Global Marketing Management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Global Marketing Management - Case Study Example Second, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, a premium and super-premium quality segment was virtually absent in the Russian vodka market; imported brands like Finland and Absolute were simply unaffordable (Grigorian). Consequentially, Russian Standard was positioned to occupy a market segment, which was mostly free of competitors but offered unlimited brand expansion opportunities. Eventually, Russian Standard vodka did not merely rely on its superior quality but sought to sustain a prestigious name and brand image: in this way, Russian Vodka brand would become appealing to both groups of customers – those who respected its quality and those, who were fascinated with its prestige (Grigorian). Unfortunately, brand positioning of Russian Standard vodka in Russia was not without controversy. The numerous attributes of the Russian Standard brand failed to create a complete and comprehensible picture of its most advantageous features. Simply stated, the brand message sent t o customers fell short of comprehensibility – customers could not understand what exactly Russian Standard vodka was and would become if they chose to drink it. Furthermore, with the emphasis on the historical traditions and orientation toward the future, the advertising and brand positioning campaign for Russian Standard failed to develop a sense of pride in Russian consumers (Grigorian). Many of them reported difficulties with understanding the Russian Standard brand and its underlying message. Many others felt that, instead of priding the legacy of vodka traditions in Russia, the Russian Standard campaign sacrificed historical traditions for the sake of progress (Grigorian). Finally, Russian Standard brand positioning campaigns failed to communicate a message of prestige; for this reason, most advertising campaigns were prematurely terminated. Nonetheless, Russian Standard vodka remains one of the most competitive brands in the Russian market. Russian Standard demonstrates a number of competitive advantages. First, the quality of its vodka is difficult to overestimate: the product is manufactured in accordance with the premium vodka recipe created by Mendeleev and approved by the Czar’s government in 1894 (Grigorian). Birch charcoal filters are used to distill vodka, whereas only â€Å"deluxe grain spirits from Central Russia† are being used in manufacturing (Grigorian). It goes without saying that quality is the main criterion of any brand’s success. The use of pure undistilled water from northern parts of Russia adds value to Russian Standard vodka products; it is because of its premium quality that Russian Standard managed to achieve Russian market excellence without extensive advertising (Grigorian). Second, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Russians have become particularly sensitive to their traditions and heritage. Years of communist pressures denied the Russians their right for self-actualization, self-expressio n, and historical memory. Russian Standard was one of the first to remind the Russian people of historical values and traditions, immediately creating a strong bond between consumers and the history of

Harvie Krumpet only ever belonged with other outcasts Essay Example for Free

Harvie Krumpet only ever belonged with other outcasts Essay Argue for or against this statement with reference to how Harvie Krumpet’s life is represented in the film. (you must make specific references to the techniques used by the film maker). Note: you are only allowed to use the word ‘belonging’ once. The need to be socially accepted and connected with others is an intrinsic yearning in humans. This desire to be included within a community or partnership is known as belonging; a fundamental need which molds a person’s identity. Harvie Krumpet’ is a short, animated film written, directed and animated by Adam Elliot and produced by Melanie Coombs. The film demonstrates through its main character, Harvie Krumpet, that companionship and connection can influence one’s outlook as well as ideologies. By utilising numerous techniques (such as editing, metaphors, pathetic fallacy, symbolism, speech and music), the animation illustrates that Harvie Krumpet only ever fit in with other outcasts. The use of metaphoric images and editing proves that Harvie Krumpet was only accepted by misfits while he was young. Due to Harvie’s Tourette syndrome, he was ostracised at school by the other students. He was only able to make friends with Bogush; another outcast. The two rejects are shown together outside with their backs to a wall of the school building. The barrier separating the two friends from the other students is a metaphor for the social divide excluding the misfits, and highlights the strong bond Harvie shares with Bogush. Another technique that proves the main character was rejected from society is editing. While Harvie is at home with his insane mother, the camera cuts away multiple times, each time showing the house further away. These cuts give viewers an idea of how the public view the family, and give the impression that society pushes them away. This use of editing, as well as a metaphor, demonstrates that Harvie is only respected by those who are similarly misfortunate. Even while Harvie Krumpet is middle-aged he remains alienated from society and is only able to fit in with outcasts like himself, as is demonstrated by pathetic fallacy and symbolism. Many things change in Harvie’s life; he is forced to move to Australia and finds a job at the Spotswood Dump. During the scene where Harvie attempts to make a friend at the dump, the sky is overcast and gloomy, which reflects the main character’s dismay when he is rejected. This technique is known as pathetic fallacy and efficiently illustrates Harvie’s isolation from ordinary people. Symbolism supports this idea, as Harvie is commonly seen alone, surrounded by the colour grey. For example, even while the main character is working in a large factory, he is still shown alone in a dark, grey room. This melancholy shade reflects the loneliness he feels. Together with pathetic fallacy, these techniques reveal to the audience that Harvie Krumpet is a victim of stigma and is only able to belong with other misfits. To demonstrate that Harvie Krumpet only feels connected and valued by other outcasts when he is elderly, music and speech are utilised. When Harvie grows old and moves into a retirement home, he meets other people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. He moves into a community that share similarities with Harvie and forms a group of friends who had been rejected by society just like himself. To illustrate that the main character fits in with this community, a bright and cheery tune is played as Harvie puts on a show for the group. The uplifting music is an example of non-diagetic sound and reflects how content the outcasts feel together. Another technique which highlights Harvie’s strong connection to misfits is speech. Throughout the film, the only words Harvie speaks are â€Å"Thank you†. The central character says these to a lady who felt she did not belong even among a crowd of social rejects. These words are immensely significant and reveal just how powerful Harvie’s bond was with this outcast. It is clear that the elderly Harie Krumpet only fits in with other rejects through the use of music and speech. In conclusion, Harvie Krumpet only ever fits in with other outcasts throughout his life. This is supported and reinforced by the techniques of editing, metaphors, pathetic fallacy, symbolism, speech and music.

Canine First Aid :: essays research papers fc

FIRST AID FOR DOGS The aims and rules of first aid First Aid treatment is based on three aims and four rules. Aims 1. To preserve life 2. To prevent suffering 3. To prevent the situation from deteriorating Rules 1. Don ¡Ã‚ ¦t panic 2. Maintain airway 3. Control haemorrhage 4. Contact a vet The limitations of first aid The goal of first aid is to help the patient as best as you can - no more than that. First aid should only be used to preserve life until a veterinarian can be found. It must be remembered that not all patients can be saved: some will die. The following is a guide for basic first aid in various situations involving dogs. Poisoning Many items found in the home and garden can be poisonous to animals and it is vital that you know what to do if you suspect the dog has been poisoned. There are three ways for dogs to get poisons into their system: „h Ingestion „h Inhalation „h Absorption It is important to bring the following to the vet if you suspect a dog has been poisoned: „h Packaging „h Note of approximate amount taken „h Time taken This will help to speed up the process of treating your dog. Ingestion (non-corrosive) If the dog has ingested a non-corrosive poison vomiting should be induced. There are various ways to induce vomiting, these include: „h Salted water „h Mustard and water „h Washing soda „h Rompun injection (by veterinarian) „h Wash out stomach (by veterinarian) Ingestion (corrosive) If a corrosive poison has been ingested it is vital that it is given a substance to either dilute or demulcent. To dilute: „h Water To demulcent: „h Milk „h Olive oil Inhalation If the dog has inhaled a poisonous substance you should do the following: „h Get into fresh air „h Keep warm When the dog gets to the vet they should have oxygen therapy. Absorption If the dog has absorbed poison (such as from chemicals on the fur) the following action should be taken: „h Wash the dog, making sure to wear protective clothing „h Stop the animal from licking itself It is important to not use any chemicals when washing substances from the dog ¡Ã‚ ¦s coat. If you are unsure if your dog has been poisoned If you are unsure if your dog has been poisoned, look out for the following symptoms: „h Breathing difficulty „h Unusual actions „h Digestive upset „h Irregular heart, rapid, or weak „h Shivering „h Convulsions „h Salivation There are many different types of poisoning; each will affect your dog differently. Many do not produce immediate symptoms. Do not make the dog vomit if it is a corrosive poison or you do not know what kind of poison the dog has consumed.

Super Leadership and Creativity Potential :: Business, Super Leadership Approach

Research Objectives The body of the literature on management and leadership primarily concentrate on the vibrant nature of the common organization. This paper augments the abundantly available literature on leadership studies for organizations. The minor intentions of this paper is to generate an forward motion that will induce other academics and scholars to focus on the topic of leadership at a much wider level having more comprehensive objectives in mind. The main focus would be to explore the link between super leadership behavior and creative potential through idea generation for an innovative and creative culture within organization. Research Questions The research questions in this case are presented as follows: 1. What is the relationship between super leadership and creativity potential? 2. How super leadership provoke an employee to perform at its best level? REVIEW OF LITERATURE Why to shift from traditional leadership to Super-Leadership? Super-leadership, sometimes also called as â€Å"Self-Leadership†, may be defined as the strategy to lead others is hidden in by leading oneself (Manz & Sims, 2001). The main difference between traditional leadership management concept and Super-Leadership is the main focus on followers rather than leader itself, and especially the belief of improving follower’s capacity to lead who are effective self-leaders. Therefore, concisely, super-leadership is the way of leading others to lead themselves. As argued (Sims & Manz, 1996), for super leadership behavior to be implemented, a leader has to adopt 10 most significant shifts from traditional approach of leadership in order to move towards super leadership approach are as follows:- 1. The leader helps out the team members/group to switch from external observation to self-observation. 2. The focus is on moving from designated goals to goals that are self developed. 3. Organic control is exercised by team/group members’ i.e. external reinforcement for task performance changes in to internal reinforcement with an addition of external reinforcement for self-leadership behaviors. 4. Leadership prefer to motivation techniques not only based on external compensation but also based on the natural rewards associated with work. 5. The leader shifts the group to focus on self criticism rather than external criticism from the organization, which often creates bad impact upon team/group members. 6. There is a move from external problem solving towards self-problem solving techniques. 7. There is a shift from external job assignments to self-job assignments. 8. Leadership moves from external planning to self planning and from external task design to self-design of tasks at step eight. 9. Any problem or issue arises should be treated as an opportunity instead of threat by the group/team members.

Martha?S Vineyard – Labov

1. 0  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Introduction 1. 1  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Martha? s Vineyard – where old traditions are still of value Martha? s Vineyard is a small island located south of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, USA. The island has a permanent population of about 6000 inhabitants. It is separated from the mainland by the Atlantic Ocean and there are no big businesses or any McDonald to be found on the island. Here, life is not as hectic as on the mainland and old traditions are still of value. The inhabitants have a way of showing their connection and dedication to their homeland, which is also a way of identifying themselves.This term paper will be about sound changes in connection with social identity. I will examine the innovative study of language variation and change in the islands community, observed and examined by William Labov (1963). I will analyze and discuss the study made by Labov. Labov? s study is based on the characteristic sound pattern discovered while listening to the inhabitants of Martha? s Vineyard. This sound change has a focus on the centralization of diphthongs. Centralization is the phonological change in which a vowel becomes more central than normal (Lawrence Trask 2000 : 53).Diphthong is a vowel sound which is pronounced by quickly moving from one vowel position to another (Deckert, Vickers 2011 : 33). The sound changes made by inhabitants of Martha’s Vineyard, observed by Labov were: /ay/ as in fight, right and sight and /aw/ as in loud and about. Labov? s observations exposed that the centralized diphthongs only occurred in a particular linguistic context. Some groups used the sound change more than others. The group of fishermen was among these. Labov also observed that some inhabitants purposely did not pronounce the diphthongs differently to people from the mainland.Having looked at different social factors, as for example, age, ethnic group and occupation it became obvious that the attitude towards the island was an essential aspect to explain this phenomenon. The decision whether or not to use the island or the mainland pronunciation depended the attitude towards Martha’s Vineyard, whether or not being positive or negative. Labov named this phenomenon â€Å"island identity† (1963). To understand what â€Å"island identity† is it is important to define the term â€Å"identity†. What is identity and how do we identify ourselves?Can there be a connection between identity and speech? In this term paper I will attempt to answer these questions. 2. 0 The study, sociolinguistic pattern and meaning 2. 1 Background knowledge Martha’s Vineyard is divided into two parts, which are the up-island and the down-island. By the time Labov made this study, the island had approximately 6000 inhabitants. The majority lived in an area of the down-island which contains of three small towns, called Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. The remaining inhabitants lived in the rur al up-island area with only a few villages (Labov 1972: 5).The inhabitants of Martha’s Vineyard were divided into four major ethnic groups. The main group was the descendants of old families with English origin. The second major group was descendants of Portuguese origin who migrated from the Azores and the Cap Verde Islands. The third group was descendants of remnant native Americans. The last group consists of inhabitants of various origins, who were of no relevance for this study (Labov 1972: 6). Another group became relevant for this study. This was the group of summer visitors who came in large groups in June and July.There would be around 42. 000 visitors on the island every summer (Labov 1972: 6). It could be a possibility that the summer visitors brought the sound change from the mainland to the island, which would mean that this group would have the major influence on the pronunciation of the diphthongs /ay/ and /aw/ but it becomes clear that the influence of visitor s are not as obvious as it might seem, since Labov only mentioned that this group had an indirect influence. To clarify this, it is essential to have a look at the economic situation of the island.In 1960 Martha's Vineyard was the poorest of all countries of Massachusetts and this was not only due to the high unemployment rate in Massachusetts back then (Labov 1972: 27). The islands? major industry was the fishing industry on the up-island. The large-scale of fishing went out of New Bedford on the Grand Banks and as a result it became harder to keep this industry going (Labov 1972: 27). It became almost impossible for the fishermen to make a living from their wages and their families became dependent on two earnings. Another problem forced the economic and psychological pressure.Convenience goods were at a very high price (Labov 1972: 28) and the goods were brought on the island with ferry from the mainland. This transport was expensive and permitted the salesmen to expand the price s of their goods. Some would say that the constantly growing tourism came as a blessing for the inhabitants of Martha’s Vineyard, but at the same time it also became a curse, especially for the fishermen who felt very connected to the island and the traditions connected to it. For them it was difficult to accept the increasing dependence on tourism.The following observations and results are of importance in order to understand the connection between the above mentioned background information and the language variation in this study. 2. 2 Accomplishment by Labov and its meaning for the inhabitants In 1963, as the study of Martha’s Vineyard was relized, Labov observed a striking way of pronouncing words such a fight, right and sight, and words such as loud and about. This striking ways of pronunciation clearly diverged from the near parts of the mainland (Meyerhoff 2006: 16f. ). The inhabitants of Martha’s Vineyard pronounced the diphthongs /ay/ and /aw/ in a more entral position which is a phonological change termed centralization. In order to figure out why many inhabitants used the centralized diphthongs, Labov deliberated an interview schedule in which /ay/ and /aw/ frequently occurred (Labov 1972: 12). Here Labov did not only put his focus on the linguistic aspect but on the social aspect as well. This means that Labov did not only put focus on the language but furthermore he wanted to examine the reasons for this sound change and in which way it was used in a social context and by whom. Why did some speakers use the centralized diphthongs more than others?This is why this study by Labov is not just of study of linguistics but also counts as a sociolinguistic study (Deckert, Vickers 2011: 1). Labov started asking inhabitants questions concerning their lives on the island. He also recorded them while they were reading lists of words naturally containing /ay/ and /aw/ sounds out loud (Meyerhoff 2006: 17). He interviewed 69 inhabitants of different ages, occupation, ethnic groups and from different geographical distribution. The table underneath is taken from Labov? s study and shows age levels and numbers of inhabitants using the centralized vowels /ay/ and /aw/:Table 1 (Labov 1972: 22) |age |(ay) |(aw) | |75- |25 |22 | |61-75 |35 |37 | |46-60 |62 |44 | |31-45 |81 |88 | |14-30 |37 |46 | Having a look at this table, it appears that inhabitants from the age of thirty-one up to age forty-five frequently tended to centralize the diphthongs. However, inhabitants younger than thirty-one and older than forty-five, did not have a high use of the centralized diphthongs.This means that the sound change could not only be dependent on the age of inhabitants being interviewed. Therefore Labov focused on other social factors which might have an effect on the production of this sound change. He interviewed inhabitants from different parts of residence, hereby people form the up-island as well as people living at the down-island. T he statistics shown below demonstrates different cities on Martha’s Vineyard. It also shows the numbers of inhabitants from these cities using the centralized diphthongs: Table 2 (Labov 1972: 25)    |(ay) |(aw) | |Down-island |35 |33 | |Edgartown |48 |55 | |Oak |33 |10 | |Bluffs  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   | | | |Vineyard Haven  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   |24 |33 | |Up-island  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     |61 |66 | |Oak |71 |99 | |Bluffs  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   | | | |N. 35 |13 | |Tisbury  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   | | | |West Tisbury  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   |51 |51 | |Chilmark  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   |100 |81 | |Gay Head  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  |51 |81 | This t able clearly shows that the inhabitants living on the up-island used the sound change more frequently than inhabitants living on the down-island, especially the inhabitants of the town Chilmark. In Chilmark they were shown o have a unique tendency of centralized diphthongs. The up-island was more of a rural area and it was known for its fishing industry. Most fishermen were living and working in Chilmark. The following table shows the centralization by the different occupational groups observed by Labov. . Table 3 (Labov 1972: 26) |   |(ay) |(aw) | |Fishermen |100 |79 | |Farmers |32 |22 | |Others |41 |57 |According to this table which shows the usage of centralized diphthong by fishermen, farmers and other occupations, shows it becomes clear that the fishermen were the one group who most frequently made use of centralization. Some of the farmers and people of other occupations also used this sound change but their numbers were strikingly low compared to the numbers of fishermen us ing the centralization. When comparing the results of all three tables it becomes obvious that the Chilmark fishermen in the middle working age level were using the centralization more frequently than any other groups on the island.However, hereby it is still not revealed why this group of inhabitants at this age and living and working in that one place where the fishing industry still played a big role in the island economy (Labov 1972: 29), were using the sound change more frequently than the other groups of inhabitants. It is central to understand the meaning and importance of the fishing industry for the inhabitants and the island itself to fully understand the interaction of social and linguistic patterns. Most of the fishermen from Chilmark felt deeply connected to the island since most of them were descendants of the old families (Labov 1972: 28).The fishing industry used to be a major part of the economy, before the large-scale fishing went out of New Bedford on the Grand Ba nks (Labov 1972: 27). The fishermen were proud to be independent, to stand on their own feet and earn their living with their own bare hands. Fishing was an old tradition on this island (Labov 1972: 29) but as an ever-growing number of summer visitors came to the island a big part of the fishing industry moved away and the inhabitants became forced to be more dependent on tourism. Chilmark changed from the traditional fishing industry to modern tourism.Many of the inhabitants accepted but the fishermen had a hard time acknowledging this change (Labov 1972: 28). They made their living from fishing. For these men fishing was not just a job, but it was also a way of living and an old tradition they did not want to give up. Two brothers from Edgartown which were also fishermen were among the interviewed. They both had a tendency to centralize the diphthongs very frequently (Labov 1972: 30). These two brothers were the last decendants from the old families (Labov 1972: 30).If they were t o leave the island, there would be no descendant left in Edgartown and there would be no one to keep up the traditions of the old families. These two brothers are another example that clarifies the importance of the fishing industry. It also clarifies that the Chilmark fishermen as well as the fishermen from Edgartown shared social orientation. They felt deeply connected to the island which was their home. For this reason they also both shared an aversion to the many summer visitors. The summer visitors would invade the cities of Martha’s Vineyard, and thereby the growing tourism would invade ajor a part in the economy. Though many of the inhabitants appreciate the tourism, the fishermen suffered more and more under economic as well as psychological pressure (Labov 1972: 28). The dependence on summer visitors grew and thereby the independence of the fishermen was reduced. The more inhabitants lived a traditional way of life the more they used the centralization. This fact dem onstrates the relationship to the diphthong centralization and the social orientation. Labov learned that another social factor had an outstanding influence on the sound change.He observed attitude towards the island, whether it was positive or negative, was of reason for the usage of this sound change. Labov found out that high school students and their use of the centralization depended on their plan whether or not to stay on the island. He therefore interviewed students from Martha's Vineyard Regional High School. The students who wanted to stay on the island showed a much higher use of the centralized diphthongs than the students who wanted to leave the island after finishing school (Labov 1972: 32).Not only inhabitants from the old families had a high use of the centralization, but Portuguese at the age of thirty-one to forty-five revealed to have a very high use of the sound change in comparison to the other age groups (Labov 1972: 26). The Portuguese of this age group belonge d to the third and fourth generation. This generation was the first one which had entirely adopted the ways of life on the island (Labov 1972: 33). They too felt deeply connected to the island, their home.The middle aged Portuguese showed a higher use of centralization than the younger Portuguese, even though the younger Portuguese showed a higher centralization than the young inhabitants with English origin (Labov 1972: 26). This phenomenon can be explained by the attitude towards the island. Most of the young inhabitants with English origin wanted to leave the island opposed to the majority of the young Portuguese who wanted to stay on the island (Labov 1972: 26). This proves that social attitude towards Martha’s Vineyard was to blame for the use of the centralization.In relation to the social attitude the term â€Å"island identity† becomes important. To fully understand this term it is important to explain what â€Å"identity† really means. To define what â €Å"identity† really is, is easier said than done. Identity can be a name of a person but it can also be a way of behaving or other details like gestures or mimics. In Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English by Langenscheidt, there are more than a few explanations. For example: â€Å"The qualities and attitudes that a person or a group of people have, that make them different from other people† (Langenscheidt 2006: 805).The term â€Å"national/cultural/social identity† is listed in this dictionary as well and is defined as â€Å"a strong feeling of belonging to particular group, race, etc. † (Langenscheidt 2006: 805). After having studied Labov`s observations, his results and defining the term identity, it becomes clear that the inhabitants of Martha’s Vineyard used the sound change to identify themselves. They created an access to their identity with the help of language, and used the centralization as a way to differentiate themselves from sum mer visitors. This strong bond to their home, the island, is termed by Labov as â€Å"island identity†. Island identity† describes the use of the centralization as an expression of the strong connection, the inhabitant? s ancestry and their home land. Inhabitants who used this sound change also revealed their attitude and connection to the island. The ones using the sound change were the ones who felt deeply connected and identified themselves with the island. Thereby the sound change became an indicator of the inhabitant's attitude. The inhabitants who showed a negative attitude towards the island the ones who did not feel connected to it and wanted to leave, did not use this centralization.They simply did not identify themselves with the island. On behalf of those inhabitants who had a positive attitude towards the island the language variant hold prestige. For some inhabitants the sound change had a higher status than for others, although the speakers were not always aware of the importance of the sound change. This is the reason why there are two types of prestige which are termed overt and covert prestige (Meyerhoff 2006: 37). Overt prestige is linked with language variants that speakers use for special reasons.The speakers using the overt prestige have the motive of sounding, for example, politer or even more educated, which means that they obviously are aware of using that variant (Meyerhoff 2006: 37). For the inhabitants of Martha’s Vineyard the covert prestige played a central role. The speakers who were using the centralization did not want to sound nicer or better than other people on the island. This pronunciation was not the standard or the general norm but it was based on group identity and the way the inhabitants differentiated themselves from other inhabitants and summer visitors. 3. 0 ConclusionThrough the study of Labov, he demonstrated that social factors play a role in how people speak and he also clarified the deep soci al function language has to define sn identity. Labov? s study was of importance for the social linguistic. The centralized diphthongs observed by Labov were most frequently used by the thirty-one up to forty-five age group and was typically observed used by people who lived and worked on the island, who felt deeply connected to the island. The connection between the positive attitude towards life on the island and the usage of centralization was outstanding.The inhabitants who lived a traditional way of life, had the highest degree of centralization. Since being a fisherman was a traditional occupation, this means that the main part of the inhabitants on the up-island had a higher use of the sound change since that was the place where the fishing industry was based. The down-island was the area where less people were using the centralization. It consist of small towns and these towns were the attraction for the increasing number of summer visitors.Consequently, it can be said that the centralization is an indicator of solidarity. A way of showing where you belong and that you are proud of your home and its traditions. For the inhabitants of Martha’s Vineyard it was also a way to oppose to the people of the mainland and the new service economy. This sound change made them stand out. By centralizing the diphthongs the inhabitants of island created a way to connect their social identity to language. The language functions as a tool to stick out of the crowd. It is as a reminder of their roots. . 0 Bibliography Deckert, Sharon K. ; Vickers, Caroline H. An Introduction to Sociolinguistics. 2011. London: Continuum International Publishing Group. Labov, William. Sociolinguistic Patterns. 1972. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press. Langenscheidt. Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English. 2006 Meyerhoff, Miriam. Introducing Sociolinguistics. 2006. Abingdon: Routledge Trask, Robert Lawrence. The Dictionary of Historical and Comparative Linguistics. 2 000. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press Ltd

How to Keep a Lake Healthy and Clean

How to Keep a Lake Healthy and Clean Living with a lake view can be a wonderful way to feel close to nature, to enjoy aquatic activities, and to experience the seasons as they go by. However, owning lakeshore property comes with responsibilities towards the ecological health of the lake. To be able to continue enjoying the natural beauty and recreational activities a lake has to offer, and to  keep your propertys value up, here are a few steps to consider: Minimize Runoff Pollution is perhaps the most direct threat to a lake ecosystem. In the absence of industrial waste discharge, much of the pollutants come from rainfall runoff. Perhaps the single most important step to prevent water pollution is to control the amount of pollutant that gets into the lake washed in by rainfall. This can be accomplished through several approaches: Minimize your lawn area. Maintaining a grass lawn is often thought to mean the application of fertilizers and herbicides and it is very difficult to dose them precisely. Rain will transport excess fertilizer into the lake, which will stimulate smelly, unsightly, and potentially toxic algal blooms. Consider skipping the fertilizer, and learn to live with an imperfect lawn. Better yet, cut down on the amount of lawn you need to maintain. Herbicides can be toxic to aquatic life – if you need to use them, spot treat the problem areas as needed.Capture runoff from impervious surfaces. Rooftops and driveways are examples of impervious surfaces, which do not allow water to percolate into the soil. Instead, rainwater collects pollutants and speeds off, contributing to soil erosion. These soil particles end up in lakes, creating sedimentation problems. Roof runoff can be captured with rain barrels, and later used to water flower beds. Road runoff can be routed into a rain garden made o f water-loving plants. The energy of the moving water will be absorbed, slowing down erosion, and the suspended particles will get deposited in the garden, instead of in the lake. If you’re planning a new or replacement driveway, consider permeable ones made of pavers which lets run water through and reach the soil. Protect Natural Shoreline Vegetation Bare lawn all the way to the shoreline might be an aesthetic that appeals to some, but it is hurtful to a lake. It is important to protect existing vegetation along the shoreline: the shrubs and trees there keep the shallow waters cooler, preventing unsightly algal blooms and protecting fish habitat. The plants’ roots hold on to the shoreline soil, preventing erosion. A thick vegetation strip along the shore also acts as a buffer, absorbing pollutants and sediment flowing towards the lake.Replace lost or damaged shoreline vegetation by planting native species. Your local nursery should be able to suggest fast-growing, hardy plants adapted to wet shoreline conditions. Discourage Invasive Species When landscaping your property, stick to native plant species, especially along the shoreline. Exotic plants can become invasive and rapidly spread along the shore, displacing native ones and disrupting the aquatic ecosystem. Damaging invasive  plants include phragmites, purple loosestrife, and reed canary grass.A common way for invasive aquatics plants to enter a lake is by hitching a ride on a boat (an invasive species vector). Bits of algae or plant can be stuck on a boat propeller, or on the trailer, and be accidentally transferred from one lake to another. To avoid this,  take precautions before putting a boat in and better yet consider the possibility of implementing a boat inspection station at the public boat ramp. Many states have grants to assist landowner associations in funding these inspections. Particularly worrisome are Eurasian water-milfoil and​ the spiny water flea, as they can radically transform a lake’s ecology and significantly alter recreation al activities. Friendlier Fishing Countless lakes now have invasive fish species that were introduced by anglers. Don’t be a bucket biologist – only use native fish, crayfish, and leeches as bait. Many lakes have aquatic ecosystems that have now been transformed by the introduction of yellow perch, golden shiners, or rock bass.A particularly insidious form of lake pollution is lead to lost tackle. Practice lead-free fishing, and avoid making the wildlife sick. Loons, grebes, ducks, and bald eagles are particularly vulnerable. Practice Green Boating Motorboat activities can be disruptive to a lake’s health in many ways. Avoid these issues by choosing human-powered options: canoe, kayak, sailboat, or stand-up paddleboard.If you are using a motorboat, favor four-stroke engines over two-stroke ones. They have better fuel economy, fewer emissions, and are quieter. They also do not release unburned fuel into the water, which two-strokes do.Mind your wake. Slow down when you are near shore, as the wave action created by boats can increase shore erosion, releasing sediment, and damage shoreline vegetation. Controlling Waste Water Follow existing local ordinances for your septic systems. Regulations specify a minimum distance between the lake shore and your septic system. In addition, regular inspections and maintenance will ensure it functions properly. Leaky septic systems are a major source of nutrient pollution.Mind the products that end up in your septic tank – one of the main issues is the algae-feeding phosphate in soaps. Laundry detergent is now largely phosphate-free in the United States, but many dish-washing soap brands still contain it.However tempting it is, avoid washing in the lake. Shampoos and soaps contain chemicals that are not friendly to aquatic ecosystems, despite the â€Å"biodegradable† or â€Å"all natural† labels on the bottle. Going the Extra Mile Join your lake association and be a voice for conservation. When issues arise, research them and promote environmentally sound solutions. In the United States, state departments of natural resources usually have limnologists (lake scientists) who can answer your questions. In addition, many state universities have cooperative extension services which may be able to help you.Be involved with your regional land trust. They may be able to help you protect pieces of shoreline property that are key to the health of a lake.

Persuasive Essay Topics

Persuasive Essay Topics Persuasive Essay Topics Persuasive Essay Topics The purpose of persuasive essay writing is to persuade the reader to accept an idea or agree with an opinion. While writing an essay, you should strive to convince the reader that your point of view is a reasonable one. The persuasive essay should be written in a style that grabs and holds the reader's attention.   In addition, your opinion should be supported with details and evidence from secondary sources. Persuasive writing involves persuading the reader to perform an action, or it may consist of an argument convincing the reader of the writer's point of view. Persuasive writers employ many techniques to present their argument and show support for their claim. There may be several different ways of choosing persuasive essay topics. Your teacher may give you some prompts or requirements on topic selection. Sometimes, you may have an opportunity to make your own choice. If you have some choice in the topic selection, it will be helpful if you select the topic of interest to you. Essay Help It isn't an easy task to persuade someone to change his point of view.   You should read and analyze a lot of information, make notes, arrange ideas in an outline, and ensure proper referencing of all cited articles, books, and internet resources. Before writing an essay, make sure that your points are well-organized, and that supporting arguments are understandable and relevant. Create a list of supporting points as well as counterarguments.   It is very important not to forget about examples illustrating your ideas and thoughts. The introductory paragraph should introduce the argument of your persuasive essay. A well-constructed introductory paragraph immediately captures the interest of your reader and gives appropriate background information about the essay topic. Include a brief summary of the ideas to be discussed in the essay body as well as other information relevant to persuasive essay argument. Make sure to include thesis statement!   It is impossible to write a good persuasive essay without clear and effective thesis statement.   Custom essay writing is about logical development of your arguments and ideas.   Each body paragraph must present a single idea supporting the main argument.   Persuasive essay conclusion should summarize the main points and stress the strongest idea. Persuasive Essay Writing Help If you are not sure in your ability to write an attention-getting persuasive essay, if you cannot find enough supporting information, you are welcome to ask our writers for assistance.   We provide only custom written persuasive essays and guarantee originality of every custom paper we deliver.   In addition to final draft, you will receive free plagiarism report.   Returning customers are offered wide range of discounts on .com  services.

Custom Essay Paper Writing (Page 16)

Custom Essay Paper Writing (Page 16) Argumentative Research Paper Topics An example of the research paper introduction on the topic about the Internet: The end of the XX century is marked by the increasingly widespread use of computers and information technology in so many different areas. Computers permit significantly improve the efficiency of work in the various activities and open up new horizons of knowledge to humans. Therefore, the possession of skills of working with the computer is very important for today's Continue reading APA Style Research Paper APA Style Research Paper The most commonly requested format for research paper writing is APA style. APA style is commonly used in the social sciences and is consider as the most influential research paper writing style. Nevertheless, different fields may have some aberration, so consult your advisor on research paper writing requirements. If the teacher asks you to write APA style research paper, you have to follow specific rules which make the presentation of written material more Continue reading Action Paper Research Action Paper Research: Active Team-work! If you have got an assignment to write an action research paper, you should pay special attention to this task. The matter is that the action paper research is rather different from other kinds of the academic research. So, to cope with your task you should understand what exactly you should do. This article will help you make head or tail of what the action paper research should include and in what way it should be made. Action paper research Continue reading Writing the Analysis Paper Writing the Analysis Paper: Universal Approach Those people who get excellent grades for their analysis papers know the mechanism of writing them, and those, who get low grades, face a what-to-start-with problem and many others. The main problems and solutions to them are discussed in the article. First of all, start with answering the following two questions:Whom are you writing for? What is the purpose of you analysis paper? The answer to the first question will help you to define Continue reading Writing a Reaction Paper Writing a Reaction PaperIf you are writing a reaction paper, you should keep in mind a number of specific rules. In particular, reaction paper should be written critically, it is your task to provide critical response to a book, film, event, or even a person. The following example reaction paper is written about sex education. If you need individual help with reaction paper writing, do not hesitate to try our custom paper writing services. We are open 24/7 to provide high quality assistance with Continue reading Writing a College Term Paper Writing a College Term PaperAre you assigned to write a term paper? Do you want to thrill your professor with a brilliant work and get an A+? Then some special secrets of writing a college term paper will be just in time for you. If you want to learn how to write a good college essay or looking for college essay online writing service, do not hesitate to place an order at our site! We provide qualitative college essay help !When writing the college term paper, you have to give the reader Continue reading Valentine's Day Essay Valentine's Day Essay This is a free sample essay on Valentine's Day. If you need custom assistance with Valentines Day essay writing, do not hesitate to request professional help of our essay writers! Let our writing experts help you with writing your unique, interesting, and original Valentines Day essay especially for you! Our writing services are legal, safe, and reliable! It happens around this time every year. We men undergo a transformation. This transformation is Continue reading The Stolen Party Term Paper The Stolen Party Term PaperWell, the term is coming to the end and your teacher says over again that you have to prepare The Stolen Party term paper. The task seems to be overcomplicated to you, that is why you put it off all the time. But actually, all you need to start working on The Stolen Party term paper is forget about your fear for difficulties and find a good idea. In this article, some catchy ideas to develop in The Stolen Party Continue reading Sociology Paper Sociology Paper: Target - Clarity Sociology is rather young but very interesting science. It helps us study ourselves. That is why if you have got an assignment to write a sociology paper, do not neglect this good opportunity to learn more about people. Papers Sociology: Subjects of Research Any sociology paper (whether it is an essay or a term paper) is a kind of research of one or another aspect of the social life of people. Sociology papers may cover positive as well as negative sides of Continue reading Sample Papers Sample Papers: Help for Students Are you becoming crazy about those numerous assignment papers that you are constantly provided with during your study? Sometimes it may seem to you that they are aimed at turning your life into the terrible nightmare. Do not know how to escape from all that? Try not to avoid the problem but solve it! This article will help you in that. If you do not know how to write your assignment papers, do not rack your brains make use of the Internet. You may find Continue reading First Previous 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Next Last

Operation Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Operation Management - Essay Example The performance of a company includes both operational and financial aspects of a company and the characteristics of the five objectives of performance management are concerned with both the aspects. The operations strategies of a company primarily focus on meeting the expectations of its customers but it can also be used to identify strengths and weaknesses of a company. The companies make strategies to improve their identified weaknesses to be competitive in the market (Al-Darrab, 2000). The five characteristics of performance objectives The five characteristics of performance objectives are: Speed: it is concerned with the delivery of product or service by the company. Quality: it is concerned with meeting the perceptions of the customers about the quality of the product or the service of the company. Cost: it is concerned with the price of the product or the service for the customers and the internal cost of production involved. Dependability: it is concerned with the stability o f the processes involved in delivering products and services on time. Flexibility: it is concerned with the ability of the company in reacting towards the changes in demand and requirement of both – the customers and the business. ... while external cost applies to price of the product to customers (Slack, 2010). McDonald’s operations strategy and five characteristics of performance objectives Since 2001, many significant changes have been introduced in operations strategy of McDonald’s and it evolved primarily around four characteristics of performance objectives - speed, dependability, cost and quality. Though it cannot be said that the flexibility was ignored by the company, it was only less preferred. Externally, McDonald’s ensured fast delivery of its quality products at affordable cost to its customers and internally it made strategies to ensure a dependable delivery system, reducing labor and operation costs to make the products cost effective without compromising with the quality. McDonald’s evaluates its performance in speed on the parameters such as the query time of customers, lead-time of orders, delivery- frequency and the time required for throughput. McDonald’s als o ensures the dependability by evaluating its performance on the parameters such as number of orders not delivered on time, average deviation time from the scheduled arrival time, the ratio of stock of products and average time of late delivery of orders. The cycle time operations strategy of the company depends on efficient HR resources and it has ensured it by adhering to the principle ‘The result is done by a man†. The company believes that strength of an organization depends on its human resources and the performance of the organization can only improve with the improved performance of its human resource (Bertrand and Fransoo, 2002). KFC’s operations strategy and five characteristics of performance objectives Being the largest chain of chicken

Gross Domestic Product of United Kingdom Assignment

Gross Domestic Product of United Kingdom - Assignment Example It is computed as the difference between exports and imports. In order to stimulate the economy policy makers employ either fiscal or monetary policies to affect macroeconomic variables. For instance, a decrease in interest rate can boost investment and increase the level of GDP. The current situation of UK is a very common trend in every major economy. After skyrocketing mounts in output levels, growth to start to taper off and enter a showdown. The role of policy makers during this stage cannot be overstated. In order to stimulate the economy, macroeconomic variables are regulated. However, as economics is a social science and policy makers are constrained in analyzing the effects of policies in ceteris paribus, it becomes important that they fully asses the economic repercussions of their implementations. This paper will look at the economic performance of the United Kingdom by looking at the recent historical value of GDP. The first part will discuss the behavior of GDP from 1990-2005 and determine the trends underlying this behavior. This report will also try to explain the growth or reduction in GDP by looking at the individual components of GDP. Then, it will discuss the fiscal and monetary policy of UK as well as suggest recommendation to further enhance the performance of the economy. Figure 1 shows the GDP of United Kingdom from ... GDP in constant prices is used following the rationale that it is a more accurate indicator of the real performance of the country. As opposed to measuring GDP in current prices, it relates a realistic situation as it is tied around a base year. The growth rates of GDP in the aforementioned years are also shown in order to describe the behavior of GDP. During 2005, UK reports a 1131.21 billion in GDP, rising by 1.9 percent from the 2004 level and 37 percent relative to the 1990 level. On the average, the economy is expanding at a relatively slow pace of 2.48 percent annually. Sustained growth in GDP is evidenced by the upward trend in the value of output produced. Looking at the growth rates plotted in the other axis, we can see the volatile behavior of GDP with no single trend or pattern. Expansions of output are often followed by troughs which indicate slower growths. In general, we can see positive growth rates with the exception of 1991, when GDP posted a contraction of 1.49 percent. We should also note that since 1993, UK recorded more than 2 percent growth but slowed down in 2005 as it was only able to increase by 1.9 percent. The paper will then conclude with its findings to alleviate the gap in potential and actual output levels. Figure 1 Source: International Monetary Fund World Economic Outlook Database, 2005 Actual and Potential GDP Figure 2 shows the output gap in percent of potential GDP for UK from 1990-2005. At the start of 1990, we can see that the GDP of UK is relatively much higher than its potential GDP evidenced by the positive ratio. In fact, the ratio reached 1.5 which means that UK is producing 50 percent more than its potential GDP. However, this positive ratio had taken a different course in the following year

Contract for difference(CFDs) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 12500 words

Contract for difference(CFDs) - Essay Example Following this the next chapter will deal with the pricing of the CFDs. Also the trading of the CFDs will be discussed in detail within this chapter. This will provide for a better understanding of the working of the CFDs and will also detail the risks that face the investors who invest in the CFDs. The chapter will also provide for details of how the CFDs can be hedged. This chapter will form the body of the research and will discuss the details like the trading methods that can be used for these financial instruments. Also the pros and contras, and sample computation of CFD will be discussed in detail within this research. Also sample pricing will be discussed within the research, which will help provide a better understanding of how the pricing is done in the real time. The last chapter of the literature review will involve a comparison of the contract of differences with futures, options and spread betting. This will help gain an insight of how the contracts for difference are different from the more commonly used derivatives. This will also help understand in brief the futures, options, spread betting and will provide for an understanding of how they work. Since the objectives of this research are very basic and are mainly to understand the global financial instrument – CFD better, hence secondary research will be used in this research. This will involve a through research of the contract for differences. The research will mainly be carried out mainly using books, research papers, etc. This research is very different from the primary method. This is also referred to as the Tertiary research. The research involves using information that has already been presented by other authors, in previous researches. The main sources of the data are from books, journals, newspapers, online sources, etc. In short the secondary research refers to information published by others and which is already available1. It is also data collected by other people

International financial reporting standards (IFRS) - Presentation PowerPoint

International financial reporting standards (IFRS) - - PowerPoint Presentation Example Receiving a single set of overall guidelines will simplify accounting procedures by permitting an organization to utilize one reporting dialect all through. A single standard will also provide investors and auditors with a cohesive view of finances.   As of now, more than 100 nations allow or oblige IFRS for open organizations, with more nations anticipated that would move to IFRS by 2015. Advocates of IFRS as a worldwide standard keep up that the expense of executing IFRS could be balanced by the potential for compliance to enhance credit scores. The list of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) and official interpretations are set out by the IFRS Foundation. It incorporates accounting standards either created or embraced by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), the standard-setting assortment of the IFRS Foundation. The value of financial data is improved on the off chance that it is comparable, understandable, convenient and justifiable (ie improving qualities—less discriminating yet at the same time exceptionally alluring) †¢ To an extensive degree, money related reports are in view of evaluations, judgements and models instead of careful delineations. The Framework creates the ideas that underlie those evaluations, judgements and models In UAE, the bookkeeping calling is spoken to by the Accountants and Auditors Association. In the UAE organizations set up their yearly budgetary explanations inside 2 to 3 months of the end of the monetary year. For the banking industry, as indicated by Central Bank Circular No 20/99, banks, monetary foundations and venture organizations in the UAE are obliged to set up their money related explanations as per the International Accounting Standards with impact from January 1, 1999. In 2006, the Dubai International Financial Centre legitimate system obliges banks and organizations recorded on the Dubai International Foreign Affairs to execute IFRS. All banks recorded

Household Cleaners Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Household Cleaners - Lab Report Example Rub the hand with the cleaning agent for 18 seconds according to step 2. 6. Wash off the cleaning agent with 400ml of distilled water respectively. 7. Dried off with a kitchen cleaning paper. 8. Swab subject's left palm. The area of swabbing should be around 5x5 cm (square in shape). 9. Repeat with subject's right palm using a new swab. 10. Follow the steps as in the graphic (Merck, 2007) and measure the relative light unit by using the luminometer. 11. Record the reading on the luminometer. Result The purpose of the experiment is to determine the most effective agent to clean off germs on hand. Results collected will be tabulated as in table 1. Average and standard deviation are determined. Table 1: Tabulation of result. Cleaning Agent Subject Handwash shampoo Detergent Dish Cleaning Liquid Lemon juice 1 Left Right 2 Left Right 3 Left Right 4 Left Right 5 Left Right 6 Left Right 7 Left Right 8 Left Right 9 Left Right 10 Left Right Average Standard Deviation Then, the average RLU value of this will be plotted on graph as followed (figure 1). The higher relative light units reflect a higher bacteria count on the hands. The almost linear relationship between the relative light units and the total number of counts were proven by Merck (2007). Figure 1: Relative Light Units on hands after washing hands with different cleaning agents. The lemon juice might be the least effective cleaning agents among all cleaning agents. That is because it does not contain any antibacterial properties. But for handwashing shampoo, detergent and dish cleaning liquid, they contain -hydroxy-2',4,4'-trichlorodiphenyl ether (commercially known as triclosan), a common...This compound inhibits fatty acid synthesis in bacteria, thus preventing the reproduction of the bacteria. Fatty acids are needed in the synthesis of bacteria cell membranes. In conclusions, the result is estimated to refute with the hypothesis. Lemon juice is the least effective cleaning agent during handwash. The most effective would be detergent. This is due to the concentration of the active antibacterial compound in the cleaning agent. Lemon juice does not contain any antibacterial compound. It just bring down the pH of the surface and suppress growth of bacteria but do not kill them. Meantime, the RLU values would give a reliable result on the effectiveness of the cleaning agent. Other than using a luminometer, another way would be to determine the number of bacterial growth by microbiological plating method. This methodology however would take more than one day time to obtain the result. The advantage over a luminometer is that it can identify the type of microorganisms found on the hand after washing. This can be done by biochemically testing the colonies grown on the agar plates. Anyhow, the design of this experiment does not reflect the effectiveness of all types of similar products. It only gives a general idea.

International financial reporting standards (IFRS) - Presentation PowerPoint

International financial reporting standards (IFRS) - - PowerPoint Presentation Example Receiving a single set of overall guidelines will simplify accounting procedures by permitting an organization to utilize one reporting dialect all through. A single standard will also provide investors and auditors with a cohesive view of finances.   As of now, more than 100 nations allow or oblige IFRS for open organizations, with more nations anticipated that would move to IFRS by 2015. Advocates of IFRS as a worldwide standard keep up that the expense of executing IFRS could be balanced by the potential for compliance to enhance credit scores. The list of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) and official interpretations are set out by the IFRS Foundation. It incorporates accounting standards either created or embraced by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), the standard-setting assortment of the IFRS Foundation. The value of financial data is improved on the off chance that it is comparable, understandable, convenient and justifiable (ie improving qualities—less discriminating yet at the same time exceptionally alluring) †¢ To an extensive degree, money related reports are in view of evaluations, judgements and models instead of careful delineations. The Framework creates the ideas that underlie those evaluations, judgements and models In UAE, the bookkeeping calling is spoken to by the Accountants and Auditors Association. In the UAE organizations set up their yearly budgetary explanations inside 2 to 3 months of the end of the monetary year. For the banking industry, as indicated by Central Bank Circular No 20/99, banks, monetary foundations and venture organizations in the UAE are obliged to set up their money related explanations as per the International Accounting Standards with impact from January 1, 1999. In 2006, the Dubai International Financial Centre legitimate system obliges banks and organizations recorded on the Dubai International Foreign Affairs to execute IFRS. All banks recorded

Should censorship be sometimes justified Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Should censorship be sometimes justified - Essay Example The government must have powers to censor sensitive security information, such as the military strategy, deployment of forces, and placement of key weapons systems in times of conflicts and wars. Some people, mainly libertarians who see little or no role for government, argue that the United States has no room for censorship citing the First Amendment to the US Constitution that prohibits restrictions, among other things, on the freedom of speech and the press. However, protecting the United States and American people becomes more important than preserving the freedom of speech in times of conflicts and wars, because giving away sensitive security information could help domestic quislings and external enemies to harm the country and hurt the people. Recognizing this imperative, Congress has enacted several laws, including the Smith Act, Communist Control Act and Atomic Energy Act, which give the US government the powers to impose censorship. Even the criticism of the governmentâ€⠄¢s recent request to withhold the details of the experiment that produced deadly H5N1 influenza virus, which could be used by terrorist, has been made only on a narrow ground that someone had already shared that information at a conference in Malta (Markel). Censorship also becomes necessary to prevent hate speech that destroys social harmony and leads to violence in a country characterized by enormous racial and cultural diversity. Opponents of censorship argue that individuals can make their own judgment and apply self-censorship, and US courts have sometimes put the freedom of speech above the need to control hate speech, such as by upholding the right of the Ku Klux Klan to carry out anti-minority marches. However, personal judgment and self-censorship alone are not enough to prevent hate speech that could disrupt communal harmony and lead people to harm each other due to enmity, bigotry or other narrow interests. The rant against Muslims in public places and in the media in th e wake of terrorist attacks against the United States in 2001 led to violence against Muslims and turbaned Sikhs across the country, which could have been avoided by censorship. Although Congress has already outlawed slander, libel, incitement to riot and obscenity, government should have broad censorship powers to control hate speech and promote social harmony (Stork), a proposition with which I agree. Likewise, the government must have powers to impose censorship to protect the rights, dignity and innocence of children who cannot do it themselves. Those who advocate absolute freedom of speech hold the view that individuals and the media are capable of using their discretion to withhold indecent and obscene information that could harm children. However, there is no shortage of pedophiles, rapists, rogue journalists and other criminals eager to exploit children’s vulnerability and innocence, and the government has obligation to protect children from them, if necessary, by imp osing censorship. I shudder with the fear that my own brothers, sisters and relatives could become victims of such criminals, lured by indecency and obscenity in the media and public places. Recognizing the need for censorship to protect children, Congress has made several laws, including the Communications Decency Act of 1966, that classify films

The evaluation of adults returning to learning. Essay Example for Free

The evaluation of adults returning to learning. Essay There are many advantages to returning to learning as an adult, which ultimately enables the individual satisfied in many positive aspects. However, amongst the advantages, it is highly probably apprehensible that an adult student will face disadvantages to returning to learning as an adult. There is no such thing as a typical adult student, ergo everyone is unique. Nevertheless, it is possible to formulate conceptualise a broad understanding of the supporting arguments and opposing arguments regarding returning to learning as an adult. Completing an academic course is beneficial to everyone, regardless of age, it grants them a formal qualification formal recognition of their achievements, which can then be presented as proof or persuasion or simply kept as a personal achievement, because earning a qualification can be satisfying within its own right, building self-esteem and confidence. One of the disadvantages to returning to learning as an adult is that adult students appear to be less confident in an academic environment opposed to traditional-aged students, according to a July FOXbusiness article. This is due to an academic environment being unfamiliar to most non-traditional-aged adult college students, most adults have been absent from education for many years, juxtaposed to traditional-ages students, 18 or above, who have entered college or university straight from A-levels. Many adult, non-traditional college students experience fear or discomfort within the classroom due to feeling inadequate despite being more motivated to earn a degree compared to traditional-aged students (adult students are less distracted opposed to younger students -theyve already satisfied their impulsive urges within in their youth adults a more likely to appreciate the aspect of education more so than younger students) , according to the statistics in the July FOXbusiness article. One could perceive this as disadvantageous, however, it is more logical to perceive this as a opportunity rather than a limitation. Returning to education as an adult enables an opportunity to learn a superlative piece of skill, confidence. Many adults who return to learning have lost their confidence due to the negative perceptions they have of themselves, however, studying will develop and enhance ones confidence, skills and qualifications. Studying bestow’s upon the adult the ability to adapt to new social situations and the opportunity to trust your own abilities, ergo, to indulge within the self-belief that comes from completing a course successfully, which is advantageous. Amongst other advantages, making new friends isnt a prime reason for enrolling upon a course, but many adults appreciate this as an added bonus. Linked to the gaining the importance of confidence, discovering new people who are in a similar situation with mutual interests is an effective way, of an adult who may have negative perceptions of oneself, of realising that the world around them isnt as alienating as they perceive, ergo, returning to education as an adult presents an opportunity to find yourself, which is certainly advantageous. Besides that, returning to learning as an adult has a functional advantage. It can increase career prospects and earning potential. Despite recent difficulties faced by graduates and school-leavers, it remains the case that people with academic or vocational qualifications are more likely to be employed. Adults particularly find that returning to education increases their opportunity choices regarding career. Also, abiding by national statistics, in 2001, research conducted by LSE found that by gaining a degree a woman can earn up to 26% more than a woman who does not continue her education beyond A LEVELS. A man can earn about 23% more by completing a degree course. Another advantage for adults who are returning to learning is that education for some is a means to escape the familiar routines that they commit to. Many adults may be unhappy or perhaps many adults might be experience the sense of being unfulfilled in their working or social environments. These negative emotions, lead to unwanted actions such as; relationships being affected negatively with others. On the other hand, when an individual is happy feeling fulfilled, relationships improve. Some adults find that unhappiness or stress at work leads to arguments at home. Once education has been used as a means to escape this unhappy working environment, the arguments lessen or disappear completely. Adults find also that relationships with their children improve – they feel more of an affinity with their children, understanding the stresses and strains which are places on them within the education system. Thusly, returning to learning as an adult is advantageous regarding the improvement of relationships through heightening the perception of ones self-worth and therefor, feeling fulfilled. On the contrary however, returning to education has the capability to negatively affect relationships. Returning to school as an adult requires juggling class schedules with family life, work and other personal commitments. Mature students articulate concerns about finding enough time for family members and how to deal with a partner who may not appreciate the idea, according to Deborah Neuheisel, an adult student adviser for the University of Wisconsin-Barron County. One imperative disadvantage to returning to learning as an adult are the financial limitations. An adult may have responsibilities that conventional aged students might not have, such as bills or perhaps a family to provide for. However, the challenge of finding adequate resources to fund a college education provides strong motivation to finish the effort. As a result, adult students are more likely to understand the value of an education and better positioned to focus on what they want to learn. Furthermore, there are sources of government funding that an adult student is entitled to such as, grants and bursaries. Ultimately, it is most advantageous to return to an academic environment as an adult, if required, it will supply one with a formal acknowledgement of achievement which can be used to increase career prospects but amongst all other functions, it enables one the opportunity to stimulate the brain, divert from conventional routine, be given a voice and opportunity to put their thoughts and values forward the opportunity to inspire be inspired.

Imagined community

Imagined community According to Benedict Anderson, what is an ‘Imagined Community? How does this relate to the contemporary world? â€Å"I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the community, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can† George Bernard Shaw (Wisdom Quotes, 2009). Such views demonstrate that communities are an integral part of day-to-day life within the contemporary world, be this in a tiny, remote village in rural India or the thriving capital city of Beijing, China. This essay examines communities within the international sphere, focusing primarily on Benedict Andersons theory of ‘Imagined Communities. The first section of this essay examines Anderson as an academic scholar and his views towards nationalism, including of course a detailed understanding of his theory of ‘Imagined Communities. The second section then goes on to explore other political theorists take on Andersons work, focusing on three such theorists: Ernest Gellner, Anthony D. Smith and Eric Hobsbawm. This theory and reasoning behind Andersons and these three other theorists work, is then used as the foundation on which to build when looking at the contemporary world, focusing on the case study of Great Britain and how this study is of relevance to contemporary political issues. Communities within Britain are examined in terms of the imagination Anderson refers to, namely the Ukrainian community and also the Sikh community, both within multicultural British society. Andersons background is that of anthropology and when assessed, it is clear that he falls within the Modernist school of thought, arguing that nations are simply a product of modernity, in existence to cater to political, economic and military needs. Andersons theory of ‘Imagined Communities has been widely spread and applied to the field of international relations and political science, a theory which has been influential in carefully examining the politics of identity and the formation of communities across the globe, also known as nationalism. Anderson explores the modern nation in terms of its development throughout history, aiming to understand the emergence of these nations and how they have remained as nations in terms of status (Higson, 1998, p.355). Nationalism took form and began as an ideology during the eighteenth century, and more recently has undergone a global movement across the varying borders and boundaries of nations. It has three generic goals: â€Å"natio nal autonomy, national unity and national identity, and for nationalists, a nation cannot survive without a sufficient degree of all three† (Smith, 2001, p.9). National identity in particular is fundamental to the order of the contemporary international sphere. According to Anderson (1991) therefore, the building and construction of nation states is an imitative action in that it follows similar patterns and trends as used by fellow nation states. Nationalism, in Andersons (1991) eyes is thus an instrument and product of such social constructions and all of this was in actual fact an American construction. Additionally, he contends that nation building is consistent of and on a par with fictional narratives, a point which agrees which Smith (2001), discussed later on in this essay. With such a clear focus on nationalism, Anderson (1991) studies the idea of membership of a community, the idea of membership as boundaries defining ‘us and ‘them, and the idea of the community as an equal comradeship, thus collectively leading to the creation of an identity. Under the umbrella of nationalist thought therefore, Anderson is largely interested in the formation and preservation of political identities. His key argument is as follows: communities are in fact imagined ones as, in truth, individuals residing in one particular place i.e. Britain, will never know, see, meet, converse or have any sort of relationship with all other residents, yet this ideological concept of a ‘British community still exists. Anderson thus is focusing on nationalism, in particular nations and their identity building processes, a nation being â€Å"an imagined political communityimagined as both inherently limited and sovereign† (Anderson, 1991, p.7). In his argument, the a nation is imagined as limited in that, even the one holding the greatest number of human beings, each community has finite boundaries, beyond which are other nations (Anderson, 1991, p.7). The nation is imagined as sovereign as the concept emerged during a time in which â€Å"Enlightenment and Revolution were destroying the legitimacy of the divinely-ordained hierarchical dynastic realm† (Anderson, 1991, p.7). Finally, the nation is imagined as a community as despite inequality and exploitative behaviour that may occur, the nation remains a â€Å"deep, horizontal comradeship† (Anderson, 1991, p.7). Such ‘imagined communities are in actual fact socially constructed entities, consisting of individuals who have similar, if not identical, interests, these interests forming the basis for their grouping choices and decisions, and allowing the individuals to identify with one another. Andersons theory therefore comes from the location of individuals within specific ordered communities, as members of bounded communities whose members have common traits and concerns. His idea of this type of a community existing emerges from how the general public, according to him, identifies and understands themselves with respect to the community of their nation. As a result, all individuals have a horizontal relationship with all other members of their supposed ‘imagined community and this creates identity. Such identity provides safety and security to members of the imagined community, providing a sense of belonging to a group of people who are on the same wavelength and have similar i nterests and motivations (Anderson, 1991). This is of course, opposed to the previous identification which was wholly concerned with pre-existing religious systems and dynasties, which have now collapsed. Anderson (1991) then goes on to examine the fall in access to privileged scripts and discourse such as Latin, the movement to eradicate ideas and commands of the monarchy and divine rules of power and finally the emergence of print capitalism in terms of the media and how this is related to the concept of nations. The final point here is of greatest relevance to this essays discussion. From first thought, it is common to think that no real relationship exists between media and communities, yet on closer inspection, it becomes clear that this is not the case. Anderson (1991) argues that the media is the key group creating these ‘imagined communities through their mass audience targeting procedures. The media often makes generalisations to the ‘public and when thought about, is most definitely an ‘imagined community in itself. Anderson (1991) therefore argues that national media and education systems have a critical role in ensuring a nation imagines itself as  "a coherent, meaningful and homogenous community† (Higson, 1998, p.355). His primary concentration however lies with newspapers, which he argues are a fundamental part of print-capitalism, this being the key commodity in the generation of new ideas and concepts (Anderson, 1991, p.37). Print-capitalism contributed greatly to the imagined communities that exist within nations and will continue to do so in the future. He argues that newspapers allow shared experiences of resenting authority to take form, this not being beneficial as this gives rise to the marketplace, where print-capitalism is produced and invoked within consumer society in terms of profitability. Print-capitalism is, in Andersons opinion a commodity which is vital to current and forthcoming generations of completely new ideas and concepts (Anderson, 1991, p.37). His argument focuses primarily on the impact of the Reformation, this being: â€Å"the coalition between Protestantism and print-capitalism, exploiting cheap popular editions, quickly created large new reading publicsand simultaneously mobilized them for politico-religious purposes† (Anderson, 1991, p.40). He posits that much of the success of the Reformation is as a result due to print-capitalism itself (Anderson, 1991, p.39). Thus in Andersons critique with regards to the promise of the media in the public sphere and whether or not they invoke public debate, his answer is yes i.e. it was a vehicle for the American war of independence. The key example however given in his work is that relating to the Protestant and print-capitalism coalition, which he argues, was detrimental through the exploitation of cheap popular print-works (Anderson, 1991, p.40). Such â€Å"administrative vernaculars† (Anderson, 1991, p.41) led to religious and printing upheaval during the sixteenth century, and is regarded by himself as an â€Å"independent factor in the erosion of the sacred imagined community† (Anderson, 1991, p.41). In terms of ‘imagined communities and its relationship with the media, film and cinema are good areas to explore. Film is often indicative of â€Å"consensual images of communities† (Higson, 1998, p.355) and is keen to show individuals from varying backgrounds coming together in shared interests. The British musical Sing As We Go (1934) (cited in Higson, 1998, p.355) for example deals with this same image as explained above and ends with the ‘imagined community being explicitly â€Å"nationalized† (Higson, 1995, cited in Higson, 1998, p.356) in the final scene. It is important to distinguish though that not all of the ‘imagined communities Anderson refers to are united. Particularly within the contemporary multicultural location that is Great Britain, nations can be presented and represented as being in disarray (Higson, 1998, p.356). Higson (1998) refers to the British film named The Beautiful Laundrette and how this is demonstrative of such a thing, providing images of â€Å"social and cultural disturbance and fragmentation† (Higson, 1998, p.356) as opposed to images of consensual imagined communities. This is therefore raises questions of what it is like to be British and to hold such an identity. Films like this consequently oppose what Anderson claims to be the truth, displaying that national identity in contexts like this one are not â€Å"as consensual but as hybrid, not as pure but as variegated† (Higson, 1998, p.356) and so this challenges Andersons point. This theory of ‘imagined communities has often led to various branches of thought, one of the key ones with relation to this topic being that of ‘imagined geographies, a concept which has emerged from Edward Saids work on ‘Orientalism a theoretical framework which argues that Europeans define themselves against their cultural contestants i.e. people from the Orient and as a result define themselves against this. Back to ‘Imagined geographies though, this is a form of social constructivism, referring to the perception of space and boundaries within texts, illustrations and of course, discourse. Arguably, there is no real geography and that imagined geographies can be compared with, thus posing problems of comparative analysis. So the argument lies that such imagined geographies must not be taken as given, but rather they should be deconstructed in order to display the various power sources which have been embedded in them. Ultimately, although Anderson is sceptical of the general public in their decision to be part of ‘imagined communities, he acknowledges that in the current day and age, nationalism and the idea of community has taken to other extremes i.e. projecting fear and hatred towards the ‘Other, being deeply affiliated with racist and discriminative behaviour (Anderson, 1991, p.141.) He critiques this though by reinforcing how such communities are supposed to bring individuals together as opposed to dividing them further, and thus communities need to be reminded that â€Å"nations inspire love, and often profoundly self-sacrificing love† (Anderson, 1991, p.141). Other theorists however conflict with what Anderson (1991) poses as the function of nation building, namely Ernest Gellner, Anthony D. Smith and Eric Hobsbawm. Their proposals of national identity vary with respect to one another. Firstly, anthropologist and philosopher Gellner (1983) argues that nationalism is ultimately political in that it acts as the foundation for politics and nations as being on an equal footing. In his critique, nationalism only emerged within the modern sphere very recently, becoming a necessity in sociological terms, and thus has not been embedded within history. Smith (2001) was a student of Gellner yet did not completely agree with the argument made by his teacher. His argument therefore depends on his creation of an approach to nationalism termed ‘ethnosymbolism, this being a combination of traditional as well as modern views toward the theory and practice of national identities (Smith, 2001, p.13). Smith (2001) distinguishes between the concept of the term ‘nation and another word he terms ‘ethnie, this being: â€Å"a named human community connected to a homeland, possessing common myths of ancestry, shared memories, one or more elements of shared culture, and a measure of solidarity at least among the elites† (Smith, 2001, p.13). Thus in his critique, the imagined communities Anderson speaks of do have a cultural and historical background to them, and so they arent completely imagined but have some substance behind them. Smith (2001) on the other hand, studies nationalism in terms of ethnic groupings. To him, the concept of the nation is: â€Å"a named human community occupying a homeland, and having common myths and a shared history, a common culture, and a measure of solidarity at least among the elites† (Smith, 2001, p.13). Within this though he narrows down further his understanding of nations, consisting of what he terms â€Å"ethnie† (Smith, 2001, p.13): â€Å"a named human community connected to a homeland, possessing common myths of ancestry, shared memories, one or more elements of shared culture, and a measure of solidarity at least among the elites†(Smith, 2001, p.13). Hobsbawm (1992) too examines nationalism, a concept which he refers to as the same as defined by Gellner: â€Å"primarily a principle which holds that the political and national unit should be congruent† (Gellner, 1983, p.1, cited in Hobsbawm, 1992, p.9). He contends that imagined communities act as a shield for and to religious-based nation states, which in turn allows individuals from a vast array of backgrounds to come together through the notion of compromise (Hobsbawm, 1992, p.14). One of his key arguments is that nations are: â€Å"dual phenomena† (Hobsbawm, 1992, p.10), by which he means that they are socially constructed from both above and below, with regards to the â€Å"assumptions, hopes, needs, longings and interests of ordinary people† (Hobsbawm, 1992, p.10). Thus he reinforces the central and underlying importance of nationalism throughout history in relation to political evolution. With respect to this, we identify that no real national conscienc e is forged within his text, and later on he makes clear the number of incited mass movements of nations i.e. he refers to the liberalisation of countries like Italy. National identity has a huge role to play within countries across the globe. In particular, it is focused on and can be identified during sporting games i.e. football or cricket, avid fans supporting their nation to be successful and triumphant. National identity can however also be associated with negativity and can create tensions, as demonstrated politically within international relations more generally. This section focuses on Britain as its key contemporary example but compares and contrasts the experiences within Britain with those of other countries too. Britain, quite clearly, consists of a multicultural society, one which is made up of a variety of community groupings. Community-World (2009) provides examples of many of the community groupings that are existent in modern day Britain, i.e.: regional, ethnic, religious, charity/voluntary and finally miscellaneous ones which include vegetarianism and so on. In many cases, such communities are reflective of Andersons thought of ‘imagined communities. An example of this can be seen with respect to the South-Asian community in Britain, formed of Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Sri Lankans and many more, yet all come together under the umbrella term of South-Asian community even though it is most definitely likely that not all of these community members know each other nor have they seen each other nor, in reality, will they ever really do so. Such a community, although to be congratulated in bringing people of similar backgrounds together, is in actual fact a socially construct ed entity according to Anderson. In my critique of this however, such groupings are embedded in human nature in that terms like this have not been created as a product of society and societal views but rather because of religious, cultural and historical backgrounds. Thus they are not socially constructed. Andersons concentration of the media too is useful here when looking at Britain in that, in the contemporary world, his point that the print media, namely newspapers, is largely to blame for the creation of communities is only somewhat true. This is due to the rise of other media forms, particularly the internet, which has led to newspaper sales and general success of them falling over recent years. Greenslade (2009) in review of 2009 and the past decade identifies the spectacular decline of this once thriving industry: the Daily Mail recorded a fall from 2,777,501 to 1,260,019, a decline of 55%, whilst the Daily Express experienced sale plunges of 33.7%, the Daily Telegraph losses of nearly 27% and the Guardian a fall of just over 23%. Although newspapers are now widely available online, combining the previous paper form with the recent phenomenon of the internet, this does contradict with Andersons core argument. As sales of print newspapers have fallen, this suggests that readers hip too has declined and thus communities are less likely today to identify with communities within such media. Fisk (2010) makes an interesting point though in his work, arguing that many human communities within Great Britain have been abandoned since the Middle-Ages and so he works to commemorate such communities and identify their reasons for abandonment. Contrastingly, Hall (2004) examines the process of immigrants becoming citizens, with a particular focus on the Sikh community within Britain, namely second-generation ones. Her argument is that cultural politics have a huge role to play and in terms of the formation of nations, yet many more cultural processes are also at work: the role the media has in circulating religious, national and ethnic illustrations and political imaginaries; youth movement between cultural worlds in the home, at school and professionally; the frequently contradictory nature of the schooling system; and the cultural matters which flow across transnational and diaspora networks and communities (Hall, 2004, p.118). Thus Hall (2004) is suggesting that although this Sikh community may live and reside in Britain, this does not instantaneously make them a fundamental part of the imagined ‘British community, but rather due to their heritage and ancestral roots, many British Sikhs often find themselves to b e torn between identifying with Britain and identifying with their parents country of origin. Hence individuals can be part of a series of imagined communities as opposed to simply one as posed by Anderson (1991). Hall (2004) does however agree with Anderson (1991) to the extent that the media is incredibly influential in the contagion of national and cultural identities across various borders and boundaries. Similarly, Smith and Jackson (1999) studied ‘imagined communities with respect to Ukrainian communities living in Bradford, UK. Their argument was one of this sense of community, being shaped by Ukrainian history and the ever-changing global political climate (Smith and Jackson, 1999, p.367). For many Ukrainians living in Bradford, Ukraines independence in 1991 was symbolic of de-stabling an unsettled, often imaginary, sense of â€Å"Ukrainianness† (Smith and Jackson, 1999, p.384). Furthermore, they propose that recent cultural and historical change has led to an over-complication of the way in which the Ukrainian community within Bradford, UK is imagined and thus poses problems in terms of narratives and discourse. In my critique, although cultural influences are considered by all of the previously discussed political theorists, economics in terms of social status and inequality is not considered. It is no surprise that the creation and preservation of ‘imagined communities as discussed by Anderson (1991) leads to â€Å"fractionalization† (Alesina et al, 2003, p.155). My argument contends that such fractionalization is the cause of the observed rise in cross-country inequalities, Britain included, and Anderson (1991) fails to account for this. A broad view of heterogeneity demonstrates that anything that generates groups, as Andersons theory does, has both political and economic consequences, ultimately leading to greater inequality. In Britain for example, we can see that Central London, in most cases, is a highly affluent area. The outskirts of Greater London though vary in affluence such that groups are formed and located according to these same groups. Research has proved such theses to be correct i.e. Alesina et al (2003) examined approximately one hundred and ninety countries, concluding that â€Å"ethnic, religious and linguistic fractionalization† (Alesina et al, 2003, p.155) increases corruption, infant mortality and illiteracy, and reduces democracy and political rights indexes. Thus this supports my point of critique, that although ‘imagined communities bring people together from similar backgrounds and who have shared interests, the creation of such groupings leads to divisions and ultimately, in many cases, such divisions are indicative of social status, welfare and affluence. Hence Anderson (1991), along with Gellner (1983), Smith (2001) and Hobsbawm (1992), did not investigate this. Theorists in future should therefore research this area, building on the work mentioned above. In an age where it is extremely common for â€Å"progressive, cosmopolitan intellectuals to sit on the near-pathological character of nationalism, its roots in fear and hatred of the Other, and its affinities with racism† (Anderson, 1991, p.141), it is crucial to remember at all times that â€Å"nations transpire love, and often profoundly self-sacrificing love† (Anderson, 1991, p.141). Hence whether communities within these nations are imagined or not, which Anderson (1991) would say they are, they act as the fundamental foundation for society to communicate, evolve, exchange information and knowledge and ultimately to progress. Thus communities are incredibly important in multicultural Britain but also on a transnational scale too. To conclude, Andersons work on ‘Imagined Communities is one which has been used largely within the realm of political science and international studies. It does provide the reasoning as to why people commune together in the majority of instances yet at the same time, is rather broad in its explanation and thus has limited generalisation and applicability to the modern world that is the twenty-first century. The theory of ‘Imagined Communities is rather useful though in terms of understanding community and group formation with regards to historical, religious and cultural contexts across the world. This essay has examined what Anderson terms to be an ‘Imagined Community and how this has been used within the Social Sciences, in particular International Relations and Political Science. It has then later gone on to look at Britain as a contemporary example of how a series of ‘Imagined Communities have been formed i.e. the Sikh community and the Ukrainian communit y. Thus it is important to recall that nationalism is not simply a â€Å"sociological or cultural phenomena: it is also a powerful political instrument which†¦has played an important part in both the creation and the reform of modern states throughout the world† (Jackson, 2003, p.610). Bibliography Alesina, A.et al (2003) â€Å"Fractionalization† in Journal of Economic Growth, Vol.8, No.2, pp.155-194. Anderson, B.R. (1991) Imagined Communities: Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism (Revised ed.), London: Verso. Community-World (2009) Community-World UK [online] Available from: http://www.community-world.co.uk/ (2001) in Durham, M.G. and Kellner, D.M. (eds.) Media and Cultural Studies: Keyworks, Oxford: Blackwell Publishing Fisk, A. (2010) Abandoned Communities [online] Available from: http://www.abandonedcommunities.co.uk/ [Accessed 14th March 2010] Gellner, E. (1983) Nations and Nationalism, Oxford: Blackwell. Greenslade, R. 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