The Influence of the Western Culture on the Essay Example

The Influence of the Western Culture on the Essay Introduction Culture is a broad term which has been described by various philosophers since decades. It has been claimed by Raymond Williams to be â€Å"†¦one of the two or three most complicated words in English language† (Williams, 1976). Different definitions of the term, culture may have distinct descriptive ways and criterion to evaluate human activity. It is important to define the broad base of the sophisticated term ‘culture’, in the sense used later in the paper, to narrow down the discussion on our topic. Culture is a word stemming from a Latin word ‘cultura’ which means to cultivate (Harper, 2008). It is defined by Findley and Rothney as, â€Å"systems of symbols and meanings that even their creator contest, which lack fixed boundaries, that are constantly in flux, and that interact and compete with one another (Findley Rothney, 2006). This is the defination of culture I would be using here on. The authors describe culture to be a system of symbols having blurred boundries. The curx however is to see how do we recognize these system of symbols? The answer to this question is provided by Williams who says that culture can be judged or embedded in music, literature,lifestyle, painting and sculputure,theater and film and similar things (Williams, 1976). These dimensions are common to all cultures. In the foreface of the rapid globalization and the interaction in the past, these dimensions of various cultures are often influenced by each other. The following Paper discusses the influence of the dimensions of western culture to the respective dimensions of the subcontinental culture and vice versa. We will write a custom essay sample on The Influence of the Western Culture on the specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Influence of the Western Culture on the specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Influence of the Western Culture on the specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The subcontinential culture, is the culture refering to the South Asian region which includes the modern day India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Sirilanka. The major influene on the subcontinental cultrue came first with the arrival of the British in India in the early 1600’s. The British brought with them the rest of Western culture customs and traditions. The traditional religions and cutltures in the subcontinent were slowly subverted. The conversion of people from the prevailent religion in the subcontinent played an important role in the change in the traditional culture. The converts to chiristanity were encouraged not only to give up their religion but also their traditions and cultures. A fine christian convert would dress like an Englishman and imitate English behaviour in all things. Thus the converts to Christanity were buoyant to think behave and live like the Englishmen. The English education system was introducced by the then Governer Generals’ council in Calcutta (East India) 1 The influence of the western culture on the Sub continental culture and vice versa Thomas Babington Macaulay (1800 1859), aimed at producing Indians who were English in taste. This progressive system was implemented all over India providing Western education. To the Sub continent people, this was perceived as much more of an enlightenment than exploitation as more people could go to collages built by foreign rulers. It gave them the aura of becoming more civilized, rational and modern by acquiring the knowledge. This is also one of the reasons of no significant initial resistance to the shift in the cultural values (Sundaram, 2006). This extensive educational programs resulted into well read sub continent scholars and writers. In the late 1800’s the literature started to take its turn and produced much more writings in English by local people than ever before. It also gave birth to notable writers such as Bharati Mukherjee and Jhumpa Lahiri. Globalization of the world has had its influence on the sub continental culture as well. In a modern day scenario people are instantly connected and communicating with each other than ever before. The products produced in one part of the world are easily available in the other part and international traveling has just become a norm. The world is very interdependent today and we are living in an era where information travels like the speed of light. While some people might think that globalization is just about making business without any restrictions, it is much more than that. At the same time Globalization allows different cultures to combine and integrate through having common social activists, labor organizers, journalists, academics and many others (Sundaram, 2006). Music, theater and the film industry has also been broadly influenced by the increased globalization. Music has been a center stone of the sub continental background. It has been traditionaly been based on the simple melodies and is regarded as one of the most well-developed systems of the classical world. The classical beats of the conventional music provide the true cultural and the traditional taste to the sub continental music. Later in the 13th Centruy the sub continental music remained under the influence of the Islamic presence. There is a faction who believes that the classic sub continental traditional music dates back to Amir Khusro, one of the singers in the Mughal Empire. The remarkable poetry by some famous poets brought the traditional music to new hieghts. However the first influence of the sub continental music of such kind was widely evident in the 1960’s when it found its way in the form of some extra ordinary play of the sitar (a voiln type instrument) by Ravi Shankar on the famous Beatles album, Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. The sub continental music made its way into the west with the well known players such as Ravi Shankar and Ali Akbar Khan. This was the first time that the Sub continental music started to acquire Western students. The classical music 2 The influence of the western culture on the Sub continental culture and vice versa was brought to the attention of the western world (Manas, 2006). Even today we see traces of the classical sub continental music in the rap songs such as the Indian flute sung by Timbaland. There are other various singers who use the rhythmic Sub continental beats in their music. Ghazals, the poetic compositions that aspire more than do popular film songs to poetic qualities are also very popular among the west: the subject here is usually the loss, memory, and remembrance of love. A prime example of the influence to the west is the famous Ghazal singer Nusrat Fateh Ali khan. He has been the â€Å"king of Qawalis† as he is labeled in Pakistan. Mr. Khan’s popular work (Qawalis/Ghazals) has been a part of international books, series, plays and movies. His famous songs have been played in the famous movie Bend it like Beckham, the TV series Sex and the City and various other international stages. The cultural music of the sub continent has therefore influenced the western cinema and music in a subtle but obvious way (Manas, 2006). This does not end here, the traditional beats of the Punjabi Bhangra dance were/are increasingly being remixed by various south asian Dj’s to add a different intercultureal flavour to the traditional Bhangara. The traditional beats of the bhangra dance are mixed with house, reggae and hip-hop to create a newsensation to the music. These remixes became immesnsely popular in the Uk and the USA by the end of the 90’s. One of the famous bands which resulted in this fusion of cultural music was the Punjabi MC, whose songs are a part of the playlists in almost all the disc clubs in the western society. It is easy to see here how the fusion of the music style in terms of other generes of raggae, Rap or hip-hop attacks the fundamentalism of the sub continental music. By producing such music the artists put the racial signifiers of being essentially sub continental or south asian at risk. Since the bhangra music is a type of music signiying the region of south asia (sub continent), this diffusion of the music with the integration of western elements creates disputes of identity and the ownership of the remixed music. On the other hand however, the remixed veriosn of the bhangra music offers the displaced sub continent people mainly in the USA and the UK a way to express themselves in a western society. This offers them a channel to prove that their remixed version of the bhangra has been an effort through social difficulties and is truly authentic. This does not end here, side by side the influence of the Western Music has also overshadowed the Sub continental musical industry. The Sub continental music has become under increased influence of the western â€Å"rock and pop† culture. This is primarily true for the younger generation who prefer westeren music over the sub continental numbers. The entire process of making music has also been westerenised. The focus now is not on live performances of talent and intruments but more on back stage artificial manipulation of the 3 The influence of the western culture on the Sub continental culture and vice versa sounds which apeal to the changing demands of the new generation (Sabharwal, 2007). According to the Times of India meagazine almost 80 percent of the songs played in the sub continent today are of westeren influence. Aadesh Srivastava, a renowned Indian music director argues that the Indian music has been damaged by the â€Å"cut-copy-paste culture†, whereby the directors copy the theme and the essence of the music to reproduce it with a hint of modification. This â€Å"cut-copy-paste culture† is the reason why we see most of the sub continental music being a sister production of the western music. The traditional and the classical instruments such at the tabla and the harmonium are being substituted by the western invented drums and violins, explains the contemporary musicians like Vineet Arora (Sabharwal, 2007). He further explains the instruments such as the drums and the Violin, â€Å"†¦are easier to operate and learn so we’ve never felt the need to introduce sun continental instruments in our band† (Sabharwal, 2007). The influence of the Western culture to the Sub continental culture is carried forward by the powerful media, films and theater widely active in both regions. Western media culture has created major inroads in the sub continental film industry through Hollywood influencing Bollywood and Lollywood. The sub continent youngsters now are increasingly challenging the traditions and norms of the society. This is the result of the trend of western elements taking part in the Sub continental films, such as Rachel Shelley in Lagaan. The sub continental films are trying to raise their production standards to meet those seen by the western films. There have also been a number of films being shot overseas and adopting English in their scripts. This trend can be clearly seen in the Films such as â€Å"Kal Ho Naa HO†. The film has shown explicitly the influence of the Hollywood has on the sub continent culture. On the other hand the films from the biggest film industry in the world, in terms of the number of movie produced i. e. Bollywood, are attracting great number of non-subcontinent origin viewers around the world, especially in Europe and the USA. As the number of western viewers increase there is an increased number of western investments in the sub continental cinema, especially to produce movies which interpret the sub continental culture for western viewers. Some prime examples of this are the movies such as â€Å"Pride and the prejudice† and â€Å"Monsoon Wedding† produced by foreign investment. The Western symbolic icons such as MTV have been swiftly accepted by the sub continent. An example of a TV series â€Å"Rodies† aired by MTV India is noteworthy. This TV show is an on field series of a contest such as the famous American â€Å"Survivor† series. The western impact has also made it fashionable to wear tight jeans and have ideas such as sex before marriage which have not been portrayed before in the local culture. The concept of 4 The influence of the western culture on the Sub continental culture and vice versa nudity is also creeping into the sub continental film industry. Even though the sub continental films are traditionally based on the romantic story based on the idea of love, the movies in the past have been conservative on showing romantic scenes in the movies. The movies like â€Å"Monsoon Wedding† have changed that perception. Such kinds of films are on the rise and therefore have an influence on the audience of the movies. The other source of western influence to the sub continental culture is from the Non Resident sub continent people; these are people from the sub continental origin who have lived in the West. They have been exposed to the western ideas and culture thoroughly. When Film producers such the Canadian Indian Deepa Metha produce films, they are preoccupied with the western influence. Mr Metha produced a film â€Å"Fire† which showed a lesbian love story. This sort of western influence, even though might be rejected by many of the sub continent population is slowly inching into the film industry and from the film industry to the mainstream sub continental culture (papers, 2005). The lifestyle of the sub continental people is also chaning raidly with the major impetus coming from the westeren sources. A late night walk around the milti million inhabitant city of Bombay, Bangalore or Karachi would ascertian the fact that the lifestyle is drifting from its traditional cultural way of life (Michael, n. d. ). There is a shift of the social life in the sub continent. One can easily observe youndsters mingling openly in the streets and consuming alcahol freely (Michael, n. d. ). The dress code has changed swiftly over the years aswell. Saris (a traditional subcontinental dress) are being replaced with the thight jeans or skirts. The brand conciousnes is common aswell is the fast food culture of Mcdonads and KFC among the masses in the urban areas. The â€Å"Public display of affection (PDA)† as Mr. Kamekish puts it, is common (Kamekish, 2007). One may argue that all this is the trickle down effect from what the media projects to the people. All the latest fashions, trends and lifestyle tips projected through the TV screens ans the cenimas is refelcted in the everyday lifestyle of the urban sub continental people. On the other hand the Western culture is also not far from the sub continental influence. The western lifestyle has also been vastly influenced by the sub continental culture. The golorious influences of the designers industry has kept the western fashion indusry busy. The desginers such as Jean Paul Gautier and Alexander McQueen have vastly included sub continental designs into their collections portfolio. Gautier infact has dedicated a whole collection called the â€Å"Indian Chiaroscuro†, which reflects the traditional designs of the Sub 5 The influence of the western culture on the Sub continental culture and vice versa contienent (Karthik, 2005). The international fashion icons such as Giorgio Amrani, Valentino, Christian Lacroix and Emmanuel Ungaro are getting the services of craftsmen from India to craft their creations with the artistic hand work embroidery to vie in the international market. The other major example of the cultural influence is the famous Pashimina shawls. These pure silk hand knitten pieces of cloth have been a desire of many women around the world. The cultural influence does not end in the clothing industry. The other fashion brands such as Cartier have also been prejudiced by the sub continental culture. The traditional carved coloured stones and the hand work on the precious jewels stemming from the persian and Indian decorative design have been extensively used in the products displayed by Cartier (Karthik, 2005). The influence of the sub continental lifestyle in the fashion industry has cetianly produced some remarkable pieces of art and fashion. Other than this the traditional artefacts produced in the sub continent have been increasingly finding their way into the western homes. The famous Indian poterry and the traditional hand weaven carpets have made huge inroads in the shops around the western world. The cultural influence of the western world in the form of sculpture and architecture has had a long lasting effect on the sub continent. The European colonisits brought the new concept of the western sculuptural art to india. They were very affluent in the Neo-classical, Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance style of sturctural design. The initial sturctures built by the colonists were warehouses and walled trading posts aswell as forted townships along the costline (India Net Zone, n. d. ). The St. Francis Church, built by Portuguese in 1510, is regarded as the first church built by Europeans in India. The Portuguese were first to built the forts like Castella De Aguanda near Mumbai. They added fortification to the Bassein fort built by Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujrat, in 1532 AD (India Net Zone, n. d. ). The sub continent architecture also can be seen having some Danish influence as well; the Nagapatnam church in the state of Tamil Nadu in India is the clear evidence of this. Similarly the French influence can be noticed in the Eglise De Sacre Coeur De Jesus or the Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Eglise De Notre Dame de Anges and the Eglise de Notre Dame De Lourdes at Pondicherry. However the impact of the British on the architectural culture of the sub continent was the greatest. They started off by building mainly factories for business purposes but soon they started building courts, schools, municipal buildings and Dak Bungalows, which were normal buildings built by army engineers. The most well known architects of that time designed and constructed buildings all over the sub continent. Many of the structures erected were a derivative of the famous buildings in London and other places in England. For example, the 6 The influence of the western culture on the Sub continental culture and vice versa church of St. John at Calcutta, built in 1787 was a replication of the St. Stephens Church at Walbrooks, the Government House in Calcutta, built by Captain Charles Wyatt was re-sculpted on the Kedleston Hall of Derbyshire, the Indian Government Mint in Calcutta was a semi- replica of the Temple of Minerva at Athens and the Pachaiyappa`s Hall in Chennai was the duplication of the Athenium Temple of Theseus (India Net Zone, n. d. ). The Neo-Gothic style of architecture was also evident under the British rule. The Secretariat, University Library, Rajabai Tower, Telegraph Office all adopted the Victorian Gothic style, similar to buildings in London† (India Net Zone, n. d. ). Another noteworthy piece of architecture is the St. Martin`s Garrison Church in Delhi which is considered as zenith of the British architectural ventures in the sub continent and the Victoria Terminus in Bombay (Mumbai), designed by architect Frederick William Stevens followed the St. Pancras Station, London. The Church is a huge structure with a high square tower and deeply sunken window shelves, which is a souvenir of Dutch and German architecture (India Net Zone, n. . ). There has been a reciprocal impact of the Sub continental traditional architecture on that of the western world. During the late 19th century there was an adept feeling of orientalism in the western societies. Many of the renowned architects of that time felt the need to look at what the sub continent had to offer before working on a major project. It was also common for the young architects to travel to India in search of the mystique and oriental designs the region had to offer (Pochoy, 2002 ). The fascination for exotic styles was foremost ignited by the considerable display of the sub continental art at various international exhibitions around the world. The various artifacts from the sub continent were according to the famous philosopher considered to be of good designs from the people who are faithful to their art as they are faithful to their religion, habits and thoughts which inspired the former (Oshinsky, 2004). Today the structures like the Taj Mahal in India still startle the eyes of most western societies. The sculptures of such magnificent buildings along with others such as the huge exuberantly decorated vases can be seen in the western homes. There are also other influences between the dimensions of both the western and the sub continental cultures which can be classified as food habits, family structures and the use of foreign lingo. The sub continental cuisine has had huge in roads into the western culture. Europe in general and England in particular enjoys the sub continental oriental food through the enormous amount of restaurants easily located all over the region. The amount of sub continental restaurant in England has risen dramatically from only 500 in 1960 to an estimated 7 The influence of the western culture on the Sub continental culture and vice versa number of 9350 in 2007 (Facts, 2008). This phenomenal growth in the sub continental cuisine in the western society such as England provides strong signals of how the western taste is being influenced by the sub continental cuisine. On the other hand the British tradition of having evening tea has been picked up by the sub continental society. The subcontinent consumes an estimate of 900 million kilos of tea altogether which is around 30 percent of the world’s total tea production (Mandal, 2003) (Hasan, 2005) (Isphani, 2003). The family structure of the sub continents is also being vastly influenced by the Western culture. Traditionally it is a norm to have large families in the sub continent. However this culture is changing and the enforcement of the family planning schemes based on the western research are changing the family structure of the sub continent. The empowerment of the women has also influenced the traditionally subdued role of the women in the family. The traditional joint family system is slowly changing into a nuclear family system. The educated class and the new generation have certainly adopted a family structure compatible with the western culture. The influence of language usage from the west has been widely felt. English was the second most commonly reported language to be used, after the mother tongue in the sub continent according to a survey conducted by Annika Hohenthal who included all the top universities in the sub continent in his research (Hohenthal, 2003). 8 The influence of the western culture on the Sub continental culture and vice ersa Conclusion: People today are linked to each other today more than they ever were. The global forces have made the developing world countries to stay in close contact with the developed world. There is a meeting of the global cultures mainly because of the connection created through the television, music, sporting events, the same news, sitcoms, soap operas, theater, corporate foo d chains and the same glamorous lifestyle (Hong, 2000). This is the reason why the current era can be described as â€Å"The Era of Globalization of culture†. Western culture is the â€Å"machine culture† (Straggler, 2008). This is because as the historian Arnold Toynbee said that the mankind has made more progress in the 200 years since the industrial revolution than in the previous 10,000 years. This is the prime reason that the west with its â€Å"machines† is very attractive to the ever developing sub continent. To have a western influence on the sub continental culture is inevitable. To dress like a westerner is a part of being influenced by the â€Å"machine culture†. A villager in the rural areas of the sub continent dresses acts and thinks differently than a person in the urban town center. As the sub continent becomes more prosperous it would keep straying from its traditions, cultures and norms (Straggler, 2008). We should relish the sub continental culture and be prepared for radical changes in the same. On the other hand the western culture is influenced by the sub continental culture as it is something oriental and different from what they have. The aura of sensation and mystique found in the sub continental culture is appealing to the western society. With the â€Å"The Era of Globalization of culture† underway the influence of the sub continent culture on the western culture would also certainly take a steep flight. The influence of the western culture on the Sub continental culture and vice versa Bibliography Facts, F. . (2008, March 3). Facts, Figures Market Research. Retrieved April 12, 2008, from Facts, Figures Market Research: http://209. 85. 135. 104/search? q=cache:zzhZ6LCNLGgJ:www. menu2menu. com/indfact. html+total+number+of+Indian+restaurants+i n+londonhl=enct=clnkcd=1 Findley, C. V. , Rothney, J. A. (2006). Twentieth? century World. In C. V. Findley, J. A. Rothney, Twentieth? century World (p. 14). Harper, D.

The History of the Brassiere - Mary Phelps Jacob

The History of the Brassiere - Mary Phelps Jacob The first modern brassiere to receive a patent was the one invented in 1913 by a New York socialite named Mary Phelps Jacob. Jacob had just purchased a sheer evening gown for one of her social events. At the time, the only acceptable undergarment was a corset stiffened with whaleback bones. Jacob found that the whalebones poked out visibly around the plunging neckline and under the sheer fabric. Two silk handkerchiefs and some pink ribbon later, Jacob had designed an alternative to the corset. The corsets reign was starting to topple. An unhealthy and painful device designed to narrow an adult womens waist to 13, 12, 11 and even 10 inches or less, the invention of the corset is attributed to Catherine de Mà ©dicis, wife of King Henri II of France. She enforced a ban on thick waists at court attendances during the 1550s and started over 350 years of whalebones, steel rods and midriff torture. Jacobs new undergarment complimented the new fashion  trends  introduced at the time and demands from friends and family were high for the new brassiere. On November 3, 1914, a U.S. patent for the Backless Brassiere was issued. Caresse Crosby Brassieres Caresse Crosby was the business name Jacob used for her brassiere production line. However, running a business was not enjoyable to Jacob and she soon sold the brassiere patent to the Warner Brothers Corset Company in Bridgeport, Connecticut for $1,500. Warner (the bra-makers, not the movie-makers) made over fifteen million dollars from the bra patent over the next thirty years. Jacob was the first to patent an undergarment named Brassiere derived from the old French word for upper arm. Her patent was for a device that was lightweight, soft and separated the breasts naturally. History of the Brassiere Here are other points in the history of the brassiere worth mentioning: In 1875, manufacturers George Frost and George Phelps patented the Union Under-Flannel, a no bones, no eyelets and no laces or pulleys under-outfit.In 1893, a woman named Marie Tucek patented the breast supporter. The device included separate pockets for the breasts and straps that went over the shoulder, fastened by hook-and-eye closures.In 1889, corset-maker Herminie Cadolle invented the Well-Being or Bien-à ªtre, a bra-like device sold as a health aid. The corsets support for the breasts squeezed up from below. Cadolle changed breast support to the shoulders down.World War I dealt the corset a fatal blow when the U.S. War Industries Board called on women to stop buying corsets in 1917. It freed up some 28,000 tons of metal!In 1928, a Russian immigrant named Ida Rosenthal founded Maidenform. Ida was responsible for grouping women into bust-sized categories (cup sizes). Bali WonderBra The Bali Brassiere Company was founded by Sam and Sara Stein in 1927 and was originally called the FayeMiss Lingerie Company. The companys best-known product has been the WonderBra, marketed as The One And Only WonderBra. Wonderbra is the trade name for an underwired bra with side padding that is designed to uplift and  add  cleavage. Bali launched the WonderBra in the U.S. in 1994. But the first WonderBra was the WonderBra - Push Up Plunge Bra, invented in 1963 by Canadian designer Louise Poirier. According to Wonderbra USA this unique garment, the forerunner of todays Wonderbra push-up bra had 54 design elements that lifted and supported the bust to create dramatic cleavage. Its precision engineering involved three-part cup construction, precision-angled back and underwire cups, removable pads called cookies, gate back  design for support  and rigid straps.

Garmin Analysis - Following the Business Decisions Research Paper

Garmin Analysis - Following the Business Decisions - Research Paper Example Apart from this, Garmin’s return on capital employed, equity and shareholders’ funds have all declined due to lower profitability in 2011. There are no significant changes recorded in the balance sheet of the company apart from the increase in investment in marketable securities and the issuance of additional paid in capital (Garmin, 2011). Â   2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 Current Ratio 2.98 3.73 3.50 4.14 2.91 Acid Test Ratio 2.51 3.16 3.05 3.25 2.28 Return on Capital Employed 0.27 0.39 0.49 0.77 0.89 Return on Equity 0.16 0.19 0.25 0.33 0.36 Return on Ordinary Shareholders' Funds (ROSF) 28.98 32.52 70.30 73.15 78.81 (Garmin, 2011; Garmin, 2010; Garmin, 2009; Garmin, 2008) Cash Flow Trends As far as the cash flows from operating activities are concerned, the company managed to improve the picture through efficient performance in 2011. Although the net income of the company declined slightly in comparison with the previous financial year, the management still managed to sh ow an increase in the operating cash flows. Â   2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 Operating Cash Flows 822,334 770,637 1,094,456 862,164 682,088 Investing Cash Flows (488,198) (72,869) (547,869) (56,349) (175,695) Financing Cash Flows (307,413) (510,821) (161,243) (809,109) (136,117) (Garmin, 2011; Garmin, 2010; Garmin, 2009; Garmin, 2008) On the other hand, cash flows from investing activities remained negative as they have continued to be the same in the past years. However, in 2011 there has been a significant rise in the negative balance of cash outflows from investing activities. The reason behind this significant increase is the purchase of marketable securities by the company worth $ 1,172,555,000 in 2011. Similar to the trends shown in cash flows from investing activities, the cash flows from financing activities have also continued to show negative balance in 2011 as they have been in the previous four years. Major Capital Expenditures The major capital expenditures of the company in 2011, as mentioned earlier in the balance sheet analysis, included the purchase of $ 1,172,555,000. This purchase is in line with the investment policy of the company, in light of which, the company aims at investing in less risky securities. In 2011, the net investments of Garmin in fixed securities increased to $ 491 million as compared to the figure of $ 25.5 million in 2010. The result of these safe play investment decisions has earned Garmin returns of 1.7 percent in 2011 (Garmin, 2011). Although this investment policy may be justified on the grounds that there are still traces of the recent financial crisis which can influence risky play, but at the same time, it is expected that Garmin’s management shall be more prolific in determining the course of its business by exploring investment or capital expenditure options which are more effective and helpful in enabling the company to regain its lost momentum (Cavallaro, 2009). Apart from this, the company acquired severa l business entities, which is appreciable since it will allow the company to stretch its market presence further. The recently acquired business entities include NAVIGON AG, TriTronics Inc. and two other worldwide distributing companies. Although the company has faced fierce competition from other brands and has faced threatening anticipations of market share loss due to the popularity gained by smart

American Identity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

American Identity - Essay Example Since long, United States has been the looked up to by the activists of the entire world as the nation that has optimum respect for the individual rights and liberty. The identity of the United States basically is restored upon the various principles that the country has followed like that of tolerance and individual freedom. Among other pillars of the nation, the equality for all irrespective of ones caste, creed or colour and the success of democracy are noteworthy. It is perceived that in the United States, individuals have the opportunity to create ones own fortune in one field or the other. In this amazing nation, the colour of one’s skin is never a hindrance or advantage to any to excel in any of the arenas. It is the quality with in the professionals that matters. It is probably possible only in the United States where many of the college drop outs start working in their family garage with the hopes of making some thing big like Microsoft or Google or Apple. It is only in America, where athletes like Carl Lewis and Maurice Green could excel their potentials and create world records. It is only in America where despite the war against terrorism, one can voice his reservations against the mal-treatments by the armed forces in the name of peace keeping. It is possible only in America where a minority by religion gets elected at the highest constitutional position by record vote in these trying times. The United States was one of the initiating countries to prohibit slavery under the leadership of Abraham Lincoln. Another prominent leader of the United States, Martin Luther King Jr., took several measures so that the black men and other disadvantaged citizens get compensated for historical wrongs. The American identity can also be recognised with the great American dream. As James Adams observed, it was â€Å"better, richer and happier life†. The essence of the American dream can also be documented with the Declaration of Independence, which says,

Feasibility study for chosen business. Fast food restaurant Research Paper

Feasibility study for chosen business. Fast food restaurant - Research Paper Example Cambridge Fast Food is a small domestic fast food outlet in Cambridge which is intended to transform itself into a fast food restaurant by means of innovative and resourceful strategies towards the entity's impression and in-depth manifestation. The food point is registered with Department of Food and Live Stock. Cambridge Fast-Food (CFF) is furnishing a mixture of wonderful foodstuff and future plan is to offer unparallel food at discount rates with entertaining environment. CFF will address the general public for local recipes, Italian dishes, as well as Chinese and Indian food. The major aim is to offer the customers with highest quality services and products to keep them staying again and again. CFF believe that by getting crucial financial support through its sale within two years, the company will be able to capture 10-20% of the fast food market in Cambridge. The restaurant has estimated that it will enjoy a 37.3% profit for its investment by the end of April, 2013. Fast food is a foodstuff that is readily available and dished up promptly at sites known as fast-food bistros. This is the multi-billion dollar business which inturn keeps on progressing extremely fast around numerous international locations. A fast-food restaurant is somewhat different from fast-food points or outlets as it is recognized from nominal service and by meals simultaneously that may be presented immediately soon after placing the order. The food items around such dining places is usually prepared in volume upfront plus preserved hot for its reuse. A lot of fast-food restaurants are section of reputable restaurants or franchise's, while standard food products are supplied to every eating venue through main sites. As compared to some other food

Analysis Of Gorgias And Plato

Analysis Of Gorgias And Plato Plato was one of the most important Greek philosophers in our time. He founded the Academy in Athens, an institution devoted to research and instruction in philosophy and the sciences; the first institution of higher learning in the Western world. His works on philosophy, politics and mathematics were very influential and laid the foundations for Euclids systematic approach to mathematics. Gorgias is a dialogue in which Plato sets the rhetorician Gorgias in opposition to the philosopher Socrates; Platos mentor. Gorgias was a Sicilian philosopher, orator, and rhetorician. He is believed by many scholars to be one of the founders of sophism ; a movement traditionally associated with philosophy that emphasizes the practical application of rhetoric toward civic and political life. The dialogue begins right after Gorgias had given a speech at an exhibition where he answered questions put forth to him however Socrates missed this. Socrates was offered to visit Gorgias and was allowed to question him as long as he liked. Socrates wanted to hear from him what is the nature of his art, and what it is which he professes and teaches. Socrates initiates by asking Gorgias what he is and what rhetoric is and Gorgias replies in a typical rhetoricians manner, using smooth language and seemingly sophisticated structure and not really answering the question at all. Gorgias is referred to rhetoric as an art. Rhetoric signifies The art or study of using language effectively and persuasively. Even though Gorgias practices rhetoric, he was not very convincing when answering questions done by Socrates. He gave short answers and was instantly refuted by Socrates in a very convincing fashion. Polus is also not very convincing as he is being accused by Socrates of speechifying rather than answering questions: Polus has been taught how to make a capital speech Interestingly, Socrates did not accept rhetoric as an art yet he was practicing this art while asking Gorgias questions. He was trying to convince the three speakers that rhetoric was rather an experience rather than an art. Gorgias claims that rhetoric is an art which treats of discourse but says that all the the other arts which work fully through the means of words is not considered to be rhetoric. The question is: What is so different about rhetoric that uses its power of persuasion and all the other arts that also use this power? The dialogue moves on to talk about power, evil happiness. According to Polus rhetoric equals power and that power is a good thing but Socrates on the other hand says that rhetoricians have no power; for them so literally nothing which they will, but only what they think best. One can say that all the enjoyable things are done because it is enjoyable to do it but Plato means to put emphasis on that any such action is not done for the reason of itself and its own performance, but rather for the very sake of the pleasure which comes with it. This also holds for a true art, an action which is good not only on its own but also what good comes out of it. That explains why Plato thinks that the true rhetoric is only which is done for the sake of the good. For Socrates, rhetoric should be used to do good things, to punish the bad and not the good. ; Or rhetoric is no use to us. As Callicles enters the dialogue with Socrates he begins to undermined philosophy .Not only does he undermines the very nature of philosophical inquiry and its marked focus on words but Callicles also makes some quite harsh statements of his own against any man such as Socrates who continues the chase of philosophy as a main focus into adulthood. By using this matter of discouragement on philosophy on the disgrace of Socrates lifetime of philosophical study he proves to Socrates that he is not being that good of a friend, after Socrates felt that Callicles had knowledge,good-will and outspokenness. Socrates believed that no matter what the price was, total honesty and truth was the only choice in order for one to live a happy, fulfilling life. As he said that doing wrong is much more evil than suffering wrong, that rhetoric should only be used for the sake of the good and that every wrongdoer should be justly punished. Interestingly, Socrates understand that the majority of the people will not understand his theories and he does not try to convince everyone with his beliefs, he just uses a method is to call in support of my statements the evidence of a single witness, the man I am arguing with, and to take his vote alone; the rest of the world are nothing to me; I am not talking to them. This is what makes him an interesting person that he not trying to win sympathies of people but only tries to make his antagonist understand his points. Callicles speech is that of a typical sophist. He raises no questions in his speech, and does not attempt to use logic to prove his points. In the end, Callicles speaks about his own opinions for quite some time, and as his proof, quotes three lines of an ancient poem. Thats not to say that some of Callicles theories arent valid, just that he does not allow for discussion, and therefore loses a chance to perhaps prove his point to Socrates or the other interlocutors. Jennifer Richards has not mentioned in her book that Socrates did not convince Callicles of the true rhetoric I think it is interesting that he convinced Polus and Gorgias but with Callicles he had no such luck. The way which you in mistaken confidence are urging upon me; it is quite worthless, Callicles Eventually, Socrates remains mostly true to his method of discussion. His use of speeches as ways of expanding his opinions, rather than force them is quite successful for him. Despite a few digressions, he refrains from using oratory or rhetoric unlike the interlocutors, and although he is unable to convince Callicles of the truth, he is not unsuccessful in the sense that he defended himself against the methods of the sophists.

Shiloh Essay -- essays research papers

The Second Battle of Shiloh   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The switch to college life can definitely change people. In high school, one makes friends that will hopefully last a lifetime. Then comes senior year, and after all the college admissions letters have been received, one must face the realization that his/her best friends will not be by their side 24 hours a day / 7 days a week any longer. Still ecstatic by what this new life, college, holds for them, students enter into their chosen institute of higher learning. Do you remember that first break, or long weekend, that brings everyone back to the place where they grew up? Its a chance to look back and catch up on old times, even though you’ve only been separated for a month or two. Whether coming home from UGA, Tech, or even some out-of-state college, that drive home gives one time to reflect. Will my friends who I graduated with be the same friends who I know and love? Like I said, college alters people, and the first time you see old friends, you might realize that your best friends are not who they once were. Although painful, this is a process that is natural. Friends change, and friends move on with their lives, regardless of your presence. On a larger scale, this is the dilemma brought to the readers attention by Bobbie Ann Mason, author of â€Å"Shiloh†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Mason’s â€Å"Shiloh†, Leroy and Norma Jean Moffitt are a married couple living in Paducah, Kentucky. Leroy has spent the past 15 years driving a tractor-trailer across the country. Four months ago, Leroy was involved in a highway accident that required steel pins to be placed in his hip. He returned home to rest and rehabilitate his leg. He is confined to his house, something that he hasn’t seen for an extended period since he’s been on the road. Like a college student, this is Leroy’s long weekend. Leroy comes home to his wife, Norma Jean, hoping that she will be the same person he left many years before. Unfortunately for Leroy, Norma Jean has moved on with her life, much like friends who move on after high school graduation. Leroy would like for things to be the way they were, but Norma Jean has chosen a different course in her life that doesn’t involve Leroy. She works at the Rexall Drug Store, loves to play music, and is taking classes in composition at Paducah Community College. Bobbie A... ...se. Leroy knows that something has to be done to save his marriage. Mabel, Leroy’s mother-in-law, suggests they take a trip to Shiloh, a Civil War battleground. This is ready-made symbolism. A battling couple takes a trip to a famous battleground. Looking for a place to picnic, they sit down next to a cemetery for Union Soldiers, which symbolizes the death of their life together as husband and wife. She tells Leroy that she is leaving him and when she walks toward the bluff overlooking the Tennessee River, Leroy tries to follow. His good leg, however is asleep, and his bad leg still hurts him. This symbolizes that he will never catch her. She has her own life and he is stuck in the same place.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In conclusion, I have personally experienced the loss of a friend after we both embarked on different paths. Although we were the best of friends in high school, when the time came on that long weekend to hang out, we didn’t even pick up the phone to see what the other was doing. Although its natural to move in different directions, it still hurts to no longer have that friend in your life any longer, just like it hurts Leroy not to have Norma Jean

Memorable Movements

The enjoyable event I would like to talk here is the spring outing activity that happened on my middle school stage. At that time, my classmates and me were most about twelve or thirteen years old, not more than fourteen. We had our spring outing on one sunny saturday. Accompanyed by laughters and singings, we marched towards our destination on bikes. The destination was located on a foot of a mountain, where there were a lot of tall trees and a river pass by. We caught several fishes from the river, and picked up some branches from the small grove. Besides that, we also constructed oursleves cooking stove. There were so many joyful things happening, that I can not tell you all of them. One thing I remember deeply is the simple noodle cooking. Several classmates with me took charge of cooking noodle; unfortunately, we are all not good cooks at that age, we even do not know the correct order to cook a bowl of noodle. So we put all the vegetables and noodles as well as some beefs into the water together before it boiled. After that we also try to stir it just like our parents did at home. When all our work finished, our classmates began to enjoy our food. Can you imagine the scene, green noodles,over-fried fishes, luckily, the taste were not bad, even we could say fairly tasty. Apart from that, we still had some sweet potatoes being well cooked. All of the food were eaten out quickly, including our green noodles. Even nowadays when I cook noodles it will remind me of this spring outing, I think the reason why I remember it deeply is probably it is the first time I cooked food, while it received an unexpected welcome. Moreover, personally, I believe the green noodles are quite attractive visually. I enjoy my time at school greatly, there are my best friends, my lovely teachers, and interesting knowlege. Each holiday I can not help expecting the coming of the new semester. I would be willing to introudce it to others, as it indeed is a good place for studing and living. In fact, it is so famous and popular in our local area that almost everyone knows it and eagers to be admitted by it without any others' recommendation. Nowadays, the competition to enter it is more ane more intense.

GM Returns to South Africa

GM Returns to South Africa Free Online Research Papers Why did GM leave South Africa ten years ago? What was the dilemma facing foreign firms at that time? GM pulled out of South Africa because of the country’s policies of racial segregation and pressure from shareholders. â€Å"The industry was too small, too fragmented and overtraded to provide a viable future for the 7 major vehicle manufacturers at the time,† says Nico Vermeulen, executive director of NAAMSA. Mlota elaborates: â€Å"The key original objectives were to improve international competitiveness and domestic vehicle affordability, encourage domestic growth, reduce complexity in supply through rationalization, convince manufacturers to focus on longer production runs and modernization, create sustainable employment, create a better balance in foreign exchange, and particularly to achieve growth in exports.† In tackling such a multifaceted agenda, the MIDP has continued the methodical process of bringing down custom barriers which began in the late 1980s with the reduction of import tariffs as high as 115%, and created for the first time, based on the previous Australian model, powerful new measures such as Import-Export Complementation and Productive Asset A llowances to spur a renaissance in the local industry. Why did some firms decide to continue operating in South Africa at the time of racial segregation? Do you think they were being more or less socially responsible to the people of South Africa? Research some MNCs that did not leave during the period of apartheid. Do you think they are better off now than those which left? How can foreign firms balance their strategic interests and their social responsibility when faced with similar situations? Is GM in a better position in South Africa now? Is the South African economy in a better position now that GM has returned? Yes, South Africa’s automobile exports are booming, making cars one of the country’s fastest growing industries, largely because of new trade agreements and domestic regulations that give companies credit for cars and parts they export. The country also can tout cheap industrial land, even cheaper electricity, stable macroeconomic policies, proactive management, immense natural resources, expertise in process engineering and niche innovation, unparalleled production flexibility, and ISO certifications. These positive factors outweigh the current challenges of a strong commodity-fueled Rand, poor local infrastructure characterized by a lack of coordination between national, provincial and local governments and little input from the automotive industry. In addition, they are also employing the South African’s which also helps the economy. On the back of all-time record production of 530,000 vehicles and sales of 617,000 vehicles, increases of 16.5% and 25.7% re spectively, South Africa was the world’s fastest growing domestic vehicle market in 2005. Clearly, this status has been the driving force behind new players like India’s Tata and the Koreans taking on the South African incumbents head on with their value-proposition imports. It is abundantly clear that even though South Africa is a Top 10 global market for both Daimler Chrysler and BMW, the country is quickly growing beyond its traditional prestige market and brands. Today, the South African marketplace is already home to over 1,100 models and variants, an amazing ratio of offerings per capita, and economic forecasts of 6% real growth going forward should ensure a fantastic cascading effect as the industry counts down to the One Million Vehicle Sales mark. What other similar situations prevail in the world now, and how do you think MNCs should respond? A similar situation that comes to mind is the war in Iraq. The United States is a huge country with their set of values and so is Iraq. That doesn’t make either country right or wrong. In fact, since we believe that majority of the world should adopt our way or no way, makes us a bully. Just as we have long standing traditions on how we do business, so do other countries. The United States presence in Iraq is making the people of the country angry because we do not share their beliefs. Although we are there to assist in rebuilding the countries infrastructure, we should also adjust our beliefs and customs to theirs. â€Å"When in Rome, do as the Romans do.† I think we should respect their beliefs like the women should be covered with only their eyes being exposed. We should stop to pray at particular times of the day. We should respect their customs about keeping the cow sacred and not eat beef, well especially in their presence. Research Papers on GM Returns to South AfricaDefinition of Export QuotasBringing Democracy to AfricaTwilight of the UAW19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraPETSTEL analysis of IndiaBionic Assembly System: A New Concept of SelfNever Been Kicked Out of a Place This NiceGenetic EngineeringAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaComparison: Letter from Birmingham and Crito

Heroin essays

Heroin essays The sale and distribution of heroin in the United States has been growing tremendously in the past decade. I always knew that colombia was known for its fierce cocaine and heroin reputation and that the United States main provider of these drugs was colombia. After reading this article i found out that 48% of other heroin comes from Southeast asia, southwest asia and mexico. The most pure and genuine heroin comes from Colombia. This is a very scary issue in the United States these druglords and drug traffickers are rotting our streets and our youths lives. I think that the Unites States government should uphold a more precise way of capturing these druglords and traffickers. Crossing borders should become a more inconvient process, checking in at customs at internatinal airports should strengthen their security checks. Every single airport should know where an airplane is coming from, whther its a private jet or commercial, the majority of heroin and cocaine are transported through air. I think that possesion of either drug shold have a more severe punishment. By strengething our security and making our drug laws and punishments more severe I think that in about 10 years drug sales and trafficking will reduce to about 50%. Another issue that people talk about and government is even considering is to make these drugs legal. By doing this it puts the druglords out of business and less people would go to jail. There are pros and cons for either situation. American society should know what their doing. By making their lives more miserable they are making these druglords even richer. This is their view on American society, a weak country whos streets are rottening and economy going out of wack trying to figure out whos doing this to their people. ...

Movie Indusrty Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Movie Indusrty - Essay Example The colleges offer specialized courses where students are imparted with skills relative to their interests. Professionals with perfected skills make the movie industry more reliable (Lumet, 2003). Secondly, education enhances growth of skill. To become a good actor or actress, one needs to work hard towards perfecting his/her performance. Talent is important for an actor or actress and school only enhances the individual’s ability to take a part and be it. It assists a person to perfect his act. To become a good director, one also needs to be a good manager as they are supposed to manage the movie making process. Directors supervise everything from the financials of the casting and shooting to the actors and actresses, until the movie is completed and is ready for viewing. Producers require a good eye for detail. They need to be well trained in the arts. To be a good producer, he or she should be a good decision maker and a prompt thinker. There are other professions in the movie industry as it is in other industries, such as accountants, business managers, talent scouts and agents (Goldman, 2007). The movie industry is a billion dollar industry and more often than not, professionals give back to the communities in terms of donations, scholarships and even inspiration. There are other ways in which the educational sector benefits but these are among the direct benefits (Medavoy & Young, 2010). In conclusion, it is right to note that the movie industry has benefited most from the educational sector and will continue to do so as more breakthroughs in arts and science come about. The educational sector will also continue to enjoy kick backs from the movie industry as it produces more and more professionals for the movie

Dualism and the Inconsistent Triad Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Dualism and the Inconsistent Triad - Essay Example ive up the world-view given by the theories of physics on the one hand and the quite intuitive idea that we have about the functioning of our own minds and bodies on the other. Two important versions of dualism are Interactionism and Epiphenomenalism. The former view holds that mind and body, although being two mutually excluded and independent categories, interact together. The nature of interaction is bi-directional because the mental states affect the bodily states and the bodily states affect the mental states. Both the categories are causally efficacious. Epiphenomenalism, on the other hand holds that bodily states are causally active but mental states are causally inefficacious. Mental states therefore are epiphenomena in the sense that they have no causal power to act back on the body. Here the nature of interaction is uni-directional that is only from body to mind (Jacobsen, 66). The interactionist dualist cannot deny the proposition (1) â€Å"the body is physical and the mind is non-physical† (Jacobsen, 68) because it is the fundamental thesis of any form of dualism. So also, being interactionists, they cannot deny the proposition (2) either, which says that â€Å"the mind affects body and the body affects the mind (Jacobsen, 68). The apparent inconsistency arises when the proposition (3) which says that â€Å"all physical changes can be completely explained by their physical causes† (Jacobsen, 68) gets added to the other two propositions to form a set. In order to avoid the inconsistency, the interactionist has to keep the propositions (1), (2) and (3) all true within the same set. If an interactionist hold only (1) and (3) as true, it would end up in epiphenomenalism (Jacobsen, 69). So the strategy to get around the inconsistency triad must be one which avoids this and for that, one has to identify a solution which supports the mind-body in teraction. The principle of the closure of physical laws says that all physical changes can be explained by their