Symbolism in Samuel Becketts Waiting For Godot Essay Example

Symbolism in Samuel Becketts Waiting For Godot Essay Written by Samuel Beckett originally in French in 1948, the translated English version was first enacted on stage in 1953. One of the masterpieces of the absurdist tradition, the play is infused with psychological, political and philosophical symbolism. The plot is outwardly quite simple, involving interactions between two friends Estragon and Vladimir as they both wait for another friend named Godot to arrive. Although Godot does not arrive during the course of the play, his anticipation sets up the context for the musings and conversations of Estragon and Vladimir. Author Samuel Beckett creatively exploits this open ended plot structure to ponder over important questions about the human condition. Given that it was published in the aftermath of the Holocaust, it asks deep and compelling questions of the state of human civilization and the nature of our species. Such utterances from the two lead characters as â€Å"to hold the terrible silence at bay†, â€Å"Nothing to be done†, â€Å"We are saved!†, etc offer profound interpretive scope for the reflective reader. (Beckett, 1956) The most ostensible symbolisms in the play pertain to the existentialist philosophical framework. The first quote alludes to the acute existential crisis shadowing the period after the Second World War. Written as it was in the aftermath of the most devastating war in history, Beckett’s preoccupations with the purpose of human life and how best to go about fulfilling it are in tune with the concerns and sentiments of the time. In this, the play is full of symbolisms of existence and its opposite state death – a pattern found in the works of other post-war intellectuals such as Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre. Waiting for Godot is a product of the author’s affectations during the war and hence contains in it psychological a nd philosophical questions treated in the existentialist framework. It is for this reason that notions such as ‘death’, ‘nothingness’ and momentary crises of human existence are all symbolically expressed. We will write a custom essay sample on Symbolism in Samuel Becketts Waiting For Godot specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Symbolism in Samuel Becketts Waiting For Godot specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Symbolism in Samuel Becketts Waiting For Godot specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The play can also be read with theological symbolisms in mind, especially that of the Christian doctrine. The choice of the name Godot (that contains ‘God’ in it) is perceived by critics to have religious connotations. This claim is vindicated by dialogues in the play that resonate with Christian concepts of salvation, rising from the dead, etc. For example, â€Å"We are saved!†, which is frequently uttered by Vladimir or Estragon can be taken as a reference to the notion of salvation. These two characters can also be seen as the two thieves crucified alongside Jesus Christ. Out of their boredom, every now and then Estragon and Vladimir contemplate committing suicide by hanging themselves from the only prominent tree in the setting. This is again a reference to the crucifixion, but albeit in a sense of parody. Vladimir’s casual remark to Estragon in Act I, â€Å"Hope deferred maketh the something sick, who said that?† is again a parody of a Christian proverb of the same rhyme – â€Å"Hope deferred makes the heart sick; but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.† (Beckett, 1956) Hence, the religious symbolism is quite strong, but the tone is one of mockery and not reverence. Ontological questions are focused upon in the play, with the author giving special treatment to the concept of time, which links this work to another path-breaking existentialist thesis, namely that of Martin Heidegger’s Being and Time. For example, the deliberate similarity between the first and second acts in the play and elements of repetition seen in them is symbolic of the rhythmic and periodic nature of human existence, with each passing day a mirror of the day gone by and so forth. Because the play is essentially devoid of a describable plot and narrative, it operates at a very high level of abstraction. At this level, it lends itself to a variety of religious, social and political interpretation and understanding. At the political level, there is a striking allegorical reference to the emergence of the Cold War, with the United States and the Soviet Union being the epicenters of the two opposing domains. The characters of Lucky and Pozzo bring out this implied conflict, as they express historical strains between Britain and Ireland, France and Germany (during the war), etc. For the discerning reader/viewer of the play, Marxist symbolisms open out too, with the two characters representing the capitalists and the workers respectively. Seen from the psychoanalytical framework, one can see expressions of The Ego and The Id as conceived by Freud. The most profound symbolism seen in the play is that of dualism, which manifests in several forms. The two thieves, the two brothers and the two acts of the play all showcase this dualism. At a broader level, the content of the play reflects universal opposites such as the Yin and Yang, positive and negative charge, matter and anti-matter, life and death, etc. The universal dichotomies of Good and Evil as well as the divide between selfishness and altruism are also given treatment in the play. The other commonly referred to religious symbolism pertains to the hill-top setting of the acts, which is perceived as the equivalent of heaven. And this brings us to another universal dichotomy – namely that of Heaven and Hell. It is for these multiple layers of meaning and interpretation that Waiting for Godot is considered to be a vital literary contribution in the twentieth century. As the examples pointed above prove, it is a work of high and rich symbolism with broad interpretive scope. By alluding to the most universal and most pressing concerns of the human condition, Waiting for Godot does indeed justify its inclusion in the twentieth century literary canon. Works Cited: Beckett, S., Waiting for Godot, First published by Faber and Faber (London) in 1988 (original publication in 1956). Knowlson, J., Damned to Fame: The Life of Samuel Beckett (London: Bloomsbury, 1996), p. 610.

Americas Youth and TOdays Violence essays

Americas Youth and TOdays Violence essays Americas Youth and Todays Violence The media believes every child is capable of what happened at Columbine. Therefore, when a person picks up a paper or turns to his or her favorite news channel, all they learn about is how schools are enforcing new rules and regulations to control violence. People hear about the media blaming everything as a part of todays violence in schools. The media blames different groups of people, as a part of todays violence in the schools. The incident at Columbine was a freak act of violence, and there are hardly any children that would have anything to do with violence of this nature. The media thinks there may be someone to blame for why kids turn to violence. They blame TV, movies, music, and even athletes. The media could blame parents. The media blames high school athletes for the violence in schools. For many youth, their role models are athletes, but for others, athletes are their worst nightmares. In my high school, athletics was everything. Many of the athletes would pick on the little guys or under class men. The athletes at my school were bullies, but to my knowledge no one wanted to come in and shoot an athlete. How many students go into schools and just start shooting and being violent. Most students of today do not promote that type of violence. In fact, many athletes of all levels inspire youth to do better in school, to work as a team, and to try harder to give their all. Some examples of professional athletes that inspire youth are Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Peyton Manning, and Chamique Holdsclaw. They all encourage youth to do their best. And since Athletes encourage positive actions and do not promote violence, athletes should not be the ones to blame. Athletes encourage kids to stay in school and motivate them to make good grades so that they can participate in sports. When children are participating, they stay out of trouble. Chi ...

Planning and Goal Setting Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Planning and Goal Setting - Research Paper Example I have suggested these improvements to provide the customers with a clearer perception of what our business is about. In addition to that, the revised vision statement clearly mentions the aspirations and goals of the Moonlight Bakers that are required to be known by the company’s leader to make advancements for their achievement. Besides, development of a powerful vision statement is fundamental to the strategic planning and attainment of competitive advantage for the Moonlight Bakers. I would do some literature review to note down the benefits of making a business plan as well as to collect information about companies that attempted to started new businesses in the past but failed because of lack of a business plan. I would say to the CEO, â€Å"Sir, it is in the air that you are about to take over a new business. If that is the case, may we please have the opportunity to make a business plan for you? It is very useful while starting a new business in the contemporary age. I have done the literature review and these are some files I would like to share with you.† The rationale behind my soft words is that I don’t want to offend him that we know his plans even though he has not shared them with us. Secondly, I have tried to convince him with proofs of benefits of using a business plan in such situations. In the contemporary world that is changing at a fast pace, leadership with vision or visionary leadership is required for the organizations to thrive and stay competitive (Kantabutra and Avery, 2010, p. 37). Making vision statement is a preliminary step in the development of such leadership since the goals of the leader are aligned with and retrieved from the ones mentioned in the vision statement. Development of the vision statement is one of the vision driven strategies employed by organizations to succeed. â€Å"[O]rganizations which utilize effective Business plans maximize the

Chemical Dependency Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Chemical Dependency - Research Paper Example In 2009, people between 18 and 25 had the highest levels of drug use; 21.2 percent, which is driven by the increased consumption of marijuana. Forty-two percent of those between 18 and 25; 36.3 percent among the adults between 26 and34 and among 19.2 percent of those beyond 35 years reported to be binge drinkers (UDHHS, 2010). Among the adults that were dependent on alcohol consumption, the consumption medical drugs without prescription and the use of illicit drugs was higher. Determinants of substance Abuse Different biological, environmental, social, genetic and psychological factors are linked to the increasing levels of substance abuse. The factors determining alcohol consumption include race, gender, age, ethnicity, income levels, sexual orientation and educational attainment (CDC, 2011). The abuse of drugs and other substances is strongly determined by household, interpersonal and community dynamics (CDC, 2011). Among the major influencers of drug and substance abuse are social networks, family and peer pressure, especially among adolescents. For example, different studies show that marijuana consumption was triggered by interacting with siblings and friends that take them. The in-depth understanding of these factors will form key areas in countering drug and substance abuse in America as well as elsewhere (Galea, Nandi & Vlahov, 2004). Indirect and direct financial costs Drug abuse is a principle public health problem, which impacts the society at multiple levels. Directly or indirectly, all human communities are affected by drug use and abuse, particularly at the family level. Approximate costs of substance abuse for the US Source: (NIDA, n.d) Substance abuse costs USD 484 billion every year. These figures compare, to a large extent, to the costs incurred during the fight to deal with chronic diseases. Diabetes costs USD 131.7 and Cancer takes about USD 171.6 billion in a year (NIDA, N.D). Drug abuse as major cause for the public health problems America ns view drug abuse as a principal cause of health problems. For example, tobacco contributes about 11-30 percent of cancer deaths (NIDA, n.d). The abuse of tobacco, MDMA, cocaine, steroids and amphetamines contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease. Tobacco contributes about 30 percent of heart disease cases every year. In relation with the increasing spread of HIV/AIDS, 30.3 percent of the infection rates reported in 2000 (11,635) and hepatitis infections resulted from injection drug consumption. About 50 percent of the AIDS cases among children (4700 in 2002) were reportedly caused by the use of injection drug administration by the mother, or through sexual intercourse between the mother and a person infected through the channel (NIDA, n.d). Other indirect costs of substance abuse include drugged drinking, which constitutes between 10 and 22 percent of road crashes; violence, where among the people arrested for crimes like assault, theft and homicide, many were under the influence of illicit substances during the time of crime and arrest. Substance abuse is related to the acquisition of different consequences, including injuries, illness, and death – particularly following the consumption of alcohol, tobacco or other addictive drugs. During 2000, about 460,000 deaths could be traced to smoking and the abuse of drugs (NIDA, n.d). Psychological and physical

Human Resource Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 18

Human Resource Management - Essay Example This makes me set my direction in the field of information systems only where after completing my Masters in Information Systems, I will enter the corporate world, equipped with my learning, knowledge, skills gained and abilities polished. Talking of my skills, choosing computers at the very beginning of my academic career has imparted a lot of technical skills in me. Further more, computer science involves frequent group projects and team works which has helped me improve upon my communication and interpersonal skills. Now when I am into my Majors, regular presentations, case studies and other assignments are further helping me develop and nurture my managerial skills in the way I manage my time, interact with others and plan my activities to attain short term objectives. This combination of all kinds of skills and knowledge in the fastest growing domain in business presents a plethora of opportunities ahead. Companies are in continuous search for competent computer professionals where I feel I can contribute a lot through my skills and abilities. I am also aware of the growing impetus on employee performance and provision of incentive plans and promotional opportunities based on performance and contribution made. As such, I plan to constantly build up my current inventory of knowledge, skills and abilities through regular training and courses (Rouda & Mitchell 1996). This is important because computer science and information systems is one area where every day new technology comes in, turning the previous one obsolete. Thus to remain competitive in my career, I need to constantly strive to enhance my capabilities and existing skill set. The company will also provide for my training and development but I will also look for regular certification on my own. This will make me more dynamic in my work and in a position to demand more for my services and work. In this light, company and

Intervention: Drug Abuse Among Adolescents

Intervention: Drug Abuse Among Adolescents This paper states the definition and main risk factors of drug abuse at first. Then, it reviews the three models for drug abuse prevention, including information model, affective model and social influence model. It also mentioned chemical treatments and psychological treatments of drug abuse. There are some comments on the psychological treatments. The author brings up some prevention and intervention plans of adolescents drug abuse in the last part. Keywords: drug abuse, adolescents, prevention and intervention Introduction What is drug abuse? There are many definitions of it. Usually, common people think that taking drugs can satisfy persons desire of happiness. Just as Miller (1995) states Drug abuse implies willful, improper use due to an underlying disorder or a quest for hedonistic or immoral pleasure  ¼Ã‹â€ p. 10 ¼Ã¢â‚¬ °. Actually, it includes many aspects not only social values but also scientific view and not only physical reasons but also psychological elements. So the definition of drug abuse typically refers to 4 dimensions, including the nonmedical use of a substance, altering the mental state, a manner that is detrimental to the individual or the community and illegality (Abadinsky, 2001). Papalia, Olds and Feldman (2009) define substance dependence as physical addiction or psychological addition or both to a harmful substance. If an adolescent has drug abuse, the abuse can lead to substance dependence, or addiction, which may be physiological, psychological, or both and is likely to continue into adulthood (Papalia et al., 2009, p. 366). Addictive drugs have particularly high risk for adolescents as they stimulate parts of the developing brains of adolescents (Chambers, Taylor Potenza, 2003). As economic developing, the drug-taking situation of adolescents is not getting better. According to the World Drug Report 2010 (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime [UNODC], 2010), drug use has stabilized in the developed world, however, there are signs of an increase in drug use in developing countries and growing abuse of amphetamine-type stimulants and prescription drugs around the world. From 2004 to 2009, the number of drug-taking people who was under 21 years old was increased by more than 50% in Hong Kong (Zhu, 2010). What are the risk factors for drug abuse of adolescents? There are 4 kinds of common risk factors ¼Ã…’including Psychosocial Factors  ¼Ã‹â€ Low Self-esteem, Depression and Suicide ¼Ã¢â‚¬ °, Family Factors (Low Familism, Family Substance Abuse Problems and Parent Smoking), Peer Factors (Perceived Peer Approval and Perceived Peer Use) and Deviance Factors (Disposition to Deviance and Delinquent Behavior) (Vega Gil, 1998). It cannot easily say which fa ctor is the most important one. It depends on the situations those different adolescent experiences. Three Models for Drug Abuse Prevention Drug abuse prevention aimed at reducing the supply or the demand for drugs of abuse (Abadinsky, 2001). There are three models (Ellickson, 1995) that focused on schools and school-based antidrug programs, including information model, affective model and social influence model. Information Model Adolescents can probably avoid drugs, if they comprehend their potential hazards, so this model mainly aimed at giving information. The information model posits a causal sequence leading from knowledge (about drugs) to attitude change (negative) to behavior change (nonuse) (Ellickson, 1995, p. 100). Sometimes the shock or scare is needed in this model, such as hard hitting antidrug videos, talks by ex-junkies, or TV and billboard campaigns that show the scared situation of drug use (Cohen, 1996). This model primarily focuses on the educational approach. It was supposed that students can make rational decisions to keep away from drugs because of increasing knowledge (Abadinsky, 2001). Through information model, adolescents can have a correct and renewed awareness of drug abuse. Affective Model This model pays more attention on individuals themselves and their personality. The model assumes that adolescents who turn to drugs do so because of problems within themselves-low self-esteem or inadequate personal skills in communication and decision making (Ellickson, 1995, p. 101). This model has an attempt at improving a students self-image, ability to interact within a group and problem-solving ability, and concentrates on feelings, values, and self-awareness, and sometimes on personal values and choices (Abadinsky, 2001). These assumptions are generally implemented through communication training, peer counseling, role playing and assertiveness training (Abadinsky, 2001, p. 232). Using affective model, adolescents can strengthen their confidence, improve competency of dealing with incidents and have correct value judgment. Social Influence Model This model more focuses on decision-making. The social influence model is centered on external influences that push students toward drug use, especially peer pressure, as well as internal influences, such as the desire to be accepted by the crowd' (Abadinsky, 2001, p. 229). There are two targets that need to achieve via social influence model. Firstly this model aims to let adolescent to have the awareness of the peer pressures that they are experiencing and secondly to improve their resistance skills for saying no under stress (Abadinsky, 2001). Treatments for Drug Abuse There are two main aspects of drug abuse treatments, including chemical treatments and psychological treatments. According to the classification of Abadinsky (2001), chemical treatments contain opioid antagonists, chemicals for detoxification, opioid agonists, chemical responses to cocaine abuse and CRF antagonists. Abadinsky (2001) also mentions that psychological treatments include a psychoanalytic approach, behavior modification and group treatment. Due to the needs of study and the limit of professional knowledge ¼Ã…’this paper mainly focuses on the psychological aspects. Firstly ¼Ã…’let us look at the psychoanalytic approach. This approach is very professional and high cost. It is very complicated and difficult to control for social workers. It does not have universality and potential replication. This approach usually applies in some special and serious cases. Then we move on to the behavior modification. There are 4 primary kinds of behavior modification, such as aversion treatment, social learning theory approach, cognitive learning theory approach and contingency management and contingency contracting (Abadinsky, 2001). Although the success rate of aversion treatment is high, it is a kind of compulsive and inhuman therapeutic method, especially for adolescents, no matter in physical or mental sides. This treatment addresses the symptoms, not the cause. Abusers will take drugs again when the aversion conditioned ref lex starts to weaken. Contingency management and contingency contracting is outside the scope of this papers inquiry. Social learning theory approach and cognitive learning theory approach are referred below. Group treatment is very useful and widespread. It is often used by social workers. Prevention and intervention plan of adolescents drug abuse There are three dimensions of prevention and intervention plan in this paper. They are macro level, mezzo level and micro level. Macro level This level is more about prevention plan. According to the Information Model (Ellickson, 1995), it needs at least tripartite efforts, including school, community and school. School. Schools should enhance the education of drug abuse and the drug abuses hazards, not only verbal and written forms, but also some other lively forms, such as movies and activities. I think the movie Crimson Jade is very shocked one. Maybe schools can find more movies of this kind to show to adolescents. If they know the fearful consequences of drug abuse, they will want to take drugs less. Community. Actually communities perform a very similar role with schools for the prevention of adolescents. But another thing that communities should pay special attention to is about adolescents family situation, especially for the adolescents whose parents have substance abuse problems. Media. Mass media should play a positive and active role in prevention of adolescents drug abuse. Some programmes that focus on drug abuse should be shown regularly. And ground-breaking visual public service advertising of drug abuse should show on TV, newspaper, Internet, even billboard everywhere. Social influence model (Ellickson, 1995) can be also used in macro level. Schools can make many lectures to let students know that they are all under peer pressures and organize some activities to teach students to develop resistance skills for drug abuse. Mezzo level Mezzo level contains prevention plan and intervention plan. It is more about group work. Group approach is that stimulation toward improvement arises from net work of interpersonal influences in which all members participate (Northern, 1969, p. 52). Group work is one of the most common work methods for social workers. Prevention plan of mezzo level. The prevention plan concentrates on affective model. Referring to affective model (Ellickson, 1995), adolescents are divided into groups to do some counseling and training about affective skills (communication, decision making, self-assertion) believed related to drug use (Abadinsky, 2001). The counseling and training need the participation of social workers. In this kind of group, social workers should pay special attention to those adolescents who do not want to talk. Intervention plan of macro level. This intervention plan focuses on group treatment. Due to social workers may not have drug-taking experience, group treatment can make adolescent clients feel more willing to communicate and peer interaction is more powerful (Abadinsky, 2001). In addition, some problematic interpersonal acts will appear in a group (Flores, 1988). Using group treatment, adolescents of drug abuse can share and identify with others who are going through similar problems; understand their own attitudes about addiction and defenses in others; and learn to communicate needs and feelings more directly (Flores, 1988, p. 7). Adolescents really need the support from others. Social workers should pay special attention to extreme clients who are not appropriate with group treatment and social workers should ensure a suitable scale of different groups. Micro level Micro level more concerns on adolescent abusers themselves and their surroundings. There are two useful intervention approaches with this level one is social learning theory approach and the other one is cognitive learning theory approach. Social learning theory approach. Abadinsky (2001) identifies social learning theory as a variant of behaviorism focuses on cognitive meditational processes and people are active participants in their operant conditioning processes-they determine what is and what is not reinforcing (p. 205). Actually there are many reasons behind the adolescents who have drug abuse. Maybe there are some problems with their families, their school performance, their interpersonal communication and bodies suffering. Social workers must pay more attention to the reasons behind the drug abuse of adolescents and give more patience. So in this intervention, social workers should follow three steps. The first step is to understand why patients may be more likely to use in a given situation and to understand the role that drugs play in their lives (Abadinsky, 2001, p. 205). The second step is to help patients develop meaningful alternative reinforcers to drug abuse, that is, other activities and involvements ( relationships, work and hobbies) (Abadinsky, 2001, p. 205). The third step is to make a detailed examination of the consequences for adolescent clients to test whether their drug abuse reduces (Abadinsky, 2001). Social workers should try their best to find the root causes of adolescents drug abuse and cope with them. This approach focuses on the surroundings of adolescent abusers. Cognitive learning theory approach. This approach emphasizes the awareness of positive and negative consequences of drug abuse for adolescents themselves and the arrangements before taking drugs (Abadinsky, 2001). Social workers can ask adolescent abusers to write a dairy of their drug abuse that includes the situations when they use drugs and the consequences after they use drugs. Social workers ought to inspire clients to review their worst experience with drug abuse and think more about the bad impact of taking drugs. This kind of scare tactic can delay the period before taking drugs. Then social workers also need to teach adolescent abusers a set of relax skills to improve their tension. This approach focuses on adolescent abusers themselves and relies on their own awareness to reduce drug abuse. Drug abuse of adolescents is really a vicious spiral and a long-term repeated process. It needs not only the social workers and adolescent abusers efforts, but also their families, friends, other relevant persons and the whole societys efforts.

The Merchant Of Venice: Portias Suitors :: essays research papers

Compare and contrast Portia’s three suitors, examining their characters Shakespeare highlights three of Portia’s suitors, the Prince of Morocco, the Prince of Arragon and Bassanio. He does this to heighten dramatic tension, as these three men are the most important candidates to win Portia’s hand in marriage. They reveal the contents of the three caskets and their different characters as exposed as being proud, vain and humble. They also emphasise the racial prejudices of Venice a place where many races clash. Their attitudes towards the caskets and their choices indicate what their character is like. This essay will compare and contrast the three suitors and will explore how Shakespeare influences the audience’s attitudes towards the three men. The Prince of Morocco is the first suitor of the three suitors we are introduced to. His first line is, ‘Mislike me not for my complexion’ (Act II Scene i) He is anxious to compensate for the colour of his skin. He shows himself to be ashamed and insecure. However his character is proud because after he remarks on his skin colour he proceeds to defend it and boasts about himself, ‘ ...this aspect of mine/ Hath fear’d the valiant†¦The best regarded virgins of our clime/Have lov’d it too...’ (Act II Scene i) He challenges Portia to compare his blood with the whitest of men to see whose is the reddest. ‘Bring me the fairest creature†¦And let us make incision for your love/ To prove whose blood is reddest, or mine.’ (Act II Scene i) This would be a way to suggest that Morocco was as noble as any white man was because red blood signified courage and virility. A lot of emphasis is placed on Morocco’s skin colour. His long-winded speeches full of false and extravagant praise makes him sound insincere, ‘†¦all the world desires her; /From all corners of the earth they come,/ To kiss this shrine, this mortal breathing saint:’ (Act II Scene vii) In contrast his exit is short and dignified, in total disparity to his entrance and long speeches before choosing a casket. ‘†¦I have too griev’d a heart /To take a tedious leave: leave losers part.’ (Act II Scene vii) This indicates he does not easily accept defeat. He explains his thoughts on each of the caskets as he reads the inscriptions on them. He says the lead casket is not worth hazarding everything for and quickly dismisses it. When he comes to the silver casket he comments, The Merchant Of Venice: Portias Suitors :: essays research papers Compare and contrast Portia’s three suitors, examining their characters Shakespeare highlights three of Portia’s suitors, the Prince of Morocco, the Prince of Arragon and Bassanio. He does this to heighten dramatic tension, as these three men are the most important candidates to win Portia’s hand in marriage. They reveal the contents of the three caskets and their different characters as exposed as being proud, vain and humble. They also emphasise the racial prejudices of Venice a place where many races clash. Their attitudes towards the caskets and their choices indicate what their character is like. This essay will compare and contrast the three suitors and will explore how Shakespeare influences the audience’s attitudes towards the three men. The Prince of Morocco is the first suitor of the three suitors we are introduced to. His first line is, ‘Mislike me not for my complexion’ (Act II Scene i) He is anxious to compensate for the colour of his skin. He shows himself to be ashamed and insecure. However his character is proud because after he remarks on his skin colour he proceeds to defend it and boasts about himself, ‘ ...this aspect of mine/ Hath fear’d the valiant†¦The best regarded virgins of our clime/Have lov’d it too...’ (Act II Scene i) He challenges Portia to compare his blood with the whitest of men to see whose is the reddest. ‘Bring me the fairest creature†¦And let us make incision for your love/ To prove whose blood is reddest, or mine.’ (Act II Scene i) This would be a way to suggest that Morocco was as noble as any white man was because red blood signified courage and virility. A lot of emphasis is placed on Morocco’s skin colour. His long-winded speeches full of false and extravagant praise makes him sound insincere, ‘†¦all the world desires her; /From all corners of the earth they come,/ To kiss this shrine, this mortal breathing saint:’ (Act II Scene vii) In contrast his exit is short and dignified, in total disparity to his entrance and long speeches before choosing a casket. ‘†¦I have too griev’d a heart /To take a tedious leave: leave losers part.’ (Act II Scene vii) This indicates he does not easily accept defeat. He explains his thoughts on each of the caskets as he reads the inscriptions on them. He says the lead casket is not worth hazarding everything for and quickly dismisses it. When he comes to the silver casket he comments,

Communications Decency Act Essay

Different countries have different laws. Since different countries have different laws, internet service providers from different countries have different policies. Because of that, it will be hard to come up with a universal standard for the Internet. And enforcing that standard will be a different story on its own. â€Å"The laws concerning decency are only as good as those who are willing to abide by them† (â€Å"Grossman† internet). There have been a lot of attempts to censor the Internet. There has been an attempt to make censorship on the Internet a law, as a part of the telecommunications bill, Communications Decency Act, shortened as CDA. CDA would have made it a crime to post anything on the internet â€Å"that, in context, depicts or describes, in terms patently offensive as measured by contemporary community standards, sexual or excretory activities or organs† (â€Å"Grossman† internet). Also caught up in the internet-censorship-fervor are the software companies. Almost overnight, many companies sprang up providing parents and libraries programs that promised to filter out all the inappropriate materials on the Internet. Branched out from the filter programs are filter search engines. Basically, it is a same old search engine that puts its results through the filter engines. Another attempt to censor the Internet is made by companies that attempted to rate every website on the homepage. They are independent companies that visit each website and give it a rating. All of the attempts to censor the Internet had been ineffective. All of the past actions about Internet censorship have been, more or less, failures. The filter programs have failed to truly filter out the unwanted. It is like using mesh wires to filter out basketballs. Not only do you filter out the basketballs, you also filter out the tennis balls and golf balls. The filter programs filters by two ways: searching for keywords or blocking a list of websites previously reviewed by someone as inappropriate. When the filter program filter out websites by keyword, they also filter out a lot of appropriate and possibly useful information. For example, a website containing information about breast cancer would be blocked out because it contained the word breast. Same result would happen with a website containing a recipe for chicken breast. When the filter program uses the pre-made list to block out, it is very accurate because someone has already reviewed the website, and would not confuse a website about breast cancer with a breast fetish website. However, there are two downfalls to the method. First, there is just too many websites to review. There are literally billions of websites out there and millions of new ones being made everyday. If a staff of a thousand people reviewed day and night for a year, they still wouldn’t have gotten close to reviewing all the websites. Second, unlike books and magazines, Internet websites come and go on a snap of a finger. It doesn’t take long to create a homepage, neither does relocating it. The second a new list of â€Å"banned† website is released, it is already obsolete. Since the so-called â€Å"family-friendly† search engines are based on the same inefficient filter programs, they are also inefficient. Only a very small fraction of the Internet contains inappropriate material, however, the inefficient â€Å"family-friendly† search engines filters out around 95% of the Internet (â€Å"Faulty† internet). Even when Dr. Suess was searched, most of the websites were blocked. 2630 of the 2638 websites found in a normal search engine was blocked (â€Å"Faulty† internet). It is a fact that pornography websites tend to link themselves all over the search engine to attract the most customers. But do they really link themselves to 99. 7% of a Dr. Suess search (â€Å"Faulty† internet)? Even after they wiped out 99. 7% of the search result, one of the eight that wasn’t blocked was an inappropriate website (â€Å"Faulty† internet). It was a parody of a Dr. Suess story using details from the murder of Nicole Brown Simpson (â€Å"Faulty† internet). The companies that tried to set up a rating system have yet to succeed either. The companies have yet created an universal standard for the ratings.

Dissertation Essay Example

Dissertation Essay Example Dissertation Essay Dissertation Essay Transport influences human access to different goods and services and enhances the capabilities to meet different welfare objectives. Transport improves human welfare by enhancing social inclusion whereby individuals travel to participate in social functions and social agenda (Lyons 2004:485). The transport sector has significant influence on other economic sectors globally, such as healthcare, employment, education, housing and business and industry. Improved transport enhances poverty elimination efforts by increasing access to income generating activities, education and healthcare services (Lyons 2004: 486; Currie 2010: 31). Classic public policy goals for transport systems in different countries have hefted beyond facilitating mobility and accessibility and encompass economic, environmental and social outcome elements which form the end result of governance goal in the new millennia (Currie 2010:31). Crustaceans and Boric (2007: 31) emphasize the role of transport in facilitating economic and social integration resulting from enhanced mobility and connecting communities to crucial social amenities and services such as education and health services. Under the economic dimension, transport systems are expected to minimize traffic congestion and promote dynamic urban economies. This is especially characteristic in the Northern American transport systems where cost-effectiveness is heavily emphasized in public transport systems (Currie 2010:32; Lyons 2004: 486). Environmental consciousness emphasizes the need for sustainable development in public transport systems as a means of meeting the Kyoto protocol emission targets while the social dimension calls for improved safety in public transport systems as a means of ensuring safe modes of mobility (Currie 2010:32). Lyons (2004: 490) emphasizes the need for sustainable development in the transport industry as a means of creating better quality life, currently and in the future. Moreover, stakeholders within the transport sectors are charged with the responsibility of fostering trade and competitiveness in order to stimulate growth and enhance resource efficiency. Public transport systems therefore play a significant role in national and the global economy. The world economy has become more globalizes characterized by increased economic integration and cooperation, cross-border interchange of policies, transfer of cultures, discourses of power, knowledge transfer and establishment of a global market. Globalization has significant political, social and economic implications on sectional economies (AY-Roadman Stonemason, 2006: 5). Abraham (2005:1) emphasizes the role of globalization in enhancing global integration, in aspects such as trade, national economies and capital flows by creating an autonomous global production, distribution and consumption system. This has led to trade liberalizing in different national economies as governments acknowledge the significance of the global economic system in fast tracking national fiscal growth and development. Computer influenced globalization by facilitating easier global transport and communication. The air transport sector has significantly benefited from integration of computer technologies for improving communication and efficiency leading to improved quality of life, economy and environmental impacts (Bimodal, 2012: 26). Air transport has enhanced easier transport and communication thus facilitating market penetration, increased trade and competition which have amplified efficiency and specialization leading to economic growth (Crustaceans Boric 2007: 31). Crustaceans and Boric, emphasize the role of globalization as a key driver of growth in the air transport sector. Cross investment across countries has created the need for enhanced labor mobility which is provided by air transport with airports providing connectivity and accessibility necessary for the growth of the modern society and economy. Further, airports have far reaching social and economic impacts on the set up regions characterized with easier air service accessibility and promotion of regional business. Airports serve as commercial entities and generate returns through on site economic activities such as force exchange, duty free shops, Jewelry shops, banks and coffee shops among other economic activities (Crustaceans Boric 2007: 34). The Air Transport Action Group (2005: 2) emphasized the economic and social benefits of air transport. The task force viewed air transport as the only means of transport that efficiently provides a worldwide transportation network required for global business and tourism. The air transport sector transports annually transports an estimated 2 billion passengers, 40% interregional goods and accounts for 40% of the recorded international tourism. The sector further accounts for 29 million employment opportunities generated through direct, indirect, stimulated and catalytic impacts on other economic sectors. The social impacts associated with air transport include improvement of quality of life by broadening the scope of leisure activities and human cultural experiences. Air transport provides a wider choice of holiday destinations by serving as an affordable way of vacationing in distant places. Through tourism and related benefits air transport assists in improving the standards of living and poverty alleviation by enhancing the social inclusion of remote areas in the economic, social and political agenda. These factors further leads to sustainable development (The Air Transport Action Group 2005: 2). The industry has been in the forefront in championing and taking steps towards environmental conservation through noise reduction measures, adoption of fuel- efficient engines and reduction of carbon emissions (The Air Transport Group 2005: 3). 1. 2 Background of the Study The business environment continues to be more challenging with time as characterized by increased competition and economic downturns among others. Modern corporations are challenged by dynamic aspects of the business operational environment for example markets, tight schedules, risks and uncertainties, technology and task complexities (Dillon 2002; 12). The challenges in the business operating environment require organizations to enhance efficiency and operational effectiveness in order to survive harsh economic times. This is achieved through adoption of novel technology for transforming business operations and ensuring continuous innovations for influencing business operations holistically (Sheboygan organizational competitiveness and serves as a stimulant towards creation of global institutions, attracting best employees, reinforcing corporate ambition and fostering the implementation of new ideas in order to break existing or perceived boundaries. The challenges in the business environment further demand strategic management based on identification of organizational goals, formulation of strategic policies and plans and employment of sufficient resources towards meeting organizational goals and objectives (Radian, Jake, Hassling Alumina 2009:402). Airports are not excluded from the challenging business operational environment and therefore require proper leadership and operational efficiency and effectiveness for survival in the air transport industry. Lyons (2004: 490) emphasizes the need for strategies for overcoming the challenges faced in the transport sector through adoption of tragic transport policies in the new age. Lyons further calls for upholding the social agenda or social capital in the political and public agenda with regards to the transport sector. The author emphasizes the need for developing transport in a manner which supports the society as dictated by policy aspirations and fostering environmental conservation through proper precautionary measures for preventing environmental degradation. This calls for strategic and Joined-up thinking between governments and transport experts in order to effectively link the transport sector with the needs of the society (Lyons 2004: 490). Currie (2010; 31) emphasizes the need for proper governance and management of public transport systems through the involvement of key stakeholders in development of transport policy programs through a coordinated approach where decisions are based on scientific knowledge. The public sector serves as the central mode of providing services in developing and develops nations (Chickening, 2013: 1). However, the public sector is accused of deeply entrenched inefficiency which has led to increased vaporization of public corporations. Public corporations are associated with inefficiency due to failure in Eng term management, poor quality services and protection by governments (Barter Harrison 2005: 137). The inefficiencies associated with public entities emanate from lack of clearly defined performance measures, poor evaluations, deeply entrenched corruption practices resource limitations and complexities in identifying the effects of adopted institutional reforms (Christine, Linton Command 2007:32). Most nations are unable to finance, develop or maintain national airports and view vaporization as an effective strategy towards development of new airports and maintenance of old ones (Craig, 1999: 1). Researchers have called for improvement of efficiency in the public sector. Public organizations and service providers worldwide are under increased pressure to advance efficiency through provision of improved and integrated services (Chickening 2013; 3). Christine, Linton Command (2007: 2) calls for improvement of efficiency in the public sector by reforming key institutional arrangements through diverse approaches such as increased devolution and decentralization, enhancing competitive pressures, changing workforce structures and adopting result oriented measures. Infrastructural developments including development of airports have en the liability of public agencies whose funding results from capital funds collected through taxation, issuing of public bonds and the operational costs offset by collected revenues or through the taxation system (Chickening 2013: 3). Viability of financing major projects through tax revenues (Chickening 2013: 3). Moreover, the inefficiency in the government sector has led to vaporization of airports, globally. Countries such as the I-J, Australia, Columbia, and Thailand have privatized their airports. However, in some countries governments still own most airports. In 2006, private investors owned and m anaged only 2% of all commercial airports in the world (Frost Sullivan, 2006, Para. 5). In some countries such as Australia, the airports are sold on long-term leases of 50 years (Keynote Beck, 2009, p. 02). In other countries such as the I-J, the airports are fully privatized by being listed in the stock exchange market. The vaporization has increased the profits in most countries prompting vaporization of additional airports (Musketeer Aphids, 2013, Para. 9). Mum, Adler and You (2006: 126) emphasize the shift from government operated airports to vaporization as a wide world trend with the exception of airports in the United States. Most of the airports in different countries operate autonomously with more airports expected to be privatized in the future (Craig, 1999:2). Craig, perceived the involvement of the private sector in development and operation of airports as a commonly accepted concept. Governments therefore sign agreements with development consortia for construction and operation of airports for a mutually agreed time period (Craig, 1999: 2). Chickening (2013: 4) argue that tapping private sector capital resources provides a means of promoting development of public infrastructure and facilitating the implementation of required capital projects. Vaporization of public enterprises acts as a significant policy in developed and developing nations which is placed in the context of broad-based approach for achieving economic De-regulation together with other strategies such as trade liberalizing and enhancing market access. The airport vaporization debate is based on pure economic necessities and changes in perceptions towards development policies as the private sector is viewed as more efficient and profitable (Christine, Linton Command 2007:1). Airports are also privatized as a means of enhancing easier access to private sector financing and investment (Mum, Adler You 2006: 126). However, the motives for airport vaporization and centralization differ across countries depending on the adopted approach towards institutional restructuring (Mum, Adler You 2006: 126). 1. 3 Problem Statement Vaporization of airports has significant operational and economic impacts. Studies have highlighted that government owned airports are less efficient as compared to privatized airports (Mum, Adler You 2006: 127). Cavalier and Corroborates (2008: 1) view vaporization as a means of reducing government budget deficits, fostering financial development and improving efficiency. It is agreed that privatized airports attain significantly higher operating profit margins as compared to government operated airports. This is attributed to engagement in non-aviation related activities and services which generate additional revenues. This is also associated with increased vaporization of government operated airports (Mum, Adler You 2006: 127). Mum, Adler and You (2006: 127) emphasize that government operated airports are run by bureaucrats with the aim of maximizing the objective function subjective to social welfare and personal agendas while privatized airports are strategically managed to enhance performance. This assertion has however been refuted by other researchers vaporization of airports in different areas of the globe (Christine, Linton Command, 2007:7). Cavalier and Corroborates (2008:2) attribute this to lack of conclusive empirical evidence on the impacts of change in ownership especially in relation to vaporization. Mum, Adler and You (2006: 128) assert the lack of conclusive research on the impacts of vaporization on airports. Cavalier and Corroborates (2008:1) further argue that improvement in productive efficiency does not imply improvements in locative efficiency. Moreover, complexities are experienced in disintegrating the effects of vaporization from the impacts of related fiscal policies such as liberalizing and regulatory changes (Cavalier Corroborates, 2008:2; Mum, Adler You 2006: 128). There is therefore need to close the research gap by investigating the impacts of vaporization on airports. 1. 4 Purpose of the Study Nations have adopted the trend of vaporization of airports with the aim of reducing government deficits, improving efficiency and fostering development (Cavalier Corroborates 2008:1; Christine, Linton Command, 2007:2; Mum, Adler You 2006: 128). The literature on impacts of vaporization on airports is however inconclusive (Cavalier Corroborates 2008:2; Christine, Linton Command, 2007:7; Mum, Adler You 2006; 128). This creates a need to explore the impacts of vaporization on airports. This study aimed to close the research gap by exploring the impacts of vaporization on airports. The study specifically focused on the impact of airport vaporization on the profit level, profitability, completion levels and aeronautical tariffs in the airline industry. 1. 5 Research Objectives To achieve the purpose highlighted above, the study was guided by the following pacific research objectives: 1 . To determine the impact of airport vaporization on the profit level of the airline industry. . To determine the effect of airport vaporization on the efficiency of the industry 3. To evaluate the impact of airport vaporization on the level of competition in the airline industry 4. To evaluate the effect of airport vaporization on the aeronautical tariffs 1. 6 Research Questions The study was guided by the following research questions: 1. What is the effect of the vaporization of airports on their profitability? 2 . How goes the vaporization of airports affect the operating efficiency of the airline industry? . How is the level of competition in the airline industry affected by the vaporization of airports? 4. What effect does the vaporization of airports have on the price of air travel paid by customers? 1. 7 Research Methodology The study adopted a mixed methods design incorporating both quantitative and qualitative designs. The quantitative design adopted an ex post facto research approach for examining the relationship between the vaporization of airports and the economic variables mentioned above. Quantitative data was collected from secondary sources such as books, Journals, newspaper articles, periodicals and web documents highlighting the performance of airports before and after vaporization. Government documents of countries which have done airport vaporization will also be used for the study. The ex facto research approach enabled the researcher to meet the study needs where accurate an experimental approach is not possible significant information on vaporization of airports and assist in establishing a simple cause-effect relationship between vaporization and the highlighted variables (p. 09). The ex factor research approach while non-experimental assisted the researcher to arrive at unbiased conclusions (Cottrell Mckenzie 2010: 9). The qualitative design was used to acquire primary data from 20 managers in the airline industry. The qualitative approach focused on acquiring the perspectives of managers within the industry on the impacts of vaporization on the mentioned study variables. The primary data was collected through a self administered semi-structured questionnaire. A qualitative design assists in capturing human feelings, attitudes and perspectives on the research phenomenon. The qualitative approach unlike the inattentive approach brought out the human feelings towards vaporization of airports. The mixed method design facilitated a holistic approach towards establishing the effects of vaporization of airports leading to balanced, unbiased and objective conclusions. 1. 8 Significance of the Study The research may be useful to policy makers in the government to determine whether it is economically advisable to privatized government owned airports. The research weighs on the costs and benefits that would result from such a move. The study may also inform strategic decision in the airline industry especially in nations which are anticipating vaporization of the airports by highlighting the effects of vaporization on profitability, competition, efficiency and flight prices. In addition, the research will assist private investors in knowing the impacts of vaporization on airline efficiency, competitiveness, profitability and cost of flight travel. The study may therefore inform the investment decisions of potential investors by informing them on the profitability of investment in airports. The study will also provide significant insights to students in management and especially aviation management on the effects of government vaporization policy on the airline industry. 2. 0 Literature Review Traditionally airports around the globe were managed and operated by governments as they form a significant part of the national aviation system and are perceive as public utilities (Marino 2008:5). Airport operation and handling activities were not traditionally perceived as above commercial activities (Marino 2008: 5). Airport operational activities were therefore under public authorities charged with the role of managing airport assets and property while other commercial aspect activities were outsourced to private entities. Although public ownership of airports is still being used in few parts of the world most airports around the globe have been privatized (Marino 2008: 5). Historically, governments around the globe are characterized with adoption of simple but revolutionary policy innovations. Airport vaporization is among such policies which have transformed the modulus operandi in airports around the globe. In 1987 Margaret Thatcher privatized the British Airports awakening the aviation industry to the idea that vaporization opened up the tremendous but untapped potential of revenue generation and efficiency gains in the here London Airports of Heathers, Catwalk and Standee, Southampton and three other airports in Scotland (Craig 1999:11). Since then British Aviation Authority has developed through investments in airports around the globe such as Ferrying airport, a major airport in Hungary and has also reflected on taking on trade agreements at Boston Logan International Airport and Baltimore-Washington International Airport through its subsidiary BAA USA (Boney 2007: 4). The vaporization of the British Airports Authority was sequenced by airport vaporization recess in other countries such as Austria whose Vienna Airport which entered the Vienna Stock Exchange in 1992 followed by other two Danish airports which were commercialese as Copenhagen Airports Ltd and entered the Copenhagen Stock Exchange by 1994 (Divan 1999:1). Belgium formed a corporation for owning the Brussels airport terminal while New Zealand privatized three international airports (Boney 2007: 4). The United Kingdoms Northern Ireland based Belfast International Airport was privatized while Australia privatized 22 airports to the countrys Federal Airport Corporation (FACE) in 1994. In Northern America, Canada created the Vancouver Airport Services (WARS) which is charged with the responsibility of managing 18 airports in the country, Dominican Republic, Greece Jamaica and Chile. By the year 2007, one or more of 39 countries airports had been privatized (Boney 2007: 5). In the United States airports are partially privatized as characterized by management and operation by local, federal or the central government corporations or independent airport authorities possessed by the local, federal and the central government. Airlines are highly involved in the management f airports within the United States, making the airports appear more privatized. Full vaporization is hindered by the dependence on federal grants emanating from the FAA airport improvement program. Full vaporization of airports within the United States can only occur where the private owners are willing and able to reimburse the federal grants (Boney 2007:5). 2. 2 Forms of Airport Vaporization Airport vaporization takes different forms such as direct control and management through civil aviation administration, through specific ministerial units, through congenial or municipal government levels, through specific and financially and operationally autonomous government bodies, through autonomous corporations established through special statutes and through companies established under company law (Marino 2008: 5). Vaporization of public airports to autonomous bodies is aided by sale of concessions to private sector entities such as developers, financiers or consortium of operators charged with the responsibility of operating or developing an airport for a pre-determined and mutually agreed number of years (Craig 1999; 4). Marino (2008: 6) characterize such as concessions as management entrants where the management of entire airport systems shifts to the private sector for a pre-determined period of time. The private sector corporations however pay a fee to the government through fixed professional fees, or percentages of the gross revenues or profits collected from the airports, proportions of savings resulting from use of the airports or from generated additional revenues (p. 6). Airports are also privatized through sale of concession to private sector entities charged with the role of developing and operating a system of several airports on behalf of stipulated

The Yellow Wall-Paper Essays - Mental Illness In Fiction

The Yellow Wall-Paper Essays - Mental Illness In Fiction The Yellow Wall-Paper The short story "The Yellow Wall-Paper" written by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is a cry for freedom. This story is about a woman who fights for her right to express what she feels, and fights for her right to do what she wants to do. The narrator in this short story is a woman whose husband loves her very much, but oppresses her to the point where she cannot take it anymore. This story revolves around the main character, her oppressed life, and her search for freedom. There are many male influences in this woman's life and although they may mean no harm, push her over the edge. The main character's husband, John, and her brother are well-known physicians. They use their power to control the main character, perhaps subconsciously, to feel what they think a woman should feel. For example, the woman tells the men she is sick but they believe differently. "John is a physician, and perhaps- (I would not say it to a living soul, of course, but this is dead paper and a great relief to my mind-) perhaps that is one reason I do not get well faster. You see he does not believe I am sick!"(507) The men are under the impression that what they say goes and therefore the woman has no choice but to follow. "He knows there is no reason to suffer and that satisfies him."(508) This quote illustrates that the men are in control. If they strongly believe nothing is wrong, then nothing must be wrong. It is a feeling of self satisfaction the men feel w! hen they are superior to the woman. The main character knows John loves her, but it is the oppression she feels that bothers her so. Her husband expresses his love for her but at the same time imposes his will on her. He hinders her from having her own thoughts. "?He is very careful and loving, and hardly lets me stir without special direction?"(507) The last few words of this quote show how John did not let her have any freedom because he was always there. John acts as if he knows what the main character feels at all times. The main character had absolutely no freedom, for her husband would let nothing happen unless he was there to supervise. An example of this treatment is when she wanted to get out of the house and visit some cousins, but John insisted she really did not want to go. "Dear John! He loves me very dearly, and hates to have me sick. I tried to have a real earnest reasonable talk with him the other day, and tell him how I wish he would let me go and make a visit to Cousin Henry and Juli! a. But he said I wasn't able to go, nor able to stand it after I got there?"(511) The main character understands her husband loves her, but he insists on her doing what he wants her to do. John says she will not stand it after she got there, but how did he know this? John has absolutely no idea how his wife feels, he just imposes his ways on her and expects her to abide. John sees no reason why his wife should go so therefore he believes she should not. He does not consider her wanting to go a good enough reason for him to let her go visit. Another example of the misery the main character feels is her inability to write freely. The woman hides herself while she writes the frustration she feels inside. Writing is this woman's only way of expressing her emotions, the anger, sadness, fear, and what little happiness she felt. She cannot express these emotions physically in public so she writes them down or else she will suffocate in her incapability to express her mind. John strongly disapproves his wife's writing because he knows he will not be able to control this factor of her life. "He says that with my imaginative power and habit of story-making, a nervous weakness like mine is sure to lead to all manner of excited fancies, and that I ought to use my will and good the check

How Plastic Bags Affect our Environment Research Paper

How Plastic Bags Affect our Environment - Research Paper Example astic bags pose to our environment and understand that continuing using plastic bags can even leads to endangerment of marine organisms and other wildlife. Plastics are everywhere and its properties are toxic and poison. Plastic bags should be banned in retail shops because it affects the environment and using alternative solutions that help to reduce using plastic bags. Millions of tonnes of plastic are produced every year. In fact the single used plastic bags have become a popular choice for shoppers and consumers ever since they were introduced in the 1940s. In the 1970s Single Use Plastic bags (SUPB) also known as high density polyethylene bags rose to popularity and they are in use even to this date. Today, almost 1.5 trillion tonnes of SUPBs are used annually around the world while in the U.S. alone about 100 billion are used (Equinox Centre, 2013). Chemically, the normal plastic bag is made up of high density polyethylene. Several monomers make up the bags. Plastic bags contain several additive and chemicals which imparts special characteristics to the bags. Chemicals such as Bisphenol A, Phatlates and Brominated flame retardants are some of the chemicals added to plastic products. In spite of the several problems associated with plastic bags, retail shops continue to use them since they are cheap to produce and are extremely durable and handy. They are also light weight and easy to carry which makes them extremely popular. In the last few decades several studies had focused on the adverse effects that plastic bag usage has had on the environment and on the health of humans and animals. Plastic bans have been the most popular carrying medium among U.S. citizens. Plastic bags are primarily produced by the burning of the fossil fuels. Almost 12 million barrels of oil is required for production of plastic bags in the U.S. alone ((Equinox Centre, 2013). But, the global prevalence of plastic bags included the long life span of plastic bags, littering of bags

Tourism destinations in the digital and social media age Research Proposal - 1

Tourism destinations in the digital and social media age - Research Proposal Example This can be seen in numerous industries, which has led to the emergence of new models of business aimed at capitalizing on the new opportunities, as well as to win, influence, and engage the consumer. The tourism sector has been one of the industries that have been significantly disrupted by social and digital media. As tourists become more internet-savvy, they no longer receive information through direct personal recommendations or passively. Rather, they gather experiences on travel from the internet and receive recommendations on destinations from people in the destinations they would like to visit (Hudson & Thal, 2013: p158). This research will be designed into five chapters. The first will offer considerable background information with regards to the social and digital media use in marketing tourist destination. The second chapter will involve the methodology using qualitative research through a case study as the major data collection technique. Chapter 3 will tackle an intensive literature review, aimed at narrowing down the scope of theory. The fourth chapter will consist of an empirical study, which will deal with empirical data collected via an interview with a player in tourism industry. Finally, the fifth chapter will involve analysis of the research, discussion of the results, and a conclusion. Neuts et al (2013: p74) argue that ICT advances have resulted in unprecedented challenges and opportunities to tourism, especially as the sector is information-intensive. The tourism industry demands an increased role of web 2.0 technologies, especially in the marketing and promotion of destinations. According to Hvass and Munar (2012: p97), the social and digital media have become the major tools for delivering information in the industry. Munar et al (2013: p43) concur by stating that social and digital media in marketing offers tourist destinations an added competitive advantage. Thus, almost all