Mtv’s 16 & Pregnant Glorifies Teen Pregnancy Essay

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 86 percent of mothers who give birth out-of-wedlock are teenagers. MTV’s show â€Å"16 & Pregnant,† which has only been on air since June 2009, is already reflecting the rapid boom in teenage pregnancy across various cities in America. Since the early eighties MTV has been considered somewhat of a cultural phenomenon for American adolescents and its depiction of gender has a strong impact that continues to this day (Holtzman 2000). Created by Morgan J.  Freeman (director of teen shows Dawson’s Creek and Laguna Beach), the show â€Å"16 & Pregnant† has been said to be guilty of exacerbating, normalizing and even glorifying teen pregnancy. Perhaps, it’s just reflecting a current social dilemma occurring amongst female youth. Each week a new episode revolves around a different girl struggling with the challenges of teenage pregnancy. The network presents these characters as â€Å"real†, plucked from the grips of reality, validated and â€Å"chosen† to represent some sort of normalized or otherwise glamorized middle-class identity of teenage motherhood. The show depicts women’s roles that are often typified to include traditional gendered norms of heterosexual relationships, marriage, motherhood and femininity. â€Å"16 & Pregnant† serves as a platform to broadcast what is seen as a stereotypical American culture that is now engulfing teen girls everywhere. The social identities MTV presents reinforces those of traditional female roles and gender norms and attempts to establish a new model for pregnant teens in a modern age. Just by airing the show, MTV is assimilating new ideas of teen pregnancy into American society. Historically, there has always been some sort of unspoken Christian tradition that has governed American women’s birth rights; that one should not get pregnant out-of-wedlock. Today, however, teenage pregnancy is so rampant that families are forced to deal with the situation in a positive manner, often honoring the decision the child has made in regards to keeping and raising the newborn child (Gallagher 2009). In a 2004 survey, the Parents Television Council reported that MTV is the most watched program for those between the ages of 12 and 19. Studies showed watching MTV created a more liberal attitude toward pre-martial sex. Teenagers who watch MTV receive messages about sex that are likely to sway their own behavior. MTV is shaping the identity of the â€Å"teenage mom,† a pregnant 16 year old high school student whose uncertainty about motherhood is due to the fact that she views her pregnancy as the consequence of a selfish action that was ultimately unavoidable. 16 & Pregnant† normalizes sexual behavior that eventually forces teenage girls into the traditional gender role of the â€Å"grieving mother†, one who is forced to take care of a baby while struggling to support herself (Schmidt 2009). The first episode of â€Å"16 & Pregnant† takes place in Chattanooga, Tennessee and documents the life of Maci who gets pregnant by her first boyfriend, Ryan. For Maci, adoption and abortion were never an option, she figured she made the decision to have unprotected sex so now she must deal with the consequences. At one point during an argument in the show, Ryan yells out, â€Å"If we didn‘t have a kid, we wouldn’t be together,† and it’s clear from watching the that the two are still just teens. Maci struggles to take care of her newborn child, who, once born, requires constant attention and deals with the turmoil of trying to get Ryan involved in the relationship of fatherhood. The â€Å"teen mom† is now a stable identity offered up on the MTV network to heterosexual female youth; a child who is forced to mature and deal with adult realities as an accepted way of life. The show is sending a message that it is normal for teenage girls to deal with such serious issues as: birth control, adoption, abortion, marriage, and finances, further cementing these issues into the female identity at a young age. Maci symbolizes that it is now acceptable for a sixteen year old girl to be a dedicated mother in America. Episode two introduces Farrah, a cheerleader from Council Bluffs, Iowa who juggles school, work and cheer practice. Her life becomes a lot more complicated when she finds out she is pregnant. Farrah’s best friend turns on her spreading nasty rumors, forcing Farrah to finish school online. Farrah’s ex-boyfriend, also the baby’s father, begins to harass her after he finds out she is pregnant which leads her to change her number. â€Å"I would have never lost my virginity to someone I believed would treat me like this,† Farrah exclaims about her ex-boyfriend. Farrah struggles with single motherhood and has to deal with a judgmental parent who looks down upon her decisions. Episode two again reinforces traditional American cultural eliefs of female gender roles by portraying the woman as the single mother, ultimately responsible for the child, showing the girl dealing with emotional problems while trying to hold the family together, tasks and situations often associated with femininity. These images become engrained on a young viewers minds and being sixteen and pregnant becomes just another fad for young girls to consider. â€Å"MTV has a long history of reflecting the lives of our viewers with compelling reality stories,† says Tony DiSanto, MTV’s president of programming. The program’s featured girls come from rural Mid-Western or Southern states, usually from small, working-class towns, in attempt to appeal to teenage girls of the same background. The implicit message at the center of the series’ class prejudice implies that working-class girls from middle America, should opt to have a child because it’s as good a road to character development as working on the high school yearbook (Bellafante 2009). The show reinforces the stereotype that a woman is at least a good mother, if not anything else and displaces the identity of â€Å"teen mom† onto middle American teenage girls. 16 and Pregnant† seems to, above all, incite viewers to working-class voyeurism, given how many cliches of lower-income American life are exploited. It could be possible that other MTV shows, are themselves, responsible for increases in teenage pregnancy. Shows such as â€Å"The Hills† and â€Å"The Real World† both portray the loose sexual morals of a younger generation, which eventually leads to an adoption of those ideals from the show’s younger viewers. Researchers at the Rand Corp. say they have documented for the first time how such exposure to sexual content on TV can influence teen pregnancy rates. They found that teens exposed to the most sexual content on TV are twice as likely as teens watching less of this material to become pregnant before they reach age twenty. This means that if teenagers think having sex is the â€Å"norm† they will continue to engage in it. â€Å"The relationship between exposure of this kind of content on TV and the risk of later pregnancy is fairly strong,† says Anita Chandra, a behavioral scientist. â€Å"Even if it were diminished by other contributing factors, the association still holds† (Bellafante 2009). So, is it in fact MTV who is esponsible for the abundance of pregnant teens it is helping to exploit? One thing for sure is that such a program like â€Å"16 & Pregnant† is endorsing and sanctioning teenage girls as hyper-sexed individuals. So, why does a television show have such an immense impact on the female identity? Sociologist Chris Barker’s study of British Asian girls’ television viewing practices in the U. K. suggest that soap operas provide young women with resources to discuss issues that may not be sanctioned within some of the religious and cultural spaces they inhabit (N&K 2008). Nayak and Kehily, authors of Gender Youth & Culture (2008), would argue that this theory could be applied to teenage girls and reality television shows in the U. S. By watching these shows the conceptualization of â€Å"appropriate femininities† are derived. These shows allow young girls to make moral and ethical judgments about what they see and refashion gender values to suit their own identities (N&K 2008). The girls in â€Å"16 & Pregnant† largely conform to the values of normative femininity in their search for romance, marriage, and long term happiness with a male partner In the end, MTV is glamorizing the life of a teen mother and cementing its identity in a society where sex at a younger and younger age is already becoming the norm. â€Å"16 & Pregnant† is perpetuating the normalization of traditional gender roles by portraying young girls who have already been forced to take on such general notions of femininity and female identity. The young, unwed mom has now become a new identity for young girls to aspire to. Popular culture and the ways in which it is consumed forms a key site for the learning of gender identities, and MTV is the designated teacher.

Prince Henry the Navigator

Prince Henry the Navigator Prince Henry the Navigator Prince Henry the Navigator was born 1394 and died 1460. Even know he died doesn't mean I can’t refresh your memory about him. Prince Henry was a Portuguese royal prince, solider, and patron of explores. Henry sent many sailing expeditions. Prince Henry father is of King John I of Portugal and his English wife, Philippa of Lancaster. When he was 21, Prince Henry attacked the Moslem port of Ceutha in north Morocco. This successful attack in 1415 inspired Prince Henry to explore Africa, most of which was unknown to Europeans. Prince Henry created the school of navigation.About 1418, Prince Henry started the first school for oceanic navigation along with an observatory at Sagres, Portugal. In this school, people were trained in navigation, map-making, and science, in order to sail down the west of Africa. Prince Henry of Navigation traveled all over the place like West Africa at this time, no Europeans had sailed past the treac herous Cape Bojador and returned alive. Cape Bojador is on the coast of Africa just below latitude. Prince Henry the Navigator established his own court at Sagres and sponsored voyages of discovery in the Madeira Island and along the western coast of Africa.As grand master of the Order of Christ, he gained funds for backing voyages aimed at the conversion of pagans. His patronage led to development of the Portuguese caravel and improved navigational instruments and the advancement cartography. See I told you can learn a lot from reading my essay I bet you barely knew some of the things I told you I even learned a lot to. Bibliography http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Henry_the_Navigator#Early_life http://www. enchantedlearning. com/explorers/page/h/henry. shtml

Amateurism in Ncaa Football

Paranny Aril Crawford Sandin English 101 13 October 2012 Amateurism In NCAA Football The National Collegiate Athletic Association is corrupted with sneakiness, unfairness and greediness, particularly in division one colleges. In North America, sports play a huge role, especially sports like football, hockey, basketball and baseball. Sometimes this causes us to become vanished of fairness, like are the players being treated right? A great example of injustice in sports is amateurism of football players in division one colleges.Division one and division two athletes must obtain amateurism, which is playing the sport as a hobby rather than for the money, many would define amateurism as worthy but it is really tainted and monopolized! Should NCAA athletes get paid? Numerous of people would easily answer no because college athletes are on scholarships and various athletic departments loses money even with a winning record. Also college athletes have advantages with free tuition, books, li ving expenses, food, clothing and health.Although all of these features appear wonderful but there are more cons than pros of amateurism. For example the NCAA is a business that are making money out of these athletes basically for free and yes they do receive tuition but that does not compare to the large amount of money the NCAA is making out of them. According the Stanford Review, college athletic is a multimillion-dollar industry with recruiting the best of the best in the nation. So why not pay the best of the best, if they put in all this hard work, then they should be rewarded.Instead the National Colligate Athletic Association is a monopoly because of its limitation of scholarships and other payments to boost its college sports program. Also not all of the athletes receive scholarships. College football players put in more work on the field than they do in the classrooms. For example when in season they have five-hour practices and that doesn’t include lifting for an h our and this is from Tuesday to Friday with game day on Saturday. After the season is over then they begin spring all which is just only practices and plus they don’t have a summer break because they have to stay for summer ball. We consider college athletes as student athletes but that is such an oxymoron because in realty their sport does come before their schoolwork. When playing in a big division one school, most athletes believe to make it in the big leagues but sadly only about 2% makes it. Colleges should stress more on education for so call student athletes but they don’t because of the athlete’s popularity and how the NCAA is making money out of them regardless if they have a future afterward or not.It’s horrible how the NCAA contract includes that when an athlete commits and decides to transfer to play for another school then they have to sit out a year. This rule is so unfair because coaches don’t have to do that. The NCAA is the biggest monopoly in America according to Bloomberg Businessweek Magazine. When selling college souvenirs and jerseys, videogames, etc and the athlete does not make any money from that, even if they are the main reason for those sales. It is amazing that most players receive a free education but does not compare to what the NCAA is making off of them.The players should receive a cut of these profits or gain a portion of this money after graduation so it can help them financially with their futures. Sadly the NCAA is too considerate of themselves and if an athlete is injure or not performing well then they have no problem wiping their name off the record books. The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a business that makes tons of money from college athletes. Another reason why the NCAA doesn’t pay their athletes is because they will be tax and they can lose a lot of money from that.Well, professional sports obviously pay their athletes and they are tax too but the professional leagues are doing well. College basketball and college football are highly talked about and televised just like the professional sports so it shouldn’t be a problem if college athletes get paid. With amateurism in college sports, athletic programs cheat. They secretly cheat by illegally over paying top players or handing them out free stuff. For instance Cam Newton who was an All-American quarterback playing for Auburn and Mississippi before was secretly offered 120,000 to 18,000 from Mississippi State.Playing in top division one colleges, â€Å"winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing† and if athletic programs will cheat to have the best recruits and this is no surprise. If amateurism didn’t exist, there wouldn’t be any cheating scandals and every player will treated equally from their performance. Brown, Noah. â€Å"The NCAA Monopoly – The Toonari Post – News, Powered by the People! â€Å"

Importance of Nonprofits in the current economy and society Research Paper

Importance of Nonprofits in the current economy and society - Research Paper Example sed level of production as the world economy gained from the effects of the second world war, coupled with the high technological adaptation changed the reasoning and thinking of most people in the world. As such, different cultures developed because of these factors. While discussing the counterculture movement of the 1960s, this paper will pay particular attention to the hippie movement, the new left movement and the women movement that led to the growth of feminism and equality among women and men. During the 1960s and the early 1970s, various political movements emerged in the west. Regarded as the new left, countries taking part in these movements advocated for political change their countries. These movements attracted mostly the middle class of the United States and the middle class. While most of the earlier movements advocated for labor changes in their countries, the new west movement advocated for social changes in the United States and other western countries (Roussopoulos 127). Particularly in the United States, mass campus protests and radical leftist movements characterized the New Left movement. The New Left movement also criticized the Old Left ideologies, which saw an increase in civil unrests in the United States. Due to the authoritarian leadership style that characterized the old left politics and organizational leadership, there was the need for a change. In order to end this, the New Left movement aimed at ending the period of authoritarian rule by advocati ng for democracy at both the national government and the organizational level. It is important to note that during the 1960s, there was a rapid growth in the middle class among the American population (Skrentny 66). Coming from the Second World War, the economy was undergoing dynamic changes, especially in the level of investment by the people and other government agencies. As such, jobs were easy to come across. The development in the countries, private sector, coupled by the increase in

Business Ethics is Not an Option Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Business Ethics is Not an Option - Essay Example Analysis leads to the conclusion that observance of business ethics is not optional. Every business venture aims at flourishing in the modern marketplace. There are several methods of achieving including the application of marketing strategies for sales increase, manufacturing and production concepts for cost-effectiveness and organizational management for over-all company harmony. However, the concept of an ethically-run business as necessary for the company to succeed is becoming more and more recognized. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become a by word for many business professionals. Although it is generally observing ethics and morals in business dealings, CSR is thought to comprise of activities such as supporting charities is CSR, funding anti-crime and poverty programs, exceeding legal or regulatory obligations in areas of business operation such as health and safety and consumer rights, managing the supply chain to ensure that suppliers respect human rights is CSR and taking measures to ensure that products do not harm the environment. (Kotler and Nancy 2004, p. 3) Our concern is not so much in defining CSR but in determining whether the observance of business ethics is optional or not. This paper will argue that business ethics is necessary and beneficial for the business firm. ... Increased Job Performance Quality The reason why a field in business called Human Resources Management (HRM) exists is that it was long recognized that there is a need to ensure that employee issues are properly addressed. One of the secrets of successful business companies is that they were able to derive extra commitment from all employees resulting to unprecedented quality and responsiveness in products and services along with heroic frugality, incredible levels of integration and collaboration within and without the organizations, and especially to pull off continuous, brilliant, and cheap innovation. According to the only way one can "manage" high level human output is to set the conditions for everyone doing their best: including support of the core competencies of people, their ability to self-organize, their ability to change and grow. A company can achieve this if it fosters trust and build organizational cultures in which freedom and personal initiative can cohabit with cooperation, caring and a highly integrated harmony. Only thru a sincere observance of business ethics can the company assure that its employees do not stage rallies, release negative public statements regarding the company, resign and reveal company trade secrets. Being ethical also helps in attracting excellent and skilled professionals to work for the company. The Industrial Society for the UK (in Price 2002) reports that "82% of UK professionals claimed that they would not work for an organisation whose values they did not believe in" and that "among smaller businesses, the survey showed that 62% of owner managers were influenced by their employees to be more socially active." Consumer Preference Observing moral and ethical values in the conduct of business does not

Discuss the Moral Considerations Relevant to the Killing of Human Essay

Discuss the Moral Considerations Relevant to the Killing of Human Being - Essay Example According to those who oppose this  practice, they argue that the foetus is a human being or a person from the time of conception. Hence terminating it is the same as killing a human  being  which in itself is not  moral.  The foetus acquires  human  characteristics remarkably early in its  life  such that by the tenth week, it already has acquired a  face, arms,  and also  fingers and toes.  Also, the internal organs and the brain activity can be detected by this time. As every human has the right to life, also does the foetus. Every woman has the right to decide what should be happening in her body, but the foetus's right to life always outweighs her right to  make  a  choice  as to what happens in her body (Thompson 45). Many people who support abortion have  various  premises to support their arguments. One is pregnancy due to rape. They argue that this is reason enough to terminate the pregnancy. However, one cannot say that those who  wer e conceived  through rape have less  right  to live than others. Pregnancy due to rape results in the conception of a  baby  that also has the equal right to life just like all the other conventional methods of conception (Thompson 56). Hence Judith wonders what will happen when the mother's life  is threatened  by the pregnancy, whether it is morally relevant to  abort  the pregnancy or not. ... This means that abortion is morally permissible in some situations while in others it is not (Thompson 58). Judith's considerations on the  morality  of human  killing  are similar to the argument of Dan Brock who argued about the  morality  of voluntary, active euthanasia. Provision of  relieve  from suffering is among the many ways doctors take care of the patient`s wellbeing (Brock 30). Yet from a third-person point of view, it  is not known  whether an individual`s quality of life is extremely low that it  is burdensome  for the individual. Hence an  individual  might  regard  the continuation of his life to be unbearable because of the severity of his suffering; and  want  a doctor to end his suffering  immediately  by ending his life. This means that an individual acting on his values is morally permissible if his doing so is consistent with permitting others to the same freedom. This is  mostly  self-determination and the  value  of  equal  liberty. Hence an individual`s  choice  of  voluntary, active euthanasia is  more  consistent with permitting others the same freedom. Therefore, an individual  choice  of  voluntary, active euthanasia and the doctor's fulfilment of this request are morally permissible. However, voluntary, active euthanasia involves the deliberate killing of individuals, which is wrong. Hence voluntary, active euthanasia is also wrong. Removing life-sustaining  treatment  also amounts to deliberate killing of innocent people yet it  is thought  as morally permissible (Brock 32). This  is only done  when it is  consistent  with the well-being of the patient and his  self  determination. Hence voluntary, active euthanasia is morally permissible when it is  consistent  with the autonomy and the well-being of the patient (Brock 35). According

EQ Industrial Services (EQIS) Plant Explosion Research Paper

EQ Industrial Services (EQIS) Plant Explosion - Research Paper Example This threatened the lives of people residing near the plant, with evacuation of about 17,000 residents. After the accident, a majority of them had to seek medical attention as a result of the contamination. The plant is a handler of a variety of industrial waste, ranging from household chemicals like sulfur, fertilizer, pesticides and chlorine to paints and solvents. EQ Industrial Services, Inc. is an environmental service company founded in 1997, and is located in Ypsilanti, Michigan. It provides transportation, remediation, industrial cleaning including hazardous waste disposal and recycling, waste handling services including treatment and storage, and emergency services to its municipal and industrial clients. The explosion caused the evacuation of residents; and two weeks later, a chemical reaction exploded forcing emergency crews to evacuate businesses that were located near the plant. The reaction drum contained a solution of sodium metal that ignites on exposure to air or water. Reports claimed that the fumes from the reaction caused burning eyes, was because of chlorine exposure. Ironically, the State Department of Environment and Natural Resources had approved the company’s cleanup plan a day before. Following the accident, EQ Industrial was pinned down and asked to provide a written report on the cause of the explosion and the precautionary measures it had issued to the public. The Environmental Quality Company, which houses highly toxic chemicals, was also at the fire site. The presence of dangerous chemicals rendered fire fighters helpless, and they were forced to watch the flames die out on their own. The fire saw 18 people hospitalized, including nine residents who complained of respiratory distress and one fire fighter who experienced nausea and respiratory problems, and another eight law enforcement officers. This report will recount on the causes, effects and the recommendations associated with this kind of explosion, which was primarily believed to result from chlorine exposure. Symptoms of the victims of the accident as a result of chemical exposure Pulmonary edema and respiratory distresses are among the effects of inhaling high concentrations of chlorine in such an accident. Patients who are exposed to chlorine are prone to immediate onset of rapid breathing, rales, hemoptysis, wheezing or blue discoloration of the skin. Some patients may experience prolonged pulmonary injury resulting in collapse of the lungs and possible death. The lowest lethal concentration exposure is 430 ppm in 30 minutes duration. Reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS) is a chemical irritant asthma that may results due to exposure to chlorine. The smaller diameter of children’s airways makes them more vulnerable to corrosive agents than adults - they are also vulnerable to gas due to their increased minute ventilation per kilogram and failure of evacuating exposed areas. Long-term exposure to chlorine can lead to cancer, teeth corrosion, flulike symptoms and a possibility of acquiring RADS. Pathophysiology of chlorine, which was e xposed in this accident Chlorine is a noncombustible gas at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, with a characteristic greenish-yellow color. The effects of the upper and lower respiratory tract are as a result of chlorine’s solubility to water - this is what caused respiratory complains by some victims. This solubility characteristic cause prolonged exposure as it delays the onset of upper airways symptoms for a number of minutes. Moreover, chlorine is denser than air; therefore, it is near ground level, which increases

Civil War Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Civil War - Movie Review Example Many movies based on the civil war in the United States of America have been written to dramatize and teach on the effects of civil war in America. Shenandoah film is one such movies based on civil war in the United States. Shenandoah is a movie on the civil war in America, done by James Stewart, Doug McClure, Glenn Corbett, Patrick Wayne, and Katharine Ross and directed by Andrew Mclaglen in 1965.The movie was done in the Virginia state during civil war. In this movie, the director shows how a planter in Virginia state who was unwilling to join the civil war was forced to participate in the war between the Union soldiers and the Confederate armies, by the capturing of his son by the Union Soldiers at the river banks during their attempt to recruit more soldier to their side. This family is portrayed as peace loving and did not want to engage in the war unless it concerned them. In writing this movie, Stewart intended to teach that war is not the best way of solving grievances and political differences. The reason for participating in war must first be established and should not be based on political propaganda, as was seen between the Southern and the Northern States. His anti war sentiments in this movie was however different in some squatters as there was a belief in America, that for Union to exist among different people, it had to be fought for and won ( Warren 5). This belief certainly is what lead to civil war in America due the fight for control of the country. Despite the farmer’s opposition of his family engaging in the war according to this movie, we find them being forced to participate after the capturing of their 16 year old son by the Union soldiers. This forced the family to begin the search of their son as he is seen going even the prison in search of their captured son. In the event he finds himself engaged in the war, however he did not take sides in this war. This

Children with HIV in the United States Research Paper

Children with HIV in the United States - Research Paper Example The advanced HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection in a human body makes the body susceptible to opportunistic infections which threaten life. That condition of a body diagnosed is the decease of AIDS which stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency syndrome. Looking back to the history of AIDS we can see that it entered to the United States in about 1969, through a virus infected immigrant from Haiti. In the early 1980s, doctors realized a new cancer found in men who had sex with men and it was called 'gay cancer' colloquially. Later on the medical community got evidences of the decease spreading among men, women and even in the new born babies. In 1982 the Centre for Decease Control and Prevention (CDC) renamed the decease as AIDS. As per the UNAIDS Statistics as of 2005, the total number of HIV affected people living in the US is 1,200,000. A dangerous fact being that nearly 21% of the affected people are unaware of their infection. The CDC estimates the total number of deaths of persons with AIDS in the United States of America ever since it began is more than 583,000 which includes 4891 children under the age 13. It is shocking to see that nearly 56300 Americans gets infected with HIV every year. African Americans make up nearly 50 % of the total HIV affected population in US also they make more than 50 % of new HIV infected population every year. A According to the latest available data from CDC, HIV infection is the seventh important reason for child death under 14 years of age, in the United States. . It is apparent that HIV and AIDS is not just a health related issue, it is a complex issue having social, economic, cultural and regional dimensions. The United States which is composed of states and other political subunits has different political, economic and welfare policies which reflects in the dealing of HIV and AIDS also. The communities which are smaller in the sub national jurisdictions are not uniform in their cultural and social behavior. So the spread, the impact and the responses to the impacts have different dimensions. When the statistics show that there are over 1 million infected people in US, the number is corresponding to that much or more lives in US suffering the blame, grief and depression due to the HIV. The effect of infection in an individual may not bring an immediate change in the society and the nati on as in his family, but an accumulation of many such cases slowly affect the society and the nation. It is a shocking fact the number of children who had lived HIV infected since 2007 from the start of this epidemic is nearly 3.8 million. As quoted by the website JAMA 'Approximately 14920 HIV-infected infants were born in the United States between 1978 and 1993. Approximately 6530 HIV-infected women gave birth in the United States in 1993; an estimated 1630 of their infants were HIV infected.' In 2007 the HIV affected children living in US is nearly 4000. According to CDC statistics as per 1998 top rates of children infected with HIV among the US cities were New York City, Miami, Florida, Newark and New Jersey. As per the statistics available with the website of UNICEF, 'In 2008, 730,000 childrenunder 15 years of age were estimated to be living with HIV and in need of treatment; 38per cent were receiving treatment'. 132 million children in the developing world have lost one or both parents. 25 million children will be

Outline Influence of Childhood Experiences on Adult Relationships Essay Example for Free

Outline Influence of Childhood Experiences on Adult Relationships Essay Individuals differ in their relationships; psychologists have researched whether adult relationships are related to early experiences in life. Bowlby believes that the type of relationship the individual has with their primary caregiver gives a basis of a future relationship. This is called the internal working model. The fear of strangers represents an important survival mechanism, which is by nature, babies display social releasers which helps them ensure contact or proximity with the primary caregiver, as they similarly will with their partner in their adult relationship. Another example of the internal working model is the continuity hypothesis, which is a key theory to explaining childhood or adolescent experiences on later adult relationships, where it states that childhood relationships will affect your future relationships, Mary Ainsworth explores this by looking at our relationships as infants as concluded three types: Secure, insecure-avoidant, insecure-resistant. Secure is where the infant is in a calm state even without the presence of the primary caregiver, secure avoidant is where shows little distress, avoids contact with caregiver when returns, and insecure-resistant is when child shows a lot of distress, anxious and nervous. This demonstrates the relationship that the child has with the primary caregiver when they are present and not present. This gives the child a set of beliefs about themselves and the nature of the relationship with others, the continuity thesis see’s this as a predictive behaviour of future relationships. Hazen and Shaver also devised a theory that supports the continuity thesis, they say that when a child perceives a threat to a relationship or themselves, they will feel frightened or worried, therefore they seek the primary caregivers attention. Depending on the situation the attachment behaviour varies depending on the need of the child. They also observed adult relationships, where adults normally feel safer and more secure when their partner is nearby and responsive, the partner may be used as a secure base, when they may feel sick or threatened they will seek attention of partner which mimics their infant-mother relationship. Another psychologist Freud, also looks into unresolved conflicts as a child, he links this into adult relationships, where he concluded that this could cause difficulty forming. He explains this using our defence mechanisms. Again, Hazer and Shaver supports the thesis as they published the ‘love quiz’ in an American Newspaper, and found that the majority of responses were secure attachment which gave them long lasting happy and stable relationships, however this could be due to a social desirability, as only certain category of people would reply to the newspaper advertisement, for example middle class, or those that are happy in their relationship are more likely to respond to the ad rather than those in an unhappy unfulfilling relationship. The participants were given 3 statements which each reflected the type of attachments that Mary Ainsworth found, he found those who were securely attached trusted each other and was in a happy stable relationship, those who were insecure avoidant were uncomfortable being close to others and insecure resistant were likely to be possessive and preoccupied about their relationships. However this study has been criticised for social desirability as participants may respond different knowingly that their information would be shared, and also for being retrospective as they are doing this from memory However there has been other explanations that suggests otherwise, for example Kagan presents the temperament hypothesis where different infants simply may just have different personalities, for Kagan the strange situation measures the temperament rather than attachment and the attachment behaviours displayed are a reflection of this infants temperament. However the bizarre case study of the Czech twins would go against the continuity theory as to where their childhood attachment were abusive, unsatisfied and had no social or emotional bonds went to the opposite after they were adopted by two loving sisters who they formed a normal loving bond and both went onto have long lasting stable relationships, this doesn’t show that adult relationships replicating childhood attachments as they are still able to have normal relationships without experiencing it at childhood. The continuity thesis is also very reductionist as they don’t take in any other consideration or factors that can affect their relationships, for example peer influence, cultural differences for example, a collectivist culture is more likely to spend most their time mothering the child, so they are more likely to form an insecure attachment, but can still go on to developing normal relationships.

The goal of the critically reflective teacher

The goal of the critically reflective teacher Ben Miller, writing about Stephen Brookfield, said that for Brookfield, the goal of the critically reflective teacher is to garner an increased awareness of his or her teaching from as many different vantage points as possible ((Miller 2010). I have chosen Brookfield as a model for self evaluation, as I believe, like Brookfield, in the value of the many different vantage points. That is not to devalue other models which encourage self reflection, and particularly where self reflection leads to action, but I believe using Brookfields four lenses, the autobiographical or self lens, the student lens, the peer lens, and the theoretical lens, can provide teachers with a more balanced view of themselves and their role. This is apparent in the DTLLS course that I am following (University of Warwick 2009). I can see Brookfield in the way in which tutors are encouraged to use different lenses through which to view their teaching, reflect and act on reflection. When this is a continuous process, it provides a good model for continuing professional development. For example, being alert for trigger incidents, and reflecting on how these affect teaching uses the autobiographical lens, as does reflection on observed sessions, before and after feedback; engaging with student feedback to gain insight into their viewpoint uses the student lens; carrying out and reflecting on peer observations and discussions with a mentor relates to the peer lens; and reference throughout to underpinning theories provides a theoretical lens. Brookfield also states (Brookfield 1995), that we become critically reflective by hunting assumptions. Assumptions are the taken for granted beliefs about the world, and our place within it. Reflecting on trigger incidents can often provide a starting point for hunting assumptions (Brookfield 1995). One of my trigger incidents led me to question my assumption that all ESOL learners aspire to speaking English like native speakers. After spending time helping a learner with some writing, I began to appreciate that for some learners, it was important to know how native speakers use the language, but then to be able to make an informed choice, which might be a wish to keep a sense of cultural identity or individuality through use of accent, words or phrases which might not be what we would expect from a native English speaker. Brookfield distinguishes between three categories of assumptions paradigmatic, prescriptive, and causal. Paradigmatic are the structuring assumptions, the conceptual framework one uses to order the world into fundamental categories à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ The facts as we know them to be true. He goes on to say that paradigmatic assumptions are examined critically only after a great deal of resistance to doing this. (Brookfield 1995) Prescriptive assumptions are about what we think ought to happen in certain situations, how teachers should act, and what good teaching practice is. Causal assumptions include our understanding of causal relationships. An example of a paradigmatic assumption given by Brookfield is to assume that all adults are self-directed learners but as Brookfield says, students can only make informed choices about what they need to know, how they can know it, and how they can know that they know it, on the basis of as full as possible an understanding of the learning terrain they are being asked to explore (Brookfield 1995). In an ESOL classroom where learners may not have the language to express what they want, or even the concept of what they need, or as one learner put it everybody has different ideas, which are difficult to accommodate within a group teaching session, one might want to question this assumption, as Brookfield did. Following this train of thought, current practice places much emphasis on negotiated learning plans and measurable learning goals, which implies the same assumption. But how can it be assumed that this is the right approach for all learners in all situations unless, using an institutional lens, it is seen in the light of providing organizations with a tool with which to measure achievement, which can be passed on to funders and stakeholders. Reflection on this was one reason I chose to look further into meaningful individual learning goals for my Action Research project. The very different assumption that all learning should be learner centred I find more difficult to question. For example, many students are in the situation of having limited funding and therefore limited time to study ESOL because of the need to find work, and therefore learning strategies for learning which can help them to continue to learn once they have left the class might be important for them, but they might not be able to express that need. Meeting such a need would be learner centred, but would not assume that learners were self directed, and achievement of such a need would be difficult to measure. Again using Brookfields example, a prescriptive assumption might be that good teachers are those who encourage self directed learning, and a causal assumption that if learners have negotiated individual learning plans and learning goals they will become more self directed. This might, in light of the above, lead one to think about what Brookfield refers to as hegemonic assumptions or erroneous assumptions the assumptions that seem to make our teaching lives easier, but are counterproductive in the long run (Brookfield 1995). From my own experience in the classroom, I have made erroneous assumptions regarding the abilities of pre literate learners in areas other than literacy, such as numeracy, which have sent me searching for information as to how being pre literate affects all areas of life, and also to use the peer lens by observing a tutor who is very experienced in teaching pre entry, pre literate learners, in addition to the theoretical lens. To try to step into the shoes of pre literate learners I find extremely difficulty, and full of surprises. I observed one learner who is not literate in her first language in an informal knit and natter group, where learners of all levels meet, knit and talk together. This learner wanted to knit a babys jacket, and learned to do so by shadowing another person while she knitted. On completion of the jacket, she immediately pulled it out and started again while it was fresh in her mind so that she would remember how to do it. On reflection, this is how I learned to bake as a child, and how many people arrive in this country, skilled in trades but without qualifications to match their skills, or hope of achieving these in the short term, as qualifications demand a high level of literacy. I have also observed this same student, trying to understand what someone is saying to her in English. She unconsciously repeats key words out loud, which appears to help her understanding, shadowing with words as she does with knitting. If shadowing is a learning strategy used by pre literate learners, I should be thinking about how to nurture it in the ESOL classroom. It would perhaps provide a rationale for using methods such as language experience as well as phonetics for teaching basic literacy. I find this an interesting area, and as part of my action plan, would like to look at research on this subject, to learn more and also whether and how my observations fit in with the research. Once hunting assumptions becomes part of reflective practice, the questioning of these will lead teachers to see the need to provide themselves with a rationale for all aspects of their teaching, from setting goals, to learning objectives to decisions about methods and activities. Again this relates to our DTLLS course, which asks for a rationale to be provided for observed sessions. As this thinking becomes part of a teachers day to day practice, it forces the questioning of assumptions. To enable teachers to provide a rationale behind their practice and to increase the probability that teachers will take informed action are among Brookfields reasons for critical reflection, as is To enliven the classroom by making it challenging, interesting and stimulating for students(King and Hibbison 2000) The latter seems to imply that teachers must be responsive. Brookfield also uses the phrase democratic learning environment (King and Hibbison 2000) to refer to a classroom in which all learners have a voice. If responsiveness and democracy are looked at in the light of Donald Schons notion of reflection in action or thinking on your feet (Smith 2001, updated 2009), Schon and Brookfield are not unrelated. I gave an example in one of my trigger incidents of a session in a pre entry class where two learners had been very upset about circumstances outside the classroom, and their problems had been met with interest and empathy from the rest of the class, which led to a session on language to express feelings e.g. worried/worried about etc. This was reflection in action, relating to what was important for those learners at that time, but also looking through Brookfields student lens and helping them to express what they wanted to say. Further, it took account of the holistic nature of teaching, and I was able afterwards to relate my response to findings of NRDC research into effective teaching and learning (Baynham et al 2007) which cites examples of where learners have brought the outside in to learning and this has been used effectively. Thus using Brookfields theoretical lens to support my actions, but also relating back to Schons notion of reflection in action. However, I have also experienced a less successful example of bringing the outside in when I felt that a lesson was becoming unfocused because the topic that came up, planning a trip, needed more thought and some resources. I decided to abandon the outside in and bring the learners back to the original lesson plan. My reflection on action involved a recognition that I had not been able, at the time, to produce a clear way forward, and that in such a situation, a potentially interesting topic might be better postponed for another session to allow for more careful thought and planning in order to optimise learning opportunities. Donald Schon refers to reflection in action as what happens when faced with an uncertain or unique situation, and reflection on action as what happens afterwards, reflecting on why we did what we did. Reflection in action depends upon building up experiences and ideas that can be drawn upon. In the case of the two incidents mentioned above, in which one worked as a spontaneous change of direction, and one did not, this lead to reflection on action which in turn added to my repertoire of experience and will hopefully enable me to react more appropriately next time. The unfamiliar becomes familiar and can act as a precedent when reflection in action is linked to reflection on action (Smith 2001, updated 2009). Schons reflection on action would allow for the inclusion of different vantage points, for example, discussions with supervisors or peers, but does not explicitly state this, as I think Brookfield is helpful in doing. Also, Brookfields notion of questioning assumptions, which forces teachers not only to provide a rationale for their teaching, but also question the rationale behind institutional processes and decision making, does not come into Schons model. While acknowledging the value of Schons model of reflective practice, I found I preferred that of Stephen Brookfield, and I chose to carry out my self evaluation with reference to Brookfields four critical lenses, using this to develop my action plan (appendix 1). Using Brookfields autobiographical, or self, lens to reflect on the two incidents described above which relate to my own teaching, I have put in my action plan to be sensitive to opportunities for bringing the outside in, but also to recognise when this is better postponed to allow for more careful thought and planning Being sensitive to opportunities for bringing the outside into the classroom also involves the student lens and will allow for a more holistic approach, connecting learners lives with their learning, and providing meaningful contexts, as well as a supportive learning atmosphere. My observation feedback enabled me to use the self lens to reflect on some strengths, and also on areas for improvement. I had recognized a need to embed numeracy into ESOL, particularly for pre literate, pre numerate learners, but my inexperience in this area had led me to pitch the numeracy element too high. Reflection on what pre numeracy really meant for pre literate learners allowed me to take a step back and look at activities relating to language, which could also help numeracy skills. This would go into my action plan as introducing activities which involve skills which are transferable between language and numeracy such as sequencing, handling money, measuring, singular and plural etc. and a search for literature around the effects of no first language literacy and no previous formal education on all areas of life and learning. My observation feedback also picked up on the lack of a plenary at the end of my observed session, which led to reflection on how this could also be used as a way of developing organizational skills in students and highlighting organizing learning as a learning strategy. My action plan will include encouraging learners to keep a diary of what they have learnt, to complete at the end of each session and to observe the effect on learners of organization as a learning strategy. This diary will also form part of my Action Research as it will be linked to learning goals. Using Brookfields student lens, I have incorporated into the plenary diary a space for learners comments. Part of my action plan will be to reflect on, and if necessary, act on this feedback. Peer observations and discussions with peers brought in Brookfields peer lens. I carried out three peer observations during which I focussed on activities for pre literate learners, family learning numeracy fun with numbers, and, following a discussion with a tutor who I know to be very organized, organizational skills and the effect of these on learners. Following my observation and reflection I have included in my action plan a need to build up a bank of good quality resources for pre entry learners that can be used in different ways and in more than one session, for example, the tutor I observed had cards with pictures of symptoms and cards with matching words. She used these to play a team game of pelmanism using blu tack and the whiteboard. These same cards could be used as flashcards to introduce vocabulary, in games such as pelmanism to aid memory and word recognition, to practice alphabetical order, to stimulate role play, as a card game to practice Ive got.. and Have you go tà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ etc. From the family learning numeracy session I took away ideas to use with pre entry learners to help them both in class by creating activities, and outside class using these activities to play with their children. Extending this idea of taking the inside out, I have also organized a separate reading group session in the central library in collaboration with the librarian who, every three weeks, provides space, tea and coffee. This is for all levels, but for pre entry, encourages them to use the library, and look at picture books, which they can take home and read with their children. Also in my action plan will be to continue with peer observation after the course has finished as a useful way of continuing my own professional development both by learning from others and by getting feedback on my teaching. Finally, using Brookfields theoretical lens. I refer earlier in this assignment to NRDC Effective Teaching and Learning ESOL which reports on the findings of researchers working with ESOL tutors. These findings are very much about the effectiveness of using meaningful contexts for teaching, and also about a project involving learners bringing the outside into the classroom, which the tutor used as a context for further sessions. I find this piece of research has changed the way I teach in that I now enjoy using what learners bring into the classroom when it is of interest to others in the class. Sometimes this can change the direction of a whole session, as mentioned earlier, sometimes it can be just a few minutes of someone telling a story and others asking questions, sometimes it provides material for another session. Referring to this research has given me confidence to move away from a planned session if it seems appropriate and interesting. Another piece of writing I have found useful is Scott Thornburys book Uncovering Grammar (Thornbury 2005), particularly dealing with interlanguage, and referring to the idea that language is not learnt in a straight line, which has caused me again to question the value of setting measurable goals for ESOL learners. The activities in Scott Thornburys book for noticing grammar and making learners aware of the gaps between where they are and where they want, or need, to be, fit in well with the NRDC research findings on the effectiveness of providing a meaningful context (Baynham et al 2007). Using learners experience as a context is a good starting point for this awareness raising. I would like to continue to look for interesting ideas to try out in my teaching, and theories, which might support what I am doing, as I believe this will give me increased confidence in the classroom. In my action plan I have written that I will subscribe to a journal, which I find has useful articles and book reviews. I would also like to use the internet to look for articles on pre literate ESOL learners, and what effect this has on other areas such as numeracy, memory, interpreting pictures, learning strategies etc. to gain a better understanding which will help me in my teaching at this level. Before concluding this assignment, I would like to mention one more critical incident which I witnessed recently. The incident happened in a mixed class when a muslim woman, allowed her scarf to slip off her head as she was absorbed in her work. A young man from Afghanistan who had very recently arrived in the UK shouted at the woman in a language they both understood, and she reacted by tightening the scarf round her head to cover her hair. This made me think back to Brookfields idea of a democratic environment and to reflect on the difficulty of maintaining this when there are such culturally strong power relationships. I concluded that to Brookfields lenses, I would need to add a cultural lens in order to see the incident both through the eyes of the young man, and the women, and in order to reflect on my own reaction to the incident, and my own assumptions about gender relationships. I later had an interesting discussion with a higher level group who are mostly muslim on this inc ident. Culture comes into the ESOL classroom in many different ways, and used sensitively, can be a valuable resource. For this assignment I chose to use Stephen Brookfield as a model of reflective practice and self assessed using his four critically reflective lenses. However I also referred to Donald Schon and his idea of reflection in action and reflection on action. I found that, although there are differences between the two models, such as Brookfields use of four lenses which play an almost equally important role, while Schon uses the self first and foremost; and also Brookfields questioning of assumptions which do not come into Schons model, I found it useful to be aware of both. While Stephen Brookfields model of reflective practice is my preferred one, I can see that there are times when I will use Donald Schons model. Schon also includes the idea of a spiral of reflection, where reflection in action and reflection on action lead to change, and reflection on that change. As with teaching where the teacher will not use just one method, but pick and choose from many, so with reflective practice, there will be times when one model appeals more than another, or enhances another. As teachers are involved in continuous professional development, there will be opportunities to be eclectic. Wordcount 3,372

Graduation Speech: Ill Never Forget :: Graduation Speech, Commencement Address

During the years I've been at Best College, I have learned what it means to be an adult and make choices that determine my future. I began attending this college as when I was a senior at County High School. My graduating class was just over 100 students, and consisted of students predominately like myself. My first class here introduced me to a more diverse group of students and I had the opportunity to study with people of all ages and ethnicities. As I became involved with the college's art and literary magazine and the student newspaper, I had additional opportunities to work with people from around the world. It's difficult to comprehend how much we can learn from each other until we are given that opportunity, and I know that I was given that opportunity here at Best College. Now, after two years of hard work, I am ready to move on. Although I'm excited about the next chapter in my life, I will never forget the tremendous people I've met at Best College. Many of the students I've met and the teachers I've had the privilege to learn from, have made significant impacts on my life. Stanley Kunitz wrote a poem called The Layers, of which I would like to share an excerpt with you: I have walked through many lives, some of them my own, and I am not who I was, though some principle of being abides, from which I struggle not to stray. When I look behind, as I am compelled to look before I can gather strength to proceed on my journey, I see the milestones dwindling toward the horizon and the slow fires trailing from the abandoned camp-sites, over which scavenger angels wheel on heavy wings. In a rising wind the manic dust of my friends, those who fell along the way, bitterly stings my face. Yet I turn, I turn, exulting somewhat, with my will intact to go wherever I need to go, and every stone on the road precious to me. In my darkest night, when the moon was covered and I roamed through wreckage, a nimbus-clouded voice directed me: "Live in the layers, not on the litter." Though I lack the art to decipher it, no doubt the next chapter in my book of transformations

Private Property and the Rule of the Middle Class in Aristotle’s Politi

Private Property and the Rule of the Middle Class in Aristotle’s Politics In his discussions of constitutions and cities in Politics, Aristotle makes it very clear that his top priority is to provide people with the opportunity to pursue and achieve the good life. An integral part of this is the stability of the constitution. Although Aristotle explicitly states that a kingship is the best system of rule for any given generation, its lack of stability from one generation to the next disqualifies it from being the best in reality. In his attempts to find a constitution with stability, Aristotle comes to the decision that the middle class would be the ruler of such a constitution. This, he says, will minimize the corruption that can easily take place within the rich or the poor, and will ensure lasting stability. In order to enable the middle class to take a role of power, Aristotle allows them to obtain wealth, and more specifically private property—a huge diversion from the opinion of Aristotle’s mentor, Plato put forth in th e Republic. Towards the beginning of Aristotle’s discussion about the different constitutions, he makes the claim that in certain situations, a kingship is the most virtuous of all types of government. â€Å"There may, however, be a particular sort of society in which absolute kingship ought to be instituted. This is the sort of society in which one family, or person, is of merit so outstanding as to surpass all the other members†¦there should be absolute kingship† (III.17). When Aristotle speaks about â€Å"virtue,† describes a constitution as â€Å"good,† or issues any other form of praise, he is almost always speaking about the ability of the constitution to provide its citizens with t... ...a luxury but a necessity for the stability of the just city, and the pursuit of the good life. Aristotle’s arguments for the rule of the middle class and the existence of private property are very convincing. He successfully shows that a government, which best allows its citizens to live the good life must necessarily be stable. To achieve that stability, those who rule should be chosen because of their ability to maintain control when other classes challenge them, and for their reluctance to corrupt and start ruling for their own self-interest. The middle class was the obvious choice—the poor and rich could never unite to mount an effective challenge. In order for the middle class to have the potential to rule, wealth, luxury, and specifically property must be allowed. Aristotle’s arguments for all of these things are solidly grounded and correct.

Salingers Franny and Zoey Essay -- J.D. Salinger Franny Zoey Essays

Salinger's Franny and Zoey It is the consensus of most critics that Seymour Glass is the most important character and the leader of the Glass family. This is a point that is obvious from the stories that Salinger has written about the Glass family. Seymour is looked up to and revered by all the children in the family and is his mothers â€Å"favorite, most intricately calibrated, her kindest son†(Franny 89). When catastrophe strikes in Franny and Zooey, the only person Franny wants to talk to is Seymour. Why is Seymour the most important person in the Glass family? Seymour is the eldest child. Therefore, all will come after him. In a sense, nothing new can be done after Seymour has done it. All that is left is to imitate and learn from the child genius. This is what all the Glass children seem to do. In Franny and Zooey, we learn that Seymour and Buddy educated all of the children. Together, the eldest boys of the Glass family taught their siblings literature, philosophy, and religion. Seymour was also looked up to and relied upon by the children of his family. In Seymour: an Introduction, we learn that Seymour and Buddy were both active in taking care of their younger siblings but there was a slight difference in the reactions of the children to each of them. Buddy says: When Seymour told one of the twins †¦to take off his or her rubbers on coming into the apartment, each and all of them knew he mostly mean that the floor would get tracked up if they didn’t and that Bessie would have to get out the mop. When I told them to take off their rubbers, they knew I mostly meant that people who didn’t were slobs. (193-194) This is an important difference because it shows how bo... ... learn from. He exists to teach us a lesson. This is why he is the family storyteller. He is our teacher, our example, and our leader. What is the lesson we are to learn from him? Maybe only Salinger knows that for certain but I believe Salinger would have us each search out our own â€Å"pieces of holy ground†. He would have us all find our one true thing we are to do, even if it is only to go to teach in a small classroom with less than average writers, as is Buddy’s holy ground, or to live alone and write for only yourself, as is Salinger’s holy ground. He would have us all admit to ourselves what it is we are supposed to do and go out and do it instead of forever complaining and searching for better. Through Buddy, Salinger is trying to give us his version of the meaning of life. The ultimate message: Find your holy ground, there lies happiness and truth.

Kotak Mahindra

Established in 1984, The Kotak Mahindra Group has long been one of India’s most reputed financial organizations. In Feb 2003, Kotak Mahindra Finance Ltd. , the group’s flagship company was given the license to carry on banking business by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This approval creates banking history since Kotak Mahindra Finance Ltd is the first company in India to convert to a bank. The license authorizing the bank to carry on banking business has been obtained from the RBI in tune with Section 22 of the Banking Regulation Act 1949. KMBL was promoted by Mr.Uday. S. Kotak, Kotak and Company Ltd and Mr. Sidney & A. A. Pinto under the name of Kotak Capital Management Finance Ltd on 21st Nov 1985 and obtained a Certificate of Commencement of Business on 11th Feb 1986.Key group companies and their businesses Kotak Mahindra Bank Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Kotak Securities Kotak Mahindra Prime Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Kotak Mahindra Old Mutual Life Insurance Limited BOARD OF DIRECTORS * Mr. K. M. Gherda – Executive Chairman * Mr. Uday Kotak –Executive Vice Chairman and Managing Director * Mr.Anand Mahindra –Co Promoter of Kotak Mahindra Bank and Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Mahindra and Mahindra * Mr. Cyril Shroff –Co Promoter * Mr. Pradeep N Kotak –Agri Division of Kotak and Company Limited * Dr. Shanker Acharya * Mr. Shivaji Dam –Managing Director Kotak Mahindra Old Mutual Life Insurance Limited * Mr. C. Jayaram –Executive Director * Mr. Dipak Gupta –Executive Director Product Detail Kotak Mahindra Bank is one of the prominent subsidiaries of Kotak Mahindra group. The activities of the company being parallel to its objective are very wide and cover all the components of a Bank.The Basic area of Operations is the Banking business, other products are meant for the regular revenue generation. Being a Banking house, the company is in regular touch with Banking Acc ounts, Investment Services, Convenience Banking and Other Services. Kotak Mahindra Bank, it's not about selling you many different products — it's about working out a holistic, pragmatic solution that addresses your financial needs. Through their varied products,they commit themselves to becoming â€Å"banker† to the customer rather than being â€Å"asset financier† to our customers.Banking Services by Kotak Mahindra There are three types of banking accounts: * Savings Account * Edge Savings Account: * Pro Savings Account: * Ace Savings Account * Current Account * Edge Current Account * Pro Current account * ACE Current Account * Term Deposit Investment Services * Demat & On Line Trading Account * Initial Public Offers(Ipo’s) Mutual Funds Convenience Banking * Multiple Banking Channels * ATM (Automatic Teller Machine): * Phone Banking * Mobile Banking * SMS Banking OTHER SERVICES * Banking Hours * Best Compliments Card – the perfect giftCOMPETIVE P ROFILE * HDFC Bank * ICICI Bank HDFC BANK Market Strategy Emphasizes The Following: * Increase market share in India’s expanding banking and financial services industry by following a disciplined growth strategy focusing on quality and not on quantity and delivering high quality customer service. * Leverage our technology platform and open scalable systems to deliver more products to more customers and to control operating costs. * Maintain current high standards for asset quality through disciplined credit risk management. Develop innovative products and services that attract the targeted customers and address inefficiencies in the Indian financial sector. * Continue to develop products and services that reduce bank’s cost of funds. * Focus on high earnings growth with low volatility. ICICI BANK MARKETING STRATEGY OF ICICI BANK: * India’s second largest bank * 614 branches and extension counters * 2200 ATM’S * Biggest private sector bank in India * Most valuable bank in India in terms of market capitalization * Described by the competitors and industry expert in one word – â€Å"Aggressive† Strategy of Kotak Mahindra 1.Kotak Mahindra Bank is Leading Bank in the country, it provides a variety of products and services to different segments of customers. 2. The Bank aims to serve customers from teenagers to senior citizens, hence different products designed to suit specific requirements of the above. 3. Aims to serve all classes of the society from the salaried middle class to the high income business class. Customers are categorized and segmented according to their requirements and needs. For Example, the EDGE Saving Account aims to serve middle class customers so minimum balance required to be maintained is Rs. 0000. While the PRO and ACE Saving Accounts are targeted at high income customers, the minimum balance requirement is Rs. 20000 and Rs. 75000.4. Customers who are more profitable to the Bank (High Value Customer s) are provided special facilities. Priority Banking is meant to serve these high value customers. 5. The Bank prides itself with the ability to provide differentiate products in the crowded market of saving accounts. Bank offers the free home baking, special co-branded debit cards (Smart fill Debit Card) which makes its product unique. . The Bank is also involved in marketing activities which serves as a medium of advertisement for the Bank. These are as follows: * Extended happy hours at certain pubs in Delhi for the Bank’s account holders. * Gift Vouchers on making utility payments, such as cell phones, electricity and MTNL bills. * Free Gifts like caps, pens/wallets to its customers. * Free add-on cards for relatives. 7. The Bank wants its customers to transact more through Internet Banking and ATM, Rather than the customers using the branch. 8.The Debit Cards provided by the Bank are Internationally Accepted around the world, hence giving the customers the convenience to transact anytime, anywhere. 9. The Bank has tied up with other Banks so that its customers can use other Bank’s ATM facility for free transactions 10. The Bank also provides DEMAT account and also sells Mutual Funds, this provides the Bank and Government additional revenue. 11. The Bank has been very successful in enlarging its customer base during the last couple of years. 12. The Number One Reason of people choosing Kotak Mahindra Bank is the Brand Name/Reputation of the Bank.Hence it should be careful that the Brand name and Goodwill the Bank has earned is not diluted. 13. The Biggest competitors of the Bank are ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank and STANDRAD CHARTERED. 14. ATM Facility is most popular way to transact with the Bank. 15. Overall the customers appreciate the service and products offered by the Bank and are willing to recommend the Bank to their acquaintances , But more attention has to paid towards: * Increasing the number of ATM machines. * Improving Internet Bankin g Facility.

Engineer Ethics Essay

The roles of engineers are respectively wide. Amongst the major responsibilities for engineers are design, construction supervision, consultation, project procurement, commissioning and management etc. Engineers are responsible to give the highest regard to his profession and conduct himself with integrity when executing his task. For example a good design solution would have to include two important aspects namely design adequacy and cost effectiveness. In addition, engineers have obligation to generate design solutions that are environmental friendly at the same time meeting the demanding requirements of client. Engineers have a duty of care to the environment, society and to their valuable customers or clients. They would have to generate design that fulfill the design clauses in the engineering codes of design, meeting the requirements by the various Governmental Departments and incorporate design solutions that are environmental friendly which induce minimum negative impacts to the surrounding environment and society. Besides, engineers would have to take into consideration the cost implication of their design solution to their clients. This has caused great dilemma in engineers, as they have to balance cost implication of the design solution with other factors such as quality, efficiency and various socio-economy factors. In the context of a developing country like Malaysia, in some cases, clients however have different mindset from that of the engineers. Clients are more concern about the cost implication of the generated design solution; they are more interested in design solution that is cost effective and yet fulfills the minimum design requirements by the Government. In this respect, clients would normally opt for design solutions that are cost effective, that stay within their budget. Some clients would incorporate project budget that is far inadequate which requires the engineers to sacrifice the quality and long-term efficiencies aspects in their design solution. This has obviously contradicted with the engineers’ interests of incorporating optimum design that would guarantee long-term efficiencies and easy maintenance. In addition, a not-up-to the standards design solution that obviously with an associated lower construction cost would mean that the engineer would be getting a much lesser consultation fees in view that the engineering fees are normally proportional to the cost expenditure of the project. However these two factors, namely the cost factors and quality are normally indirectly roportional to one another. This has made the engineers’ life extremely tough and difficult. Engineers are constantly wondering if they should go for expensive design solution that would definitely give both long-term efficient operations and maintenance and most importantly getting a higher professional fees, or go for an ‘ok’ design solution that might not be able to guarantee the quality aspects of the project and yet getting a lower professional fees. In view of the dilemma that engineers are constantly encountering in balancing capital expenditure with optimum design for efficient operations and maintenance, engineers should by all means combine both the design and cost aspects in the process of generating design solutions for their clients. Engineers should not produce a cheap design solution that does not comply with the relevant code of practices with the purpose just to please their valuable clients, hoping for more projects. Neither should they generate expensive design, ignore the cost implication of that particular design and with the purpose to obtain higher professional fee.

Charles Finney the Great Revivalist

Charles Grandison Finny was born in Connecticut on august 29, 1792. His family was not religious and didn’t teach him much about being Christian. He was an excellent student in school. When he grew up he was a lawyer. He heard enough about the bible to know he wasn’t going to heaven that scared him. So one day he ran in the woods and said if he didn’t find God he wasn’t coming back. When he came out of the woods he felt the love of God. He wanted to be God’s lawyer.He met with his client and said he had to quit the case and to go be God’s lawyer. He was really blunt when teaching about God he was more like a lawyer than a pastor. When he started preaching he noticed that people where just pretending to be Christians and really weren’t living as Christians. He told them the truth about Christianity and challenged them to be real Christians. Finney preached firmly in a way that people had never heard before and at first people didnâ€⠄¢t like him or his way of preaching.He continued to challenge them to be the way god wants them to be and after a while they began to understand him and his way of preaching. Finney had a great impact on people of his time. Charles Finney proves that when you believe in something strong enough anything is possible. Finney proved that by finding God and convincing people to change their ways even when they didn’t like him. If more people in the world where like Finney everyone would be able to stand up for what they think is right and the world would be a better place.

Acme Fireworks Prospectus Essay

Acme Fireworks is a fireworks retailer that sells fireworks, puts on ground display fireworks, and large aerial displays fireworks. Acme Fireworks has been a sole proprietorship since it began two years ago. At this time the owner is receiving inquiries as to Acme Fireworks ability to create fireworks displays on a regular basis. CITATION Rog12 l 1033 (Rogers, 2012). In anticipation of increased business, the owner of Acme Fireworks is in need of some information. This prospectus is going to inform the owner as to: Whether or not the business will be governed by common law or the Uniform Commercial Code. Analyze whether or not the owner has any actual contracts. Explain the potential personal liability to Acme Fireworks is someone is injured by a stray firework. Discuss different employment types while discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each type as it applies to Acme Fireworks. And finally, give suggestions as to why Acme Fireworks should no longer be a sole proprietorship. When it comes to contracts, it is important to understand that there are two different bodies of law that come into play, the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and the common law of contracts. The difference between the UCC and the common law contract can make a huge difference in the outcome of a contract dispute. This could be the difference between being able to collect punitive damages, discharge or modify a contract, be able to sue under breach of contract, and whether or not there truly a legally recognizable contract after all CITATION Gun12 l 1033 (Denton, 2012). It is important to understand the type of contract governed by each body of law. The UCC applies to the sale of goods and securities, and common law of contracts applies to contracts for services, real estate, insurance, intangible assets, and employment CITATION Gun12 l 1033 (Denton, 2012). If the contract should happen to be for both  the sale of goods and for securities, the dominant element would be in control of the contract CITATION Gun12 l 1033 (Denton, 2012). Should Acme Fireworks have contracts with the inquiring businesses, these contracts would be governed under UCC rule. The contracts would be for both goods and services with goods being the dominant factor of the contracts. There would be more fireworks than there would be personnel. Hence, this would be the reasoning for a UCC contract. In order for the owner to have valid contracts with inquiring businesses there are five elements that must be present in order for the contracts to be valid. First there must be an offer. An offer is an invitation for another to enter into a contract CITATION Rog12 l 1033 (Rogers, 2012).Then there is the need for acceptance. Acceptance is the acquiescence to enter into a contract CITATION Rog12 l 1033 (Rogers, 2012). Then there is consideration. Consideration is anything of legal value that is asked for and received as the price for entering into a contract CITATION Rog12 l 1033 (Rogers, 2012). Now there is legality. Legality is the extent to which the contract is legal and not against public policy CITATION Rog12 l 1033 (Rogers, 2012). Finally, there is capacity. Capacity is the mental competency to enter into a contract CITATION Rog12 l 1033 (Rogers, 2012). Considering Acme Firework’s new â€Å"contracts†; Was there an offer? No, there was not an offer. The businesses were making inquiries, asking questions trying to find out what Acme Fireworks could handle. Was the acceptance? No, there was no acceptance. There were no contracts offered, therefore nothing to accept. Was there consideration? No, there was no consideration. Pricing of the firework displays was talked about, but that was j ust information given to answer question f the inquiry. Is there legality? Yes, when the contracts are made they will be legal as they will not be against public policy. Is there capacity? Yes, there is capacity. It is safe to assume that the owner of Acme Fireworks and the owners of the other businesses are of sound mind and body therefore able to enter into legally binding contracts. So, did the owner have enforceable contracts? No, he did not. While there was legality and capacity; there was no offer, acceptance, or consideration present. Fireworks displays are beautiful and exciting, but they are also very dangerous. The operator of a fireworks display has a duty to fireworks are done in a safe way that does not injure spectators CITATION All13 l 1033  (Business, 2013). To successfully sue a promoter of a firework display, it must be shown that the promoter failed to keep spectators at a reasonable safe distance CITATION All13 l 1033 (Business, 2013). In order to sue the operator of a firework display it must be shown that the spectator was injured by the discharge of a fireworks or firework that did not explode properly CITATION All13 l 1033 (Business, 2013). Should an injury occur neg ligence by the operator is presumed, as the operator is in sole control of firing the fireworks. Essentially, Acme Fireworks is going to want any such liabilities to be the responsibility of the company and not result in personal liability. Being a sole proprietorship Acme Fireworks will be liable for all debts and claims against the business. A lawsuit of this type could be financially devastating. However, should Acme Fireworks take the time and effort to incorporate or to form a Limited Liability Company they would more than likely be protected to a significant degree from such personal injury CITATION All13 l 1033 (Business, 2013) Should these contracts come into being, Acme Fireworks will need to hire more employees. But which type of employee should Acme Fireworks employ? The full-time employee works regular and on-going, between 35-45 hours a week, which includes non-wage entitlements and benefits like paid holiday leave, sick leave, and long service leave CITATION ASU14 l 1033 (ASU, 2014). Part-time permanent work is regular and on-going, involves fewer hours than full-time and usually has set days or set hours. No benefits and entitlements are received by part-time employees. Casual work is on-going and involves irregular hours and hourly pay. Casual workers work on an as needed basis, which means that they work when they are needed CITATION ASU14 l 1033 (ASU, 2014). Th ere are no entitlements for casual workers since the entitlements are factored into 20% of the higher hourly rate that casual workers receive CITATION ASU14 l 1033 (ASU, 2014). Casuals usually receive hourly rates of pay based on a minimum 15% loading of normal or applicable hourly rates of pay CITATION ASU14 l 1033 (ASU, 2014). Fixed term or contract employees are hired for a fixed period of time for a specific project or to replace an employee on sick leave or paternal leave CITATION ASU14 l 1033 (ASU, 2014). This type of employee would need an agreement in writing that sets out the length of the employment contract. Fixed term employees are entitled to the same annual personal and other leave as  full-time employees, but on a proportional basis for the period of their employment CITATION ASU14 l 1033 (ASU, 2014) Piecework and commission only payment employees rather than being paid a wage or salary are paid by: Piecework – the paying f a specific amount for completing a specific task. Commission – the paying of a percentage for each sale made Retainer plus commission – the paying of a fixed amount plus commission. Should Acme Firew orks decide to hire more employees, my suggestion would be to hire casual workers. Casual workers do not expect to work all the time they work when they are needed. They would not have to give them any entitlements just work. Should Acme Fireworks become so busy that they are working everyday then they might want to get some full time workers. But, as of right now go with the casual workers. Acme Fireworks has been a sole proprietorship since it began two years ago. As a sole proprietorship all liabilities for finances and operations are on the owner. The owner’s personal property is tied to the business, so the owner assumes a risk against his personal property should the business experience financial hardship. Profits and losses of the business are reported through the owner and are taxed at the individual rate. The sole proprietorship entity is the easiest entity to set up, but the owner will probably have to sell the business to retrieve his investment. Should Acme Fireworks become a partnership? A partnership has two or more owners that share equal control, unless the partnership agreement says otherwise or the entity is set up as a limited partnership CITATION Phi14 l 1033 (Phillips, 2014). L ike a sole partnership, profits and losses of the business flow through the partners and are taxed at the individual rate. Operating partners assume risks, both legally and financially. Creditors can attempt to collect debts from the partner’s personal assets CITATION Phi14 l 1033 (Phillips, 2014). To recoup their investment the partner is required to sell his interest in the business. With the potential for devastatingly high personal injury claims, this entity would not be the one for Acme Fireworks. This entity jeopardizes the personal assets of the businesses owners. A corporation? A corporation can have an unlimited number of owners, known as shareholders. This business entity remains separate from the owners in legal and financial matters CITATION Phi14 l 1033 (Phillips, 2014). The profits and losses of a corporation are taxed at corporate rates, not individual rates. Should the  corporation realize a profit it is paid out to the shareholders who then report it as income and pay taxes on it at an individual rate CITATION Phi14 l 1033 (Phillips, 2014). Corporations are taxed twice, once at the time of profits and losses and then again when the shareholders realize the dividends. Or a limited liability company? This entity is a partnership and a corporation mixed together. Owners are protected from personal liability like a corporation, but enjoy the tax advantages similar to a partnership. The LLC would be the entity I would suggest for Acme Fireworks due to the ability to be free from personal liability and the ability to be taxed at the lower partnership rate. References: BIBLIOGRAPHY l 1033 ASU. (2014). Employment Type Defin itions & Eligibility Summary. Retrieved from ASU: http://www.asu.edu Business, A. (2013, July 13). Fireworks Displays. Retrieved from Avoiding Personal Liability: http://www.allbusiness.com Denton, G. &. (2012). Thwe difference between a contract that falls undert the UCC and one that does not and why it is important to you. Retrieved from Gunderson & Denton at Law: http://www.gundersondenton.com/business/difference-contract-falls-ucc-important Phillips, C. (2014). Three Types of Business Entity. Retrieved from Small Business: http://www.smallbusiness.chron.com Rogers, S. (2012). Essentials of Bussiness Law. San Diego: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.

Dracula by Bram Stoker gender and sensuality Essay

Dracula by Bram Stoker gender and sensuality - Essay Example If an issue that engulfs the important fields like science, sociology and philosophy, it is sex and gender. It is extensively discussed and the viewpoints are similar as well as contradictory. In some areas in Dracula, they are simply confusing. One finds Stoker is also seized with similar problems and is unable to adhere to a fixed viewpoint. He challenges the popular view of the distinctness of gender boundaries and at other times, steadfastly supports them. Stocker subscribes to the commonly accepted view of the Victorian authors that the assigned status of the women is natural and correct and it is essential to maintain them for the success of gender relations and for overall welfare of the society. Those who transgressed the prescribed limits were considered as aberrant and degenerate. Victorians had a fair assessment of the roles of both the sexes. Since ages, and in Victorian times in particular, man’s power has been progressive, active and defensive and the power of woman is sweet, persuasive, orderly arrangement, astute in decision making and her sixth sense works well which makes her incapable of error. As said earlier, Stocker’s viewpoint on gender and sexuality is traditional, but gender blurring is depicted in Dracula by Mina Harker and Lucy Westenra. The male characters in the novel also follow suit and deviate from the prescribed path. To be specific, Jonathan Harker’s encounter with the female vampires! The sexual roles take an about--turn as for vampires in Dracula’s castle. ... Stoker writes about her arrogance, (1994, p.46) â€Å"How dare you touch him, any of you? †¦This man belongs to me! †¦Yes, I too can love†¦I promise you that when I am done with him you shall kiss him at your will.† More of feminism engulfs the men folk in Dracula. Dr. Van Helsing, while in carriage with Dr. Seward, after Lucy’s(first) death, goes hysterical, cries and laughs, "just as a woman does" (p. 186). The feminine characteristics attributed to a man are clearly depicted. Stoker does tight rope-walking to elucidate his views on gender and sexuality in Dracula. It is not possible for him to express his rigid views on the subject of human sexuality, and he goes by what he sees in the total cultural context prevailing in the society then. Sexuality in Dracula is intriguing going by the established standards, but support to the â€Å"wrong† ideals on sex, makes the story more interesting and popular. At a cursory glance, the story appears to rel ate to the horrifying tale of Count Dracula, but on detailed analysis, one sees the gender and sexuality issues of the era are embedded in the story. But the issues that catch the attention of the readers are the means adopted by women to counter female repression, the lead they take for sexual advances, and the submissiveness of the male characters like Jonathan Harker and Van Helsing and how Mina Murray is subjected to repression because of the aggressiveness and dominance of the male gender. The contradictions in the sexual roles make it tough for the even analysis and interpretation of Dracula. This is due to the â€Å"polyphonic† nature of Dracula. The scene in which Dracula makes, either through force or seduction, Mina to drink blood from his chest (p. 336)

Total Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Total - Assignment Example The technique was developed by Albert Humphrey. He led a convention during his stay at Stanford University in the 1960s and the 1970s. He incorporated data from some Fortune500 companies. 2_In Total E&P Ltd we often work in challenging environments and have to strive to achieve our objectives. Please describe your most outstanding non-academic achievement highlighting your approach to any significant difficulties faced in meeting your objective(s). I was a member of the ISC-Student body during my undergraduate study. During the course of my study, I was asked to organize a career expo event. This was the first of its kind event in my college and funds were very limited. The biggest difficulty that I encountered was mobilizing the limited resources I had in achieving my target. I decided to collect and arrange for sponsors. Convincing them was quiet an ordeal as no one was willing to sponsor. Eventually I organized a fund raiser campaign and ended up accomplishing my objective successfully. 3_In Total E&P Ltd, we have a diverse mix of men and women who sometimes have different ideas on how to proceed. The ability to draw on these differences, influence others and then move forward with a common purpose is critical. Please describe a challenging occasion, which required your persuasive skills and your ability to organize other people in order to reach a successful resolution. I had gone to India for a traineeship in 2009 where I was inducted in a trainee apartment which had interns from different backgrounds. In one of our group tasks we had to zero down on a presentation draft for our task. Different people with different temperaments, made it difficult to come up with a theme of the presentation. Eventually, I convinced everyone to let an Indian theme work as the target market is Indian and it will appeal people more if

Peer review Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Peer review - Coursework Example The post has also demonstrated a deep understanding of the entertainment industry and the different media platforms available in the world. Talk show queens enjoy significant influence in the world (Johns, Weir & Weir, 2014). However, it has failed to demonstrate how Ellen Degeneres can boost her Nielsen scores. The score is the most important measure of the ability of a talk show to create and maintain a strong connection with customers. The responses provided suggest that the student did not invest their time in understanding the talk show industry. Moreover, the post has shifted a lot of focus to online channels at the expense of mainstream television channels. Although the latter is facing a stiff challenge from the former, it has succeeded in maintaining its position as the primary source of entertainment for most Americans. Ellen Degeneres should be rewarded for her hard work. She has managed to establish herself as a major player in the entertainment industry (Rocca, 2012). 1 Kings 11:28 indicate that Solomon appointed Jeroboam due to his skills and outgoing nature. Johns, R., Weir, B &Weir, R. (2014). The power of celebrity: exploring the basis for Oprah’s successful endorsement of Australia as a vacation destination. Journal of Vacation Marketing, Online first version, pp.

Criterion Referenced Tests and the Norm Referenced Tests Research Paper

Criterion Referenced Tests and the Norm Referenced Tests - Research Paper Example This essay highlights that  the criterion-referenced tests are intended to measure a person understands of a specific concept or skills that were required and are usually used in job evaluations and also in acquiring licenses. Under the CRT the tests are either a pass or a fail for a particular test since it tests if one has conceptualized a given concept or skill or not. The norm-referenced tests on the other hand are used to compare a given examinee with the other examinees. Under the norm-standard tests the examinees are given a similar test and they are compared against the results of each other that are put on a graph where the normal distribution is analyzed and the other extremes on either side of the curve are also characterized.  This discussion stresses that  the norm-referenced tests are usually used in schools and in grading students to understand the students that can make it to the next level as they are used to test their capability in the specific subjects and h ow they relate to their development educationally. As opposed to the CRT where there are no ranks but only a pass or a fail the ranking system is the most important aspect of the NRT system since the students that will pass and those that have failed need to be known to the teacher or practitioner.  The NRTs use criteria where the student is compared with other students in the classroom to gauge their capability in comparison to their peers.

Socialization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Socialization - Essay Example The U.S. has, in the space of five years, become a nation that ignores the very precepts of its founding and international law as well. Young persons that do not fully understand what freedoms they are losing and what this country originally stood for will believe that this type of activity by the government is considered acceptable. That is a frightening prospect as their generation will be more willing to continue the present trend of giving away freedoms for the sake of security until they no longer enjoy the freedoms that their forefathers intended for them and their fathers and grandfathers fought and gave their lives for. In addition, young persons in the U.S. will never have the pride in their country as did their fore-bearers because the country has lost its respect throughout the world and rightfully so. President George Bush characterized the ‘War on Terrorism’ as a prolonged battle against those that would employ terrorist actions along with the nations that enabled them. In addition, the U.S. Congress gave formal authorization to the president on September 18, 2001 to â€Å"use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons he determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, or harbored such organizations or persons, in order to prevent any future acts of international terrorism against the United States by such nations, organizations or persons† (U.S. Code Collection, 2002). The ultimate culmination of the rhetoric and selective legal reasoning regarding the ‘War on Terror’ was Bush’s order of the U.S. military to invade both Iraq and Afghanistan, an illegal act on many fronts. According to the United States Constitution Article One, Section Eight, only Congress has the exclusive authority to declare war. Presidents do not have this authority (U.S. Constitution). However,