Victoria's International expansion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Victoria's International expansion - Essay Example Victoria’s secret was established in San Francisco during 1970s by Roy Raymond. The aim of the firm was to provide women brands and be the highest producer in US. They were to produce different types of women brands and which were new in the market. For any company to sustain its customer in the market it has to set goal and be able to compete with its rivals and to forecast on how the company will be doing in the upcoming years (Goldman, 1999). For example, being the largest American retailer of lingerie, Victoria’s secrets competes with other companies to be the world distributors of women shop including brands such as bras, panties, sleepwear, clothing and shoes among others. Victoria’s secrets like any other company receives stiff competition from a company know as Gap which normally provides the same products at a lower price. This paper aims at undertaking an Internal Analysis of Victoria's Secret foreign expansion like in China, designing products for spec ific markets, manufacturing and advertisement. Additionally, the paper will discuss manufacture of the products and advertisements of the products Victoria’s secrets, a firm operating under monopolistic economic model, are faced with stiff competition from foreign expansions. ... In addition, China has the second largest economy after US. As A result, households enjoy high income thus enhancing their purchasing power leading to increased sales for Victoria’s secrets. Product design for specific markets Victoria’s secrets aim at designing its brands in such a way that the needs of its specific markets are met. For example, in China market where lingerie are on high demand, Victoria’s secretes will involve Chinese marketers and designers so as to come with a brand that is acceptable in China market. The company increases its sales by producing attractive design that makes the female customers to have a feeling of red carpet treatment. Manufacturing and advertisement Victoria’s secrets manufactures high quality brands to be used in foreign expansion like in China and makes sure that advertisement is done effectively to make sure that the brands are acceptable in the market. Similarly, since by keeping its prices competitive than its r ival, Victoria’s secrets targets upper class and middle class customers, the lower class customers are in most cases forced to go to Gap which offers the same products at a throw away prices. Key competitors that have emerged in the foreign immerged includes Maxx, Marshall’s and Homegoods. TJ Maxx and Marshall’s are huge competitors since they provide lingerie at discount prices for the middle and lower class (Monget, 2011). This has made the market to be more competitive and each company has to look the way forward to outdo their rivals. The strategy which Victoria’s company adopts is the introduction of new styles in the market and ideas that kept their products easily identifiable by the customers. Additionally, the company designs are attractive in the eyes of the customers. In

Individual human identity Essay Example for Free

Individual human identity Essay It also means that importance of social class decreasing, but instead of class the role of status increased rapidly. For instance to show status people buy expensive cars and exclusive clothes. Differences in social classes could influence personal identity, because identity related to social groups to which the identity belongs, for example nationality, culture, ethnicity, sexuality, gender and class. First of all identity is a sense of self that develops as the child differentiates from parents and family and take a place in society (Jary and Jary, 1991:p665). Identity also formed through some combinations of individual choice and structured group membership (for example in Arab countries Muslim women can`t drive the car). In additional, people could express their aspects of identity in a different way. For example clothing, which clothes choose to wear to show gender, post modernism or class; language, which words to use when people speak with fiends to show class, educational background and gender. It is goes without saying that even though class no longer exists, but we could easily identify person`s class, status and possessions from their clothing and way of behaving. The principle of the identity is closely linked to the idea of culture. As I have already mentioned identities could also be formed through the cultures to which people belong to. Culture is the language, beliefs, values and norms, customs, dress, diet, roles, knowledge and skills which make up the way of life of an individual society (Ralph Linton, 1945). For example norms and diet, in the UK at 17 o`clock most people have their couple of tea. Culture includes teaching and learning such process like socialization. We gain our identity through socialisation. Socialisation is the process by which we, as individuals, become members of our society or culture. We are also active participants in this process we decide what to accept or reject. Process of learning culture or socialization includes family, school, peer, media and religion. For example: family, your parents give you name, first beliefs and tastes; school, teaches person rules and gives knowledge; religion, teach people to appreciate some values; peers, teach person how to socialize; media, gives people ideas about gender, status and class. Modern sociologists also think that being of a different class may involve differences in culture, economic circumstances, educational status, dietary preferences, housing conditions, property ownership and power. For example, differences in culture, people who are from middle and upper middle class in free time visit museums and theatres, whereas working class visits pubs. One of the important factors in peoples culture and identity is social mobility, the ability to move from one class to another. For example, moving from the working to the middle class. Nowadays class, gender, sex, race and kinship have less influence on human identity. It is becoming more important human`s talent, knowledge, ambition and hard working abilities for achieving a good position in the class system. World sociology has changed greatly, beginning of the XXI centuries gave to the UK a lot of new. New national socio economic classifying statistics (NS SEC), which replaced Registrar Generals classification. New sociologists have another view on dividing society into social classes. For instance class has been defined consisted of eight major classes. The first four is middle class, which include higher managerial and professional occupations, lower, intermediate occupations, small employers and own account workers. The other four is manual workers, including lower supervisory and technical, semi routine occupations, routine occupations and never worked people. A big and new tendency had happened in modern Britain: the number of manual workers declines year by year. If for example in 1911 a percentage of manual workers was about 81%, in the year 2000 this percentage twice declined and become about 40% of total workforce. This become possible first of all because of developing new technologies: technique makes most manual work. Secondly because of changing of economical situation such as increasing life standards and education system. Traditionally social classes have been the main concept for understanding society, its behaviour or social conflicts, and predict the main movements of social behavior. Today`s sociologists in developed countries see classes like a historical phenomenon. The same view on social classes has Pakulski and Waters. They thought that class is no longer important factor in a human identity. According to Pakulski, we could pick out four main features such as cultuaralism, fragmentation, autonomization and resignification. For instance autonomization, which means that today`s people are not told what to do, they do what makes sense to them. For example, British working class is less likely to vote for the British Labour Party than it once was. To sum up, in this essay we discussed the different aspects of inequalities; we have seen that the UK is one of the most unequal societies. Inequalities of wealth, which means that one tenth of the UK population owns more than seventy percent of total wealth. Inequalities of income are significant, but welfare policy of the government such as taxation does have a huge effect in reducing the incomes between rich and poor. Finally, because of the government policy and developing new technologies, class has lost its power in the collective sense, however class would still remain fundamental to culture and human.

Rates of Reaction Experiment :: GCSE Chemistry Coursework Investigation

Rates of Reaction Experiment INTRODUCTION This experiment is called ‘rates of reaction’, I will be partaking in this experiment to find out what factors effect the ‘rate of reaction’ between magnesium (strips) and hydrochloric acid. Each time I repeat the experiment, I will be adding 0.5 moles of hydrochloric acid and recording the volume of gas given out during the testing and record the time it takes to give the reaction needed. A reaction is taken place within the experiment because there is a collision of particles in each element. When these two elements collide with each other they form a chemical reaction ( a change which is irreversible) we know this because a gas is given of too show a change, this is why we record the amount of gas given off to show when the reactions takes place and how big of a change it has made. WORD EQUATION: Magnesium + Hydrochloric Acid à   à   Magnesium Chloride + Hydrogen Acid CHEMICAL EQUATION Mg + 2HCl H2 + MgCl2 Activation energy is the minimum amount of energy, which the particles must have in order to react. There are five factors, which can make a difference to the rate of a reaction. *1* The surface of the element *2* Catalyst, the amount of the substance *3* The concentration of the element *4* Temperature, due the heat of the atmosphere *5* Pressure pronounced to the substance When a reaction takes place, the substances used are called reactants and the substances produced are called products. Because the amount of products being produced are increasing the number of reactants are or should be decreasing. To calculate if and how well products are increasing and reactants are decreasing we use a number of ways, we firstly find out how much of the reactant(s) is being used up and how much product(s) we are gaining from this in a set time. FORMULARS TO SOLVE THIS: *** How much reactant is being used up*** Amount of reactant being used up Reaction rate = Time taken ***How much product’s being produced in a set time*** Amount of product formed Reaction rate = Time taken A reaction can only take place when a successful collision is occurred, so for a reaction to take place two different elements have to concur with each other, this depends on the amount of atoms and energy in the two elements, this is called a successful collision. A chemical reaction can only take place when two different elements collide with each other. There are other methods to measure the rate (speed) of reaction. Precipitation: observe a marker through the solution and predict how long it takes to vanish. A change in mass: a mass balance can only be carried out during the

Challenges of Living with Diabetes Essays -- Health Medicine

A long-term health condition can also be referred to as a ‘chronic illness’ and it can be used to define recurring conditions such as asthma, arthritis, and diabetes. When living with a long-term health condition it can for some people present them with many new challenges. Not only does it take time for them to adapt and accept their illness but also they may feel affected not just physically, but psychologically, culturally, and sometimes even personally such as financial or relationships with family and friends. In this essay, I will examine in turn the main challenges people with diabetes face. Sometimes with diabetes, a person may feel an array of emotions when their illness has been diagnosed this can vary from being confused, and anxious about their health and future, to feeling resentment and frustration with their own bodies. It is also common that many people who have long-term health conditions can also be susceptible to depression and stress when attempting to deal with the aspects of their illness, such as being reliant on insulin injections or having to take care about what they eat and drink. As explained in an article by W.H Polonsky. (K101, Resources 3, pg19 ) Many individuals may feel as if they have lost control of their everyday routines, or are somewhat defeated when following treatments programmes and not being able to see an improvement in health. Recently healthcare professionals recognized that if they provide patients with well-defined, straightforward information and knowledge about their illness, it could encourage people to take more of an involved role in managing their condition, such as setting achievable goals, or becoming better practiced at monitoring and managing insulin levels. Thi... ...e boundaries of the physical situation but also that of their psychological status too. Works Cited Lawton, J., Ahmad, N., Hanna, L., Douglas, M. (2006) ‘Pakistani and Indian patient’s experience of Scottish diabetes services: a qualitative study.’ In: K101 An introduction to health and social care, resources, Block 2, pg. 15, Milton Keynes, The open university. NHS, (2010) Diabetes NHS choices, Available: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetes/pages/diabetes.aspx. Last accessed 4th Nov 2010. Polonsky, W.H (2006). ’Encouraging effective self-management in diabetes.’ In: k101 An introduction to health and social care, resources, Block 3, pg19, Milton Keynes, The open university. The open university (2008) K101 An introduction to health and social care, block 1, unit 2, Illness, health and care, pg. 84, Milton Keynes, The open university.

Rousseau as Totalitarian?

ROUSSEAU AS TOTALITARIAN? Rousseau, known as â€Å"Father of Modern Democratic Theory†, was being accused by other people as a â€Å"Father of Totalitarianism†. This is one of the contentious issues which attack Rousseau’s social contract; he is seen to be advocating totalitarian solution rather democratic. Others may have only misunderstood the concept of totalitarianism but I tell you there is no clear evidence showing he is in favor of totalitarian. Why, then, some considered Rousseau as a totalitarian? Maybe it goes with his controversial concept of general will.The general will can be perceived as an objective truth to which every citizen must conform. Therefore everybody was under the control of the general will. Since totalitarianism is defined as a  political system  where the state holds total authority over the society and seeks to control all aspects of public and private life whenever necessary; this means that the general will can be use as a tot alitarian device. But the methods suggested for discovering the general will were basically democratic.This concept was introduced to prevent exploitation and this will only take effect if it is willed by the citizens. In this case, we can see that Rousseau was proposing that the best way for a community to make decisions was really to use democratic procedures. Hence, we cannot condemn him being a totalitarian advocate just because general will reigns. After all, even if it controls every citizen, it still comes from all and it tends always to the preservation and welfare of the whole and every associate.Another thing that can probably make people thinks of Rousseau’s social contract as a totalitarian is due to his view of â€Å"majority binds the rest†. Rousseau was aware that no particular human being knows what the general will truly is that is why he proposes that what the majority has voted, it is the general will, assuming that everybody is thinking for the comm on good of the community and not for his own self-interest. Now problem the decision of the majority is what rules the community and we don’t even know if they are really thinking for the common good of everybody.They maybe considered as one political group who reigns over the community. This cannot be a valid reason for saying that Rousseau was after a totalitarian government. Remember Rousseau has insisted that the sovereign is the people and not a particular group only. And at the start of the compact, before they have voted for what they think is general will; the people should give their consent to all the laws that will be passed even in their opposition.Despite that the decision of the majority wins, the people still has participated in determining that certain law. Rousseau was merely proposing measures aimed at creating community cohesion and preserving democracy. We can now say that his proposal was really an authentic attempt of finding a form of association which will defend and protect with the whole common force the person and goods of each associate, and in which each, while uniting himself with all, may still obey himself alone, and remain as free as before.

Free Essays on March Of Madness

Listening to the music: Social Problems in Song Mini-Assignment 1 Cory Rossin The song that I have selected with respect to a social problem (Global) is â€Å"March of Death† by Zack De La Rocha lead singer of â€Å"Rage Against Machine†. The intention of this article is to inform the reader of the expressive opinion in reference to the Iraqi war in conjunction with the sociological conflict theory imposed by Karl Marx. â€Å"March of Death implies several messages towards the act of war; consequences and political agendas within the U.S.A. government. â€Å"I won’t toe or defend, instead I curse at murderous men in suits or professionals who act like animals†. This bold statement refers to the new method of colonialism; multi-national corporations who exploit and conquer resources in countries that possess abundant supplies of tangible material and inexpensive labor. Who is in control? Who can repress the American leader, another intriguing statement by the songwriter. Finally the most important message of all, the destructive outcomes of war; thousands of helpless, innocent civilians disfigured and executed by the hands of Goliath himself. The Social problem is evident throughout this song, war and political propaganda a method of achieving the world’s precious energy, oil. In today’s world war is not just a social problem but also a malicious execution of all humanity; in theoretical terms war exhibits all three foundations of a social problem, origin, definition, and treatment (Fleras 2001,10). For conflict theorists war is an inevitable clash between inequalities of wealth, power, privilege, delivered through institutional means within a capitalist system. â€Å"Social problems are inherent in those societies organized around the capitalist principles of profit, competitive individualism, and class conflict† (Fleras 2001,19). â€Å"March of Death† closely reflects the conflict theory by describing religious, ... Free Essays on March Of Madness Free Essays on March Of Madness Listening to the music: Social Problems in Song Mini-Assignment 1 Cory Rossin The song that I have selected with respect to a social problem (Global) is â€Å"March of Death† by Zack De La Rocha lead singer of â€Å"Rage Against Machine†. The intention of this article is to inform the reader of the expressive opinion in reference to the Iraqi war in conjunction with the sociological conflict theory imposed by Karl Marx. â€Å"March of Death implies several messages towards the act of war; consequences and political agendas within the U.S.A. government. â€Å"I won’t toe or defend, instead I curse at murderous men in suits or professionals who act like animals†. This bold statement refers to the new method of colonialism; multi-national corporations who exploit and conquer resources in countries that possess abundant supplies of tangible material and inexpensive labor. Who is in control? Who can repress the American leader, another intriguing statement by the songwriter. Finally the most important message of all, the destructive outcomes of war; thousands of helpless, innocent civilians disfigured and executed by the hands of Goliath himself. The Social problem is evident throughout this song, war and political propaganda a method of achieving the world’s precious energy, oil. In today’s world war is not just a social problem but also a malicious execution of all humanity; in theoretical terms war exhibits all three foundations of a social problem, origin, definition, and treatment (Fleras 2001,10). For conflict theorists war is an inevitable clash between inequalities of wealth, power, privilege, delivered through institutional means within a capitalist system. â€Å"Social problems are inherent in those societies organized around the capitalist principles of profit, competitive individualism, and class conflict† (Fleras 2001,19). â€Å"March of Death† closely reflects the conflict theory by describing religious, ...

Trees...deserve rights essays

Trees...deserve rights essays Trees are torn down and damaged each day, whether it is for lumber, pulp and paper, or for no reason at all. Some people dont have respect for trees and break them without a care. However, this shouldnt be happening. Trees have the right to be protected and live a life of safety. Trees are living elements. They may not have walking abilities, talking abilities, or the ability to feel pain and pleasure, but they have life. Cells move throughout them and they require food and certain elements, just as we do. Not having sentiments has nothing to do with whether they possess rights or not. Trees are alive, and thus are entitled to rights and to be treated with care. The world deserves to be taken care of. It is a living organism. Everything upon the earth is priceless and beneficial. Everything is important. It is necessary that that is recognized and taken into account. One thing is not important than another. Humans, animals and trees all have equal value. If we were missing one of them, what would happen? Trees are a necessity for life. They supply fresh air for all living things to breathe. They can grow wonderful fruits to eat. They are also efficient for many things; however, they are not our instruments and should no be abused as they are now. Paper and wood are not requirements for life; air is. While we are cutting trees down for our use, we dont realize what is being done. Animals are losing their homes, and trees are being wasted. Trees deserve rights because if they are constantly abused and overused, there may not be any left in the end. Trees may be useful for a number of things, and we may use them everyday; however, more importantly, trees give life. Without them the world would be empty. Elements coming from trees, such as wood and pulp and paper, are great luxuries to have, but the homes of many animals, the air we breathe and the food we eat are not luxuries. ...

Important Lines of Latitude and Longitude

Important Lines of Latitude and Longitude Four of the most significant imaginary lines running across the surface of Earth are the equator, the Tropic of Cancer, the Tropic of Capricorn, and the prime meridian. While the equator is the longest line of latitude on Earth (the line where Earth is widest in an east-west direction), the tropics are based on the suns position in relation to Earth at two points of the year. All three lines of latitude are significant in their relationship between Earth and the sun. Running in the opposite direction, north-south, the prime meridian is one of the most important lines of longitude on Earth. Equator The equator is located at zero degrees latitude. The equator runs through Indonesia, Ecuador, northern Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Kenya, among other countries. It is 24,901.55 miles (40,075.16 km) long. On the equator, the sun is directly overhead at noon on the spring and fall equinoxes- around March 21 and September 21 each year. The equator divides the planet into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. On the equator, the length of day and night are equal every day of the year: day is always 12 hours long, and night is always 12 hours long. Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn The Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn each lie at 23.5 degrees latitude. The Tropic of Cancer is located at 23.5 degrees north of the equator and runs through Mexico, the Bahamas, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, India, and southern China. The Tropic of Capricorn lies at 23.5 degrees south of the equator and runs through Australia, Chile, southern Brazil (Brazil is the only country that passes through both the equator and a tropic), and northern South Africa. The tropics are the two lines where the sun is directly overhead at noon on the two solstices- about June 21 and December 21. The sun is directly overhead at noon on the Tropic of Cancer on June 21 (the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and the beginning of winter in the Southern Hemisphere), and the sun is directly overhead at noon on the Tropic of Capricorn on December 21 (the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and the beginning of summer in the Southern Hemisphere). The reason for the location of the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn at 23.5 degrees north and south, respectively, is due to the axial tilt of the Earth. The Earth is tilted 23.5 degrees from the plane of the Earths revolution around the sun each year. The area bounded by the Tropic of Cancer on the north and Tropic of Capricorn on the south is known as the tropics. This area does not experience seasons, because the sun is always high in the sky. Only higher latitudes, north of the Tropic of Cancer and south of the Tropic of Capricorn, experience significant seasonal variation in climate. Areas in the tropics can be cold, however. The peak of Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii stands nearly 14,000 feet above sea level, and snow is not unusual. If you live north of the Tropic of Cancer or south of the Tropic of Capricorn, the sun will  never  be directly overhead. In the United States, for example, Hawaii is the only location in the country that is south of the Tropic of Cancer, and it is thus the only location in the United States where the sun will be directly overhead in the summer. Prime Meridian While the equator divides Earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres, it is the prime meridian at zero degrees longitude and the line of longitude opposite the prime meridian (near the International Date Line) at 180 degrees longitude that divides Earth into the Eastern and Western hemispheres. The Eastern Hemisphere consists of Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia, while the Western Hemisphere includes North and South America. Some geographers place the boundaries between the hemispheres at 20 degrees west and 160 degrees east to avoid running through Europe and Africa. Unlike the equator, the Tropic of Cancer, and the Tropic of Capricorn, the prime meridian and all lines of longitude are completely imaginary lines and have no significance to Earth or its relationship with the sun.

How did slavery affect gender roles for African Americans Essay

How did slavery affect gender roles for African Americans - Essay Example The history of slavery is almost as old as humanity having being practised for centuries in Asia, Africa, Europe and even Americas before European settlement. North America was a late entrant in the human trade as Spanish and Portuguese slavers are approximated to have transported over a million African slaves to South America prior to those in North America (Drescher and Engerman, 1998). Slavery in America can be traced to the first European settlements in the seventeenth century (1619) in Virginia when the Dutch sold the first African slaves (19) to the English colonialist settlers. The number of slaves ballooned with as the importance of cotton and later tobacco trade intensified (Engerman et al, 2003). The original settlers did not regard their slaves as destined for lifelong servitude until the 1660s when Maryland in 1664 declared that all slaves and their children would in future be deemed permanent ‘servants’. This conventional theorem has been disputed by McColley (1988, Pg.280), who asserts that these ‘captives’ were common slaves held against their will and only termed servants by historians due to the lack of records then as the word slave was only introduced from the mid nineteenth century. The decline of slave trade in Europe has though being attributed to the equivalent slavery rise in the New Lands in the Americas (BBC, 2007). The Ante-Bellum South comprised of the southern American states that were still practising slavery before the American Civil War. The ante-bellum south were the plantation owners who relied on slave labour to operate their expansive farms. The main ‘Black Belt’ segment was made of the cotton growing states of Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas; the tobacco producing states of Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina and Kentucky; hemp

Problem Solution, A health issue Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Problem Solution, A health issue - Essay Example Scientists and physicians together with health organizations have published several articles addressing the issue. Furthermore, the majority of the people have a notion that women cannot have muscles due to lack of hormones associated with the same. Contrary to what majority think, women can have a well defined muscular body with proper training. In this case, proper training involves lifting weights and not just any weights but heavy weights. Having enough muscles ensures proper metabolism. Increasing the percentage of muscles in ones body increases the metabolism rate. Physicians refer to this as the basic metabolism rate (BMR). Defined and well-structured muscles increase the BMR thus ensuring that calories are burnt even when an individual is resting. The burning of the excess calories ensured fitness and desired body size and shape. The addition of exercise to the condition ensures that no matter the amount of calories consumed in a day, one does not add weight in an undesirable manner. One of the benefits of weightlifting can be seen at old age. At the age of 20s to 30s one does not see the need to exercise and concerns of old age stability is for the future. However, training as early as possible for women does not only lead to building of muscles but also improvement of bone density. The increase in bone density would ensure stronger bones and thus stability. Most reported cases of bone problems involve women at old age due to low bone density compared to men. Exercising by lifting weights can enable a woman be more stable at old age minimizing bone-related problems. Maintenance of good bone health involves regular training and lifting of weights that necessitates the need to lift weights and maintain fitness among women. The level of testosterone hormones among ladies is low compared to men. However, the low level of the hormone found in women varies from one woman to another. It is the hormone

EXEGESIS on ACTS chapter six verses one through six Research Paper

EXEGESIS on ACTS chapter six verses one through six - Research Paper Example What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch.  6. They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. (NRSV) Acts 6:1-6 touches on two important issues on the development of the early Church: the beginning of the creation of a church hierarchy and bureaucracy (regardless of whether this text can be related to the appearance of deacons in the second century) and the various social roles of the early Church as both a religious community centered on ritual and as an alternative social network. It also touches on the earliest sectarian division in the Church, between "Hellenists" and "Hebrews." Finally, it introduces the character of Stephen, soon to become the focus of the next two chapters of Acts and the first martyr. Acts 6:1-6 was taken by the Patristic tradition as the establishment of the deaconate (suggested by Chrysostom, Homilies on the Acts of the Apostles, 14, and overtly stated by Bede, Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles, 6.3, both quoted at Martin 70). However unreflective of the Church organization of the mid-first century date that interpretation is likely to be, this pericope does establish the laying on of hands as an element of the ritual of ordination. The passage, however, is more likely to reveal traces of two other historical events is considerable importance. The first is the split between "Hellenists" and "Hebrew" that lies just under the surface layer of the text, in its record of the establishment of separate Church leaders for the "Hellenist" community. This is the first clear indication of division entering into the originally unitary Jesus movement as geographical, sociological, and perhaps even doctrinal differences led to the development of separate communities. I t is also the first instance of

Obama Care Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Obama Care - Essay Example The Act requires that a significant percentage of the income group should have health insurance. The act is helpful to low-income adults because of the expansion of Medicaid. The act also introduces programs that aid early retirees’ insurance programs. The PPACA is also supportive to workers at their old age, who would benefit from the coverage, according to Begley et al. (2012). Employers can have insurance cover for the group of employees that go for early retirement, between the age of 55 and 64. This is helpful to these employees since they have the assurance of insurance even if they take early insurance. The Act also expands insurance to non-employed youths aged between 19 to 25 years through their parents’ coverage. According to Begley et al. (2012), the various reforms are beneficial to employees. According to Hoffman (2011), the act reduces the burden of cost of insurance on just a limited potion of employees. The act is instrumental because of its level of reg ulation of insurance rates. The various discounts on wellness programs introduced, by the act, are important and helpful to employees. The act has several financial security provisions that could be helpful in reducing the expense of medical care as well as premium cost (Hoffman, 2011). For instance, the provision that health plans should limit the cost-sharing obligation renders it cheap to afford health care. Miller (2012) provides a contradicting opinion that the PPACA to is economically burdening to the employees. The act, according to Miller (2012), has its basis on improper analysis of its economic implications on workers. The act does not follow any explainable principle and, instead, diminishes some roles of the federal government related to regulation of insurance. In the opinion of Miller (2012), the expansion of tax allocated to insurance would be a better policy provision compared to imposing the cost on workers. Tax expansion was a more suitable source to finance the in surance coverage stipulated in PPACA than making the workers pay for it. The individual responsibility outline in the act is unconstitutional and unnecessary, according to Miller (2012). McDonough (2012) identifies the extent of opposition that the PPACA reviewed since its congressional debate began in 2009 to its declaration as being lawful in 2012. Those in opposition of the act highlighted the economic effects of the provisions of the law. The law would escalate the expenses of states and further create a burden on their budgets. The burden and effects of the burden roll down to workers who directly pay for it. In general, there are more beneficial to workers that come with the approval of PPACA than those having the contrary opinion present. It remains the basis of success in achieving reforms in the country's health insurance system. The act places the role of employers in ensuring efficiency in health insurance at the center and, therefore, creating remarkable changes (Eibner, Hussey & Girosi, 2010). Insurance supported by the employer increases efficiency in expanding cover of employees. Full implementation of PPACA would transform the health insurance markets in the country. It would help to change the decision of workers concerning the enrollment for health insurance cover. The act places various advantages to workers. There is a notable reduction in direct expenditure out of pocket. High out-of-pocket expenses, notably, is one of factors that contribute to the low coverage of

Ethical Issues During Louis XIV Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Ethical Issues During Louis XIV - Research Paper Example Spitting or scratching oneself at a table especially during meals is strongly discouraged but if at all one has to then he or she should do it politely and unnoticed. The above-mentioned laws are not immutable, they can be changed. For example in ancient times one could yawn, provided he or she did not speak in the process but nowadays it could be shocking to a person of rank. Spitting frequently is very much disagreeable but when there is need one should conceal it as much. When one spits he has to cover the saliva with the foot. When in the house a handkerchief should be used instead while turning aside. Care should be taken especially when spitting so as not to spit on one's clothes or those of others (Corey 78). One should not only spit in a handkerchief while in the house but also when in church and in places where cleanliness reigns. It is an inexcusable habit for children to spit in their playmates’ faces. Too it is a bad habit to spit out of windows, on furniture and o n walls. A series of quotations on spitting clearly shows that there has been a change in behavior towards a particular direction since the Middle Ages. Frequent spitting is still being viewed as unpleasant behavior and lack of â€Å"cleanliness† unlike it was seen almost four centuries ago. This clearly demonstrates how the civilization process has taken place (Hernandez 89). Taboos and restrictions of different kinds view ejection of saliva not as any other natural process but as a â€Å"primitive† and â€Å"uncivilized†. The distinguishing fact between the former and the latter is that the former views this as an external constraint while the latter sees it as an internal constraint (Lama 89). Elias asserts that even Louis xiv, who mostly is seen as the supreme among the omnipotent absolute monarch, proofs when scrutinized as a person whose rank as a king was in a certain network of interdependencies (Barrat 101). He preserved his power by a carefully calcula ted strategy which was under a peculiar structure of court society and by the society at large. Elias understood Louis xiv in the sense of light-recentre-thinking on the nature and structure of the French absolute monarchy. The personal rule of Louis xiv started in 1661, a time of great weakness when all the opposition was crushed. Louis xiv seemed to use the old Roman adage as the simplest strategy for his rule but he did not. From the experienced of the Fronde, the king knew that his ruler was under pressure of threats from below. Barrat asserts that to maintain his rule and avoid the unification of the court society against him, Louis had to exert more pressure (100). His genius, from Elias, was that he rose to perfection as a result of the careful assessment of the relationship of power at the court and the balancing of tension that was within it. He, therefore, succeeded by creating organizations which not only maintained the tension and the differences but also facilitated sup ervision. Louis xiv calculated strategy was implemented during his close to fifty-five years of personal reign. During the period he succeeded in maintaining his rank as a king and instilling the need for it in the French nobility. The king had to use all means at his disposal to maintain and enhance his power. The court and the etiquette as understood by the king were the most important instruments for his reign and power distribution.

Obama Care Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Obama Care - Essay Example The Act requires that a significant percentage of the income group should have health insurance. The act is helpful to low-income adults because of the expansion of Medicaid. The act also introduces programs that aid early retirees’ insurance programs. The PPACA is also supportive to workers at their old age, who would benefit from the coverage, according to Begley et al. (2012). Employers can have insurance cover for the group of employees that go for early retirement, between the age of 55 and 64. This is helpful to these employees since they have the assurance of insurance even if they take early insurance. The Act also expands insurance to non-employed youths aged between 19 to 25 years through their parents’ coverage. According to Begley et al. (2012), the various reforms are beneficial to employees. According to Hoffman (2011), the act reduces the burden of cost of insurance on just a limited potion of employees. The act is instrumental because of its level of reg ulation of insurance rates. The various discounts on wellness programs introduced, by the act, are important and helpful to employees. The act has several financial security provisions that could be helpful in reducing the expense of medical care as well as premium cost (Hoffman, 2011). For instance, the provision that health plans should limit the cost-sharing obligation renders it cheap to afford health care. Miller (2012) provides a contradicting opinion that the PPACA to is economically burdening to the employees. The act, according to Miller (2012), has its basis on improper analysis of its economic implications on workers. The act does not follow any explainable principle and, instead, diminishes some roles of the federal government related to regulation of insurance. In the opinion of Miller (2012), the expansion of tax allocated to insurance would be a better policy provision compared to imposing the cost on workers. Tax expansion was a more suitable source to finance the in surance coverage stipulated in PPACA than making the workers pay for it. The individual responsibility outline in the act is unconstitutional and unnecessary, according to Miller (2012). McDonough (2012) identifies the extent of opposition that the PPACA reviewed since its congressional debate began in 2009 to its declaration as being lawful in 2012. Those in opposition of the act highlighted the economic effects of the provisions of the law. The law would escalate the expenses of states and further create a burden on their budgets. The burden and effects of the burden roll down to workers who directly pay for it. In general, there are more beneficial to workers that come with the approval of PPACA than those having the contrary opinion present. It remains the basis of success in achieving reforms in the country's health insurance system. The act places the role of employers in ensuring efficiency in health insurance at the center and, therefore, creating remarkable changes (Eibner, Hussey & Girosi, 2010). Insurance supported by the employer increases efficiency in expanding cover of employees. Full implementation of PPACA would transform the health insurance markets in the country. It would help to change the decision of workers concerning the enrollment for health insurance cover. The act places various advantages to workers. There is a notable reduction in direct expenditure out of pocket. High out-of-pocket expenses, notably, is one of factors that contribute to the low coverage of

Blackberry Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Blackberry - Research Paper Example As of 2012, there are more than 8 million BlackBerry subscribers worldwide. The company has its offices in Europe, North America and Asia- Pacific. It is traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange and NASDAQ. Company’s vision and goals include providing solutions across global mobile market. BlackBerry’s current mission is to enhance its current product portfolio and develop new products. It also aims to provide uninterrupted and efficient services. The brand’s corporate culture is well developed and celebrates creativity, achievements as well as risk taking attitude (Ahmed 35). The workforce is motivated to accomplish beyond potential. BlackBerry also supports the environment through variety of campaigns, programs and participative opportunities. The company is known for its philanthropic activities. The company has donated huge amounts in various social charities as well as institutions for growth and development of the society. Industry Information The industry info rmation includes Pestle and Porter’s Five Forces analysis. Pestle analysis Political Canada is a land of rich natural resources. Political environment is progressive; quality of life is stable and comfortable. Since political risk is very low in Canada, organizations have the liberty to establish their corporation without any political hassle. Economical Economy of Canada is dominated by service sector. Major energy exporter and trading country across the globe. Conservative banking system Economic system is market oriented. Social Sense of belongingness in the community. Living standard is high and maintaining social status is important. Women are given less preference than men in society and occupation. Technological Internet usage is one of the highest across the globe Most of the internet users are teenagers and young adults Social media is gaining a cult status Legal Federal state with parliament system Supreme court has the authority to bind any court with single ruling Individual privacy is important for Canadians and they also have a privacy protection act Jurisdiction is divided between provincial and federal jurisdictions Environmental Criticized for lack of environmental improvement activities High emission of greenhouse gases and high waste production from industries as well as organizations (â€Å"Environment†). Need for greater sustainable consumption Porter’s Five Forces Figure: Porter's five forces model (Source: (Source: Author’s creation) Production More than 90 percent of BlackBerry’s production costs go for its four largest suppliers. These are Elcotec, Jabil Circuit, Qulacomm and Multi-Fineline (â€Å"Do you know who manufactured your BlackBerry†). Various third party application developers have been integrating with the device. The company is a bit secretive about its supply chain management process as there is no mention of its logistics strategy in the company’s website. Since majority of its suppliers are concentrated in China, the company sometimes faces issues in terms of timely delivery and logistics management in case of bull orders. Personnel The employee compensation is based on basic pay, merit pay as well as benefits and incentives. Benefits include free message parlor, free gym membership, free participation in various wellness programs and a free BlackBerry. The current human resource division of

Religion and Corruption in Nigeria Essay Example for Free

Religion and Corruption in Nigeria Essay In the constitution of our nation religion feature prominently at the very beginning. I the preamble to the 199 constitution, it is affirmed and solemnly resolved that we intend to live in hrity and harmony as one indivisible and in dissolvable fevereigh nation under God. Indeed the overwhelming mighty of Nigerian are religions people we believe in the supremacy of God, we believe that God is the very basis of our individual lives and our corporate existence. We believe in and relate with supernatural realities through prayers and supplications and through the offering of sacrifices find churches, musgus shrines and Sunday prayer houses everywhere in the land we take part in crusades, worship sessions and might rights, we offer sacrifices and observe fasting days and religions holidays, and we so in large numbers on religion is pilgrimages to Jerusalem and mecca, taking pride in being called Jerusalem pilgrims (JP) or Alhaji throughout our lives. While thee is noticeable decline in religion farour in may parts of the world to lay the religion inter praise seem to thrive very much in Nigeria, as more and more company ware houses private buildings, schools, and our spirit stadia are being courted to prayer arena, and the stadia hort more religion crusades than for spiriting events. It is noticeable that street within our town and villages as well as inter-state highways are often blocked these days by enthusiastic worshippers who flock to church and camp meetings. It is not and exaggeration to state that there are as many churches and Mosques as there are streets in our urban areas. According to Norimitsa Onishi in an article in new York times march 13,2002 â€Å"Christianity is growing faster in sub-Saharan Africa than in any other place on earth. Roman Catholicism and the other Major protestant denomination are gaing mine follows everyday, but new churches are leading the boom. Within this religion firmament, bishops, evangelists pastors, prophet, faith leaders and visionaries, as well as sheikhs, mams and gurus of all sorts are swelling in number and having a failed day in recent past a new dimension has been added to the throwing religions enterprise. And this is the increased patronage of high ranking public official who not openly call for and sponsm regular prayers sessions in different churches and prayer houses have themselves become born again Christians and prayer erchants, often appearing at church crusades and prayer vigils with all the paraphernalia of public office and sometimes grabbing the microphone to render sanctiononion homilies and earthshaking prayers. Also worthy of note is that these days prayer and preaulims sessions are no longer limited to churches, Mosques and homes, but they are held in government offices, in commercial buses, corporate boardrooms and in open markets. Nigerian going about their daily businesses are seen brandishi ng the Bible Wkoran, the Rosary or Islamic prayer beads. The langeil bill boards in our town and cities are those colvertising upcoming religions crusades are faith healing carnivals. The exclamations, to God be the glory, praise the Lord, the Lord is God, Bless you, â€Å" and Alaahu wa K’bar,† are often on the lips of Nigeria at worker at play from the exacted members of the National Executive council or Council of State to the young own who are about to sick common entrance examination. Succinctly put from all outward indication Nigerians are a chronically religions people. Unarguably one can perrps say about there is no nation in the modem world unit as muner religiosity as contemporary Nigerian . Now how do you place the religion piety of Nigeria with the endemic corruption in our society ? With all the show of religiosity one would have expected to see a very high degree of social morality in Nigeria, since all world religions generally promote truth, justice, honesty and probity. But this is a reverse case withy us. The is an embarrassing contradiction between the high ethical demands of the religion profess by majority of Nigerian and the phenomenon of corruption greed and graft that has earned our country one of the most corrupt nation in the world. Some observes of the phenomenon actually say that corruption is so endemic in the Nigeria society that the society economic and political system can almost not tinetion without it. Along side religiosity corruption in its many shapes and sizes is becoming in Nigeria- from the petty bribery taken in the work in the office or the policeman at the check point, to the grand corruption by which huge project contract are hurriedly awarded, not for the sake of common good, but because of the greed awarding official, who requires some money via contract â€Å"kick-baiks† The Nigeria society is prevalence with frauct, thievery and roguery even as our environment is a wash with prayers and ritual sacrifices to the God of truth, justice and holiness. Doesn’t it seen a contradictory to many highly placed Nigeria hat they embezzle and misappropriate stupendous amounts of public and company, and even church funds while at the same time trying to occupy the front seats and even struggle or pray to take religion titles in their churches corruption is so perverse that it has infiltrated every facet of the Nigeria society procure medical certificates of fitness from hospitals when they have not undergone any medicate testy obtain sick leave permits from doctors when they hale and hearty, falsify the age of their children obtain fake certificate in order to gel them to school or obtain jobs for them, routinely swear to false affidavit in order to obtain false age declarations when seeking employment etc. it is a statement or fast that many or those who today and drivers licence have never been to a drawing school. They simply pay for the license and declare themselves drivers thereby putting the lives of genuine drivers into jeopa rdy. Many of our country men who flock our churches on Sundays and fill the mosque on Fridays are constantly involve in such fraudulent activities as evading tax, issuing and obtaining of take receipts, over invoicing and under –invoicing importation of take drugs, petty and large scale bribery, take anclit report, adverse fee frond, ete. All these practices are so common place so inside spread that many Nigerian youths can not decipher between good eril or between what is right and wrong. As a result, corruption in Nigeria has been described as system, and the consequence are legion corruption has bred in efficiency and diminished productivity in both the public and private sectors of the economy. It has discourage investment, fuelled capital flight, increased unemployment and inflation, created and acute degree of poverty, brought about a severe decline in the quality of life and life expectancy in Nigeria and given Nigeria and Nigeria a terribly bad image in the cornity of Nations. Infant corruption is an affront on human dignity and an assault on the human conscience apart from being a negation of the Christian rocation to promote holiness and righteousness in the world. Are they truly Christians? This question is pertinent and fundamental because many of our people who engage in the sharp practices enumerated above would like to be seen as pious Christians. But really are they? Do they really know the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of holiness and righteousness, who in Leviticus 19:2 says† be holy for the Lord am holy† Do they really know the God of Moses and Joshua who on mount Siriat presented the ten commandment as the tempt of his contract with him people insisting that fidelity to this ethical code is what will distinguish his people from others? Do Nigerian who claim to worship God, but who at the same time offer and take bribe, defraud, evade tax and circumvent justice know the God of Mosses who in Exodus 22:8 says â€Å" You will accept no bribes, for a bribe blinds the clear sighted and is the cause of the ruin of the upright. Do they know the God of the prophets who in Isaiah 33:15 says that the person who will be qualified to be in his presence is the one who â€Å"acts uprightly and speaks honestly, who scorns to be rich by extortion, who rejects bribes out of hand, who refuses to listen to plan involving bloodshed and shuts his eyes rather than countenance crime. Do Nigerian worshippers who make a daily show of their religiosity known that what the Lord truly require of us is to love terekerly, to do justice and to work humbly by me God (Micah6:8 John the Baptist while preparing for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ crudemned the kind of religion that thrives side by side with corruption as empty ritualism. In his addrer to those who gathered to listen to him, amongst whom were solders and tax collectors, he admonished â€Å"Exalt no more than the appointed rate†¦ No intimidation. No Excntinu be content with your pay† Luke 3:13-14. Jesus himself denounced the kind of religions practice that was not matched by high moral and ethical standards in realize that not all those who claim to be Christians will enter the kingdom of heaven but only those who do the will of the father Mathew 5. This Christianity make no room for crooks and fraudsters. It has no place for those who offered take bribes. Genuine Christianity does not accommodate the cnetire of â€Å" settlement† in Nigeria to day. Therefore, faced with the contradiction and the embarrassment of a booming Christianity in the most of an environment that stinks with corruption and indiscipline, one is poise to conclude that what is spreading like wildfire in contemporary Nigeria is not genuine Christianity at all, but a masc movement with elements of Christian ritualism, one that is in large measure shallow, superficial, noisy and devoid of substance and depth. Popular Christianity in Nigeria is often Materialistic and individualistic in orientation, with an in credibly high sense of devotion to the cult of material and physical prosperity, success and healing, and with little or no attention at all given to the social morality of the believing persons.

Causes of Poverty in Mauritius

Causes of Poverty in Mauritius Over the past two decades, Mauritius has continuously experienced considerable improvements in both social and economic levels. Mauritius is ranked as an upper middle income country since 2003, with a GDP per capita of $4000. Substantial improvement in life expectancy and literacy, Mauritius has shifted from medium to a high human development country during same period. This is evidenced by the latest UN Human Development Indices: Mauritius is ranked 81 (182 countries) in 2007, with an HDI value of 0.804. Challenge Despite these considerable improvements, poverty does exist in Mauritius. Rapid modernization and industrialization has lead to income inequality in the population, leading to an increase in number of pockets of poverty. This is a common phenomenon experienced by most developing countries. Governments or organizations have to reconsider their policies to decrease the level of income inequality in order to eradicate the problem of poverty. Meeting the challenge In Mauritius, government has implemented several social welfare programmes to bridge the gap between poor and non-poor. This include the distribution of social aid to needy people, subsidies on basic food item, ZEP programme in schools to enhance level of education, micro-financing to small and medium enterprises, female empowerment in labor market . In the 2008/09 National Budget, the Government provided Rs 395 million for the setting up of the of the Eradication of Absolute Poverty (EAP) Programme, an integrated development project which targets the households in the 229 pockets of poverty. In 2009, the Government has set up the National Empowerment Fund as an institutional framework to strengthen the role of various policy programmes such as the Empowerment Programme, EAP, Decentralised Cooperation Programme (DCP), etc. Despite the government policies, reforms and actions, poverty is still persistent in Mauritius. Poverty perceptions Poverty is a complex issue and multifaceted. This has always been of concern for everybody. Many studies and policy programmes have been put forward to assess poverty situation in the country and also to target the poor. It is worth noting that the proportion of people living below $1.25 per day, international poverty line, is almost negligible in the country. In contrast, past studies have shown that there are people living in severe poverty. The Relative Development Index for administrative regions, Municipal Wards and Village Council Areas (Central Statistics Office, 2000) identified the least developed regions in the country. The Trust Fund of Social Integration for Vulnerable Groups (set up in 2001) identified 229 pockets of poverty. The qualitative study conducted by DCP pointed out that there were people struggling for basic food. As a matter concern poverty has even been linked to a particular ethnic group that is, poverty perceived as malaise creole. These perceptions of poverty are evidence that people show their concern and this concern has accentuated the need for good measurement. Objective of study The complexity and sensitivity of poverty has accentuated the interest of people in targeting the poor and assessing poverty. Debates, focus group discussions and studies regarding poverty alleviation are still going on. Researchers are looking for new measurement and approaches to assess poverty in the country. Policy makers are looking for high quality inputs to formulate targeted strategies and programmes. In light of this, this study aims at identifying the determinants of poverty which are very crucial for policy analysis and the design of effective poverty reduction strategies. Given poverty is a multi-dimensional and cut across various factors, it is of paramount importance to know the factors increasing the likelihood of being poor. So far, there has been no poverty study on the determinants of poverty; most of the studies have mostly dwelled on the profiles of the poor and non-poor based on descriptive statistics. So, this study provides the opportunity to identify the determinants of poverty of the poorest poor using rigorous econometric models. The study also provides the opportunity to study poverty not as a dichotomy but as a spectrum. There have been several debates on poverty as a dichotomy that is, poor and non-poor (R. Kanbur). Poverty is a spectrum which comprises several grades of being poor. A multinomial logistic regression model is used to analyse the different groups of the poor. This will help policy makers to target the priority areas and formulate proper budgetary measures. The study also offers the opportunity to assess poverty using the qualitative and quantitative data. The first and last poverty assessment on such data was done in 1996. Today, poverty is assessed on quantitative data only (CSO. Poverty Report). Quantitative and qualitative data allows better understanding of poverty. Today, maximum emphasis is laid on poverty participatory that is to hear the voices of the poor. This approach is widely used. However, this study attempts to show that perception survey allows spurious responses and thus, poverty should be assessed on both quantitative and qualitative data. During the recent years, the study of the poorest poor has been a topic of growing interest for policy makers and researchers. So, an attempt is also made to study the poorest poor people. A threshold on food poverty is derived on the basis of available survey data. The determinants of poverty will be identified using this threshold. It would be desirable to study the malaise creole. However, given data on ethnicity is not available it is not possible to assess poverty in this particular population group. The study also analyses the consequences of poverty using the qualitative data of the LCS that is, how poorest poor people had to borrow money from relative/friends, living in poor dwellings etc. Last but not the least, the study also elaborates the various aspects that need to be addressed to enhance poverty assessment in the country for better formulation of policies and strategies at the conclusion. The welfare of the population and success of Government policies largely depend on the quality of statistics; good quality statistics allows government to monitor and adjust policies to ensure sustainable social and economic development. This study will, thus, be based on the data collected at the 2006/07 Household Budget Survey (HBS) data and the 2008 Living Conditions Survey (LCS). The HBS is the major source for poverty analysis. Together with income and expenditure data, it contains detailed information on the demographic, educational and economic status of the household members. The LCS is sub-sample survey from the HBS; this survey differs from the usual household survey conducted by the CSO; it is an opinion based survey based on Participatory Assessment approach; together with socio demographic details of the household members, it contains the assessment details of the households with regards to their life style. The information of the LCS survey allows a more in-depth analysis of the living condition of the people. CHAPTER 2 COUNTRY PROFILE AND ASSESSMENT 2.1 Background information The Republic of Mauritius is a group of islands located in the south-west of the Indian Ocean, consisting of two main islands, the island of Mauritius and island of Rodrigues. The island of Mauritius and Rodrigues has a total area of 1865 sq. km. and 140 Sq. Km. respectively. The Republic of Mauritius is a multi-racial country comprising the general population that is, mixed European and African origin, Indo-Mauritians and Sino-Mauritians. The official language being English, but French is widely spoken. Mauritius has been successively a Dutch, French and British colony. It became independent of Britain on 12 March 1968. Since independence in 1968, Mauritius has achieved considerable progress in both its economic growth and standard of living. In the economic sector, Mauritius has developed from a low-income, agricultural based economy to an upper middle-income diversified economy with growing industrial, financial and tourist sectors. With the continuous expanding economy, Mauritius has continuously moved ahead from the primary to tertiary sector. The share of GDP in agricultural sector has continuously decreased from 7.1% in 1999/2000 to 4.4% in 2008/09; the share of GDP in the tertiary sector has continuously increased from 67.8% to 72.6% during same period. Mauritius is ranked among upper middle-income countries (e.g. example of countries) with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita of around $4,000 in 2004. Recent figures as at 2007 show that the GDP per capita worked out to above Rs 149,049 (Figure 1); the annual growth rates worked out around 5% for the past three years; the growth of inves tment (Gross Domestic Fixed Capita Formation) increased significantly from +19.2% in 2006 against -8.3% in 2000. The Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) as a percentage of GDP worked out to 3.5% in 2006 against 1.5% in 2005. Modernisation and expansion of the economy is apparent from the increasing use and availability of telephones (28.6 per 100 people in 2008), mobiles (81.2 per 100 people in 2008), computers (24.2 % of households in 2006) and internet subscribers (15.8 per 100 people in 2008). Together with economic development, Mauritius has achieved remarkable progress in the social development; the standard of living has changed over the years in terms of increased life-expectancy, lowered infant mortality, high literacy, high participation rate of children in schools, improved infrastructure, leisure and sports etc; Mauritius has a life expectancy at birth of 72 years in 2006 compared to 69 years in 1990; The adult literacy rate rose from 79.9% in 1990 to 84.3% in 2000; the primary school enrolment is almost 100%; the infant mortality rate (per 1,000 live births) dropped from 20.4 in 1990 to 14.4 in 2008; the unemployment rate, being a major concern for the country, has decreased from 9% in 2000 to 7% in 2008; the extreme poverty is almost negligible (less than 1% of the population is found below the poverty line of $1 a day). Due to sustained development in the social sector, Mauritius, second Sub-African country, now stands among high Human Development countries. In 2003, Mauritius shifted from medium development to high with a Human Development Index (HDI) value of 0.800; based on the latest UN Human Development Report 2009, Mauritius has an HDI value of 0.804 and ranked 81 among 182 countries. (Refer figure 2 HDI trend) According to the progress to tract the 8 Millennium Development Goals , Mauritius, through sustained policies and actions, have already achieved almost 6 goals in the eradication of extreme poor, achievement of primary school enrolment, reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, sustainable environment, and economic development. Despite these remarkable economic performances and sustained social developments, Mauritius still has to respond to many challenges; there are a number of short and medium term challenges; these relate to productivity, erosion of trade preferences, exchange rate fluctuations, budget deficits and unemployment. Consequently, these are impacting on social development thus leading to environmental degradation, poverty issues such as problem of social exclusions etc. An overall assessment of the poverty situation in the country is highlighted in the following paragraphs. Poverty Poverty is not highly prevalent in Mauritius as compared to the Sub-Saharan African countries where millions of people are struggling to live below a $1 a day, millions people dying due to diseases and hunger, millions of children in labour instead of being a school etc. However, poverty does exist in Mauritius; there exist pockets of poverty across the country. According to the CSO publications on poverty analysis report 2001/02 and 2006/07, it is noted that extreme poverty is almost negligible in Mauritius; the proportion of population living below the $1.25 (PPP) a day, so called US $ 1 a day, is estimated to be less than 1%. As compared to other Sub-Saharan African countries like Zambia, Nigeria, etc., poverty is relatively very low in Mauritius. According to the Millennium Development Goal 1 Eradicate extreme poverty hunger and the target being to halve the proportion of poor by 2015, Mauritius has already achieved this target. However, an analysis on qualitative assessment on poverty conducted by Decentralised Cooperation Programmes relates that there are Mauritian people who are struggling for basic foods (DCP, 2009). Mauritius does not have a national poverty line. However, on the basis of relative poverty measurement and data collected at Household Budget Surveys, the poverty situation is assessed by using a poverty line defined as half median monthly household income per adult equivalent. In 2006/07, the poverty line is estimated at Rs 3,821, around 8.5% of the population is deemed to be poor. The reports relate that poverty is highly prevalent among single member households (10.3%), female headed households (11.9%), one parent households with unmarried children only (13.5%), households with large number of dependent children; heads of households with educational attainment below Standard VI (13.2%) and being inactive (11.0%) were found most vulnerable. The report also highlights that the income disparity between poor and households that is, the household income for the poor (Rs 7,055) was three times lower than that of all households (Rs 22,242); poor households were found highly reliant on go vernment social security benefits that is, basic pensions and social aid. It was noted that if government social security benefits are discontinued the poverty incidence would double; poverty rate would increase from 7.9% to 15.9%). The report also sheds light on the household tenure of poor persons. It was found that 82% of the poor households owned a dwelling against 92% for all households. In terms of household goods and durables, poor households were more likely to possess television (85%), refrigerator (63%) , fixed telephone (41%); in particular, mobile phone (48.5%); it is worth noting that the proportion of poor households with mobile phones in 2001/02 was almost negligible. As regards principal use of cooking fuels, poor households have already switched off to cooking gas. In 2006/07, nearly 90% of the poor households used cooking gas and thus, only 10% of them had recourse to cheaper fuels like wood and kerosene. The share of expenditure on food and non-alcoholic beverages, also a measure of economic wellbeing, decreased from 42% in 1986/87 to 32% 2006/07. This implies that people are better off. The modernization, industrialization and increasing economic growth has lead to the growing income inequality in the population and increasing number of pockets of poverty (NMDG report, 2002). Indeed, this phenomenon is quite common in most developing countries. The Gini Coefficient,a measure of income inequality, dropped from 0.445 in 1980/81 to 0.388 in 2006/07. A Gini nearing to 1 means perfect inequality and 0 no inequality. However, according to the past three Household Budget Surveys, the 2006/07 Gini has deteriorated to some extent (0.387 in 1996/97, 0.371 in 2001/02 and 0.388 in 2006/07) Refer figure 3. The ratio of share of income going to richest decile and share of income going to poorest decile worked at 7.4 in 2006/07 against 7.9% in 1986/87. The unequal distribution of income in the population gives rise to growing number of pockets of poverty. The CSO publication on Relative Development Index based on 2000 Housing and Population Census data shows the administrative reg ions with least developments. These least developed areas are more concentrated in the island of Rodrigues and the east, west and south part of the island of Mauritius. In 2006, the Trust Fund of Integration of Vulnerable Group has come up with a list of 229 pockets of poverty across the island of Mauritius. In 2009, the Decentralised Cooperation Programme has come up with a report on qualitative study on poverty assessment. In the overall assessment, the author has highlighted the profiles of the poor and some assessment of policies in the country. The report also presents that poverty is highly correlated with gender, employment, level of income, level of education, geographical areas etc. It is also noted that poverty is also related to ethnicity. The author raised the issue where poverty was characterized as Malaise Creole. And also that poverty is prevalent among fisherman living in coastal areas. The main assessments of the pilot study are as follows:- people are finding it difficult to enjoy even a basic diet; high degree of indebtedness in poor households; and difficulty in paying utility bills and purchase of basic food items In 1997, the Appavoo Associate, together with Data Research Africa has come up with a report on poverty analysis in Mauritius. The report highlighted the poverty incidence in terms of monetary approach in the country, together with an assessment of people perceptions on policies in education, transport, health etc. The report also highlighted the prevalence of poverty in connection with regions, households with large number of dependents, female headed households etc. 2.3 Poverty policies and actions The eradication of poverty is on the agenda of the government. Government, together with private organisations and assistance of international agencies like the UNDP, IMF, World Bank etc. is making concerted effort to eradicate poverty in the country. Various social welfare programmes and polices have been implemented. Some examples of the social welfare programmes are as follows:- Distribution of social security benefits old age pension to ensure proper standard living for elderly people aged 60 years and over, widows pension, invalid pensions, social aid for poor households etc. Subsidy on flour, ration rice and cooking gas; Free education at primary and secondary education; distribution of books in primary education; distribution of daily bread pain maison in primary schools; distribution of food in selected schools under Zone Education Prioritaire programmes; Industrial and vocational training for children having not passed the final stage of primary education; distribution of computers in schools. Free health services in government hospital and area health centres; health services through Caravane de Sante in different regions of the country; school and domiciliary visit of health personel; Sensitization campaign on HIV in schools and workplaces; Free transport facility to elderly, invalids and school going children Low interest housing loan for building of houses; Empowerment Programme set up in 2006 in view of empowering unemployed people and also women having lost their jobs; Financial services such as Micro-credit scheme to empower women entrepreneurs According to figures published by the CSO, the government expenditure on Community and Social Welfare worked out around Rs 30 Billion every financial year over a total government expenditure of Rs 50 Billion, thus indicating that Government disburse more than 50% of the government expenditure to social and welfare development. Together with these social welfare programmes, several poverty alleviation programmes were set up which are as follows:- Trust Fund for the Social Integration of Vulnerable Group (2001) set up in view of addressing the need of the poor people who are excluded from the main stream of socio-economic development A Nou Dboute Ensam (1999) aims at promoting subsidies and micro credit schemes to the vulnerable groups. IFAD, Community Development Programme (2000) aims at bringing disadvantaged people within an organizational framework Levà © Deboute (1999) focuses at income generating activities and community developments in Rodrigues Decentralised Cooperation Programmes (2006) funded by European Union to fight against poverty Alleviation of poverty in Mauritius and Rodrigues by improving the delivery of social services and complementing the resources of vulnerable groups National Empowerment Fund (2008) aims to fights against poverty. Eradication of Absolute Poverty 2.4 Poverty measurement The measurement of poverty depends on how poverty is perceived. According to the description of poverty assessment in Mauritius, it is clear that there is no single measurement of poverty. Poverty is assessed in terms of Absolute, Relative and Subjective. The approaches are succinctly described below:- Mauritius does not have a national poverty for example the minimum vital which is frequently updated with price inflation as in the context of absolute poverty. The World Bank $1 purchasing power parity a day international absolute poverty line is found not relevant to the context of Mauritius. The advantage of using an absolute poverty line is that it allows comparison over time thus enhancing continuous poverty assessment and monitoring. In the absence of the absolute poverty, the CSO uses the relative poverty measurement based on half median household income where adjustment for household size and composition and economies of scale are considered. The relative poverty measurement reveals the prevailing poverty situation for a given time period. This approach is the most commonly used measure particularly in developing countries. The relative poverty measurement still varies because some of the assessments are based on income/expenditure, mean/median income, 40%, 50% or 60% median income etc. Subjective poverty is the assessment of the poverty situation based on the participatory of the poor persons for example the poverty assessment in 1996 (Appavoo Associates). Poverty has also been done on the basis of non-monetary approach that is, other than using income/expenditure data. The Relative Development Index which attempts to identify the least developed administrative regions is based on housing and socio-economic variables at the Housing and Population Census. CHAPTER 5 METHODOLOGY 5.1 Introduction This chapter presents the methodological part of the study. It gives a broad description of the statistical models used and also the determination of the different thresholds used. Given that this study aims to present the determinants of poverty for extreme poverty and also an in-depth analysis of the various sub groups of poor population, two econometric models are being used namely the logistic regression model and the multinomial logistic regression model. 5.2 Regression model Regression analysis plays an importance role in statistics; it is a very powerful and commonly used technique. This technique provides more meaningful results and conclusions as compared to descriptive statistics. In the context of analysing the determinants of poverty among various explanatory variables, the relevance of using regression model is elaborated on the World Bank website. 5.2.1 Selection of model Starting with the simplest linear of the General Linear Model (GLM). The simplest linear regression model that can be used for the analysis is the multiple regression (MR) model where the outcome variable, Y is regressed on a set of predictors X. The MR is in the form of, Y: outcome continuous variable X : set of p predictors/ explanatory variables E : Error term, normally distributed with Mean 0 and variance à Ã†â€™ 2 ÃŽÂ ±: intercept term ÃŽÂ ²: coefficients of explanatory variables However, given that our dependent/response variable in the analysis is a dichotomous/ categorical variable, the MR is not appropriate. The MR requires the response variable to be continuous and to be normally distributed. In fact, the MR has also been used to identify determinants of poverty, where the response variable was log expenditure of households and Ordinary Least Square was used to estimate parameters. The regression analysis of categorical response can be made possible by using the models of the Generalised Linear Models (GzLM) family where it relaxes the assumptions of normality. This property of the GzLM has widened the scope of data analysis. The GzLM is, indeed, an extension of the class of linear model. It provides the opportunity to analyse response variables which follow distributions other than normal distribution; and also the distribution should belong to an exponential family. Both logistic and Multinomial regression model forms part of GzLM. The application of such regression model is well known in statistics. They are implemented in various fields (educational, health, poverty etc.) to analyse complex data with categorical response variable. It is worth noting that logistic regression model has largely been used in social sciences since early 1980s. Its application in social sciences has known no bounds. This technique has been used in education research (success or failure), health(death /survival, with/without of disease) etc. Similarly, in the analysis of poverty, researchers have largely made use of this model and came with useful and effective solutions for decisions makers. The Multinomial model has also been used to show the poverty as a spectrum. 5.2.2 Description of model LOGISTIC REGRESSION MODEL Logistic Regression (LR) is a member of the GzLM family where the response variable is dichotomous (1, 0) representing success/failure and presence /absence (Princetone, Chapter 3). It is also called Binary Logistic regression. So, in this study of the determinants of poverty based on an extreme poverty line, the application of a logistic regression model is relevant where response variable (Y) is binary (poor/non-poor). The explanatory variable /predictor (X) can be either categorical or continuous. Starting with the simplest logistic model is as follows: The logistic model predicts the logit of Y from X. The logit is the natural logarithm of odds of Y and odds are the ratio. The log of the odd ratio, log (à Ã¢â€š ¬/ 1-à Ã¢â€š ¬), is the link function called the logit which map the probabilities (0, 1) to (-à Ã¢â‚¬ °, +à Ã¢â‚¬ °) that is linearising the distribution and making it unbounded. The logit, thus, links the response variable (poor/non-poor) to the set of predictors (socio-economic, demographic and housing variables) Using the logit (à Ã¢â€š ¬), the intercept (ÃŽÂ ±) and (ÃŽÂ ²) is calculated. And, using antilog, the probability (à Ã¢â€š ¬) is expressed in the form of Multiple Logistic Regression In the case of several predictors, the Multiple Logistics Regression is used. The model is expressed as follows:- the probability is derived by taking antilog and expressed as follows:- In this case, for each predictor we have a ÃŽÂ ²; the coefficients in (LR) are estimated using maximum likelihood. The interpretation of results can be done using the odds ratio or even the probabilities. à Ã¢â€š ¬ = conditional probability of being poor, P(Y=1 / X1, X2, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.,Xp); it is assumed that the probability of being poor depends on the set of combinations of predictors X. Y= 1, being poor and Y= 0 being non-poor the odd ratio is the ratio of the probability to its complement that is, ratio of being poor to non-poor. An odd ratio greater than 1 implies the increase in the likelihood of being poor; if it is less than 1, it decreases the likelihood of being poor. Evaluation of predictors in model The contribution of a predictor is assessed by examining the reduction in deviance G statistics, brought by the inclusion of the predictor in the model relative to the null model. The null model, logit (à Ã¢â€š ¬) = ÃŽÂ ±, is the simplest model with maximum deviance; it indicates that the probability of being poor is constant for all categories. The reduction is deviance is then tested to a chi-sq distribution. Goodness of Fit Statistics Goodness of fit of the model is assessed using the Hosmer Lemeshow test. This test is considered more robust than the traditional chi-square test particularly if covariate is in the model or sample size is small. A finding of non significance corresponds to the researcher concluding the model adequately fits the data. MULTINOMIAL LOGISTIC REGRESSION MODEL The Multinomial Logistic Regression (MLR) model is an extension of the Logistic Regression (LR) model, where the response variable has more than 2 categories. For example, in this study four thresholds of poor are defined which are as follows:- Poorest Households with total income below 40% median income Poorer Households with total income > 40% median income but less 50% median Poor Households with total income > 50% median income but less 60% median Non-poor- Households with total income >= 60% median If the Non-poor is chosen as the reference category, the logits for other categories are defined as Logit (à Ã¢â€š ¬j) = log (à Ã¢â€š ¬j/ à Ã¢â€š ¬4) = XjTÃŽÂ ²j j= 1, 2, 3 categories (poorest, poorer and poor) XT= transpose of set of predictors Î’ = set of coefficients of explanatory variables The estimated probabilities are presented as Estimated à Ã¢â€š ¬j = Estimated à Ã¢â€š ¬1exp (XjTÃŽÂ ²j) 5.2.3 Model analysis In this study, the forward regression is used where the analysis begins with null model and the explanatory variable is added one by one, till the preferred model is generated. After the inclusion of each explanatory variable, the contribution of the variable is measured based on the G statistics (reduction of deviance). The significance, contribution and interpretation of variables is analysed by considering positive and negative signs of coefficients of explanatory variables the z statistics [ÃŽÂ ²/SE(ÃŽÂ ²)] P values G statistics Reduction in deviance Odd ratios The Maximum Likelihood is used to estimate the parameters ÃŽÂ ± and ÃŽÂ ² in both regression models. 5.3 Choice of poverty line Mauritius has no official poverty line. In order to assess poverty in the country, the CSO uses the relative poverty line defined as half median monthly household income per adult equivalent. Thresholds for the poorest poor The poorest poor are those households in the poorest quintile group of household income per adult equivalent which satisfy the following three conditions. (i) household is having difficulty to obtain daily basic food (ii) household consume government rice (iii) household buy food on credit Food is, in fact, the basic requirement for a person to survive; Government rice is the cheapest rice in the country; if a person is borrowing money to spend on food, it means the person is in severe poverty. at international, food poverty line is used to measure extreme poverty for example UN Millennium Development Goals calls to eradicate hunger worldwide. Multiple groups of poverty The 40%, 50% and 60% median of household income per adult equivalent is used. In 2006/0

Comparing Women in Lowell’s Patterns and Sorrell’s From a Correct Addre

The Struggle of Women in Lowell’s Patterns and Sorrell’s From a Correct Address       "Woman is not born," feminist Andrea Dworkin wrote. "She is made. In the making, her humanity is destroyed. She becomes symbol of this, symbol of that: mother of the earth, slut of the universe; but she never becomes herself because it is forbidden for her to do so." Dworkin’s quote relates to women throughout history who have been forced to conform. Although women can be regarded highly in society, representing images of fertility, security, and beauty, many people still view them in stereotypical ways; some people believe that all women should act a certain way, never letting their true selves shine through. Amy Lowell’s "Patterns" and Helen Sorrell’s "From a Correct Address in a Suburb of a Major City" accurately portray the struggles of women in relation to conformity. Through contrasting descriptive details, symbols, and language, the authors depict the plights of two remarkably similar women who wish they could break free of their social confinements a s women. In both poems, certain details of the characters’ lives give the reader an impression that the women live pleasant, well-to-do lives, while others give an idea that the women are suffering; this contrast helps to depict the confusion and inner struggles the women are facing. Although they live lives of riches and glamour, they long for something that surpasses the material aspects of life, allowing them to experience freedom from their many social confinements as women. Lowell writes many details in "Patterns" that lead the reader to believe the woman described is upper class: As I wander down The garden-paths. My dress is richly figured . . . Just the pla... ...ther they express the realistic conflict there is between the two. Outwardly, the characters conform, but, inwardly, they long to be free. In real life, most people do not sway to a definite side or another on the issue of conformity and rebellion, but rather, as these characters do, experience a complex inward struggle and conflict with the ideas. Works Cited Lowell, Amy. "Patterns." Literature: The Human Experience. Ed. Richard Abcarian and Marvin Klotz. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1996. 291-293. Sorrells, Helen. "From a Correct Address in a Suburb of a Major City." Literature: TheHuman Experience. Ed. Richard Abcarian and Marvin Klotz. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1996. 301-302. Quotes by Author: Andrea Dworkin. 5 Apr. 2000. Cyber Nation International <http://www.cybernation.com/victory/quotations/authors/quotes_dworkin_andrea.html>.     

Free College Essays - Character Analysis in Silas Marner :: Silas Marner Essays

Character Analysis in Silas Marner Silas Marner: Silas is the main character and protagonist of the story. When shunned from his town and church after being falsely accused of robbery, Silas is forced to migrate to another town, Raveloe, where he lives as a hermit weaver. Soon his small fortune of gold becomes an obsessive endeavor. The monotony and repetition of weaving helps Silas forget his old, unpleasant life, leaving him with nothing but his gold. This all changes, however, when a blond-haired girl finds her way into his home and heart. Squire Cass: The Squire, father of four sons, including Godfrey and Dunstan, is the good-natured owner of the Red House. Mr. Cass is intent on keeping his family legacy intact and therefore is very demanding on his sons, who never seem to live up to his expectations. Godfrey Cass: Godfrey is the first-born son of the Squire who eventually marries Nancy, his life-long sweetheart. Before this marriage, however, Godfrey fathers another child in a secret marriage to Molly Farren. This child, Eppie, is eventually found and brought up by Silas Marner, who knows nothing of her family history until the end of the story. Dunstan Cass: Dunstan, "a spiteful, jeering fellow who seemed to enjoy his drink the more when other people went dry," is the second-born son of the Squire who always finds himself getting into mischief. Eventually he steals Silas Marner’s two sacks of gold and soon falls into a stone pit filled with water, drowning and leaving his body and the gold hidden for sixteen years. Nancy Lammeter: Nancy is the wife of Godfrey but doesn’t know about his secret marriage and child until long after their wedding day. Eppie: Eppie is the golden-haired daughter of Godfrey who is raised by Silas from the age of two. She is the true joy of Silas Marner’s life, and sees herself as his daughter. Eppie replaces the weaver’s obsession with gold and brings him back to a socially active life. Mrs. Winthrop: She is the neighbor and friend of Silas who teaches him how to care for Eppie. Mrs. Winthrop, though not very sophisticated in her speech or knowledge of religion, persuades Silas to trust in God no matter what happens to him, good or bad. Aaron Winthrop: He is the son of Mrs. Winthrop and the eventual husband of Eppie and son-in-law to Silas.

Western Media on Pussy Riot

The Pussy Riot case has received much attention around the world based on the ethics of the court’s decision and freedom of expression. The Western media covers the news with facts with truth and consistency, however the information presented shows a favourite towards the side of the Russian band Pussy Riot and against the Putin government. Canadian news such as CTV, CBC and music news like Much Music covered the story with facts of Canadian citizens protesting against Pussy Riot’s two-year sentence to jail. The news has covered people protesting with signs on the street and using bias language against the Russian government.The United States’ news has also played a big role in supporting the band’s fight for freedom. News networks such as CNN, The Wall Street Journal and MTV have covered the news with favoured sided facts for the band. Stories of protest and government officials’ disapproval of the band’s sentence have all been published to the western public resulting in citizens fighting for the Russian band. Social networks such as Twitter played a big role in support of the band’s freedom. Celebrities such as Madonna and Jesse McCartney have also played a role in supporting for the Band.Western world views the court sentencing as a violation of freedom of speech. Western news cover stories with the question what, where, when rather to why. The western news reveals all the facts, however does not stress on the why and the reasons for the Russian court’s decisions. The readers receive a sense of injustice and wrong when reading news about the Pussy Riot’s case. The western world stresses on freedom and democracy and the Russian court imposed a strict and intolerance towards some sorts of behaviour of expression. The western news had made a positive outcome for the punk band, Pussy Riot.CTV, CBC and Much Music have covered news of Canadian citizens showing support for the Band. News about the band ’s arrest initiated as an arrest for freedom of speech against the Russian government. The news has escalated when the band got sentenced for two years for â€Å"hooliganism† and religious hatred. News headlines such as â€Å" Imprisoned Pussy Riot face tough life in penal colony† by CTV, â€Å"Pussy Riot supporters protest outside consulate in Toronto† and â€Å"Pussy Riot protest: Conviction of anti-Putin Pussy Riot band sparks worldwide protests† by CBC implies a dissent on the Russian court’s decision.Canadian news reports that the band faces charges for expressing their political views in a democratic country and North America have expressed disapproval to this action. Fans and Canadian supporters of freedom of expression have expressed their disapproval to the world by protesting on the streets, reported by news reports, and using social networks such as Twitter. Much Music has posted pictures of people protesting with signs that decla re, â€Å"Punk Rock is not a crime†, â€Å"Protect freedom of expression† and â€Å"free Pussy Riot†. These declarations exhibit a definite support for the band and disapproval for the Russian court’s decision.An example of Canadian news support of the band is CTV’s news report when the band was sentenced to jail Outside the Russian consulate on Bloor Street, about 100 people carried placards and musical instruments, The Canadian Press reported. â€Å"I felt it was so wrong on so many levels I felt I had to do something,† Toronto organizer Lynn Flatley told CTV’s Canada AM Friday morning, before the protest began. â€Å"I had never done anything like this but it was a tipping point for me. † Another protest got underway outside the Russian embassy in Ottawa around 1 p. m. hile another was scheduled to start at 6 p. m. in Montreal. The three band members, two of whom have young children, have been in jail since March when they b urst into a cathedral during services and recited a ‘punk prayer’ calling on the Virgin Mary to protect Russian citizens from Vladimir Putin, who was set to win a new term as president at the time. (CTV news: Pussy Riot supporters protest conviction outside consulate in Toronto) CTV has published the protester’s passion about their objection of the band’s sentence by quoting one of the protesters and describing the event.Also CTV has also mentioned that the band members have young children and describe they have been in jail since March, which implies an unfavourable and detest for the decision of the Court. CTV has insinuated questions of ethics such as â€Å"How can they sentence mothers to jail? † and â€Å" Why is the government against freedom of expression? † Western News also criticised the Russian government since Pussy Riot’s actions was a protest against the Putin government. Much Music has informed Canadian music fans with b ias information â€Å"Today Russian punks Pussy Riot received a two-year sentence for â€Å"hooliganism. That, of course, is in the eyes of their country’s authorities, but what the band were charged with was simply speaking out against a ruthless government. Knowing they weren’t likely to get off, they prepared a new single to help spread the message about the importance of free speech, with the song â€Å"Putin Light Up The Flames. † (Much Music News) Much Music has claimed the Russian government to be â€Å"ruthless† because they sentence a band for simply â€Å"speaking out†. Much Music, and other Canadian news, described the actions of Pussy Riot to be innocent.Pussy Riot has an opinion and their actions have made a controversy against the Russian government. Canada is known to be a democratic and free society and the actions of the Russian government have proven to have strict rules for freedom of expression. Canadian media is playing a big role in getting Canada rallied up against the Russian court. According to the rules of media ethics it is considered unethical for the media’s invention of the state, however Canadians are protesting for what they believe is right and that is the right of freedom of expression.The United States’ media reports on facts of the event. Similar to Canadian news, the media reports on facts that undermine the Russian court’s decisions. America’s news covered the story about Pussy Riot’s sentencing using words such as â€Å"lack of freedom of speech in Russia† and â€Å"restricting the freedom of expression and association† (CNN news). CNN covered news with quotations of the people involved on the case. Amnesty International and the UN have gotten involved of the Pussy Riot case with disapproval of the court’s decision.America’s government officials have also gotten involved by declaring protest against the court. CNN had repor ted all negative quotes and comments of the decision of the court, John Dalhuisen, director of Amnesty International's Europe and Central Asia Program, urged Russian authorities to overturn the sentence and release the trio unconditionally. He also highlighted recent measures â€Å"restricting the freedom of expression and association† introduced after a wave of popular protests that accompanied elections earlier this year. This trial is another example of the Kremlin's attempts to discourage and delegitimize dissent. It is likely to backfire,† he said. Human Rights Watch also said the women should never have been prosecuted for a hate crime. â€Å"The charges and verdict against the Pussy Riot band members distort both the facts and the law,† Hugh Williamson, the rights group's Europe and Central Asia director, said in a statement. This paragraph demonstrates that the Russian court’s decision on sentencing Pussy Riot in jail is absolutely unethical.The ba nd sentenced for â€Å"hooliganism† and religious hate crime by the Russian court have turned to violation of freedom of expression that violates rules of Human Rights. The Wall Street Journal has reported that the Prime Minister of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, thought the jail sentencing was â€Å"too harsh† and the US Embassy in Moscow has claimed the sentence to be â€Å"disproportionate†. The US’s media reports their facts with quotes to support and strengthen the authenticity of story and therefore reinforce their disapproval of the Russian court.MTV have reported celebrities’ protest for the band. Madonna recently performed a riot-styled show wearing a mask, like what Pussy Riot did during their protest, during one of her shows in Moscow. Jesse McCartney had showed support for the band by using Twitter for expression. Celebrities have a huge influence on the world and it is another type of media that shows support towards Pussy Riot. America has a huge influence on the world and that influence may or may not help the band’s fight for freedom, however America’s media definitely implies strong condemnation for Russia’s government.Western media has shown strong evidence of support for Pussy Riot. The media hasn’t necessarily agreed with the band’s actions but they definitely do not agree the band’s sentence to jail for expressing their opinion. North Americans have shown support with protests on the streets and expressing their dissent by using social networks like Twitter. Canadian news reports show pictures and videos of people protests and American news like to use a lot of quotes that express dissent from important world figures.These obviously show a bias support for the band. The Western media fails to cover the side of the Russian’s court and the Church’s views and to why Pussy Riot was sentenced for 2 years. The band has protested against Putin’s government in a very important orthodox church in Russia that may have led to emotional undertakings. Whether or not the Pussy Riot’s sentence was too harsh or not, the Western media only portrayed a negative effect on the Russian court and a favour for the band’s freedom of expression.The protest from the Western citizens could have been influence by the Western news or may be influence by people’s justice to right of expression since Canada and America embrace the notion of freedom and expression. Current situation The three band members Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alyokhina, and Yekaterina Samustevich were arrested and threatened with seven years’ imprisonment. Their pretrial detention were extended for month, and finally on August 17, 2012, the three members were convicted of hooliganism, and each was sentenced to two years imprisonment.On the appeal hearing on October 1, 2012, Samustevich terminated the representation of her defense attorney because of the c onflict of their position. On October 10, Samustevich’s new attorney filed another appeal for Samustevich and argued that Samustevich did not committed hooliganism in the church, because â€Å"cathedral guards had stopped Samutsevich before she had time to get her guitar out of its case†. The appeal was accepted and the court released Samutsevich with two years in probation. The court upholds the conviction and sentences for the other two band members.The release of the Pussy Riot video had a significant impact on Russian society and the public debate. Since Russia is a regime that believes imprisonment can repress people’s political objection, the Pussy Riot’s case start the public debate of the involvement of the Catholic Church in politics, women’s right and freedom of expression. However, one of the outstanding factors of the Pussy Riot case was the numerous coverage over social media. According to the media monitor News Effector, 86% of the wo rld mass media had covered the Pussy Riot case.Compare to the Iraq, news reporters had limited and censored information from the government. However, regarding to the Pussy Riot case, the media’s establishment had been pushed to a higher lever. Right and left wings, celebrities, and supporters were all engaged in the debate o the Pussy Riot trial. Due to the massive media coverage, Pussy Riot was treated more like a positive propaganda. Western media coverage tend to became more subjective and assertive, they â€Å"failed to mention† several crucial points in order to get more supportive comments. ?