Sunday, October 13, 2019
The Myth of a Classless America Essay -- Wealth Society Culture Racism
The Myth of a Classless America The myth of a "classless" American society coupled with social stratification impedes race relations in the U.S. far more than any racial differences. The never ending struggle of the "have-nots" to become one of the "haves" produces a frustration and feeling of oppression that acts as a catalyst for spawning racial tensions. Minorities see the majority of wealth in the hands of the white population and feel that the wealth is unevenly distributed. Whites hear of government programs for minorities and feel as if they are lazy or just looking for a handout. This occurs and stereotypes are formed. Combine all of this with the United States system of "dual welfare"and the perfect environment for racial strife is created. In our "classless"society of false hope the working class and poor are continually seeking opportunities to excel that just aren't there. They have been led to believe that intelligence and ambition are key contributors to one's success. This belief lays blame on the unsuccessful themselves, even if they do possess ambition and intelligence. These people are in a never ending cycle of struggle, followed by minimal rewards, which eventually produces a frustration that sometimes leads to desperate measures. Cornell West expands on this with the following statement : ". . . homicidal assaults by young black men on one another are only the most obvious signs of this empty quest for pleasure, property, and power" (Race and Racism p.123). This statement shows the extremes one will go to in his "empty quest" for a better life. This is not only happening to blacks by blacks. It is happening to all races by all races. People hear of events like these and categorize them as a racial crime or a racially motivated crime just because the victims may be of a different race. As W est's statement demonstrates the killings occur as a means to an end, the end being a better life. In our ever diversifying melting pot of a country, same race victim and criminal crimes are becoming less and less statistically likely anyway. Events such as these don't occur because of race. They occur because of the frustration and desperation bred by the false hope that hard work and determination leads to success. It is no mystery that most of the wealthy people in America are white. West again points out (Race and Racism p.... ... amount that they pay in is equal to the amount that Bill Gates pays in. There's something about this whole system that just doesn't seem proportionately correct. It seems like the percentage sacrificed should be the same across the board. All the examples I have given may seem like this paper is about the wealthy and the poor, and not about racial differences in the United States. If it does there is a reason for that. The upper class or super rich, whichever you want to call them, receive more benefits than the poor. The upper class is mainly white and the poor and working class are a mixture of all races. This gives the appearance that assistance is based on race, when it's not. It is based on class. People see these events and make generalizations and this in turn leads to racial tension. If steps are taken to make "classless America" a reality, then these racial tensions would ease. Works Cited Langston, Donna. "Class and Inequality." Race , Class, and Gender . 20 January 2000. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing Company 1998. West, Cornell. "Race and Racism." Race, Class, And Gender . !9 January 2000. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing Company 1998.
Saturday, October 12, 2019
Folly of Science Exposed in Shelleyââ¬â¢s Frankenstein and E.T.A. Hoffmanââ¬â¢s
Folly of Science Exposed in Shelleyââ¬â¢s Frankenstein and E.T.A. Hoffmanââ¬â¢s Sandman In Mary Shelleyââ¬â¢s Frankenstein and E.T.A. Hoffmanââ¬â¢s Sandman, elements of science are portrayed in a negative light, warning the reader of the dangers of the unknown. Many aspects of science and technology are portrayed from alchemy and robotics in the Sandman to biology and chemistry in Frankenstein. The stories feature similar main characters that break the boundaries of conventional society in order to investigate their desires. Each story features a "living doll", or a creation of man that, while first made for good, results in evil. When we read The Sandman, we are left in doubt as to whether what is happening to Nathaniel is real or merely in his mind. For instance, when Hoffmann introduces Olympia, he does not mention whether she is a human being or a doll; and he does so in such a way the reader may not immediately realize this. We take for granted that Olympia is a real person, because we expect Nathaniel to know the difference. During the course of the story, the Sandman as Copp...
Friday, October 11, 2019
Baz Luhrmannââ¬â¢s Romeo and Juliet Essay
Being a virgin viewer of Baz Luhrmannââ¬â¢s Romeo and Juliet, I found myself dissatisfied as I began to see the famous balcony scene reveal itself on the courtyard floor. ââ¬Å"Where is the barrier, the ââ¬Ëstony limitsââ¬â¢ that separates the lovers from each other?â⬠I inquired. How could the most renowned scene of William Shakespeareââ¬â¢s most popular play be missing? I continued to watch in astonishment as the daring scene developed into a masterpiece. Baz Luhrmann and Franco Zeffirelli both achieved unique interpretations of William Shakespeareââ¬â¢s script which accomplish the chief goal of displaying the extremely passionate love between Romeo and Juliet. The movies were made twenty-nine years apart and had many specific and not so obvious differences between them including the setting, script, and camera work that are significant to accomplishing the two directorââ¬â¢s diverse objectives for the films. The most noticeable difference found between the balcony scenes of the two movies is the different settings. There actually is a balcony in Luhrmannââ¬â¢s version, but it is much smaller and is only used for a brief instant in the scene. Romeo climbs to the top of the balcony in both versions, but in Luhrmannââ¬â¢s film, to his surprise, he finds an ugly nurse instead of the attractive Juliet. This comedic moment is essential for distracting the audience from their predictions. The Capulet mansions are both astounding and enormous but bestow different emotions. The mansion in Zeffirelliââ¬â¢s Romeo and Juliet is very castle-like with towering stone walls surrounded by trees, and a large balcony. This plain and simple appearance is important because the focus of the scene is on the two young lovers and the stony limits that separate them. Luhrmannââ¬â¢s film has a very luxurious and romantic looking set that captures the viewersââ¬â¢ attention from the start. The scene is more colorful with white sparkling lights, statues, ivy, and most importantly, a brightly lit up blue swimming pool. The water provides a perfect medium for Romeo and Juliet as they confess their love for each other. The water does not on ly serve symbolic importance but provides a modern obstacle between Romeo and Juliet that can be compared to the balcony. Although the viscous water acts as a barrier, the pool scene involves much more contact between the lovers than Zefferelliââ¬â¢s balcony scene. Light piano music fills the air instead of the louder rock music that is found throughout the film. In both versions, Juliet is clothed in all white, portraying her innocence. Zefferelliââ¬â¢s set resembles the setting William Shakespeare describes in his script, while Luhrmann modernizes the setting and translates script to appeal to todayââ¬â¢s generations. Shakespeare wrote his plays in a Victorian language that is not especially familiar to most people today. Zefferelli was quite aware of this, but made very few adjustments to the script. His play targets people who already know the story of Romeo and Juliet. Zefferelli takes advantage of the opportunities film offers by using technology to create realism, background music, props, and backgrounds to aid in the comprehension of the balcony scene of this romantic tragedy. On the other hand, Baz Luhrmann cuts the original script from 190 lines to 100 lines. He also adds occasional words to enable a smooth flowing dialogue. He maintains Shakespeareââ¬â¢s Victorian language because of the ingenious poetry and rhythm it has that flows like music to oneââ¬â¢s ears. Luhrmann eliminates a lot of the difficult and time-consuming language as well as lines that do not pertain to his modernized setting. For example, lines 70-182 of Act III, Scene II are eliminated, in which Juliet calls Romeo back then forgets why she did so. Luhrmannââ¬â¢s adjustments to the script allow for a more easy translation of Shakespeareââ¬â¢s language. In addition to the changes in the script, the scene can be comprehended strictly by viewing the moving picture due to the careful selection of costumes, the use of body language, the romantic setting, and the camera technique. The camera work during the balcony scene of both films is very strategically planed to give the viewers a much more personal experience than that of the stage. Zeffirelliââ¬â¢s scene makes use of the long balcony as the camera pans along it continuously, not allowing the eyes to rest. This keeps the viewers involved in the film while close ups are used to show the passionate emotions of the lovers. In Baz Luhrmannââ¬â¢s version of the scene, the camera is not as active as one might imagine. The scene begins with long shots and as it develops, the camera moves in to extreme close-ups to show every detail of the loversââ¬â¢ expressions. The camera gives the viewers an intimate relationship as it moves slowly and more closely to the actors in contrast to the chaotic camera movement in other scenes. The quantity of editing used in Baz Luhrmannââ¬â¢s scene is significantly reduced when compared to the editing in other parts of his film. The editing pace goes from every couple seconds per shot to about twenty seconds per shot. The length of shots in Zeffirelliââ¬â¢s scene is even longer. Also, Zeffirelliââ¬â¢s scene uses slight high-angle shots on Juliet that gives the effect that Juliet is in a more superior position than Romeo. In Luhrmannââ¬â¢s film the lovers remain level with each other throughout most of the scene, giving a sense of equality. Both filming techniques used in the two versions were very effective in creating the close relationship between Romeo and Juliet as they reunite for the second time. The power and passion of love found within the balcony and pool scenes of the different films is one that leaves an everlasting impression in the hearts and minds of the viewers. Although interpreted very differently by two brilliant directors, the scenes both relay Shakespeareââ¬â¢s message. Baz Luhrmann did so in a way that transformed the play from Shakespearian times to the youth of the twentieth century. He used state of the art technology, familiar actors, a modernized setting, and adjustments to the actual script to translate Shakespeareââ¬â¢s play into modern times. On the other hand, Franco Zeffirelli attempted to make his film as much like Shakespeareââ¬â¢s play as possible. He used film to his advantage to provide a closer experience than that of the stage, but few changes to the actual script and setting were made. He wanted to reflect the play to the best of his ability to the screen. Baz Luhrmannââ¬â¢s objective was to bring Shakespeareââ¬â¢s Romeo and Juliet to the homes of people around the world. Both films were successful in achieving their goals, but were very unique because of the differences in the setting, script, and camera work. Works Cited ââ¬Å"Imagery in Luhrmannââ¬â¢s Romeo + Juliet.â⬠American Film Institute. 1 Feb. 2005 < http://www.fathom.com/course/28701907/session4.html>. Marks, Margaret. ââ¬Å"Brand New Old Stuff.â⬠1 Feb. 2005 . Romeo and Juliet. Dir. Franco Zeffirelli. Perf. Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting. Paramount Pictures, 1968. William Shakespeareââ¬â¢s Romeo and Juliet. Dir. Baz Luhrmann. Perf. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes. Twentieth Century Fox, 1997.
Thursday, October 10, 2019
Hi-Value Supermarkets- Everyday Low Pricing Essay
Case Analysis I. Factual Summary Hi-Value Supermarkets became a division of Hall Consolidated, a privately owned wholesaler and retail food distributor in 1975. Hi-Value Supermarkets is considered to be the smallest of the three supermarkets chains owned by Hall Consolidated, with a small store distribution for its category. Hi-Value was the number one or two ranked supermarket chain in each of its trade markets (as measured by market share). Hi-Value is known as ââ¬Å"most convenientâ⬠, having three stores in Centralia compared to its top competitors only having one each. Hi- Values three are major competitors are: Harrisonââ¬â¢s, Grand American, and Missouri Mart. The three major competitors in Centralia contain stores all subsequently larger in size than those of Hi-Value. The four major supermarkets in Centralia make up 85% of all food sales, with the remaining 15% stemming from smaller, independent grocery stores and convenience stores. All 3 major competitors contain a feature attributes and a unique position in the market. With Hi-Value having three locations in Centralia, it puts them at an advantage for convenience that the competition cannot duplicate without having the funds or other resources to do so. Although Hi-Value Supermarkets offer the highest level of convenience, there prices are overall are the highest as well. Residents of Centralia prefer lower prices because according to the U.S. Census held in 2000, the median income was 36,000. It is understood that price is the most important store determinant for the residents, which poses a problem for Hi-Value. The majorà question described in the case is whether or not Hi-Value should implement a low-pricing strategy. With the examination of Hi-Valueââ¬â¢s current situation, it is evident that their future falls in between several courses of action that executives must examine and choose whether or not to integrate them. This process must be done in order to maintain a strong position in their served market and prosperous future. II. Case Problem/Opportunity Hi Values main problems are that they lack strong customer image and are highly priced. Each of the local supermarkets in the Centralia area has an image. Harrisons has an extremely favorable image. They are well managed, clean, orderly, and attractive, and the store is conveniently located along with excellent parking. Grand American is the most modern store in Centralia and has a highly regarded dairy department. Contrarily, they have a modest variety in meats, and produce and offer double coupons. Missouri Marts primary merchandising strength is in groceries and special purchase displays, but its store lacks quality and freshness. Hi-Value has multiple locations but has highly priced merchandise. A supermarket interview was conducted to give customers an opportunity to share their overall thoughts and experience they had when shopping at local supermarkets in Centralia. The questions were asked based upon the characteristics each store had to offer. The number one concern customer s had with Hi Value was ââ¬Å"priceâ⬠. At the time Hi-Values prices ran 10 percent above Harrisonââ¬â¢s, and 7 percent above Missouri Mart and Grand American. Although Hi-Value is recognized for its store convenience it lacks a top ranking sales item that sets it aside from other supermarkets in the area. Since Hi- Values reputation is not where management expected, Hi-Value Supermarket is reviewing whether or not it would be a good business decision to incorporate an everyday low pricing strategy to stay competitive with the other supermarkets in the area marketing tactic. The most important opportunity for Hi-Value Supermarkets is the growing price consciousness Centralia shoppers are becoming. The increase on price elastic customers should be carefully taken into consideration when developing new strategies, or taking new courses of action. One of Hi-Valueââ¬â¢s opportunities could be identified in the customer spending habits. Company records point out fresh meat, poultry, and seafoodà to be among the items people in Centralia spend the most money on. This representative 14.32% average plus the fact that meat quality is the second most important determinant of store choice can be seen as an attractive opportunity for Hi-Value executives to improve the quality of their butcher in order to attract more customers. Another opportunity for Hi-Value is to modernize their store to make it more attractive and easier for customers to maneuver around to make their shopping experience better. It may not be a bad idea as well to offer a greater variety of bakery choices along with fresher produce. III. Alternative Solutions 1). Implement ââ¬Å"Everyday low-pricingâ⬠strategy to all Hi-Value Supermarket products: By choosing to implement ââ¬Å"Everyday low-pricingâ⬠strategy to all Hi- Value Supermarket products in Centralia, Missouri, Hi- Value would begin direct competition with Harrisonââ¬â¢s via most reasonable prices. According to the Exhibit 6 found on page 506, data shows that, Harrisonââ¬â¢s is a market leader with 36 percent of customers agreeing that Harrisonââ¬â¢s has the most reasonable prices , while customers rated Hi- Value with only 7percent . Also in this data we can see that Hi Value scored lowest on best overall variety with 2 percent while Missouri Mart came in at 74 percent. With 13,500 households retaining an average income of a mere $36,000/ year, consumers of Centralia are money conscious and smart shoppers. Since Harrisonââ¬â¢s is favored 29 percent higher, than Hi-Valueââ¬â¢s pricing, they are undoubtedly the average consumerââ¬â¢s penny stretching, go-to supermarket. Because price is believed to be the most important store choice determinant for customers, this may be a strategy that Hi-Value should consider. By implementing the ââ¬Å"Everyday low-pricingâ⬠strategy, Hi- Value Supermarkets would promise customers a low price, without the need to wait for a sale price or other comparison. A strategy like this has proved to work well with a broader store positioning strategy and if it is well supported with advertising. Since Hi-Value has 3 stores compared to the other retailers who only have 1, it is positioned as the ââ¬Å"most convenientâ⬠and uses a value approach when advertising. With the current positioning as Hi-Value= Superior Value, in convenience, service and bakery items, Hi- Value falls short in the pricing category and also typically spends .11% less on advertising annually than the average advertising sales (which is 1% ofà annual revenue). Implementing this strategy may confuse Hi-Values image and positioning. However, if it is implemented, the ââ¬Å"Everyday low-pricingâ⬠strategy has the potential to reduce operating costs and increase profit (.9% of annual sales), which the company could then use to bolster a new advertising campaign featuring Hi-Values new ââ¬Å"Everyday low-pricingâ⬠strategy. 2) Implement ââ¬Å"Everyday low-pricingâ⬠strategy to Grocery and Seasonal/General merchandise only By choosing to implement an ââ¬Å"Everyday low-pricingâ⬠strategy on Grocery and Seasonal/ General merchandise only to Hi- Value Supermarket products Hi- Value would limit the pricing strategy to all grocery (including dairy) and general merchandise (including beauty care and health care items). Since these categories represents 57 percent of Hi-Values annual sales, this limited approach on the ââ¬Å"Everyday low-pricingâ⬠strategy should convey the image they want to project as well as enter Hi- Value Supermarkets into a different level of competition (reasonable pricing) where they were last in the category before. As a result, this would mean more direct competition with Grand American, Harrisonââ¬â¢s and Missouri Mart. However, this change does alter Hi- Valueââ¬â¢s positioning as ââ¬Å"superior value and convenienceâ⬠and may begin to confuse shoppers . Hi- Value Supermarket Shopper Interview Resulted in saying that 77.9 percent of all Hi- Value customers are dedicated patrons that have stayed and shopped with Hi- Value for 3 or more years. Of these customers, 51.7 percent purchase about half of their total food needs with Hi- Value Supermarket. Of that 51.7 percent, 36.9 percent purchased grocery items only and 23.4 percent purchased grocery, meat and produce. Of these customers interviewed, 27 percent of them stated that the things they liked best about other stores were the ââ¬Å"pricesâ⬠. This information allows a conclusion to be drawn that because of the strong base of loyal customers, who mostly purchase grocery items, preferred most stores with lower pricing and shopped most regularly for other groceries at Missouri Mart (whose adââ¬â¢s feature ââ¬Å"very low pricesâ⬠), that the strategy of implementing ââ¬Å"Everyday low-pricingâ⬠limited to Grocery and Seasonal/ General merchandise only, to Hi- Valu e Supermarket products would only make sense. 3) Do not implement the ââ¬Å"Everyday low-pricingâ⬠strategy by choosing not to implement the ââ¬Å"Everyday low-pricingâ⬠strategy whatsoever to Hi- Value Supermarket products in Centralia, Missouri would allow Hi- Value Supermarkets to maintain their prided image and positioningà as the ââ¬Å"greatest convenience for shoppersâ⬠. Their 3:1 ratio of stores located throughout Centralia gives them a competitive edge against the other leading supermarkets in the area. Hi-Values W. Prospect store, being the only Supermarket in that section of town is a definite advantage for the organization. By choosing to focus directly on their existing positioning they will be sure to not confuse customers, also with their large base of 77.9 percent customers who have been loyal customers over 3 years. Hi value has to be careful about simply lowering prices because if Hi-Value was to change their positioning, it may change the way they are overall perceived. Higher prices indicat e higher value and superior service. This is a trend seen worldwide. These categories of high value and service are what Hi- Value Supermarkets was built upon. The option of lowering price may or may not contradict these written values. In a well-defined market area, for ââ¬Å"Everyday low pricingâ⬠to work, you do not have to be the lowest priced supermarket in the trade area. This allows the option to always be considered to only slightly lower prices. With Hi-Valueââ¬â¢s pricing to be 7-10% higher than its competitors, if Hi-Value lowers prices by a mere 2-3% they can still be positioned as the most convenient and superior value supermarket, while satisfying their customers price concerns. IV. Selected Solutions Hi-Value Supermarkets best bet is to implement an everyday low pricing strategy in certain product categories with a price reduction anywhere from 5-7% below the original quote. With growing sensitivity to pricing in the area, this strategy will work to increase customer satisfaction and will lead to a positive company image. Implementing low prices will keep Hi -Value competitive with other markets in the area. Although Hi- value cannot out price Harrisonââ¬â¢s, it still may be an option worth while looking into. Also Hi-Value needs to greatly improve their customer image. Usually first impression is the last impression, so it is important that Hi-Value staff consider training their staff on the importance of making sure that the customer has a better experience when coming to their stores. Perhaps they can have more staff working to ensure that the isles ate wide enough and that the shelves are neatly stocked and organized so that when the customer shops it will be a smoother tr ansition from the shelves to the cashà register. Along with that it may be a good idea as well if they focused more on offering a better variety of bakery items as well for customers to enjoy. V. Conclusion With all the information that has been provided, it can be concluded that if Hi-Value decided to operate in a way that is seen as being more reasonable and economical for customers, customers will be more inclined to shop there. If management decides to implement better sanitary solutions and decides to clean up the dairy department, it would more than likely lead to better customer satisfaction. If management works more closely with ensuring that customers do not experience out of stock items and fresher produce, customers will be more inclined to shop there and continue to recommend Hi-Value to their friends and family. These are simple options that management can takes that will be work out to be both effective and efficient. If management also decides to take this approach it can compensate for their higher prices. If your prices are higher than there needs to be a justifiable reason, so in this case Hi-Values justifiable reason would be again to work on customer image. Altering their advertising slogan, start advertising on television, and targeting shoppers outside of Centralia will increase sales and market share. As of now 89 percent of their sales are devoted to advertising. Having an increase in marketing expenses from the new strategy will be offset with increased sales and market share. Once these actions have been implemented, it would be a good idea for Hi-Value to allow customers to take a survey to comment on their recent improvements to store and allow them to give feedback so that management is always in the know and so that customers can always contribute. This will put Hi-Value at an advantage with its competitors.
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Starbucks Hr Management
Strategic Human Resources Management The emergence of strategic human resources management is rooted in manpower planning but it is the work of affirming the importance of managing people effectively as well as pursuing towards more flexible and innovative in order to be able to deliver services in constantly changing environment. Most of the literature review suggested that the advantage of valuable knowledge, unique set of skills and decision making capabilities can results in firmââ¬â¢s competitive advantage and value creation as well (Rochling et all, 2005).Therefore, an appropriate Human Resources practices can develops organizational capabilities such as empowerment, selective hiring, extensive training, performance evaluation, team based work and performance based pay work. Based on these six practices, the initial impact is on what employees have and feel. Selective hiring and extensive training are all aimed at building certain skills that enabling employees to effectivel y perform their jobs.In the addition on these practices along with rewards, performance evaluation, empowerment and team based work will create employeeââ¬â¢s perceptions on the companyââ¬â¢s fairness and desirability and then, will influence their commitment, motivation and motivation where it will directly affect on the firmââ¬â¢s performance. However, although these six practices being analyzed individually, they are not necessarily being practiced individually. This means that some of these can be combined together in order to get better results such as the combination of empowerment, team based work and rewards.This can be proved from the Whole Food Market case. The unique human resource practices in Whole Food Market was well known and thought to be the main drivers of its growth and profitability in the industry of natural and organic food retailers. The work culture in Whole Food Market was centered on the firmââ¬â¢s grassroots, which are the frontline level of m anagement which helped to eliminate bureaucracy. The firm empowered the existing team member to choose their own new recruits where they feel comfortable with in their team.Besides that, the firm also uses team based incentive (combination of team based work and reward) to improve cost saving as well as productivity. Each department within a store that runs by a team will be given a monthly payroll budget where the unspent payroll money at the end of the month will be divided among the team members. This method has successfully reduces unwanted costs and increases the firmââ¬â¢s performance financially. Extensive training has the potential side where training tends to develop more skillful expertise that eventually will boost up the employees confidents and motivation while performing their job.Whenever the firm did not provide sufficient training and development to the less skillful employees, this may lead to demoralization among the employees and then, reduces the productivity and firmââ¬â¢s performance. For example, Delta Airline, where the firm focuses more on cost reduction and did not put much effort on employee commitment. The firm has deducted training costs which considers as crucial expenses in the airline industry and causes lack of employee engagement in the firm. Consequently, Delta has dropped to the bottom of the industry in performance as compared to its competitors such as Southwest Airline.Every human resource practices costs money to develop and time to implement and these costs however, will go directly to the organization bottom line. For example, being selective in hiring may result in better employees but it will cost more in term of interviewing and testing. Providing more extensive training will increase their skills and potentially their attitudes but it will cause substantial amount of money spent to the firm. Thus, it is vital to implement a high performance human practices that increases productivity and at the same time do not let their costs surpass the benefits or that will bring no real gain for the firm.
Contemporary Issues in World Politics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6000 words
Contemporary Issues in World Politics - Essay Example IR focuses on the relations between the various states of the world and how their interaction and relationship are handled by the countries themselves and international organizations from the diplomatic and military perspective. Thus, when a state carries out its international relations with other states, in line with the IR theory of Realism it will mainly focus on its own interests and benefits, and very minimally from the perspective of other countries and even international perspective, and carry out actions accordingly. When the focus is on Realism, Thucydides, Machiavelli and Hobbes are regarded as the founding fathers of this Realism theory, however the Twentieth-century Realism and the scientifically enriched and associated Neorealism is focused, it had its beginnings mainly during the Cold War. That is, Realism as a theory came into prominence particularly during the Cold War years, because both United States and Soviet Union carried out aggressive and at the same time defen sive activities in various fields from Military, space, foreign relations, etc, etc, mainly to protect their self-interests. Although, there was focus on international interests, which prevented nuclear catastrophe, even that decision of not to use nuclear weapons were based on self-interests. Both the countries threatened to use nuclear arsenal particularly during the Cuban crisis, they stepped down their aggressive postures, when their self-interests are catered or fulfilled. In the current times, there is no such an intense rivalry between countries, but still states act in a self-centric manner. The states will mainly prioritizes their national interests as well as territorial security, even over other forms of national functioning including their history, ideology, moral considerations, etc., as well as international concerns like world peace. With this motive, the states will act both in an offensive as well as in a defensive manner against other territories or nations to upho ld these aspects. That is, they could go into a ââ¬Ëgameââ¬â¢ of one-upmanship with their opponent states, indulge in exchange of harsh words, carry out war games, initiate small-scale intrusion or even wars, etc. The states will always do this mainly with a self-centric perspective, and thereby dominate other states or territories. States in the international system maximally remain in the constant state of antagonism with few countries or maximum countries. Even politically and militarily ââ¬Ëinsignificantââ¬â¢ states will have some form of antagonism or rivalry with some countries in their neighbourhood. These countries will have general distrust and that will focus them to orient their international relations with those countries in a self-centric manner. This is happening even in the environment of strong overseeing International Organizations (IOs). Although, IOs are developed and supported by states to foster cooperation, goodwill and peace among the nations, each state had or still having various personal motivations or self-interests to support IOs and importantly act through them. IOs started evolving after the formation of sovereign state system, and as states only form and operate IOs, states have major stakes in them. States act through IOs in the matters of international relations, and for other social and economic purposes. When they do that, they will first focus on their
Monday, October 7, 2019
Similar and differences between poems. Ulysses by Alfred, Lord Essay
Similar and differences between poems. Ulysses by Alfred, Lord Tennyson and The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by T.S. Eliot - Essay Example This essay examines the similarities and differences of the two poems. Elliotââ¬â¢s and Tennysonââ¬â¢s works of art are in the same way dramatic monologue poems. Both poems center on an aged character that lacks confidence and contentment in life. Ulysses, the narrator of the latter writerââ¬â¢s poem reveals his sorrowful feelings to an unknown listener after returning from his explorations. Similarly, Elliotââ¬â¢s work has only one narrator named ââ¬Å"J. Alfred Prufrock.â⬠He, like Ulysses, is an aging unselfconfident man who talks about his unexciting life. Yesterday is in no way different from today. As mentioned by Prufrock, his life is uneventful as ââ¬Ëtime passes by carefullyââ¬â¢ (line 75). Thus, the two poems suggest a lonely theme as Prufrock believes his useless life and Ulysses years to do more explorations. Additionally, both poems bring up the word ââ¬Å"water.â⬠Elliot includes the word in the line, ââ¬Å"When the wind blows the water white and blackâ⬠(line 128) as the narrator describes how mermaidsââ¬â¢ comb their beautiful hair that intimidates him for he is bald. Moreover, Ulysses mentioning how he wants to go back to the water reveals his wanting to travel more. The two displeased speakers donââ¬â¢t fail to remember death as well. Elliot presents Prufrockââ¬â¢s grief by saying he has seen the ââ¬Å"eternal Footmanâ⬠(line 85). The footman pertains to the person who helps the soul of a dead person to go to another dimension or afterlife. Tennyson, in the same instance, reflects death on Ulysses. The speaker who is a traveler wants to sail away from death to have the chance to explore and have more adventures. Tennyson and Elliot both use Allusion on their works. In Prufrockââ¬â¢s speech, he mentions ââ¬Å"work and daysâ⬠(line 29) which is exactly the title of the Greek poet Hesiod. Another allusion used is ââ¬Å"dying fallâ⬠(line 52). The expression was popularized by Shakespeare as it was used in his work ââ¬Å"Twelfth Night.â⬠The words and phrases ââ¬Å"prophetââ¬
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