crisis, the boundaries between movies and reality blurred, not only for the public but also for Hollywood producers, directors, and actors who were seeing smoke rising beneath their hillside residences and hearing sirens echo up and down the canyons, (Bok 1999, 36) with such a confusing and agitating impact of adult professionals, what can we expect when we expose our children to the same cultural ambiguities through media?If non-violent philosophy according to Gandhi, king, and Mandela is correct then violence is not a norm in human society, but a constructed evil. If, as the proponents of non-violent philosophy suggest, non-violent settlement of conflict is the human norm as we well know from daily experience. We are not programmed in some genetic way to violence (Kent) than a radical re-visioning of our self-identity and self-image as human beings must take place not only in our media and in our educational facilities, but in our individual psyches as well.The applications of non-violent strategies in contemporary cultu re can be thought of as being as unknown as the implications of deep-space travel because even though the contributions of such historical leaders as Gandhi, King, and Mandela reveals the tremendous power of non-violent activism, the full impact of the philosophy as articulated by these men has far-reaching cultural, global-poltical, and spiritual implications which surpass anything which has yet occurred in history. In other words, the pioneers of the modern incarnation of non-violent strategy which we have examined Gandhi, King, and Mandela represent not the totality of what the non-violent philosophy can or wants to attain, but the mere beginning of a global transformation which is rooted not inly in the basic moral nature of humanity, but in humanitys spiritual destiny and responsibility.Certainly individual leaders and activists continue to utilize the non-violent approach to attain important results in their areas of influence. Modern technology can also help individual activi sts to promote change by spreading honest information regarding the repercussions of violence and the militarization of political issues. One recent example is when a 1991 massacre in the East Timorese capital Dill was recorded on videotape and subsequently broadcast worldwide, this generated enormous support for the resistance (Martin 625) such applications of technology by individuals represent one small but important aspect of the many avenues of potential non-violent methods of change.Other methods include educational strategies based in the ideas forwarded by Gandhi, King, and Mandela. The recognition of the historical impact of the immensely influential strategies of non-violent change and civil disobedience will also help to inform and empower individuals who, in turn, may adopt some of the strategies and ideas reflected upon in the above discussion to help bring about social and political change through non-violent means.ConclusionThe examination of three important world-lea ders who based their activism in non-violent philosophy reveals certain universal traits among the different incarnations of non-violent activism. Among these universal traits is a belief in the breaking of unjust laws for the purpose of bringing about social and political change. This belief is often, if not always, accompanied by an ambiguous but firmly articulated that such a braking of laws is based in Divine Will. Another core belief seems to be that non-violence rather than violence is, in fact, more in keeping with humanitys organic nature. This idea often results in a corresponding belief that the violence evident in human society is the result of a kind of perversion of humanitys natural attributes into an unnatural and unhealthy state.Against this backdrop, it is very difficult if not impossible to envision the philosophies of non-violent activism as we know them today as anything short of a religious and spiritual philosophy with extremely pragmatic roots in social and po litical activism. Not only is the spiritual aspect of non-violent philosophy seemingly universal in the three historical figures studied in this short discussion, but the attributes of spirituality embraced by non-violent activists are, in themselves, of great and abiding interest to any observer. A discussion of this aspect alone would probably reveal that the philosophy of non-violence has existed as a spiritual conviction at various times in various cultures throughout the entire history of humanity.Works CitedBarker, Martin and Julian Petley, eds. 2001. Ill Effects The Media/Violence Debate. New York Routledge.Bok, Sissela. 1999. Mayhem Violence as Public Entertainment. Reading, MA Perseus Books.Gandhi, M. K. Non-Violent Resistance (Satyagraha). New York Schocken Books, 1961.Gandhi, Mahatma, and Thomas Merton. Gandhi on Non-Violence. New York New Directions Pub, 1965.Kent, Bruce. Non-Violence The History of a Dangerous Idea. History Today Feb. 2007 62+.Mandela, Tambo, and the African National Congress The Struggle against Apartheid, 1948- 1990. Ed. Sheridan Johns and R. Hunt Davis. New York Oxford University Press, 1991.Martin, Brian. Nonviolent Futures. Futures 33.7 (2001) 625.Pierce, Victoria. A Tribute to Dr. King Civil Rights Leaders Legacy of Non- Violence Is Alive around the World. Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL) 29 Sept. 2006 1.Wolf, Charles, and Brian Rosen. Public Diplomacy Lessons from King and Mandela. Policy Review (2005) 63+.

Purple Hibiscus †Character List Essay

Kambili AchikeThe main character who narrates the story of her familys breakd bear. When the story begins, Kambili is fifteen years gray-headed and painfully shy. She lives under the strict Catholic nonice of her father, who expects his children to succeed at all costs. As semipolitical unrest seizes Nigeria, Kambili is introduced to a new way of life by her liberal aunt. Though she retains her faith by several horr cobblers lastous events, Kambili learns to drumhead authority when necessary.JajaKambilis br new(prenominal), who is about two years older than her. desire Kambili, Jaja strains under the tyranny of his father. After both(prenominal) his infant and stick argon hospitalized from beatings, Jaja begins to rebel. Jaja is rational and protective and more(prenominal) outgoing than his sister. He severs ties with both his father and faith. Jaja takes the blame for his mothers crime. popping (Eugene Achike)A bounteous man in the Achikes village of Enugu, pop music r uns several successful factories and publishes an English-language newspaper infamous for its reproval of Nigerias corrupt government. He is a devout Catholic who expects nothing less than perfection from his family. pascal punishes his wife and children in order to correct their behaviour. Papa is beloved in his community but is disoriented from his own father and his handed-down Afri washbowl culture.Mama (Beatrice Achike)Mama is a quiet and ghostly woman, addicted to obeying the rule of her husband. Though the sophisticate worsens over time, she refuses to leave. Ultimately, she realizes she must protect her children and poisons her husband. auntie IfeomaPapas sister who teaches at the University in nearby Nsukka. Ifeoma is widowed, caring for three children on a meagre salary. She is liberal and point-blank but excessively a devout Catholic. Unlike her brother, she respects the religion and traditions of her father. Her way of life inspires Kambili and Jaja to conceive their own upbringing. Papa-NnukwuIfeoma and Eugenes father. Papa-Nnukwu is a traditionalist, holding on to the faith of his ancestors. Kambili grows to love Papa-Nnukuw contempt her fathers warnings that he is a heathen. Through his joy and warm spirit, Kambili learns that both family and faith ar more abstruse than what she has been taught.Amaka auntie Ifeomas eldest daughter, fifteen years old. She is fiercely loyal to her Nigerian roots despite her Catholic upbringing. Amaka is critical of her cousins wealth and quietness. all overtime, Amaka and Kambili come to understand one another and a sisterly bond is forged through adversity.Obiora aunty Ifeomas eldest son, fourteen years old. Since the dying of his father, Obiora has assumed the role of man of the house. He is questioning and mature and de wilds in intellectual debate. Obiora inspires Jaja to open his eyes.ChimaAunty Ifeomas unripenedest boy, seven years old. Chima is the baby and does not yet have many responsib ilities. He clings onto his mother and to both Obiora and preceptor Amadi. It is clear he misses a male role model. bewilder AmadiA young missionary priest based in the chaplaincy in Nsukka. Kambili falls in love with him. He is warm and gentle to the children of the village, representing a contemporary take on faith. He is respectful of his Nigerian roots, incorporating inhering Igbo songs of worship into his sermons. His bond with Aunty Ifeomas family is strong. He enjoys lively debate with both Amaka andObiora. He is interpreted with Kambili in part because she is so quiet. He encourages Kambili to spread her wings.Father benedictThe white, British-born head of St. Agnes, the Achikes church. He is a supportive ally of Papas, praising him constantly as one of the pillars of the community. Father benedick is austere and offers all his view of religion.Ade CokerThe editor of the Standard, Papas paper. With Papas support, he is openly critical of the corrupt government and becom es a political target. He is killed by a garner bomb bearing the State Seal.Yewande CokerAdes wife. She is widowed with two young children, who Papa tries to help.SisiThe passive servant girl in the Achike category. Sisi provides Mama with the poison used to kill Papa.Chinwe YidezeA gossipy schoolfellow of Kambilis. She beats Kambili for head of class in one term.EzinneThe provided classmate who is kind to Kambili.KevinThe Achikes driver. Mama fires him later on Papa dies.ChiakuA professor friend of Aunty Ifeomas, who is critical of a move to America.Purple Hibiscus principal(prenominal) ThemesComing of AgeKambili and Jaja both come of age in Purple Hibiscus as a leave of their experiences. The leger opens with Jaja rebelling against his devout Catholic father by skipping communion on address Sunday, an important religious holiday. The following chapters detail the events that end in Jajas defiance. The book is narrated by Kambili three years by and by this incident. Since s he has been stunted by the severe penaltys of her father, Kambili barely speaks. Her narration is striking because it can be concluded that she finds her own voice throughout this ordeal. Both Kambili and Jaja take steps towards adulthood by overcoming adversity and being undefended to new thoughts. Part of growing up is building your own identity by choosing which paths to follow. In Enugu, the only path Kambili and Jaja are allowed to follow is Papa. He writes out schedules and severely punishes them when they stray. When Kambili and Jaja visit their Aunty Ifeoma in Nsukka, they are astonished by what they find. Though her home is small and devoid of luxuries, there is love and respect. Her children Amaka and Obiora are allowed to question authority and choose their own paths. Obiora, though he is three years younger than Jaja, is articulate and protective. He has been initiated into Igbo culture by performing a rite of manhood. Jaja was not allowed to participate and is ashamed that he is lag behind his cousin. In Nsukka, Jaja is encouraged to rethink his allegiances and make his own decisions. Aunty Ifeoma encourages Kambili to reconsider her stance on Papa-Nnukwu. As she has been taught by Papa, her grandfather is a heathen. But when she searches his face, she sees no signs of godliness. After witnessing his innocence ritual, Kambili questions the absolute rule of her father. Both Kambili and Jaja take major steps towards adulthood by claiming their individuality.Religion at that place is a pedigree between Father Benedict and Father Amadi. Priest at Papas beloved St. Agnes, Father Benedict is a white man from England who conducts his masses according to European custom. Papa adheres to Father Benedicts style, banishing every trace of his own Nigerian heritage. Papa uses his faith to justify abusing his children. Religion only if is not toblame. Papa represents the wave of fundamentalism in Nigeria that corrupts faith. Father Amadi, on the other hand, is an African priest who blends universality with Igbo traditions. He believes that faith is both simpler and more complex than what Father Benedict preaches. Father Amadi is a modern African man who is culturally-conscious but influenced by the colonial history of his unpolished. He is not a chaste absolutist like Papa and his God. Religion, when wielded by someone gentle, can be a positive force, as it is in Kambilis life. Papa-Nnukwu is a traditionalist. He follows the rituals of his ancestors and believes in a pantheistic model of religion. Though both his son and daughter converted to Catholicism, Papa-Nnukwu held on to his roots. When Kambili witnesses his morning ritual, she realizes that their faiths are not as different as they appear. Kambilis faith extends beyond the boundaries of one religion. She revels in the beauty of nature, her family, her prayer, and the Bible. When she witnesses the miracle at Aokpe, Kambilis devotion is confirmed. Aunty Ifeoma agrees that God was present even though she did not see the apparition. God is all around Kambili and her family, and can take the form of a smile. The individualistic nature of faith is explored in Purple Hibiscus. Kambili tempers her devotion with a reverence for her ancestors. Jaja and Amaka end up rejecting their faith because it is inexorably linked to Papa and colonialism, respectively.ColonialismColonialism is a complex root in Nigeria. For Papa-Nnukwu, colonialism is an evil force that enslaved the Igbo people and eradicated his traditions. For Papa, colonialism is responsible for his access to higher education and grace. For Father Amadi, it has resulted in his faith but he sees no reason that the old and new ways cant coexist. Father Amadi represents modern Nigeria in the global world. Papa is a product of a colonialist education. He was schooled by missionaries and studied in English. The wisdom he takes back to Nigeria is largely informed by those who have annex his country. He abando ns the traditions of his ancestors and chooses to speak primarily in British-accented English in public. His large estate is filled with westbound luxuries like satellite TV and music. Amaka assumes that Kambili follows American pop stars while she listens to musicians who embrace theirAfrican heritage. But the caparison of Papas success are hollow. The children are not allowed to watch television. His home, modernized up to Hesperian standards, is for appearances only. There is emptiness in his home just as his accent is falsified in front of whites. Over the course of the novel, both Kambili and Jaja must come to terms with the lingering after-effects of colonialism in their own lives. They both line up to life outside their fathers grasp by embracing or accepting traditional ways.Nigerian PoliticsBoth Kambili and the nation are on the cusp of dramatic changes. The political mood of Nigeria and the internal drama of the Achike family are intertwined. After Nigeria declared inde pendence from Britain in 1960, a cycle of cutthroat coups and military dictatorship led to civil war, which led to a new cycle of bloody unrest. point democracy is hindered by the wide-spread corruption in the government. In Purple Hibiscus, there is a coup that culminates in military rule. Papa and his paper, the Standard, are critical of the corruption that is ushered in by a leader who is not elected by the people. Ironically, Papa is a self-righteous dictator in his own home. He is wrathful towards his children when they stray from his chosen path for them. In the wake of Ade Cokers death, Papa beats Kambili so severely she is hospitalized in critical condition. Both in Nigeria and in the home, violence begets violence. Kambili and Jaja are kept outdoor(a) from the unrest at first. They witness protests, deadly roadblocks, and harassment from the safety of their car. But when they arrive in Nsukka, they are thrust into political debate. Obiora says the university is a microco sm for Nigeria ruled by one man with all the power. Pay has been withheld from the professors and light and power are shut off frequently. Medical workers and technicians go on strike and food prices rise. There are rumors that the sole administrator is misdirecting funds intended for the university. This is a parallel to what is happening in the country at large. Kambili and Jaja now understand firsthand the struggle of their cousins. The personal becomes political, and vice versa.SilenceSeveral characters are gripped with mutism throughout the novel. Kambilisuffers the most, unable to speak more than rehearsed platitudes without stuttering or coughing. Her silence is a product of the abuse that she endures at the hands of her father. Kambili does not allow herself to tell the truth about her situation at home. When her classmates hinge on her for being a backyard snob, she does not explain that she does not socialize out of fear. She is not allowed to dally after school lest sh e be late and beaten. She finally learns how to speak her mind when she is taunted continuously be her cousin Amaka. Aunty Ifeoma encourages her to defend herself and only then can Amaka and Kambili begin their friendship. Kambili begins to speak more confidently, laugh and even sing. The appellations of the irregular and fourth section are Speaking With Our Spirits and A Different Silence. Kambili and Jaja communicate through their eyes, not able to utter the ugly truth of their situation. Mama, like her daughter, cannot speak freely in her own home. merely with Aunty Ifeoma can she behave authentically. The silence that falls upon Enugu after Papa is murdered is, as the title suggests, different. There is hopelessness to this silence like the one that existed when Papa was alive. But it is an honest silence. Mama and Kambili live the truth and there is nothing more that can be said. Jajas silence betrays a callosity that has taken hold of him in prison. There is nothing he ca n say that will end the torment he experiences. The tapes that Aunty Ifeoma sends with her childrens voices are the only respite he has. Silence is also used as punishment. When Kambili and Jaja arrive in Nsukka for Easter, Jaja refuses to speak to his father when he calls. After the years of silence that he has imposed upon his children, they use it as a weapon against him. The government also silences Ade Coker by murdering him after he prints a damning story in the Standard. When soldiers raid Aunty Ifeomas flat, they are trying to silence her sympathies with the rioting students through intimidation. Silence is a type of violence.Domestic ViolenceOn several occasions, Papa beats his wife and children. Each time, he is provoked by an action that he deems immoral. When Mama does not want to visit with Father Benedict because she is ill, Papa beats her and she miscarries. When Kambili and Jaja share a home with a heathen, boiling water is poured on their feet because they have walk ed in sin. For owning apainting of Papa-Nnukwu, Kambili is kicked until she is hospitalized. Papa rationalizes the violence he inflicts on his family, saying it is for their own good. The beatings have rendered his children mute. Kambili and Jaja are both wise beyond their years and also not allowed to reach adulthood, as maturity often comes with questioning authority. When Ade Coker jokes that his children are too quiet, Papa does not laugh. They have a fear of God. Really, Kambili and Jaja are afraid of their father. Beating them has the opposer effect. They choose the right path because they are afraid of the repercussions. They are not encouraged to grow and to succeed, only threatened with failure when they do not. This takes a toll on Jaja especially, who is ashamed that he is so farthermost behind Obiora in both intelligence and protecting his family. He ends up equating religion with punishment and rejects his faith. There is an underlying sexism at work in the abuse. Whe n Mama tells Kambili she is pregnant, she mentions that she miscarried several times after Kambili was born. in spite of appearance the narrative of the novel, Mama loses two pregnancies at Papas hands. The other miscarriages may have been caused by these beatings as well. When she miscarries, Papa makes the children say special novenas for their mothers forgiveness. Even though he is to blame, he insinuates it is Mamas fault. Mama believes that she cannot exist outside of her unification. She dismisses Aunty Ifeomas ideas that life begins after marriage as university talk. Mama has not been liberated and withstands the abuse because she believes it is just. Ultimately, she poisons Papa because she can see no other way out. The abuse has repressed her to the point that she must resort to murder to escape.Nature/EnvironmentThe books namesake crest is a representation of freedom and hope. Jaja is drawn to the unusual purple hibiscus, bred by a botanist friend of Aunty Ifeoma. Aunty Ifeoma has created something new by bringing the natural world in concert with intelligence. For Jaja, the flower is hope that something new can be created. He longs to break free of his Papas rule. He takes a stalk of the purple hibiscus home with him, and plants it in their garden. He also takes home the cortical potential he learns from Nsukka. As both blossom, so too do Jaja and his rebellion. Kambilis shifting attitudes toward nature refer her stage of transformation. During one of the first times she showers atNsukka, Kambili finds an earthworm in the tub. Rather than coexisting with it, she removes it to the toilet. When Father Amadi takes her to have her hair plaited, she watches a determined escargot repeatedly crawl out of a basket. She identifies with the snail as she has tried to crawl out of Enugu and her fate. Later, when she bathes with water scented with the sky, she leaves the worm alone. She acknowledges that God can be found anywhere and she appreciates its det ermination. In the opening of the book, Kambili daydreams while looking at the several fruit and flower trees in her yard. This same yard, a signifier of wealth, leaves her open for taunts of snob at school. But here she fixates on the beauty of the trees. When she returns from Nsukka after her mother has miscarried, Kambili is sickened by the rotting tree fruit. The rot symbolizes the sickness in the Achike household but also that Kambili is seeing her home with new eyes. Like the trees, she is trapped behind tall walls. defy also plays a role in the novel. When Ade Coker dies, there are heavy rains. After Palm Sunday, a violent wind uproots several trees and makes the satellite dish crash to the ground. Rain and wind gleam the drama that unfolds in the Achikes lives. Mama tells Kambili that a mixture of rain and sun is Gods suspense on what to bring. Just as there can be both rain and sun at the same time, there are good and evil intertwined. In nature, Kambili gleans that ther e are no absolutes. Papa is n any all good or all bad, her faith does not have to be either Catholic or traditionalist, and she can challenge her parents while still being a good child.