Judgement in “Sonny’s Blues” and “Cathredral

The short story â€Å"Sonny’s Blues† written By James Baldwin is a story of two brothers who come to understand each other. The story begins and takes place in Harlem, New York City, where the narrator, whose name isn’t mentioned at all in the literature, is a teacher at a local high school, as he is on his way to work then reads on a newspaper that his younger brother, Sonny, who he hasn’t seen or spoke to in a while, has been arrested for possession and use of heroin.Throughout the story, he depicts Sonny as this troubled some young man, who never had any sense of direction towards what he wanted to do with his life or what he wanted to become. He viewed him as a product of the system, because as children growing up; Harlem, was basically a dark whole, full of malice, drugs, and corruption. After his short stint in jail, the narrator then welcomes his younger brother to stay with him and his wife for the time being. While Sonny’s stay at his older brother’s house, he then explains to him his constant struggles in life and why everything was so different for him as he was growing up.He tells him that no one ever really listened to what he wanted to pursue in life, and how he wanted to be this Jazz musician, but everyone just believed it was a phase. The narrator still didn’t really understand where Sonny was coming from. Until Sonny, one night invited him over to a local jazz bar, where everyone knows and respects him, to go watch him and his buddies play some music. It is then, as Sonny and the band is on stage, he begins to watch his younger brother struggle with the music.He watches his entire brother’s struggles come pouring out as he plays, and then he finally realizes who Sonny is and what he’s made of. In the short story, â€Å"Cathedral† written by Raymond Carver, similar to â€Å"Sonny’s Blues† the narrator of the story’s name isn’t given. The setting tak es place in Connecticut, where the death of a blind man’s wife, gets him to visit an old employee of his. The narrator who is the husband of the woman who use to work for the blind man, isn’t fond of him staying at their house.As the story moves along, the reader can see how the husband is ignorant, in the fact that he frequently keeps stating to himself how he doesn’t understand how someone can fall in love with a person who is blind, until after eating supper and his wife went off upstairs to get dressed. They both sit in the living room, and the husband invites Robert to smoke a joint. While flicking through channels, they finally leave something, they are willing to bare. It’s a show on different types of cathedrals around the world. The husband then asks Robert, if he has any idea or imagination of what an actual cathedral looks like.Robert says no, and he wants the husband to explain. The narrator has a life-changing moment, while trying to tell Rob ert what a cathedral looks like. The narrator, as he first trying to explain what the cathedral looks like, struggles for the words. However, upon Robert’s encouragement, the narrator loosens up, when the blind man asks him to go grab a piece of paper and pen so they can both draw this cathedral together. This is a close personal connection and intimate moment of communication for the narrator, and it impacts him greatly.The narrator is able to connect with Robert, and this is the moment where the narrator can put aside his insecurities and actually interact with someone else. People always have different views on different people, places or things. In my opinion I believe everyone should be open to meeting new people, giving people chances, or even be more open minded to different situations, because you can learn a lot from something or somebody else. For example the understanding of the older brother towards Sonny’s struggles in â€Å"Sonny’s Blues† an d the connection the narrator in â€Å"Cathedral† had with the blind man.

My experience Essay

Over the summer, I took a trip to Mission Beach with my family and friends as we do every summer and Christmas break. Each year we always take a night to go to our favorite restaurant, Tower 21. The refreshing atmosphere, top-notch service, and mouth watering food is what we come back for and they never fail to meet our expectations. This last experience, however, was different than what we were expecting. My family and I were all very ecstatic about getting dressed up and eating delicious food after our long week of burgers and hotdogs by the campfire. When we pulled up to the valet for the restaurant we were greeted with a smile and a quick valet parking process. This was not something out of the ordinary, more of something expected. As we entered the entrance of the restaurant, again, we were greeted with friendly faces that immediately sat us at our reserved table. Our waitress then came to our table and introduced herself very nicely, just as we expected. The beginning of our meal went exceptionally well. Our waitress and bus boy even had a few personal conversations with my family making us feel even more comfortable at the restaurant. But once again, this was something that we always had the pleasure of enjoying when it came to the guest service. After our appetizers were finished, that was when the whole experience changed. Around the corner we could all see our entrees coming our way. The entrees were served with happy faces all around the table. After our waitress made sure everything had come to the table, she went back to her other tables. Each of us began to cut into our steaks in front of us. Immediately you could see disappointment on a few of my family members faces. What they expected to be a perfectly medium rare steak ended up being a medium well steak. At this moment our â€Å"experience† turned to a downward slope. My father called over the waitress to tell her about our complaint. She apologized for the over cooked steaks and had them sent back to the kitchen for new ones. The manager of the restaurant along with our waitress brought over the brand new steaks to make sure they were properly cooked. Of course, this time they were even better than perfect.

A critical evaluation of the use of “stop and search” by the police Essay

A critical evaluation of the use of â€Å"stop and search† by the police Introduction            Police officers have a fundamental function to maintain law and order in the society (Smith, G. 2001: 372). They deal with crimes and arrest offenders. They are supposed to be vigilant all the time and monitoring any potential criminal activity and prevent its occurrence where possible. According toHess, K. M., &Wrobleski, H. M. (2006: 57), they do this by taking part in community patrols and responding to emergency calls. As the complexity of civilization is increasing, so is the level of crimes (Nick, et al., 2000: 7). This makes the role of the police officers even more challenging. In order to realize their objectives, police officers should make sure that they create and maintain a good relationship with the general public. This is because the potential criminals are in the community and information regarding them is also within the community. Again, any successful policing operation must be done within the stipulated regulations by the state. Otherwise, any o peration done outside the guidelines is deemed unlawful (Hagan, F. E. 2008: 89). It is also of greatest importance for the police officers to uphold the principle of transparency, consensus, legitimacy and accountability when carrying out their operations (Nick, et al., 2000: 8). The use of the â€Å"stop and search† by the police is under section one of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (1984) (Ozin, P. & Spivey, P. 2006: 28). This section gives police officers powers to stop any individual or vehicle in the public place and conduct a search on the basis of suspicion. This operation has its successes and its shortcomings. The aim of this paper is to critically put into perspective the place of this policing operation in the society.            The Police and Criminal Evidence Act (1984) has given police officers power to detain offenders, to stop and search people and vehicles in connection with offences whether actual or suspected, to arrest without warrant for minor offences and to control the behavior of persons in public places (Hagan, F. E. 2008.: 28). With regard to the power to stop and search a person or a vehicle, the aim is to search for evidence to support the suspicion leveled against the person. According to Hagan, F. E. (2008: 30), stop and search is done where there is suspicion of possessing stolen goods, firearms, illegal fireworks, articles suspected to be for use in committing a criminal act such as theft, fraud or burglary among others. In carrying out such an operation on an individual, clear and reasonable suspicion should exist to avoid subjecting innocent people to embarrassments and anxiety. This is categorically contained in the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (1984) section on e (Bevan, V., &Lidstone, K. W.1985: 29). Police officers are supposed to be guided by the provisions in the Act (Great Britain. Home Office, 2012: 17). However, this is far from the truth. Critical look at the stop and search operations reveal that though somehow helpful in controlling criminal activities, it has pitfalls that need proper considerations.            Discretion has been recognized as one of the key elements in a good policing operation (Norris,  C., et al., 1992: 113; Nick et al., 2000: 21). However, discretion as far as police stop and search practices are concerned has been questioned. First and foremost, let us look at the issue of the legitimacy in the stop and search policing. There are three fundamental questions that we need to ask ourselves with regard to legitimacy of this policing. First, we need to ask ourselves how do police officers decide who to stop and search? Secondly, which factors prompt the police officers to carry out stops and searches of the public? Finally, which factors form the basis for the reasonable suspicion that underpin the stop and search on a particular individual? Police officers have been accused of conducting stop and search operations discriminatorily (Browling, B. & Philips, C., 2007: 965). In Whales and England, it has been reported that whenever there is an alarm and n eed to carry out a public stop and search operation, a black person is seven times more likely to be searched than a white person. If this is the case then, the police officers make the operation illegitimate in terms of its effectiveness (Miller, J. 2000: 21). The blacks, regardless of whether they are law-abiding and innocent or otherwise, feel vulnerable and alienated. Miller, J. (2000: 21-23) argues that awhite person who is a potential criminal may survive detection simply because the level of reasonable suspicion on him or her is low compared to that attached to the black counterpart. It is imperative to mention that according to the labeling theory of criminology, constant application of stigmatizing label on the blacks may stimulate the deviant behavior in otherwise law-abiding people (Hagan, E., 2008: 116-118).            The power in the Act stipulates that before a stop and search is done, a police officer should have reasonable suspicion on the suspect (Nick et al., 2000: 4-6). Based on the ambiguity of the reasonable suspicion, it is expected that the interpretation of this requirements will vary from one police officer to another. It has been established through research that this is actually true. Suspicion is rooted in the culture of the police and resistant to change from external influences (Norris,  C., et al., 1992: 189). Therefore, following the requirements of the Act as to how to develop suspicion is not easy. Often, police officers develop suspicion against people based on the generalizations. They use a person’s age, appearance, behavior and location as the landmarks (Delsol, R. 2006: 48). This generalization forms the roots for alienating some members of the public. They assume that young men are the prime suspects for any criminal activity. As already ment ioned, it becomes even worse if you are a black and living in poor parts of the region in Whales and England (Nick, et al. 2000: 6). Here, we again ask; does being young increase your chances of committing a crime? No. Being young is not a motivating factor! Do black people become potential criminals simply because they are black? No. This notion has been perpetuated by the racist attitude that generally plagues the world. In the same manner, being poor or living in a poor estate does not make one qualify to be a potential criminal. It is not a motivating factor on its own. Therefore, police officers’ ways of developing the theme of reasonable suspicion require proper understanding. Clarification has to be made in the Act as to whether, and to what extent is stop and search policing is acceptable (Nick, et al., 2000 26). In view of this, reasonable suspicion for stop and search encounters can be obtained from the following: if the person fits the description given of the susp ect, if the person behaves suspiciously, if the person is out at unusual time like at night or if the person is found in a place associated with the crime(Stone, V., & Pettigrew, N. 2000: 142).            Though stipulated in a legal frame, public stops and searches have been carried out in an unlawful manner. Persons have been subjected to embarrassing searches in public (Evans,  J.  M. 1990: 54). Sometimes, false information has been planted on the suspect in order to have him or her charged and prosecuted illegally (Nick et a., 2000: 29). Often, when police officers are on patrol at the scene of crime, efforts are made to incriminate someone. In such circumstances, an innocent person suffers unlawfully in the hands of the police officers who are supposed to safeguard the rights of such a person. As already mentioned, stops and searches operations are carried out disproportionately. This is evidenced by the statics obtained in Whales and England (Browling, B., & Philips, C. 2007: 154). Racism and ethnicity is rife in these operations. According to Browling, B & Philips, C (2007: 154), shocking statistics show that a black is seven times likely to be stopped an d searched than a white. An Asian is twice likely to be stopped and searched that a white counterpart. The bitter truth is that the same trend as persisted despite numerous debates to change it.It has been established through studies by FitzGerald (1999: 42) that calls from the public had contribution in the disproportionality observed in the stop and searches. Bias in the suspect description can also be responsible for disproportionate stops and searches according to Browling, B., & Philips, C. (2007: 157). He argues that most descriptions made in incidences of robbery suit members of the minority communities. However, this is a much disputed view because it borders on ethnicity. This view notwithstanding though, police officers do not use description information given but use race to suspect an offender. This is typical ethnicity in policing. It often damages the relations within and between communities. It is important to note that if the policing is perceived unfair, then its le gitimacy will be greatly undermined and co-operation of the public with the police and willingness to obey the law will be decreased (Terris, B. J. 1997: 93).            Public confidence is indispensable in determining the success and legitimacy of stops and searches. It is built upon the trust that stops and searches are used fairly and effectively. This is the center of the principle of policing by consent. It encourages the public to co-operate with and give assistance to the police. According to Janet, B & Chan, L (1999: 13), if police treated people including offenders with respect in order to reduce fear, then the level of co-operation between them and the community would improve. As already stated, one of the things that make the operation legitimate in the eyes of the public is the police decision on who to stop. Stone and Pettigrew (2000) suggest that police officers should only stop people for genuine and good reasons. In addition, they should not target those that they feel like but target the â€Å"real criminals†. Public stops and searches that are deemed inappropriate because they are based on negative stereot yping constitute harassment.            The manner in which public stops and searches are carried is also of great concern. It is required that a police officer should introduce himself or herself to the suspect and clearly state the reason for stopping the individual (Nick et al., 2000: 29). According to Nick et al (2000 29) when a search is necessary, the person should be frisked in a dignified manner. If necessary, the person can only be asked to remove the outer clothes only such as a coat. If an in-depth search is necessary where the person may be asked to remove all his or her clothes, then the person has to be taken to police custody and search be conducted in privacy. For such kind of a search, a police officer of the same gender as the suspect will be involved.This constitutes respect to the person upon whom the search is done. The results of the search should also be communicated to the person accurately and as soon as possible to alleviate excessive anxiety (Zander, M. 1985: 27). In all this p rocess, a police officer must remain polite even when the situation appears difficult to handle. If this simple requirement is not followed, the public lose confidence in the stop and search policing operation. Distrust usually follows and finally, co-operation is lost between the police officers and the members of the public (Nick et al 2000: 32).            It is important to look at some of the possible sources of suspicion. One of the factors that give indirect information about a suspect is age. As already mentioned above, police officers are greatly prompted to stop young people because they are associated with â€Å"causing trouble† generally (Nick, et al., 2000: 19). Furthermore, it is more likely that youths found on the road very early in the morning, whether walking or driving, will be stopped and searched. In addition, youths found driving out of the city at night got stopped on the suspicion that the driver might be drunk (Nick, et al., 2000: 20). It becomes even worse if the youths are found in groups. This focus on young people with regard to stop and searches has been recognized by Stone and Pettigrew (2000: 187). This generalization is not appropriate because there is nothing that links a young person directly to being a criminal. Unless police officers apply the provisions in the Act that stipul ate that age should not be used as a basis to develop suspicion, the problem is inclined to prevail.            Moreover, how a person is dressed has been a prompting factor to conduct a stop and search by the police officers. Nick, et al (2000: 20) mention that people found in dark clothes at night were deemed to be potential candidates to commit a criminal act. They were thus liable to stop and search operations by the police officers. Does this then mean that people should not wear dark clothes at night? According to the police officers, those who wear dark clothes at night do so in an attempt to conceal their identity. They also argue that such people do so to make it hard to notice them at night. Accordingly, they assume that such people could be out to commit a crime or have already committed one and therefore trying to escape. Others styles of adornment have also been labeled as suspicious. According to Stone and Pettigrew, (2000: 187), white people on skinhead hairstyle and blacks on dreadlocks got stopped and searched frequently. This is because such styles are asso ciated with criminals. However, this is again based on generalization and should not form basis for developing reasonable suspicion on a suspect according to the PACE Act.            The type of the car driven also sometimes gave grounds for suspicion. Police officers report being prompted to stop old cars because they suspected a possibility of it having defects or lacking insurance or road tax (Nick, et al., 2000: 21-22). In addition, high-powered cars were targeted because they were likely to be stolen. In their opinion, police officers classify cars that are less likely to be stolen and those that are most susceptible to theft. Furthermore, high-class cars are suspected to be ferrying illegal items. This is based on the assumption that criminal are tempted to use flashy cars to lower their probability of being nabbed by police. In addition, car thieves steal high-class cars more often than their low-class counterparts. But based on these assumptions, the police officers run a risk of stopping and searching the innocent. This becomes a big problem if one will be subjected to constant stops and searches because of the model of their car. Acco rding to Nick et al. (2000: 22), blacks or Asian people who possessed expensive cars would be stopped a lot more compared to the whites. By extension, some people had been forced to change the model of their cars in an attempt to avoid constant harassments from the police officers. The result of this generalized operationpropagated negative stereotyping on the minority ethnic groups. It meant that these people from minority groups did not hold good jobs and therefore could not afford expensive cars. This generates resentment and bad relationship between the public and the police officers.            Police officers often did congruency assessment on the individual in an attempt to establish and develop reasonable suspicion on the suspect (Webber, L. 2013: 47). They compared the driver of the vehicle and the class of that vehicle. If no congruency existed in their own opinion, the driver would be suspected to be a thief. If this driver is actually the owner of this vehicle, it goes without saying that he or she will feel offended to the extreme. This also could happen if a person was found in a place that does not suit him or her. For instance, police officers report developing suspicion on a person found in a school compound and not dressed like a student (Nick, et al., 2000: 24). This usually happens because police officers have learnt to associate certain places with certain people. They have assumed that there are places that are exclusively for the whites and others for the blacks. This means that if a person of the white ethnic group is found in some area s where blacks are predominant, the first instinct to the police officers is that such a person is doing illegal drug business. Similarly, if a black person is found around premises that are known to belong exclusively to whites, the instinct of the police officers would take such a person as a suspect intending to steal. This assumption is wrong because it promotes ethnicity and alienating to a large degree according to Nick et al (2000: 34).            Police officers also rely on suspicious activities to develop suspicion on an individual (Weitzer,  R., &Tuch,  S.  A. 2004: 59). The argument is that such behavior like checking locks or looking inside cars are suspicious activities. People hanging or loitering around got stopped and questioned frequently on their intentions (Nick, et al., 2000: 25). At a hotspot of crime, these observations can be relied upon as sources of reasonable suspicion. But one may ask; what constitutes a suspicious activity in driving? Perhaps a police officer may observe the manner in which the vehicle is driven aimlessly. Also, speeding the car at the sight of police officers may suggest a criminal intent. This can be a reliable source of suspicion too. Also, taking unusual routes may suggest something sinister such as avoiding a police stop and search operation. In addition, cars that are parked in secluded places generate suspicion. A police officer may be prompted to carry out a search on such a situation.            Moreover, police officers are often prompted to stop a person on the grounds of furtive behavior (Nick, et al., 2000: 39). Furtive behavior is described as avoiding being seen, attempting to hide an object, trying to run away or feeling nervous in the presence of police officers. These elusive forms of behavior can arguably be grounds to develop reasonable suspicion. To some degree, a police officer will be right in interpreting them to suit his or her opinions. For instance, a suspect would try as much as possible to avoid being seen. In the same way, if someone is in possession of an object that is illegal, stolen or intended for committing a crime, then he or she will try to hide it. In addition, a person will try to run away from police officers if he or she knows that they have done something that can lead to their arrest. Again, police officers tend to assume that one would be nervous in their presence if he or she is guilty. This is how police officers may w ant to justify using furtive behavior to develop suspicion on a person.            However, there is a limitation to using furtive behavior as a ground to develop suspicion (Williams, B. N., &Stah, M.2008: 73). This is because furtive behavior may be culturally or socially motivated sometimes. For instance, culture may dictate when and to what extent is making an eye contact appropriate. Feeling uneasy in the presence of police officers can happen even when the person feels that there is nothing to hide. This is associated with the fear of being stopped or searched (Stone and Pettigrew, 2000: 192). A person may opt to run away instead of being subjected to police search even when there is no reasonable ground to fear. By extension, some fear being incriminated falsely by police.            In the study done by Nick, et al., (2000: 24), it was established that police officers usually targeted the person that they already knew. On receiving the suspect description, most police officers attach it to a prolific offender who is the current target of the police surveillance. Furthermore, according to the Stone and Pettigrew (2000: 188), police officers targeted persons who had a criminal record in the past. This is actually against the provisions in the PACE Act that clearly states that a person cannot be suspected because of their past history. Some people have also reported having been stopped and questioned simply because they were found walking with a person known to the police. This is offending to say the least. If a person is suspected to be a criminal just because he or she has been involved in criminal activity in the past without reasonable suspicion is tantamount to police harassment. It also makes a reformed criminal to constantly feel guilty a nd develop tactics to survive in such an environment. Some may become hostile while others may revert to committing crimes (Smith, G., 2009: 253). They will take it that the society does not trust in them anymore and that they are unwanted. As a result, a bigger problem result thanks to the unreasonable police officers.            Time and place also often formed the basis for the police officers to develop suspicion on an individual. Findinga person at a particular place and at a particular time of the day may give police officers a basis to suspect that person (Evans, J. M., 1990: 439). For instance, if a person is found at the site of crime at night, the first impression that the police officer on patrol gets is that the person might have been involved in the committing of the crime. Again, if a person is found in a car in an isolated place at night, then that becomes the basis of developing a reasonable suspicion to stop and search such a person. However, it is not obvious that if someone is found ina certain place and at a particular time he or she is up to some criminal activity. Stone and Pettigrew (2000: 162) give an accountof the sufferings of the blacks and Asians in England who worked in fast food outlets, minicab drivers, shift workers at factories or as postmen. Their work requi red them to walk or drive at night occasionally. On such occasions, they often got stopped and searched to the disappointments of the officers because they never found anything suspicious with them. This is to overrule the notion that being found on the road at unusual time does not necessarily mean you are a suspect.            Police officers also rely on the descriptive information given by a victim or witness about the suspect. This information should be as accurate as possible (Webber, L., 2013: 78). It helps the police officers have a general idea on who to stop and search and who not to. However, this does not always happen because the information given may not be reliable. The caller may not be able to give a correct description of the suspect. In addition, the person receiving the information may record incomplete information that does not help much. In such instances, police officers are left to use their method of generalizing (Nick et al., 2000: 32).            In addition, intelligence information is usually given to the police officers on the ground by the intelligence agency (Gelman, A., et al., 2007: 815). The information is meant to assist them to make rational decisions and know where and when to do intensive stop and search operations. The information given to the police officers should be accurate and clear to assist in the operations. The intelligence information may be on the types of crimes that are predominant in a particular place, the crime hotspots, both seasonal and long-term as well as the information regarding the well-known criminals (Miller, J., 2000: 49). Intelligence information can greatly influence how the police officers carry out their patrols because they tend to direct most of their effort towards hotspots (Nick et al., 2000: 34). But it is not surprising that most police officers tend to use generalization and stereotypes to make stops and searches instead of relying on the given intelligence information.            In conclusion, stop and search policing is an effective policing technique used by police if done in accordance with the provided regulations. Some of the issues that arise in the practice of stop and searching in the policing service need evaluation. The most important of all is the issue of discrimination and disproportionality in these stops and searches. As we have seen, this often leads to poor relationship within the community. People lack trust and confidence in the police services. Some people feel vulnerable when they are subjected to unlawful stops and searches. According to Weitzer, R. and Tuch, S. (2004: 321), police unit should find the most suitable way to conduct stops and searches in a manner that yield many positive results and minimize negative result. References Behan,  T.  R. (1988). Stop and Frisk: A Clarification. American Bar Association Journal, 54(10), 968-969. Bevan, V., &Lidstone, K. W. (1985).A Guide to the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. London: Butterworths. Browling, B., & Philips, C. (2007). Disproportionate and discriminatory: reviewing the evidence on police stop and search. The Modern Law Review, 70(6), 936-961. Delsol, R. (2006). Institutional Racism, the Police Stop and Search: A Comparative Study of stop and Search in the UK and USA. New York: University of Warwick. Evans,  J.  M. (1990). Police Power to Stop without Arrest.The Modern Law Review, 33(4), 438-441. Gelman,  A., Fagan,  J., & Kiss,  A. (2007).An Analysis of the New York City Police Department’s â€Å"Stop-and-Frisk† Policy in the Context of Claims of Racial Bias.Journal of the American Statistical Association, 102(479), 813-823. Hagan, F. E. (2008). Introduction to criminology: theories, methods, and criminal behavior (6th Ed.). Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage Publications. Hess, K. M., &Wrobleski, H. M. (2006) Police Operations: Theory and Practice. (4th Ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth. Janet,  B., & Chan,  L. (1999).Governing Police Practice: Limits of the New Accountability.The British Journal of Sociology, 50(2), 251-270. Miller, J. (2000). Profiling populations available for stops and searches. London: Home office, Policing and Reducing Crime Unit, Research, Development and Statistics Directorate. Nick, B., Paul, Q. & Joel, M. (2000). Police Stops, Decision-making and Practice. Police ResearchSeries.Paper 130. Norris,  C., Fielding,  N., Kemp,  C., & Fielding,  J. (1992). Black and Blue: An Analysis of the Influence of Race on Being Stopped by the Police. The British Journal of Sociology, 43(2), 207-224. Ozin, P., Norton, H., & Spivey, P. (2006). PACE: A Practical Guide to the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Smith, G (2001) ‘Why Don’t More People Complain Against the Police?’European Journal of Criminology.6 (3) 249-266 Stone, V., & Pettigrew, N. (2000).The views of the public on stops and searches. London: Home Office, Policing and Reducing Crime Unit, Research, Development and Statistics Directorate. Terris,  B.  J. (1997). The Role of the Police.Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 374(24), 58-69. Tomaskovic,  D., Wright,  C.  P., Czaja,  R., & Miller,  K. (2006).Self-reports of Police Speeding Stops by Race: Results from the North Carolina Reverse Record Check Survey.Journal of Quantitative Criminology, 22(4), 279-297. Webber, L. (2013). Stop and Search: Police Power in Global Context. Abingdon, U.K.: Routledge. Weitzer,  R., &Tuch,  S.  A. (2004).Race and Perceptions of Police Misconduct.Social Problems, 51(3), 305-325. Williams, B. N., &Stah, M. (2008). An Analysis Of police Traffic Stops And Searches in Kentucky: A Mixed Methods Approach Offering Heuristic And Practical Implications. Policy Sciences, 41(3), 221-243. Willis, C. F. (1997). The Use, Effectiveness, and the Impact of Police Search powers. London: Home Office. Zander, M. (1985). The Police And Criminal Evidence Act 1984. London: Sweet & Maxwell Police Review Publishing Corporation. Source document

Sweden in Review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Sweden in Review - Essay Example Sweden is located in Northern Europe within the Scandinavian region. It is between Finland and Norway in the north, and borders the Baltic Sea, the Gulf of Bothnia, Kattegat and Skagerrak in the other sides. The country experiences temperate climate in the south, with notable cold, cloudy winters as well as, cool and partly cloudy summers in the northern region. The family unit is extremely significant in Sweden as it defines issues such as children rights and care. For instance, the father or mother is entitled to a leave until the newly born child reaches age of 18 months. Sweden presents a very family friendly environment in most establishments where structures such as play areas for children are observed. The parents have right of up to 60 days off to care for their children when sick, indicating the significance of the parental role. The society is observably modernized, with each family unit living independently, within the urban regions. In the interior settings, the family ob serves nuclear setting of living. The society of Sweden also observes the role of courtship and marriage which take notable grace time for the partners in the relationship. However, the concern of the female and male roles remains as males are evidently paid better and have more leverages in the social setting. The female roles of being the nurtures does not prevent them from undertaking social responsibilities. The Education Act in Sweden regulates the school system to ensure that there is secure and friendly learning environment for the students.

Stereotyping around us Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Stereotyping around us - Essay Example Thus, stereotyping is a dangerous thing, as it makes us judge about all the members of certain group (race, nationality, profession) basing on the information about several representatives of that group. However, it is claimed that stereotypes exist in order to make our lives better and more comfortable. We simply do not have time to receive all the information about certain phenomena, analyzing it ourselves and making judgments. In order to save time society has invented stereotypes which allow passing concentrated information from one person to another. For example, it works with nationalities in a simple way, due to stereotypes we know that all Canadians are polite, Brazilians like to have fun, German are serious and punctual. But not all the stereotypes are positive, unfortunately, and some may hurt dignity of representatives of certain nation (Rogier & Yzerbut, 1999). Stereotypes start acting before mind starts working. Stereotypes leave imprints on our perceptions before this perceptions get to the analytical part of the brain. If a person has solid experience and is not prone to trust all the new information he will critically asses stereotypes and somehow compare it with existing knowledge. But in most cases people think that stereotypes are trustworthy and accept this information as reasonable. This can lead to building further stereotypes and seeing world in a distorted way in general. It is absolutely superficial to judge all 1 billion of Chinese as academically gifted or viewing all the Kuwaiti as showing off, isn`t it? Therefore, stereotypes must be thought over, analyzed critically and only then taken into

What is Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. What was their mission, and how Research Paper

What is Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. What was their mission, and how did it influence the whole financial meltdown in 2008 What is going on right now with them - Research Paper Example This in turn, made ownership of affordable housing easily and widely available. The company allows its clients to reinvest their property and assets in order to earn more profit and thus, increase the number of money lenders in the market. Fannie Mae also assisted banks in issuing a greater number of housing loans. Since 1968, Fannie Mae has become a publicly traded organization and has held the monopoly of the mortgage market for as long as thirty years since its inception. In 1970, Fannie Mae acquired a higher status in the market and now got the authority to buy private mortgages. Also, the federal government created the another similar firm, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, more commonly known as Freddie Mac in 1970 with the aim to compete with and thus help improve the standards of Fannie Mae in the market (Kate). The company started its work by buying mortgages in the market, pooling them up and selling them to the investors with a ‘backing security’. This allowed the lending money available in the market to increase and hence, more home purchases to be available for the customers. Together, the two companies brought great and rapid changes to the US economy. They formed a type of liquid market for the mortgages which defined a very important new rule in the market according to which, the financial institutions did not have to hold on to the mortgages and could easily sell them in the market (Peter 18). In this way, the funds of the companies were freed and they could use it to make further additional mortgages. Thus, the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac together had a very positive impact on the business market (Duhigg, Friday). Rates of home ownership were also increased in the country and the companies earned large profits in the mere space of two decades. They raised enough money that allowed them to buy mortgages from a number of varied sources which included both pension and mutual funds and also, the

Movie Glory Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Glory - Movie Review Example This paper will highlight how the Zwick depicts the determination of black men. The blacks forming part of the first infantry that would train blacks in readiness for entry into the military forces were not doing it for the war sake only. The infantry presented them with an opportunity to prove that blacks possessed a lot of potential that the whites had chosen to notice. The movie targets to inform anyone who has an interest in knowing the dark sides of American history. The movie depicts a high level of teamwork and pursues of a common goal. These blacks needed endurance, persistence, and resilience to survive the tough training. They took the challenges in order to prove to the whites that they deserved more than the society had given them. Most of these soldiers had been slaving before, and their esteem was low. However, the producer of the movie shows clearly that these blacks made the best of the opportunity. In the civil war staged to determine whether they had gained war skills, they managed to prove to the world and to themselves that they deserved a l ot more in society. Despite the price they paid at war, the blacks achieved their goal. Shaw, the commanding officer in the infantry pushed the blacks beyond their limits forcing them to unleash the best of their potential. Throughout the training, Shaw wanted to improve their expertise and competence in fighting. The movie is suitable for viewers with historical interest. The producer succeeds in highlighting the teamwork and determination of blacks to prove their competence in the military department opening an opportunity for more black

Cash flow in business organizations (Accounting) Coursework

Cash flow in business organizations (Accounting) - Coursework Example Cash generated from operating activities informs a business owner how much the company or business generated from its primary business operations, rather than the outlying activities such as borrowing and investing. In a period, this section of the cash flow statement gives a clear picture of how the company’s business activities are generating cash that will benefit both the stakeholders and the shareholders. The cash flow from operating activities gives the amount of cash created and excludes expenses linked to long-term venture on capital items. Notably, the International Financial Reporting Standards delineate cash flow from operating activities as the revenue created from the business activities. Cash flow from operating activities obtained in a given period includes cash obtained from customers for the sale of goods or services, cash obtained from fees, commissions and royalties, and cash reimbursed against income taxes (Mittal, 2007: 146-151). Additionally, the cash flo w from operating activities also includes the cash obtained from the sale of futures and the sale of premiums in the case of an insurance company. On the other hand, the net profit from operating activities refers to the excess of the cash obtained from operating activities over the costs of operating activities. It is obtained after adjustments have been made to the cash from operating activities. It gives the financial position of the business and shows whether a company can cater for its operating expenses (Mittal, 2007: 154). The net profit from the operating activities is given by the difference between the cash from operating activities and expenses from the operating activities. Some of the expenses deducted from the cash generated include the accounts payable, cash payments to employees, cash payments to suppliers, rent, insurance, interest payable, and income tax expense. Additionally, non-cash expenses such as

Description of My House Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Description of My House - Essay Example As soon as my friend pressed the grapes which were ripe in nature, the grapes crushed and the juice from the grapes started flowing into her hands and from her hands, the juice started spilling on her wrist until she removed her hands and shook them hard to drop off the juices from the grapes. The ripe grapes are quite thick in juice and have a taste which combines both sweetness and a slightly sour savor.In Japan, the color â€Å"purple† is connected to wealth and a person with a lot of money. These were the remarks made by my friends when they saw the purple grapes that simply looked so rich that the backyard seemed like it was one of a very rich individual. The purple grapes made us feel as fresh and pure as if we had just woken up from our sleep. The smell of the purple grapes was similar to the smell of the jam bottle that I open every day simply to spread on my bread and eat it. The purple color even made us feel as if we were at a party where purple lights moved around the dance floor making the crowd go crazy and dance all night. Simply the sight of purple made us remember our school days when we used to fight for the purple color crayons because every single little kid in the class wanted to grab color purple and start using it. This extended our talk about our school days and the fun we used to have as kids. The mix of the purple and the red grapes took our memories to the recent wedding event that we all attended together at a friend’s place.   The purple color even made us feel as if we were at a party where purple lights moved around the dance floor making the crowd go crazy and dance all night. Simply the sight of purple made us remember our school days when we used to fight for the purple color crayons because every single little kid in the class wanted to grab color purple and start using it. This extended our talk about our school days and the fun we used to have as kids. The mix of the purple and the red grapes took our memories to the recent wedding event that we all attended together at a friend’s place. My friends started with a mix of white and purple colored curtains that were used to decorate the entire arena. The whitewash of my backyard along with the purple color grapes gave us the feeling as if we were at one of the tables of the wedding we attended (Fruit and Vegetables 6).

Smoking Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Smoking - Research Proposal Example This stage is called metastasis. On the contrary, in some cases cancer cells do not display uncontrolled growth, they are non-invasive and do not spread, such stage of cancer only forms benign tumors (Alberts et al, 2007). Numerous factors are responsible for the proliferation of cancer, these could be environmental factors- tobacco and alcohol consumption; obesity- sedentary life style and higher intake of calorific fast food may lead to the trigger of cancer genes (Bassen- Engguist, 2011), pollution, obnoxious agents with carbon particles including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from the industries releases toxic chemicals may act as carcinogens; heredity factors, radiation hazards, by viruses, food items, pesticides and other organophosphorous compounds and cosmetic agents may act as carcinogenic agents (Irigaray, 2007). The present research proposal is to highlight the significance of smoking in treating cancer. Treatment of cancer involves chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, studies reveal that investigative studies presents neurobiological, pharmacological implications of marijuana and its therapeutic propositions for HIV wasting, glaucoma and cancer chemotherapy ("American College of Physicians", 2008). However, an impediment to pursue research is attributed to the intricacies exhibited by the federal approval methodology, insufficient availability of research-level marijuana and disagreements over its legalization. Essentially, it is necessary for the physicians to realize the therapeutic implications of marijuana and encourage abusers co-operation in the management and cure of numerous disease conditions that are hard to cure because of extreme pain and the association of the underprivileged ("American College of Physicians", 2008). Marijuana, commonly identified as cannabis, comprises about 60 compounds unanimously described as cannabinoids. The foremost chemical component accountable for psychoactive

Dystopian society Essay Example for Free

Dystopian society Essay Societies that are futuristic in settings are what we call a dystopian society. Dystopia is literary the opposite of what a utopian community will be like. In dystopia, everything is distorted where people are ruled by either a strong-opposed individual through the use of militarism or technologies and also by technology themselves. Citizens of a dystopian community doesnt hold their own rights and are usually treated inhumanely, creating a fearsome and dark environment. Short stories such as The Lottery written by Shirley Jackson typically follows a dystopian society. The author first introduces the story to be a utopian community where she describes the day as clear and sunny, with the fresh warmth of a full-summer day; the flowers were blossoming profusely and the grass was richly green (Para. 1). This entices our feeling of comfort and invites us to see what this day is all about, not knowing of what might happen in the end. The fact that Jackson first introduces us into such a calming scenery but ends it in such a misery, dehumanizes the mindset that such a perfect community can hide such monstrous activity. Dehumanization is a great deal in this short story where the villagers are blindly following the tradition of stoning the lotterys winner to death and treating the event like a festivity. Dehumanization is also seen through the villagers actions such as: The people had done it so many times that they only half listened to the directions; most of them were quite. wetting their lips. not looking around (Para. 20). Jackson creates this sense that these villagers have done it so many times that they dont even care anymore and just what this lottery to be over with, so that they can go back to their daily lives. The villagers were describe as quite because they dont want to make the lottery any longer than it is already and it can also be taken up as an acceptance to the events that follows. Some are wetting their lips which creates this anxiousness and ill-minded thoughts of wanting to kill someone. Excitement that they too will have a bountiful year again through the sacrifice of one of their own. Fear is yet another convention of dystopia that Jackson utilizes in this short story. Fear of the unknown by the audience and the fear of death. Fear is seen through the character of Tessie Hutchinson, who in the beginning of the story where like everybody else. She was nonchalant to the event and was conversing with the villagers like normal people would but all of this changes after she was picked by the lottery. She screams and tell everyone how it isnt fair, it isnt right (Para. 80), which contradicts her actions in the beginning. Fear is also seen where the villagers were not looking around (Para. 20), which describes how they individually doesnt want to see the faces of the people who they will have to kill or know that they can be the one to die that day. The black box that contains the papers of the lottery is a symbolism of fear in the story. It presents death not only by the use of the color black but also because it holds the one paper that is the deciding factor of being the winner of the lottery. This is seen as the villagers kept their distance, leaving a space between themselves and the stool (Para.4), where they are unconsciously afraid of the lottery but doesnt protest about its effects. Work Cited Dystopias: Definition and Characteristics. Readwritethink.org. ReadWriteThink, n.d Web. 18 Jan 2013 The Lottery. American Literature. N.p, n.d Web. 18 Jan 2013

Science and its Future Essay Example for Free

Science and its Future Essay Technology is, in its essence, new ways of thinking. The most powerful type of technology, sometimes called enabling technology, is a thought incarnate which enables new knowledge to find and develop news ways to know. This kind of recursive bootstrapping is how science evolves. As in every type of knowledge, it accrues layers of self-reference to its former state. New informational organizations are layered upon the old without displacement, just as in biological evolution. Our brains are good examples. We retain reptilian reflexes deep in our minds (fight or flight) while the more complex structuring of knowledge (how to do statistics) is layered over those primitive networks. In the same way, older methods of knowing (older scientific methods) are not jettisoned; they are simply subsumed by new levels of order and complexity. But the new tools of observation and measurement, and the new technologies of knowing, will alter the character of science, even while it retains the old methods. Im willing to bet the scientific method 400 years from now will differ from todays understanding of science more than todays science method differs from the proto-science used 400 years ago. A sensible forecast of technological innovations in the next 400 years is beyond our imaginations (or at least mine), but we can fruitfully envision technological changes that might occur in the next 50 years. Based on the suggestions of the observers above, and my own active imagination, I offer the following as possible near-term advances in the evolution of the scientific method. Compiled Negative Results — Negative results are saved, shared, compiled and analyzed, instead of being dumped. Positive results may increase their credibility when linked to negative results. We already have hints of this in the recent decision of biochemical journals to require investigators to register early phase 1 clinical trials. Usually phase 1 trials of a drug end in failure and their negative results are not reported. As a public heath measure, these negative results should be shared. Major journals have pledged not to publish the findings of phase 3 trials if their earlier phase  1 results had not been reported, whether negative or not. Triple Blind Experiments – In a double blind experiment neither researcher nor subject are aware of the controls, but both are aware of the experiment. In a triple blind experiment all participants are blind to the controls and to the very fact of the experiment itself. The way of science depends on cheap non-invasive sensor running continuously for years generating immense streams of data. While ordinary life continues for the subjects, massive amounts of constant data about their lifestyles are drawn and archived. Out of this huge database, specific controls, measurements and variables can be isolated afterwards. For instance, the vital signs and lifestyle metrics of a hundred thousand people might be recorded in dozens of different ways for 20-years, and then later analysis could find certain variables (smoking habits, heart conditions) and certain ways of measuring that would permit the entire 20 years to be viewed as an experiment – one that no one knew was even going on at the time. This post-hoc analysis depends on pattern recognition abilities of supercomputers. It removes one more variable (knowledge of experiment) and permits greater freedom in devising experiments from the indiscriminate data. Images-25 Combinatorial Sweep Exploration – Much of the unknown can be explored by systematically creating random varieties of it at a large scale. You can explore the composition of ceramics (or thin films, or rare-earth conductors) by creating all possible types of ceramic (or thin films, or rare-earth conductors), and then testing them in their millions. You can explore certain realms of proteins by generating all possible variations of that type of protein and they seeing if they bind to a desired disease-specific site. You can discover new algorithms by automatically generating all possible programs and then running them against the desired problem. Indeed all possible Xs of almost any sort can be summoned and examined as a way to study X. None of this combinatorial exploration was even thinkable before robotics and computers; now both of these technologies permit this brute force style of science. The parameters of the emergent  library of possibilities yielded by the sweep become the experiment. With sufficient computational power, together with a pool of proper primitive parts, vast territories unknown to science can be probed in this manner. Evolutionary Search – A combinatorial exploration can be taken even further. If new libraries of variations can be derived from the best of a previous generation of good results, it is possible to evolve solutions. The best results are mutated and bred toward better results. The best testing protein is mutated randomly in thousands of way, and the best of that bunch kept and mutated further, until a lineage of proteins, each one more suited to the task than its ancestors, finally leads to one that works perfectly. This method can be applied to computer programs and even to the generation of better hypothesis. Simmatrix Multiple Hypothesis Matrix – Instead of proposing a series of single hypothesis, in which each hypothesis is falsified and discarded until one theory finally passes and is verified, a matrix of many hypothesis scenarios are proposed and managed simultaneously. An experiment travels through the matrix of multiple hypothesis, some of which are partially right and partially wrong. Veracity is statistical; more than one thesis is permitted to stand with partial results. Just as data were assigned a margin of error, so too will hypothesis. An explanation may be stated as: 20% is explained by this theory, 35% by this theory, and 65% by this theory. A matrix also permits experiments with more variables and more complexity than before. Pattern Augmentation – Pattern-seeking software which recognizes a pattern in noisy results. In large bodies of information with many variables, algorithmic discovery of patterns will become necessary and common. These exist in specialized niches of knowledge (such particle smashing) but more general rules and general-purpose pattern engines will enable pattern-seeking tools to become part of all data treatment. Adaptive Real Time Experiments – Results evaluated, and large-scale experiments modified in real time. What we have now is primarily batch-mode  science. Traditionally, the experiment starts, the results are collected, and then conclusions reached. After a pause the next experiment is designed in response, and then launched. In adaptive experiments, the analysis happens in parallel with collection, and the intent and design of the test is shifted on the fly. Some medical tests are already stopped or re-evaluated on the basis of early findings; this method would extend that method to other realms. Proper methods would be needed to keep the adaptive experiment objective. AI Proofs – Artificial intelligence will derive and check the logic of an experiment. Ever more sophisticated and complicated science experiments become ever more difficult to judge. Artificial expert systems will at first evaluate the scientific logic of a paper to ensure the architecture of the argument is valid. It will also ensure it publishes the required types of data. This proof review will augment the peer-review of editors and reviewers. Over time, as the protocols for an AI check became standard, AI can score papers and proposals for experiments for certain consistencies and structure. This metric can then be used to categorize experiments, to suggest improvements and further research, and to facilitate comparisons and meta-analysis. A better way to inspect, measure and grade the structure of experiments would also help develop better kinds of experiments. Wiki-Science – The average number of authors per paper continues to rise. With massive collaborations, the numbers will boom. Experiments involving thousands of investigators collaborating on a paper will commonplace. The paper is ongoing, and never finished. It becomes a trail of edits and experiments posted in real time — an ever evolving document. Contributions are not assigned. Tools for tracking credit and contributions will be vital. Responsibilities for errors will be hard to pin down. Wiki-science will often be the first word on a new area. Some researchers will specialize in refining ideas first proposed by wiki-science. Defined Benefit Funding — Ordinarily science is funded by the experiment(results not guaranteed) or by the   investigator (nothing guaranteed). The use of prize money for particular scientific achievements will play greater roles. A goal is defined, funding secured for the first to reach it, and the contest opened to all. The Turing Test prize awarded to the first computer to pass the Turing Test as a passable intelligence. Defined Benefit Funding can also be combined with prediction markets, which set up a marketplace of bets on possible innovations. The bet winnings can encourage funding of specific technologies. Zillionics – Ubiquitous always-on sensors in bodies and environment will transform medical, environmental, and space sciences. Unrelenting rivers of sensory data will flow day and night from zillions of sources. The exploding number of new, cheap, wireless, and novel sensing tools will require new types of programs to distill, index and archive this ocean of data, as well as to find meaningful signals in it. The field of zillionics — dealing with zillions of data flows — will be essential in health, natural sciences, and astronomy. This trend will require further innovations in statistics, math, visualizations, and computer science. More is different. Zillionics requires a new scientific perspective in terms of permissible errors, numbers of unknowns, probable causes, repeatability, and significant signals. Images-23 Deep Simulations – As our knowledge of complex systems advances, we can construct more complex simulations of them. Both the success and failures of these simulations will help us to acquire more knowledge of the systems. Developing a robust simulation will become a fundamental part of science in every field. Indeed the science of making viable simulations will become its own specialty, with a set of best practices, and an emerging theory of simulations. And just as we now expect a hypothesis to be subjected to the discipline of being stated in mathematical equations, in the future we will expect all hypothesis to be exercised in a simulation. There will also be the craft of taking things known only in simulation and testing them in other simulations—sort of a simulation of a simulation. Hyper-analysis Mapping – Just as meta-analysis gathered diverse experiments on one subject and integrated their (sometimes contradictory) results into a large meta-view, hyper-analysis creates an extremely large-scale view by pulling together meta-analysis. The cross-links of references, assumptions, evidence and results are unraveled by computation, and then reviewed at a larger scale which may include data and studies adjacent but not core to the subject. Hyper-mapping tallies not only what is known in a particular wide field, but also emphasizes unknowns and contradictions based on what is known outside that field. It is used to integrate a meta-analysis with other meta-results, and to spotlight white spaces where additional research would be most productive. Images-24 Return of the Subjective – Science came into its own when it managed to refuse the subjective and embrace the objective. The repeatability of an experiment by another, perhaps less enthusiastic, observer was instrumental in keeping science rational. But as science plunges into the outer limits of scale – at the largest and smallest ends – and confronts the weirdness of the fundamental principles of matter/energy/information such as that inherent in quantum effects, it may not be able to ignore the role of observer. Existence seems to be a paradox of self-causality, and any science exploring the origins of existence will eventually have to embrace the subjective, without become irrational. The tools for managing paradox are still undeveloped.

Analysis of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

Analysis of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens   After reading a part of Oliver Twist and after watch the short documentary on Charles  Dickens, it is easy to say that he can be identified as a realist writer. A realist writer is defined as  a writer that writes about things are can happen in the real world. The initial twenty pages of  Oliver Twist has numerous realist traits in it. In the principal couple of sentences of the novel, the  storyteller discusses how Oliver Twist was conceived and how his mom passed away due to  complications during birth. The narrator says when discussing Oliver Twists birth, For a long  time after he was ushered into this world of sorrow and trouble, by the parish surgeon, it  remained a matter of considerable doubt whether the child would survive to bear any name at all;  in which case it is somewhat more than probable that these memoirs would never have appeared,  or, if they had, being comprised withinà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ biography extant in the literature of any age or country ( 3). Dickens having the storyteller discuss how nobody knew whether Oliver Twist  would survive indicates Dickens is a realist. Likewise, another piece of the initial twenty pages  where Dickens demonstrates he is a realist writer is toward the finish of the chapter where  Dickens implies about Olivers future. The narrator says, But now he was enveloped in the old  calico robes, that had grown yellow in the same service; he was badged and ticketed, and fell  into his place at once a parish child the orphan of a work house the humble, half-starved  drudge to be cuffed and buffeted through the world, despised by all, and pitied by none (5).   Here, the reader can assume that he will be a parish child as the quote provides. From our  studies of naturalism junior year, or an extraordinary type of authenticity, a man has a  foreordained destiny, which Oliver is given when his mom passes on toward the start of the  novel and he is left as vagrant as an orphan. Subsequent to perusing a piece of Oliver Twist and in the wake of watching the short narrative on Charles Dickens, it is anything but difficult to state that he can be distinguished as a realist essayist. A realist essayist is characterized as an author that expounds on things are can occur in this present reality. The underlying twenty pages of Oliver Twist have various realist attributes in it. In the primary couple of sentences of the novel, the storyteller examines how Oliver Twist was considered and how his mother passed away because of confusions amid birth. The storyteller says while talking about Oliver Twists introduction to the world, For a long time after he was ushered into this world of sorrow and trouble, by the parish surgeon, it remained a matter of considerable doubt whether the child would survive to bear any name at all; in which case it is somewhat more than probable that these memoirs would never have appeared, or, if they had, being comprised withinà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ biography extant in the literature of any age or country (3). Dickens having the storyteller talk about how no one knew whether Oliver Twist would survive shows Dickens is a realist. Similarly, another bit of the underlying twenty pages where Dickens exhibits he is a realist essayist is toward the complete of the part where Dickens suggests about Olivers future. The storyteller says, But now he was enveloped in the old calico robes, that had grown yellow in the same service; he was badged and ticketed, and fell into his place at once a parish child the orphan of a work house the humble, half-starved drudge to be cuffed and buffeted through the world, despised by all, and pitied by none (5). Here, after perusing the text one can expect that he will be a parish child as the quote gives. From our investigations of naturalism a year ago, or an unprecedented kind of realness, a man has a fated predetermination, which Oliver is given when his mother passes on toward the begin of th e novel and he is left as vagrant as a vagrant.

The Aboriginal People of Newfoundland :: American America History

The Aboriginal People of Newfoundland The Beothuk people of Newfoundland were not the very first inhabitants of the island. Thousands of years before their arrival there existed an ancient race, named the Maritime Archaic Indians who lived on the shores of Newfoundland. (Red Ochre Indians, Marshall, 4.) Burial plots and polished stone tools are occasionally discovered near Beothuk remains. Some people speculate that, because of the proximity of the artifacts to the former lands of the Beothuk, the Maritime Archaic Indians and the Beothuk may have been related. It is not certain when the Beothuk arrived on the island. In fact little is actually known about the people, compared to what is known about other amerindian civilisations, only artifacts and stories told by elders tell the historians who these people really were. Some speculate that they travelled from "Labrador to Newfoundland across the strait of Belle Isle, which at one time was only 12 miles wide. By about 200 AD the Beothuk Indians were probably well settled into Newfoundland."(Red Ochre, 8) The Beothuk were not alone on Newfoundland wither. The Dorset Eskimos, who came from Cape Dorset regions of the north around 500 BC also shared the island. They presumably had contact with the Beothuk, exchanging tools or engaging in battle. In any case the Dorset Indians died out leaving Newfoundland empty to the control of the Beothuk people who now had no enemies and a wide vast territory. The Beothuk, although part of the Algonkian family developed their own language and culture. The 400 words that are still known from their language prove their Algonkian heritage. The development of their culture was a great success. The success of the Beothuk people as a whole was in part because of their skills in fishing, hunting and travel. They were the "only amerindian group to navigate on the high seas."(Grabowski lecture Oct 4,`96.) This was because of the construction of their canoes. Normally paddling on the high seas is dangerous, but Beothuk canoes were so designed to with stand high waves and stay accurately on course. The canoes "were made of a frame work of spruce and then covered with birch bark."(Red Ochre, 9) They curved high at the sides and a sharp bottom acted as a keel. The high sides protected as a barrier from wave swamping the boat. Because of hunting expeditions on the Funk islands, 60 kilometres from shore, ocean travel was evident and sea worthiness was essential.

The Great Game of Business :: essays research papers

The Great Game of Business â€Å" I am often asked to say exactly what the Great Game of Business is. I have to admit I find this hard to do. It is not a system. It is not a methodology. It is not a philosophy, or an attitude, or a set of techniques. It is all of those things and more. It is a whole different way of running a company and thinking of how a company should be run.† Business has many different parts to it. The main two aspects of business are making money and generating cash. Many people don’t know the difference between the two, but it is this distinction that can determine whether or not your business will fail or be successful. Therefore it is of the utmost importance to give each person in the company the knowledge that they need to prosper. The biggest barrier at any company is ignorance, and it comes on more than just one level. The problem with the top managers is that they don’t feel that the people below them understand the responsibilities and problems that they have. The workers are the people who don’t know why the managers do what they do. They also think that everything that goes wrong is a result of the greed and stupidity of the managers. The middle managers are caught in the middle of everything. They are torn between the demands of the workers and the highest managers and feel as if they have a responsibility to both. They, perhaps, have the hardest job at the company because of it. Every company has trouble at some point being short on people that they need to do a specific job. To prevent this from becoming a disaster, plan ahead! Give all people the opportunity to learn anything and everything that they want. Teach people the skills they would need to function in a department that is completely unlike their normal work. Not only will this prevent future problems, but you could find hidden talents in several people that will help you out a great deal. If you have every one doing something that they really enjoy doing, they will blow by any obstacles that arise. If ignorance is taken out of the workplace, it will help your establishment be prosperous, and motivate the people who work for you. The first step to get people interested in their jobs is to give them the numbers.

Culture and Influence of the South in Petrified Man by Eudora Welty Ess

Culture and Influence of the South in Petrified Man by Eudora Welty When I think of the south, I think of southern hospitality. I picture people always talking to each other, whether it?s just small talk or gossip, which is the case in The Petrified Man. The dialogue itself appears to be pretty accurate (from what I can imagine anyway, since I?ve never been down south). The south definitely has a certain way of talking and Eudora Welty does a great job showing us, not just telling us, this dialect. From the very first sentence of the story, you know where you are, and the type of people involved in the story. ?Reach in my purse and git me a cigarette without no powder in it if you kin, Mrs. Fletcher, honey ? I don?t like no perfumed cigarettes.? As for the events themselves, they appear to be reasonably honest. If you allow yourself to just listen to the story as it?s being told, instead of trying to analyze it?s validity (it is fiction after all) you will believe you?re sitting in Leota?s beauty parlor with Mrs. Fletcher and Leota talking about anything or anybody. I...

Ge 1 Fw Format

GE 1 Fieldwork # 2 Pacing and Compass Traverse Objectives: 1. To be able to quickly estimate distances by means of pacing method. 2. To be able to determine directions by means of the magnetic compass. Instruments: Tape, Markers, Range Poles and Pocket Magnetic Compass Procedure: 1. Consider the polygon bounded by the sidewalks around Melchor Hall engineering building. Determine the lengths of the engineering block bounding lines by casually walking at the center of the pavement starting from any of its corners, going in a clockwise direction, until you reach the starting point.Take note of the number of paces that you make for each line. Also, determine their lengths using tape. 2. Determine the magnetic direction of the lines using the magnetic compass. The forward and back bearings must be determined for each line. 3. Make a sketch of the compass traverse indicating the perimeter distances and the direction of lines. Table 2 below indicates the required observed bearings (directio ns) and taped distances. Table2.Observed and Adjusted Bearings of the Compass Traverse OBSERVED BEARINGS LINE TAPED DISTANCE FORWARD BACK 1-2 2-3 3-4 4-1 4. Compute the relative precision of the pacing method by comparing the perimeter distance estimated by pacing and the perimeter distance determined by taping. Relative Precision (RP) = [Taped Distance (TP) – Paced Distance (PD)]/Taped Distance (TP). Show all necessary computations. The table indicating discrepancy and relative precision is shown in Table 3 below. Table3.Discrepancy and Relative Precision TAPED DISCREPANCY RELATIVE LINE NO. OF PACES PACED DISTANCE DISTANCE (PD-TD) PRECISION 1-2 1 2-3 3-4 4-1 = _____ = ______ 5. Write an individual typed report of this fieldwork in A4 size bond papers. Present properly the required results of the followed procedures, brief discussion of the results and a conclusion. Do not forger to mention your pace factor. 6. Submit individual report on or before 5:00 PM of July 12, 2012. L ate submissions have corresponding penalties. 2 1K

Global Communication Challenges: Cross-Cultural Essay

The world is becoming one global interconnected village. Because of compelling necessities in business and related matters, more and more companies are moving their operations offshore and expanding their footprint into new and unfamiliar geographies. A big challenge in managing this change is how to deal with a diverse workforce. This has to be managed well for the company to successfully achieve its business objectives. The company has to ensure that there is clear and transparent two way communication between the headquarters and the branches or subsidiaries, and also strong ties with the Leadership. (Lisbeth Clausen, â€Å"Corporate Communication Challenges: A ‘Negotiated’ Culture Perspective†). To make this happen, all staffs require a certain mastery of cross cultural communication skills. They have to be well trained to empathize with different cultural makers so as to keep communication open and effective without letting it affect business performance. Why are companies facing cross-cultural communication challenges? Companies become multi -national and move overseas for various reasons. With advancement in technology and a driving business need to stay competitive and ahead of competition, they set up operations and expand to newer geographies every day. It could be because they sell a product or service which they feel has potential to be marketed overseas. The company may perceive a big business opportunity in doing this and decide to set up a network on foreign shores. Or they may decide to off-shore their operations in order to leverage skills availability or even for labor arbitrage. Whichever the reason, once an office is set up overseas, this typically means that management and staff from the head office or flagship have to interact on a regular basis with local staff in the new countries. And if the business opens up in more than one country, it has to deal with multi cultural staff and or customers – a situation that calls for adroit handling of culture sensitive communications so that all business activities like decision-making and problem-solving take place without any gaps and in a way that is best suited to business needs. It is natural that people from different cultures to react differently to situations – for example, when the SHOE Company from Denmark entered the Japanese market, it found that many local business practices, like the hierarchical style of management, were creating barriers to quick brand penetration. The Japanese on the other hand felt that the Danish were not open for negotiation; that headquarters was ‘sending mixed messages’. (Lisbeth Clausen, â€Å"Corporate Communication Challenges: A ‘Negotiated’ Culture Perspective†). Leadership will have to patiently and successfully overcome the challenge of building the company culture amongst new staff in a foreign land. The new staff members have to embrace the company’s values and work style; this is critical for delivering good business results. Similarly, the Danish were impatient with Japan’s ceremonial approach to business; they just wanted to get the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible without partaking in social obligations. . How do these challenges affect an individual’s performance and effectiveness? Clear and lucid communication of business goals and corporate expectations of how staff can help achieve business goals is critical to the successful running of any business. Ineffective communication can lead to a lack of understanding of what is expected of a person in the company and how he or she should contribute towards achieving the business objectives. Many times a feeling of apathy sets in when staff feel left out and consequently their performance suffers, hurting the company’s business performance as well. When Jesus Ricardo was sent on a two year assignment from North America to South East Asia, she was one unhappy expat. It started with the very basics – her name; none of the people she worked with could say it right. It was simply a matter of her co-workers not being aware that in Spanish, the ‘J’ is pronounced like an ‘H’. She ended up having to explain this repeatedly and correct every person she met. This annoyed her tremendously although the locals did not think much of it. They did not understand that where Jesus came from, it was important to pronounce one’s name correctly. Then in the office, Jesus found her colleagues (all local), always spoke in Chinese. She felt terribly left out and sometimes even ignored. Often she wondered if they were talking about her, especially when the conversation was peppered with giggles. She consequently made no effort to get to know her team mates and insulated herself in her own world. At the end of three such trying months, she decided to quit her job if her company did not move her back to N America. Could the company have avoided such a situation? Yes, if it had been better prepared to handle a diverse workforce. As part of the relocation exercise, the company should have put both Jesus and the team in Taiwan through cross cultural sensitization. The host team should have been given a detailed briefing about the new member from N America and a ‘buddy’ could have been arranged to soft land Jesus into a completely new culture and living. How do these communication challenges affect the business objectives of the company? A person’s behavior – his attitudes, his beliefs, life style, his thinking, and his responsiveness are all influenced by his cultural background and markers. (Madelinde Daane-van der Houwen, â€Å"Understanding of culture optimizes a global communications strategy†). As companies start to do business with other countries, it becomes evident that there is a compelling need to understand local culture and habits. To persuade people to contribute fruitfully to business objectives, it is important to establish credibility and trust. This is best done by exhibiting an understanding of local habits and ways of life. To be able to recruit and retain the best employees and successfully achieve its business goals, an organization has to value the diversity of its employees and customers and communicate effectively to them. It is true that a diverse workforce helps to build respect for the company brand both internally and externally; through proper handling of cultural sensitivities, misunderstandings can be avoided and closer relationships can be cultivated between the company and customer. Such teams enhance productivity and spur creativity and innovation. And because of a variety of thinking styles and opinions they lead to effective problem resolutions and better decision outcomes. Organizations that believe in espousing cultural diversity and communicating effectively across differences of race, gender, religion, age, geographic background, education, economic and cultural background, and thinking and communication styles. will be committed to creating an inclusive organization where the differences of all people will be respected, valued and utilized towards achieving a common goal adding tremendous value to the way the company conducts its business. References: 1. http://www. thelatimergroup. com/aboutus/newsversions/spotlight_v5issue5. html, 2007 2. http://www. immi. gov. au/media/publications/multicultural/confer/01/speech5a. htm, 1995 3. http://perspectives. larryhollon. com/? p=414, 2006 4. http://journals. cambridge. org/action/displayAbstract? aid=1740740, 2008 (COSTAS M. CONSTANTINOU, OLIVER P. RICHMOND and ALISON M. S. WATSON (2008). International Relations and the challenges of global communication. Review of International Studies, 34 , pp 5-19 doi:10. 1017/S026021050800778X)

Impact of Recent Changes in Capitalism on Social and Economic Status of Women

Introduction The history of women and their oppression has been well documented in literature. Several authors have explored the origin of women oppression. Women’s oppression has its roots in capitalism which has existed for many centuries (Stuart & Martin 1989). Their oppression is of course not unique to capitalism as it has been there since the colonial times and through the 19th century and 20th. However, over the past few decades, we have observed significant changes in capitalism which has impacted on the status of women. Many changes have been observed some of which are positive and others which take a more gloomy view. In this respect, this paper explores how the recent changes in capitalism have affected the social and economic status of women. In particular, the paper considers how post-Fordism and neoliberalism have altered women’s socio-economic position. Changes such as industrialization, urbanization, internationalization, globalization and modernization will be discu ssed in detail. The paper will examine how the concurrent cultural shifts have interacted with these socio-economic transformations and determine what the overall impact of these different factors has been. An exploration of this topic will be incomplete without examining the origin of capitalism and the rise of post fordism and neoliberalism. History of capitalism and crisis of fordism The origin of capitalism remains shrouded in the mists of history. Its exact birth date is speculated to be anywhere between the 14th century and the 17th century (Stuart & Martin 1989). Capitalism emerged from a feudal society and is linked to Europe’s economic system of the late 1700s (Price 2005). It is argued to have begun with the enclosure of common land used by peasants, and development of merchant capital and slave trade in western Europe (Price 2005). Rich landowners appropriated public land and made it their own private land, thereby creating a landless working class which provided the needed labour to develop industries (Harvey 1989). Fordism, a regime characterized by mass production, emerged in the early 20th century. It became dominant in the advanced capitalism during the postwar reconstruction. It was characterized by the mass production of homogenous consumer products, use of rigid technology, increased productivity, rising income which is dependent on product ivity, increased profitability and investments, and homogenization and intensification of labour (Clarke 1990). Fordism gave birth to the current phenomenon of ‘mass worker’. The fordist regime adopted a set of cultural norms and values which continued to oppress women. The regime supported the male breadwinner model where women were seen as mothers and house wives while men worked in paid labour (Castell 1996). Gender relations under this regime required women to work without pay while the male subject was remunerated. However, fordist regime had its limits which were technical, social and economic in nature. Technical limits were mainly the exhaustion and the intensification of labour (Clarke 1990). The economic limits included decrease in profitability which was a result of the rising wages and declining productivity. Social limits were related to the growing demands of mass worker. Post-fordism and neoliberalism Given the crisis of fordism, a new form of ‘post-fordist regime’ emerged which was characterized by the growing differentiation of products, new technologies, more flexible production methods, and greater skill and flexibility, and increased involvement of women in paid labour (Burrow & Loader 2003). Post-fordism emerged primarily due to three main driving forces: internationalization, technology revolution, and as a result of the paradigm shift from fordism to post-fordism (Broomhill 2001). Introduction of the welfare system and the rise of women movement in the post-fordist regime led to the abandonment of the male breadwinner model and women’s financial independence (Broomhill 2001). Several historical events have transformed the social landscape including technological revolution, demise of international communist movement and the collapse of Soviet statism (Castell 1996). Proliferation of technologies centred on information systems have reshaped the social la ndscape and accelerated the pace of development of the society. Moreover, the rise of globalization has led to a new form of relationship between states and economies (Castell 1996). All these changes have been driven and shaped by the neo-liberal thought. Neoliberalism has led to the increasing globalization, decentralization, de-regulation of the market, organizational restructuring, growth and consolidation of transnational corporations, and ‘free marketization’ which has reduced the old state and contractual controls (Acker 2004). Furthermore, new forms of flexibility in employment relations including part-time and online forms of working have emerged, changing the working environment. Post-fordism and neoliberal policies have resulted in the feminization of labour and made men and women both similar in the public sphere (Broomhill 2001). Impact on women’s economic and social status These changes in capitalism have had profound yet contradictory impact on the economic and social status of women. While it has to a large extent improved women’s socio-economic status by undermining older forms of male dominance, it has to some extent worsened their life conditions (Beck et al. 2001). On the positive side, post-Fordism and neoliberalism have altered women’s socio-economic position and disrupted the settled economies that supported patriarchy structures. Post-fordist relations of production have resulted in the inclusion of women in paid labour force. Neoliberal policies have increased flexibility in employment. These changes have changed the way women view themselves and challenged the patriarchic view of domination of women by the men (McRobbie 2008). And since domination essentially occurs through construction of reality, if the women subjects do not internalize patriarchalism, then its demise is just a matter of time. While some religion in some cou ntries, especially Islam, continue to re-state the sanctity of the patriarchal family, its disintegrations is evident in many countries. Women in many countries have joined the paid workforce and even conquered legal parity at work. However, their inclusion in the paid labour force does not necessarily imply that they were relieved of the burden of Partriachalism. It might be that despite working for pay, women still continue with their role of providing domestic and caring labour at home. Nonetheless, their liberation from oppression is clearly evident across the globe. The number of women in paid workforce has been increasing gradually over the years. Estimates indicate that women currently account for about 42% of the global workforce with majority of them employed in the health sector (75%) (WHO 2008). Not only has their economic status improved, their social status has improved as well. Women are increasingly being seen as equals to men including in politics where they were ess entially absent. The political system in many countries has opened up to female leadership. The participation of women in leadership positions and politics is clearly evident in the recent presidential elections in the US where Hillary Clinton contested against President Barack Obama. Many more women leaders have emerged all over the world with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia being the most popularly known in Africa, having won as the first ever female president in Africa. Others include the German chancellor Angela Merkel, President Cristina Fernandez of Argentina, Prime minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh, President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil and many more (Aguirre et al. 2012). The list is certainly endless. In addition, the education system has become more open to the girl child including in fundamentalist countries such as Iran which have seen a growing number of women graduates (Castell 1996). The affirmation and recognition of women’s values, the growing wome n movements and critique of patriarchalism are some of the most important transformations that have contributed to the new status of women. Feminism As women movements continue to fight for their autonomy and recognition of women’s values, the more has feminism diversified. A new frontier has emerged based on the notion of ‘degendering’ of the society which implies a society free from gender associations or rather one that moves beyond gender (Murphy 2011). This new frontier in feminism has superseded the old battles that existed between equality feminism and difference feminism. By mobilizing women to oppose patriarchalism and to defend their rights, feminism has transformed to the point of canceling the distinction between men and women (Sulivan 2007). Men and women are now largely viewed as individuals with meaningful existence, liberating them from the patriarchic burden of responsibilities. This has certainly been very helpful in achieving a more equal society. Women’s role in the development of the economy is increasingly being recognized. Available evidence indicates women to be powerful drivers of economic growth. A study by the Center for Economic and Policy Research found the high rate of women employment to be the driving force of the US economy. The study found that, if women had not entered the workforce over the last 30 years, the economy would have been 11% less. Today, we see several institutions including the World Bank and the Department for International Development (DFID) campaigning for more involvement of women in economic development (Aguirre et al. 2012). According to the World Bank, encouraging the growth of women entrepreneurs is as sure way of fighting poverty. Women are poised to drive the global economy in the next coming decades. Estimates indicate that nearly 1 billion of women across the world might join paid labour over the coming decade (Aguirre et al. 2012). Criticism While there seems to be a progress in women’s socio-economic status driven by post-fordist relations and the neoliberal policies pursued by the several states, some countries continue to follow partriarchalism. Despite its inevitable demise, some countries tend to still follow partriarchal lines which subordinate women under men’s dominance. A good example can be seen with Saudi Arabia. A woman’s place in Saudi Arabia is still in the home. Saudi women continue to walk in the shadow of their men. For example, despite their obvious presence, they are not allowed to participate in the public sphere (Hamdan 2005). They are viewed as non-existing in the public sphere and are silenced in public life. They continue to be subordinated to male individuals in both private and public sectors despite their qualifications. While a progress seems to have been made with respect to their education, at the core of women’s education is sex segregation. Education in Saudi co ntinues to support the prevailing gender structures, implying lower social status of Saudi women (Hamdan 2005). Perhaps more shocking news is the fact that Saudi Women are not allowed to drive. While religious reasons are generally given for denying women the right to drive, it is clear that their place is still in the home. Also, even though many women have progressed economically due to their inclusion in workforce, only a few of them work in the management positions. In spite of the increasing number of women in workplace, many of them are concentrated in the lower-status occupations. For example, while the health sector comprise of 75% of the women workforce, they are concentrated n the lower status working either as nurses and midwifery personnel or as ‘caring’ cadres (WHO 2008). They are largely underrepresented at the managerial level and specialist categories such as dentists, pharmacists, and physicians. Feminist critique of sexism seems to have given justifica tion to new forms of exploitation and oppression. With more women joining the paid workforce, the ‘family wage’ model central to state-organized capitalism which viewed men as the ‘breadwinners’ and women as ‘home makers’ has now been replaced by the newer, more modern norm of ‘two-earner’ family (Fraser 2013). While this may sound like good news, the reality is that post-fordism and neoliberal ideas have resulted in depressed wage levels, increased job insecurity, exacerbation of double shifts and the increase in the number of working hours (Fraser 2013). What was once the ‘family wage’ in capitalism has now been replaced by a low-waged work. Majority of their work has not really brought liberation rather a ‘tedious reality’ far from the perceived image of a working woman (Frank 1999). They remain relegated to lower positions at work. Even with many women being employed either in full or part-time positio ns, they are not getting to the ‘top’. Also, where their role is clearly evident, women continue to suffer from some level of hostility and public disapproval. For example, when it comes to journalism, women have proved flexible and able to forge new approaches. Their adaptability to new approaches is clearly evident with their news coverage of the September 11 events, the overthrow of Taliban forces and the bombing of Afghanistan (Chambers 2004). Women journalists developed different angles in their approach to war journalism, thereby attracting more news audiences. Yet despite the critical role that they played, a heated public debate emerged about the risks of reporting in war zones. It is clear that despite their liberation from oppression, women are still defined in terms of men. As wives and mothers, women clearly continue to suffer from some level of hostility and public disapproval that men with families do not ( Chambers 2004 p.13) In addition, some recent even ts have pointed to the renewed crisis of capitalism. There is currently a crisis of profitability which is facing capitalism. The profit rates are falling and many firms have been laying off workers. British capitalism is particularly in a crisis given its relatively weak position compared to other imperialist nations (FRFI 2013). The current focus on the growth of the private sector implies that priority has been placed on industrial development over social objectives. Workers wages have been cut to a massive extent and unemployment seems to be growing. Given this crisis, capitalism is now insisting on women returning to their traditional roles as domestic workers (FRFI 2013). Neoliberal ideas contributing to sexism While the recent changes experienced by capitalism seem to have contributed to the recognition of women as gender equals, recent developments continue to enact sexism. For example, many advertisements of today show nude pictures of women. What this means is that the male gaze is invited and encouraged as women continue to become objects of the gaze. Moreover, many clubs continue to feature young women stripping, lap-dancing and flashing out their breasts in public (McRobbie 2009). A hyper-culture of commercial sexuality seem to be growing, an aspect that is clearly a repudiation of feminism. Even the young women journalists who through their education are ‘gender aware’ refuse to condemn such acts of commercial sexuality. It seems like the new female Subject is called upon by the society to withhold critique and to remain silent despite her freedom. Consumer and popular culture seem to be introducing invidious forms of gender re-stabilization by pretending to support fem ale success yet tying the female subject to new post-feminist neurotic dependencies (McRobbie 2009). In order to be considered a modern sophisticated girl, the female subjects choose to withhold their critique despite their obvious image as sexual objects of men’s gaze. With the progress seen with women’s socio-economic status, one might think that the feminists are happy to see the things they fought so hard to have come true. However, what has emerged is different from what was desired (Cornwall et al 2008). Neoliberal values seem to have created space under which women can be further oppressed and their core values undermined. The culture of neoliberalism has led to the idea of self-sufficiency and free choice. All that one has to do is to compete in the market place. Some women have even gone to great lengths to make themselves acceptable to the world of work by performing cosmetic surgery under the illusion of having freedom choice to make their own decisions (Gup ta 2012). Yet some of their work goes against their core values. Many women have ventured into the sex industry under the illusion of having control over their lives. They have chosen this kind of work in the spirit of freedom of expression of their sexuality and believe that the work is liberation from the drudgery of cleaning jobs (Gupta 2012). However, the so called freedom of expression is actually reducing them to the status of ‘commodity’ and as objects of ‘men gaze’. Feminism which once fought for the liberation of women from oppression has become entangled in a dangerous liaison with neoliberal efforts to build a free market society (Fraser 2013). It has led to the notion of ‘freedom of choice’ which ultimately has given rise to prostitution. Feminists’ perspective on prostitution, however, is an interesting one. Feminists argue that prostitutes are social workers and have in fact used their social concepts to contend for decrimi nalization of prostitution (Sullivan 2007). Feminists have formed strong links with prostitutes resulting in advances in the area of prostitution law reform. The feminist position of the sex industry is one that empowers women as long as they choose to participate. But what is progressive about women’s participation in prostitutionCan women really progress by becoming sexual objects and objects of male gazeWhat is revolutionary about legalizing prostitutionIn fact, legalizing prostitution just makes women to become sexual commodities. The fight against sexism that has long been fought for by feminists seems to have ended up again to encouraging it. The progress in women that we have seen so far will not continue if women continue to follow neoliberal ideology that values individual ‘choice’ and ‘freedom’ over emancipation. Selling their bodies will not provide them with independence and empowerment that they seek but rather it will just reinforce mal e power and privilege. Trafficking of women and children Further, neoliberal ideology has led to the growing trafficking of women and children. This is particularly evident in Asia and the pacific region where human trafficking has grown to become a booming business. Millions of children in the pacific region are traded to work in brothels or sweatshops. Human trafficking has not grown by accident but as a result of free trade and structural adjustments brought about by neo-liberalism. Sex trafficking is currently a growing market in some parts of Eastern Europe, most notably Romania and Albania (FRFI 2013) Conclusion There is no doubt that the socio-economic status of women has improved following the recent changes in capitalism. This is evident in their inclusion in the paid workforce, their enrollment in eductation and increased participation in the public sphere including in politics. However, to some extent, these changes have painted a gloomy picture with regard to the status of women. A vast majority of them continue to occupy positions at the low levels of the organization. Also they continue to suffer from some level of hostility and public disapproval. Neoliberal ideology has led to their increasing commodification and increased trafficking of women and children. A hyper-culture of commercial sexuality seem to be growing, an aspect that is clearly a repudiation of feminism. Nonetheless, a huge progress has been made. Today, there are many successful women in the capitalist society. In fact, many women seem to have embraced the capitalism and showed support of it due to their improved soc ial and economic status. If their status is to be further improved in post-fordist employment, policy initiatives must address the issues of women’s employment, skills and training (Burrows & Loader 2003). Furthermore, there is need for public policy to challenge the polarized labour market that has emerged from post-fordism. Neo-liberal policies which support the development of a polarized market are socially divisive. Also, feminist scholars need to caution Women against prostitution. Selling their bodies will not provide them with independence and empowerment that they seek but rather it will just reinforce male power and privilege Reference Acker, J., 2004. ‘Gender, capitalism and globalization’. Critical Sociology, vol. 30 (1), pp.17-41 Aguirre, D., Hoteit, L., Rupp, C. and Sabbagh, K., 2012. 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Cornwall, A., Gideon, J. and Wilson, K., 2008. ‘Introduction: reclaiming feminism: gender and neoliberalism’. IDS Bulletin, vol. 39 (6) Franks, S., 1999. Having None of It: Men, Women and the Future of Work, Granta. FRFI, 2013. Women’s oppression under capitalism. Revolutionary Communist Group [viewed on 3rd May 2014] available from http://www.revolutionarycommunist.org/index.php/women-s-oppression/2850-women-s-oppression-under-capitalism Gupta, R., 2012. Has neoliberalism knocked feminism sideways[viewed on 3rd May 2014] available from http://www.opendemocracy.net/5050/rahila-gupta/has-neoliberalism-knocked-feminism-sideways Hamdan, A., 2005. ‘Women and education in Saudi Arabia: challenges and achievements’. International Education Journal, vol.6 (1), pp.42-64 Harvey, Da., 1989. The Condition of Postmodernity. Blackwell. Jessop, B., 2008. Post-fordism and the state, UK, Lancaster Murphy, M., 2011. A progressive dialogue: building a progressive feminist movement in neo-liberal times. [viewed on 3rd May 2014] available from http://rabble.ca/news/2011/10/progressive-dialogue-building-progressive-feminist-movement-neo-liberal-times Price, R.G., 2005. Understanding capitalism part IV: Capitalism, culture and society. [Viewed on 2nd May 2014] available from http://www.rationalrevolution.net/articles/capitalism_culture.htm Stuart, H and Martin J, 1989. New Times: The Changing Face of Politics in the 1990s. Lawrence & Wishart Whelan, Imelda, 2000. Overloaded: Popular Culture and the Future of Feminism, The Women’s Press. Sullivan, B., 2007. Feminist approaches to the sex industry. Australia: University of Queensland World Health Organization (WHO), 2008. Gender and health workforce statistics. World Health Organization.