Heaney’s Poetry Essay

I have recently studied some of your poetry for my leaving certificate english course and I feel greatly changed by what I read. To say the least, it made a strong impression on me. It was a memorable experience. I looked into five of your poems with great depth and they were; â€Å"A Constable Calls†, â€Å"The Forge†, â€Å"The Underground†, â€Å"The Tollund Man†, and of course â€Å"The Skunk†. These poems inspired a range of emotions in me that I would never have expected to feel while reading poetry. In the poem â€Å"A Constable Calls† I feel that the predominant mood is one of tension and hostility. In my opinion it is an explanation of the relationship dynamic between two traditions juxtaposed in the north of Ireland. It is clearly not a friendly, personal relationship. I felt that the way in which you portrayed a young Heaney -an objective observer- was particularly effective to say the least. Even more impressive the young Heaney appears to offer up no opinion yet within the first couple of lines we have a clear sense of the constable. The image we are presented with of the constable is one of authority and control. It appears even â€Å"The pedal treads† are delighted to be â€Å"hanging relieved† from â€Å"the boot of the law†. It seems to me here that not only does this boot refer to the actual boot worn by the constable but also the impersonal, forceful, powerful presence that is the law. I think you captured equally successfully the significance of the exchange between your father and the constable and its meaning to you with the phrase â€Å"Arithmetic and fear†. The air of unease and fear on the part of your father is almost tangeable here. The lack of friendliness is accentuated by the brief exchange of words between your father and the constable. The stern, authoritarian tone of voice he takes with your father when he says â€Å"Any other root crops? Mangolds? Marrowstems? Anything like that? † and the single, unaccompanied response of your father â€Å"No† sent a shiver down my spine as I read. To me, this poem portrayed, extremely effectively, the relationship between your family and the law. â€Å"The Forge† in all its sensuous beauty is by far my favourite poem of yours. The manner in which the â€Å"door into the dark† presents the reader with an interior, strange and atramentous, that as a young boy you are unsure about whether the threshold should be crossed or not. On a literal level, the image you give us as readers and to me as a seventeen year old boy is one of staccato rhythym, life and an abundance of energy, which, while I read it, bestowed onto me a sense of the importance the forge holds in the protection of Irish heritage and tradition as the old is pushed to give way to the new. The incredible way that you blend together the â€Å"clatter/ Of hoofs† from the memory of the blacksmith and what now replaces it, â€Å"Traffic (is) flashing in rows† is enviable at least. This said, I believe too that there is a far deeper meaning, buried deep in under the skin of this poem, much more than just a celebration of local craftsmanship and of cultural roots. In my opinion you also mean to explore, rather ironically, the creative process and the writing of poetry through poetry. The forge in this case being an extended metaphor for the mind and the creative process. Possibly representative of the centre of creativity, you speak of the anvil which â€Å"must be somewhere in the centre† but is not visible to you, the eager observer. If someday I am married and it turns out the way your marriage appears to have in â€Å"The Underground† I will be a lucky man. It is my firm believe that there is a strong divide right in the middle of this poem. It changes from pure ecstasy and excitement to a more sombre, worried, unsure mood towards the end but this is not negative. This is merely pointing out that not everything is all hugs and kisses. It is saying that there are things that need thought to go with everything but that this is part of life. This, I believe, must be understood by the end of the poem to make it worth having read. At the start of any new journey there is aways a sense of excitement and exhiliration, but when things don’t go your way, you can be left â€Å"bared and tensed†. The poem encourages you to delve deep into yourself and seek out the part of your soul distant from even yourself and analyse why you have left this part of you isolate itself. I have an enormous admiration for the way you do this in this poem. As well as this, I feel the unconventional way through which you portray love while also proclaiming your undying love for your wife is fascinating. The mellifluous writing and easy reading of this poem is something admired and envied. â€Å"The Tollund Man† in my honest opinion the most morose, grave, hard hitting poem of yours. It inspires a lot of thought about the human nature. It was written in response to the troubles in Northern Ireland and I feel that using the medium of poetry you search for an answer to modern problems in the past as it is well known that history is constantly repeating itself. It is clear that you are drawing parallels between the ritual killings of the past and the murder of innocent victims nowadays in the north of the country. I feel that you search the memory of the Tollund to get answers but you do not want to â€Å"risk blasphemy† and â€Å"consecrate the cauldron bog/ Our holy ground and pray/ Him to make germinate†. It is my interpretation that in your mind the Tollund man is the key to enlightenment. Is it that you find it hard to confront the reality that is the mindless violence in Northern Ireland? As this is how it appears. You also create a witty but macabre oxymoron at the end when you say â€Å"Unhappy and at home† as you would assume that the one place where a person should be happy is at home but that’s not the case here and I felt that here also you refer to the people who live in Northern Ireland that must deal with the worry of â€Å"The Troubles† everyday. I feel that a nice poem to finish discussing is â€Å"The Skunk† as even thinking of this poem brings a small smile to my face. The lighthearted humourous approach to missing and longing in this poem is astonishing. I believe that this is a poem about your wife. It captures with an breathtaking level of finesse the beautiful nature of an everyday relationship. The ordinary mysteries at the heart of the normal relationship. The comparison of the skunk is probably to emphasise the animalistic naturalness of the relationship along with the primative, erotic nature of the attraction. As you â€Å"begin to tense as a voyeur† as you feel almost as if you are spying on the skunk as she passes, you are reminded of your wife and start to remember the way things were at the start, so romantic, so beautiful. â€Å"After eleven years I was composing/ Love letters again† is a lovely image showing that the excitement and spark that holds a relationship together will not be evident every minute of everyday but that in the end of the day, if you love someone you will always be ready to show them if you need to show them. The long lines, and the enjambement of the poem add to the excitement, playfulness and ease of the poem. It is both sensuous and sensual as you begin to smell â€Å"Small oranges† and see the â€Å"desk light softened†. The tension and expectation you feel is clearly akin to the way you felt about your wife at the time. This sensual imagery all portrays the richness of love. That is all I wanted to say. I believe that it was one of the most memorable experiences of my whole life reading your poetry and I mean that in a good way. It is something I will never look back upon doing in a negative light as I have gained some very important insights into life, love, tradition and conflict resolution from this.

Case Study Of Mercury Poisoning In Canada Environmental Sciences Essay

Between 1962 and 1970, the Wabigon river which was considered as a really of import fresh water resource in the north-western portion of Ontario, and a major beginning of nutrient supply for the people of Grassy Narrows and the Wabasseemoong First Nation communities was poisoned when a mush and paper factory industry known as Dryden paper factory, situated in the North of the river was believed to hold pumped about 10 metric tons of quicksilver into the river with the permission of the Ontario government.. Until 1970, the Ojibwe and other Aboriginal communities along the English-Wabigon River had built their support around this river for nutriment and economic activities. The people were nevertheless shocked with a CBC intelligence on November 1, 1970 that this vitalizing H2O was besides a beginning for possible decease through quicksilver toxic condition. This paper provides a reappraisal of the wellness effects of quicksilver poisoning on open people and how this goes a long manner to impact their manner of life. The paper will besides look at the intercessions put in topographic point by the authorities, whether those policies were helpful and what could hold been done otherwise. The paper will besides reexamine the available ordinances in Canada protecting people from such unsafe elements. A reappraisal was conducted seeking informations bases every bit good as utilizing indexes of published documents to understand the wellness effects. Contamination of quicksilver comes from natural and artificial/industrial beginnings. Naturally, this component appears in little concentrations in many stones, dirts, air and H2O around the universe ( Environment Canada ) . It has been shown that the worst signifiers of quicksilver taints have all resulted from human activities such as damping of industrial wastes which contain quicksilver in H2O organic structures and the usage of quicksilver in the excavation industry. Mercury has a long standing history of wellness effec ts among open citizens and has been associated with neurological, cardiovascular, immune system, cardinal nervous system, and kidney jobs every bit good as many other wellness results ( Passos & A ; mergler, 2008 ) . In small-scale gold excavation, gold is extracted utilizing quicksilver merger therefore presenting a considerable menace to both human and environmental wellness ( Spiegel, Savornin, Shoko, & A ; Viega, 2006 ) . Viega et Al ( 2006 ) as cited in Mohapatra and Mohapatra ( 2009 ) states that artisanal and small-scale gold excavation remains the largest planetary user of quicksilver and is still increasing largely in developing states. Findingss have revealed that elevated quicksilver exposure rates among the exposed are straight related to negative wellness results. In a late published study of Dr. Harada, a Nipponese quicksilver expert reveals that the people of Grassy Narrows and whitedog modesty are worse off than they were in 40 old ages ago when he foremost visited t he community to analyze the impacts of quicksilver poisoning on the people. Two of such communities that have suffered from quicksilver taint are Grassy Narrows and whitedog first states reserve in northwesterly Ontario, Canada.IntroductionMercury is a powerful toxin, exposed people all over the universe at serious hazard. Many surveies have confirmed mercury toxicity among specific populations and assorted environmental compartments ( National Research Council, 2000 ) . Health outcomes among open populations have been shown to be straight correlated with quicksilver exposure in the environment ( Passos & A ; Mergler, 2008 ) . The intent of this reappraisal is to critically measure the recent studies affecting exposure degrees to quicksilver of Grassy Narrows and whitdog community of Northwestern Ontario and the associated wellness results on the people. Between 1962 and 1970, the traditional life styles of these two Northwestern Ontario First Nations communities ( Grassy Narrows and whitedog ) were harmfully affected by quicksilver taint due to a chemical works upstream from their communities ( CBC, 1970 ) . The primary effects of quicksilver taint occurred in the chief basic of nutrient, fish, which had record-high degrees of quicksilver. The secondary effects of quicksilver taint affected the economic resources of these two communities when they were forced to shut their commercial piscaries and fishing ushers which rendered them unemployed ( CBC, 1970 ) . Dryden Chemicals Ltd. pumped 10 metric tons of quicksilver during this period ( 1962-1970 ) into the Wabigoon River which spread into the English River, the Winnipeg River and finally into Lake Winnipeg. This works used quicksilver to do Cl for decoloring paper. On provincial orders, Dryden Chemicals greatly restricted its quicksilver emanations in 1970 and finally halted quicksilver emanations in 1975. As indicated earlier, there are other activities in Canada such gold excavation which expose the populations of the rural communities to mecury. One of such mines located in the first state communities is the Musselwhite Mine which is owned by Goldcorp Inc ( 68 % and operator ) , and Kinross Gold Corporation ( 32 % ) . It is an belowground gold mine and processing works bring forthing about a one-fourth of a million ounces of gold yearly. It is situated on traditional First Nations land and works in partnership with First Nation communities. It is nevertheless deserving adverting that the relationships and understandings between this gold company and the First Nations have been recognized as best patterns within the excavation industry ( Musselwhite Joint Venture Mine Report, 2006 ) . Notwithstanding, all these activities straight or indirectly affect H2O organic structures and fist in peculiar, in these communities. Fishing is an activity considered by some people in Canada as leisure but for Aboriginal communities, fish ingestion is considered as portion of the civilization and this constitutes an of import beginning of support for many Aboriginal communities ( CBC, 1970 ) . Mercury exists in three signifiers ; elemental ( vapor ) , inorganic ( mercury compounds formed with other metals ) , and organic ( elemental quicksilver with C ) ( Selid, Xu, Collins, Striped Face-Collins, & A ; Zhao, 2009 ; Health Canada, 2010 ) . Beginnings of quicksilver scope from a assortment of natural beginnings, such as vents and dirts, to knowing human release activities, such as that in some excavation and other industrial operations ( Santos, Jesus, Brabo, Camara, Loureiro & A ; Macarenhas, 2000 ) . Mercury has a comparatively high vapor force per unit area, which means that it constitutes a important sum of volatile chemical being released into the air ( World Health Organization [ WHO ] , 2008 ) . Continuous exposure to contaminated air, through direct inspiration of firing amalgam or through ingestion of quicksilver contaminated merchandises, particularly fish, are easy beginning of soaking up into the lungs and other variety meats which consequences in a important sum of quicksilver related wellness effects ( WHO, 2008 ) . Miners besides have a high hazard of exposure due to direct soaking up through the tegument while managing the quicksilver. Concentrated quicksilver exposures, such as that in contaminated fish and other consumable merchandises, cause serious wellness jobs. Health effects have shown to be correlated with degree and signifier of quicksilver exposure, whether it is elemental, organic, or inorganic. Vapour is the most readily transmitted exposure tract into the organic structure, followed by inorganic exposure on tegument ( Health Canada, 2010 ) . Biomarkers and bio-monitoring are defined methods to understand degrees of environmental chemicals through hair, blood, and urine samples ( Wong & A ; Lye, 2008 ) . Biomarkers measure quicksilver concentrations and all biomarkers identified in literature are accepted as valid indexs of quicksilver exposure, although each independent marker provides a different reading of degree or type of exposure. All methods are of import in understanding proving degrees of quicksilver exposure, as most literature surveies do change on proving type. The wellness effects of quicks ilver are extremely dependent on its chemical signifier. In add-on, the definition of exposure has been defined otherwise in most literature, although as a planetary definition, it is defined as contact over clip between a individual and one or more biological, chemical, or physical agents ( WHO, 2008 ) . Harmonizing to Selid, Xu, Collins et Al ( 2009 ) , human related quicksilver emanations from the work of industries have increased with regard to natural emanations. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry ( 1999 ) , as cited in Selid, Xu, Collins et Al ( 2009 ) , reported that about 80 % of anthropogenetic quicksilver emanations release elemental quicksilver into the air through industrial procedures, about 15 % of this quicksilver is released into the tellurian environment, and 5 % of anthropogenetic quicksilver emanations is carried from industrial effluent to the aquatic environment, inciting nutrient contaminations based on natural resources. Health Canada defines the blood quicksilver concentration counsel value, or threshold, of 20AAÂ µg/L for grownups. Harmonizing to this parametric quantity, any environmental quicksilver degree above this defined sum must hold follow up action to cut down the effects of human exposure ( Statistics Canada, 2008 ) . Within this paper, the Statistics Canada degree will be used as a set point in which comparings can be made. It should besides be noted that occupational exposure to mercury vapour occurs chiefly in fishing and gold excavation industries where normally people are employed ( Vahter, Akesson, Liden, Ceccatelli, & A ; Berglund, 2006 ) .History: Brief Global Picture.Globally, quicksilver toxic condition has been documented in states such as Japan ( 1953-65 ) , Iraq ( 1971-72 ) , Pakistan in 1969 and my ain state Ghana in 1969. The quicksilver toxic condition in in Japan attracted a batch of involvement. This was after some occupants of Minamata with unusual symptoms of an unkno wn disease were admitted at the Minamata Health centre in 1956. Health functionaries were able to associate this unusual disease to mercury toxic condition. An industry which used involved quicksilver in its procedures was allowed to let go of its waste into the Minamata Bay. The governments detected that people who depended on the fish and shell fish from Minamata Bay were the lone people affected by this unusual disease. It was realized that the fish and fish shell of the Bay had been poisoned with quicksilver. The usage of quicksilver nevertheless increased drastically throughout the universe after universe war two in assorted industries including the pigment, agribusiness, electrical, leather tanning and paper bring forthing industries.History of Mercury Poisoning in Canada ( Grassy Narrows and Whitedog reverves )Mercury toxic condition in Canada was accorded the necessary attending after the people of Grassy Narrows and whitedog militias were affected by this on-going threat at the clip. Grassy Narrows is a modesty located about 80km at the northeast portion of Kenora. Whitedog, on the other manus is located about 70km to the West, off the Manitoba boundary line. Wholly, there were about 850 dwellers in the two militias during the late sixtiess when the issue of quicksilver toxic condition erupted ( CBC, 1970 ) . The issue of quicksilver toxic condition of Canadian Waterss and fish became apparent to the populace in 1969 after the Federal Department of Fisheries and Forestry embarked on the commercial catching of fish from the Lakes of Cedar and Winnipeg every bit good as the Saskatchewan river and Red river, all in Manitoba ( Bligh 1970 ) . This disclosure prompted the federal authorities to inform the proprietors of the commercial fishermen and tourer centres along the English-Wabigoon river of an at hand closing of their installations because the fish in those rivers were insecure for both carnal and human ingestion. Fish in the rivers were proving really high degrees of methylmercury ( I have non finished this subdivision. Will continue after acquiring more literature )Effectss of Mercury on Exposed PopulationsOver the last three decennaries, many human wellness surveies have been executed in many communities to understand the exposure effects of quicksilver on worlds. There is a big orga nic structure of research grounds that supports a relationship between occupational exposure to mercury amongst exposed people and negative wellness results. Harmonizing to a systemic reappraisal measuring decadeaa‚Â ¬a„?s worth of informations, Passos and Mergler ( 2008 ) denote that gold mineworkers are the most critical population with the highest reported degrees of quicksilver in the universe today. However, in Canada, where little graduated table gold excavation is non common, the following most critical populations exposed to quicksilver are those who consume fish from quicksilver contaminated H2O organic structures either wittingly or unwittingly ( Health Canada, 2010 ) . Harmonizing to the wellness Canada, Canadians in general are largely non at hazard from Mercury poisoning but there is still a concern particularly for people who consume big sums of fish, marine mammals and wild game as portion of their day-to-day diet. Data was extracted to place the most prevailing wellness issues among the open people. All surveies used cohort or cross sectional designs. The most prevailing wellness consequence noted in the informations collected was neurological shortages. Some surveies attempted to understand marks and symptoms of past quicksilver toxicity, while others tested dose degree exposure as a hazard factor for future neurological effects.Neuropsychological effectsMultiple mentions, dwelling of cross sectional, cohort and equal reviewed literature were used to picture the effects of quicksilver exposure on neurological operation. Results revealed a important dose response consequence between quicksilver and neurological shortages ( Passos & A ; Mergler, 2008 ) . Studies including those who have used strict neurological scrutinies, found neuro-toxic effects including decreased cognitive maps, lessenings in attending or spacial public presentation, hapless leg coordination, multiple sensory troubles, shu dders, concentration troubles, insomnia, memory loss and kidney disfunction ( Counter, Buchanan, & A ; Ortega, 2005 ; National Research Council, 2000 ; Passos & A ; Mergler, 2008 ) . One independent survey, every bit good as documented findings within reappraisals, indicated that hearing loss was associated with quicksilver exposure among open populations, nevertheless it is to be noted that writers could non define whether the toxicity was purely due to occupational exposure through inspiration, or if it was through dietetic ingestion of contaminated country nutrient, such as fish ( Counter, Buchanan, Laurell, Ortega, 1998 ; Passos & A ; Mergler, 2008, National Research Council, 2000 ) . It is hard to place comparison factors from each survey as consequences were elusive amongst independent and systemic reappraisals, every bit good as most surveies did non detail biomarkers.Immune system effectsRecent surveies have narrowed focal point in on the impact quicksilver exposure has on i mmune system working. Studies defining the relationship of quicksilver exposure in the Amazon mine workers found a strong correlativity between quicksilver exposure and malaria ( Passos & A ; Mergler, 2008 ) . One survey reported that malaria was four times higher for those persons describing a history of working with inorganic quicksilver than those who did non ( Crompton et al, 2002 ) . A reappraisal on grounds in Amazonian excavation populations illustrate consequences consistent with other findings that quicksilver induced effects are apparent including autoimmune disfunction ( Passos & A ; Mergler, 2008 ) . Reports based on urinary biomarkers identified exposure rates runing from 0 to 240 AAÂ µg/L and concentrations in the blood samples varied from 0 to 30 AAÂ µg/L ( Crompton et al, 2002, Passos & A ; Mergler, 2008 ) . Harmonizing to environment Canada, because Mercury exists in three different signifiers ( gas, organic and inorganic ) , the degree of toxicity and continuity in open persons vary depending on this signifier an person is exposed to. Silva et Al ( 2004 ) documented effects of quicksilver on activated immune cells and documented the response of both redness and anti-inflammation and found significantly increased redness in those who had been exposed to inorganic quicksilver and noted that quicksilver may besides be related to other chronic auto-immune diseases such as Lupus and arthritis.Central Nervous System EffectssThe consequence of quicksilver on the cardinal nervous system has been extensively studied in high and low-dose exposures. However, much of the literature identified within the context of the systemic reappraisals. As portion of this reappraisal, the initial surveies are non included due to the day of the months completed, nevertheless, it is to be noted that Passos and Mergler ( 2008 ) and the National Research Centre ( 2000 ) found that several marks and symptoms related to the cardinal nervous system shortages are evidentia ry characteristics of chronic high-dose exposures to Mercury in grownups. These included centripetal damage of the appendages, perturbation of equilibrium, and subjective symptoms such as concern, musculus and joint hurting, forgetfulness, and weariness ( Passos & A ; Mergler, 2008 ; National Research Council, 2005 ) .Cardio-vascular effectsMercury accumulates in the bosom, and exposures have been associated with blood force per unit area alterations and unnatural cardiac operation ( National Research Council, 2000 ) . Based on the inclusion standards of the reappraisal, merely three surveies evaluated quicksilver exposure and cardio-vascular effects ( Passos & A ; Mergler, 2008 ; Fillion, Mergler, Passos, Larribe, Lemire, & A ; Guimaraes, 2006 ) . Numerous surveies of cardiovascular effects have been referenced in the systemic reappraisals, although all autumn outside inclusion standards for this reappraisal. One independent survey by Kobal et Al, found that chronic exposure in pop ulations has been implicative of cardiovascular toxicity, nevertheless grounds is non clear ( Kobal, Horvat, Prezelj Briski, Krsnik, Dizdarevic et Al, 2004 ) . Other surveies reported high blood pressure and unnatural bosom rate among open workers ( National Research Council, 2005 ) . It should be noted that all surveies, including those within the systemic reappraisal, reported or referenced that higher blood force per unit area was significantly related to high quicksilver degrees. It is besides to be noted that the biomarker agencies could non be used as they varied within each survey and were non comparable.Kidney mapsThe kidneys are sensitive to mercury following inspiration exposure. Several probes have found nephritic alterations in populations inveterate exposed to mercury toxic condition ( National Research Council, 2000 ; WHO, 2008 ; Passos & A ; Mergler, 2008 ) . One survey done in 1993 measured 50 workers in a cohort survey looking at exposure degree differences on kidne y eliminations between mining workers and control workers ( Cardenas, Roels, Bernard, Barbon, Buchet, Lauwerys, et Al, 1993 ) . The statistical analysis resulted in workers egesting a average quicksilver degree of 22 mcgs over 11 old ages ( Cardenas, 1993 ) . The chief nephritic alterations associated with the exposure to mercury were chiefly found in workers egesting more than 50 micrograms/g and resulted in increased escape of cannular enzymes and antigens and biochemical changes ( Cardenas, 1993 ) . Health Canada besides acknowledges that quicksilver toxic condition can be really damaging to babies, particularly when the toxicant is easy passed on to the babies through chest milk. This is based on the fact that the nervous system of babies and kids is really sensitive to mercury and a minimum exposure can do symptoms such as reduced IQ, delays in walking and speaking, deficiency of coordination, sightlessness and ictuss. The findings of quicksilver toxic condition in grownups postulated by wellness Canada is consistent with the reappraisals I have done with few add-ons. High exposures of grownups to mercury poisoning leads to detrimental jobs such as personality alterations, shudders, alterations in vision, hearing loss, loss of musculus coordination and esthesis, memory loss, rational damage and in some instances decease ( Health Canada, 2010 )Effectss on the people of Grassy Narrows and Whitedog militiasAssociating the inauspicious effects of the quicksilver exposure in Grassy Narrows and Whitedog militias, the effects manifested in two creases. The primary effects of the taint occurred in the chief basic of nutrient and fish, which had record-high degrees of quicksilver ( Harada et al, 1976 ) . The secondary effects affected the economic resources of these two communities when they were forced to shut their commercial fishing activity which rendered huge figure of people unemployed ( CBC, 1970 ) . The open communities were affected by a disease known as Minamata disease ( Named after a unusual disease which affected the people of Minamata in Japan after terrible quicksilver toxic condition ) . Minamata disease is a neurological syndrome caused by terrible quicksilver toxic condition. The symptoms of this disease were noticed in the late sixtiess among the people in Grassy Narrows and whitedog first state communities. As indicated earlier, the symptoms being experienced were similar to that which occurred in Minamata, Japan after the terrible quicksilver toxic condition in that community. Most Nipponese physicians who had been involved in analyzing this disease came to Grassy Narrows and the whitedog community merely to recognize that the quicksilver degrees in the bloods of the dwellers measured between 100ppb and 200ppb, far transcending the wellness Canada bound ( commission for Native concerns, 2007 ) . Harmonizing to Harada et Al ( 1976 ) , the people had symptoms such as centripetal perturbations, narrowing of the ocular field, impaired hearing, unnatural oculus motions, shudder, impaired balance and hapless articulation of address.

Primal Fear Essay

Primal Fear (1996) is a film adaptation of William Diehl’s novel; it is a story about an altar boy portrayed by Edward Norton who is allegedly accused with murder of a city archbishop. Richard Gere was the defense attorney who holds his case. Martin Vail (Gere) is a well-known defense attorney in Chicago who seizes the opportunity to represent Aaron Stampler (Norton), a young altar boy who is charged with the city’s archbishop’s murder, in order to get some exposure. Stampler was caught during a foot chase right after the archbishop’s killing with his clothes drenched in blood. Frances McDormand (Molly Arlington) is the psychologist who examined Stampler for the court. Stampler stated to be present at the time of the killing of the archbishop, although he declared that someone in the room do the killing whereas he had a blackout or as he says he had a â€Å"lost time†. In the beginning Vail was only interested in the publicity and media hype that the case will create in his career, but then as the story goes he is determined to prove that his client is really innocent and above suspicion. He also believed that every defendant ought to have an experienced defense just like him. As the story progresses, Vail happened to get hold of data about the influential community leaders, together with the District Attorney, undergone a real estate investment wherein they lost millions because of the Archbishop who discontinue to develop certain land property of the church. And as a result the archbishop constantly received death threats. Vail also discovered that the altar boys, including Stampler were sexually exploited by the archbishop. Together with his (Stampler) girlfriend, Linda, the archbishop told them to have sex while the latter filmed them. Vail presented this data, along with the video tape as evidence. He figured out that it would create a sympathetic and approving impression to the jury for Stampler and would help them to win the case. However, the trial does not progress agreeably for the defense, since there is substantial proof of evidence against Stampler. In addition, the people judgment considers him roughly without a doubt guilty. On one occasion Vail confronts Stampler and charge him of being a liar, Aaron breaks down and transforms into a new personality who identifies himself as â€Å"Roy. Different from the meek and modest Aaron, Roy is an aggressive individual. He admitted that he is the one who murdered the archbishop and hurls Vail against the wall, that wounded him. Subsequent to the incident, Aaron has no memory of it. The psychiatric specialist examining Aaron’s behavior believes he have a medical condition called multiple personality disorder. However, as they are by currently in the middle of the court case, they cannot change the appeal to not guilty by grounds of insanity. Therefore, Vail makes a decision to put up an argument at the hearing. When harshly cross-examined by the prosecutor, Janet Venable, who is an ex-girlfriend of Vail, Aaron becomes Roy and attacked at her, threatening to break her neck if anyone approaches him. Court marshals were able to calm Aaron down and returned him back to his cell. From what had happened, Aaron’s evident mental illness, which is now apparent to the jury, the judge dismisses the case and ordered that Aaron will be sent to a mental institution wherein he will remain under assessment, and to receive therapy for his illness then will possibly be released in due course. In the closing scene of the film, Vail went to see Aaron to inform him this information. Aaron remembers nothing of what occurred in the courtroom, experiencing once more â€Å"lost time. † After hearing the judge’s decision that he will probably be freed soon, Aaron embraced him with extreme gratefulness. Although, as Vail is on his way out of the cell, Aaron asks him to say to Ms. Venable that he hopes that her neck is okay, which is not what would Aaron be supposed to have remember and recall if he had â€Å"lost time. † When Vail took into account what Stampler had said, he questioned the boy about it. Stampler hesitant at first, begin to clapped his hand and congratulate his lawyer for discovering his secret. He then admits that he was only acting as an insane person right from the start. Aaron/Roy said that there never was an Aaron; he also added that Aaron was his invented persona, and that he is really Roy all along. Stampler further declared to have slaughtered the archbishop, and even Linda, his girlfriend. Taken aback and disappointed from what he heard Vail walks out of the cell room, with Roy nastily annoyed him from his chamber. The mental disorder that was acted upon by the actor Edward Norton/Aaron Stampler is called Dissociative Personality Disorder or DID. Formerly identified as the Multiple Personality Disorder or MPD, it is referred to as a mental disorder involving dissociation of the self wherein the self becomes divided into two or more distinct personalities each with their separate thoughts, characteristics and memories. As with the movie, Edward Norton possess a second character with whom he called Roy. Alternation of control by the personalities can also be seen in a MPD person. It is when a bodily control and access to consciousness switches between the personalities, although some may be more dominant than others and thus spend more time in control. In the movie Roy is the dominant personality of Aaron. The identities or personality state, sometimes called alters, self-states, alter identities, or parts, among other terms, differ from one another in that each presents as having its own individuality proportional to the continuing pattern of perception, connecting to, and view about the surroundings and identity. Amnesia and unconscious barriers between personalities are also apparent. There may be a mutual or one-way lack of conscious awareness and memory access between personalities. Some may experience ‘blackouts’ or lost time when others take control, some can be directly aware of other personalities’ existence, thoughts and memories. In the case of Aaron, he said to his lawyer, Richard Gere/Martin Vail that he was there when the bishop was killed but then he wasn’t able to see the killer because he blacked out and was lost in time. Clinical manifestations of DID can be perplexing and harrowing for a therapist. Switching of personalities may produce diverse physical appearances such as strikingly different facial expressions; permutations in posture and body language, change in handedness, different hair styles, and reversals in out-ward gender presentation, significant weight gain or loss over short periods of time, and voice changes. Alternate personalities may demonstrate the behaviors that manifest their perceptions of themselves. They may speak in different accents and even different languages; their handwriting may be different; some may be creative in different arts, others not at all; and some may be male, others female in their self-perceptions, life histories and dress. In Aaron’s case while he was being harshly crossed-examined by the prosecutor Janet Venable/Laura Linney, Roy was able to come out into his personality. His behavior changed from being a meek person into an aggressive individual one. His tone of voice was loud and angry rather than modest and reserved as what Aaron is. To diagnose a person with a dissociative personality the DSM-IV-TR are used by therapists in order for them to identify if the person really suffers the said mental illness. There should be an existence of two or more distinctive characteristics or personalities; there is also should be at least two of these personalities periodically are in charge of the person’s behavior. As well as, the inability to remember personal information that cannot be accounted for ordinary forgetfulness and the disturbance is not a cause of physiological results of a substance such as the alcoholic beverages (Kluft & Fine, 1993). Clinical studies report female to male ratios between 5:1 and 9:1 for diagnosed cases. Etiology of this mental illness is strongly linked to severe experiences of early childhood trauma, usually maltreatment and abuses and about 85 to 97 percent of cases are the reported rates of severe childhood trauma. Physical and sexual abuses are the most frequently reported sources of childhood trauma. In the film, Aaron was sexually abused by the bishop, and he also experienced physical abuses from his father when he was young, which may have been the cause why an alter personality of Roy emerge in time when the bishop was killed. It was further described that dissociation as an unconscious defense mechanism in which a group of mental activities split off from the main stream of consciousness and function as a separate unit. The purpose of dissociation as what Aaron and Roy did in the film is to take memory or emotion that is associated with a trauma. It is a creative way of keeping the unacceptable out of the picture, it is to keep the secrets and constantly learn to get used to the environment, a lifesaving defense. It also maintains the attachment to the abuser and permit strong, sometimes contradicting, emotions to be kept in separate compartments of the mentality. Many said that DID could be faked, they claimed it is only the way a person will make in order for him to avoid responsibilities and stress. Evidences stated that some criminal offenders used this mental illness as their defense in order to escape the verdict that the law will give to them, as what Aaron said to Vail. However, a number of studies shown that DID cannot be faked. Wherein, the changes in Aaron to Roy’s persona is hard to act as what S. D. Miller concluded in his study that optical changes, including measures of visual perception, apparent refraction, and eye muscle stability which are unconsciously differ when an alter emerge are hard to fake. Nowadays, up-to-date EEG and MRI can also be used because it shows the changes in brain function when one personality switches into another. A number of subsequent studies confirm that various alters have unique psychophysiological profiles. Various treatments are now used to cure DID such as Psychotherapy, Cognitive Therapy, Hypnosis, Psychopharmacological Interventions Other therapies are Electroconvulsive Therapy, Group Therapy, and Family Therapy.

Nebraska and the Safe Haven Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Nebraska and the Safe Haven Law - Essay Example Only infants up to the age of three days can be dropped off at emergency rooms. Until the law goes into effect, Nebraska has teamed up with the United Way to with a help line for overwhelmed parents. prevent new mothers from feeling so despondent that they harm their own children. Some women do not want children due to age or marriage status. Others do not realize they are pregnant. After the trauma of birth, some women feel no way out. The law was supposed to save these babies. Instead of throwing their child in the trashcan, women had a better alternative of leaving them at a hospital. Most states have a no questions asked policy. Nebraska’s original law has allowed: At least 18 children, the youngest 22 months and many of them teens, have been abandoned since the law took effect in July. Nebraskas law doesnt define "child," so it has been interpreted to let anyone leave a child up to age 18 at a state-licensed hospital without fear of prosecution for abandonment. (Nebraska†¦, 2008) A disadvantage to this new law is the overwhelmed parents of all age children. Parents of teenagers, especially, can become overwhelmed by a child’s behavior. This can lead to child abuse, or even abandonment in unsafe places. The Nebraska law might have helped children of all ages to go into foster care without being exposed to abuse. One father that dropped off more than one child did not plan on dropping off his children, but the mother of the children died. This man had no other options. He loved his children, but just could not care for them. With the new law, a parent like this is stuck in their situation until something bad happens. Another disadvantage with Nebraska’s new law is the fear inspired. New mothers might be confused or frightened by the new law. New mothers do not think rationally until a couple of weeks after birth. These mothers might not realize their rights until it is too late.

Rhetorical Devices Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Rhetorical Devices - Essay Example Soliloquy is used as the best way to give insight into the character of the narrator because he or she would not lie to himself when he talks to himself. In Act I, scene 3 lines 149-197, Othello basically portrayed himself as a great heroic figure beginning from his childhood to his later exploits evident with this line â€Å"the story of my life  From year to year--the battles, sieges, fortunes  That I have passed. I ran it through, even from my boyish daysâ€Å". This narration of Othello’s heroic exploits was necessary to convince the Venetians that he is not a threat to them, particularly the Duke who was about to send him against the Ottoman soldiers. Othello needs to convince the Venetians as well as the Duke because he is considered as an outsider in Venetian society as he looked different from them and to some extent, he was perceived as a sort of witch doctor. So he has to convince them that he will act in their best interest even if he is an outsider. Othello a lso needs to convince the Duke that he did not bewitched Desdemona (daughter of the Duke) and that the only thing he did was charm her with his stories. These stories were then told to the Duke that these are harmless personal exploits of bravery to convince him and the Venetians that he is not a threat. During the process of Othello’s soliloquy, he claimed that Desdemona fell in love with him because of this background as told by his soliloquy. These adventures of his, was a sort of an aphrodisiac that Desdemona loved him because of this. For his part, Othello fell in love with her because of her fascination to his story indicating that Desdemona’s patronage and faithfulness to his self-image is very important to him and probably one of the pre-requisite for him to fall in love with her. Through this rhetorical device of soliloquy also, it is hinted to us the nature of Othello’s character to be somewhat narcissistic or that he loves himself too much but at

Business law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 1

Business law - Essay Example It is an established rule that helps the courts from extra labor. Every decision by courts becomes a precedent and if appeals are made in a higher court and the original decision is altered, the overriding decision becomes a precedent and the original decision is discarded as a precedent. It is at the very base of the common law system. There are two types of precedents Binding Precedent A precedent that is mandatory to follow is a binding precedent. The lower courts are bound to follow and honor the decisions made by higher courts for a given set of circumstances. For example, Dickinson v. Dodds is a very famous case that acts as a precedent regarding those cases which raise the question of valid acceptance and proper revocation of offer. Judges are bound to treat binding precedents as rules and principles. It is to be taken into account that in what hierarchical capacity, the court is performing. A precedent of a lower court may be used for help but it is not binding on the court. Another important factor is that of whether the case in question falls within the scope of the precedent. Persuasive Precedent A precedent that covers the case in question in its scope but is not binding on the court is a persuasive precedent. ... In common law system, the precedents form a part of the law along with the statutes. This helps in ensuring uniformity and consistency of the law. When a decision is made according to stare decisis, the personal involvement of a particular judge is eliminated; law prevails. In some situations, if the circumstances of a particular case are novel and no precedent is fully applicable, then the court looks at statutes for guidance. If statutes also do not help, then the court makes a just and equitable decision based on critical assessment of the facts of the case. The principle of Stare Decisis governs the use of precedents and enables the courts to uphold general fairness (Tribe & Dorf, 1990). The words ‘Stare Decisis’ emanate from the Latin maxim: Stare decisis et non quieta movere: "to stand by decisions and not disturb the undisturbed." (Adeleye, Gabriel et al, 1999). A common man is not afraid to go to the courts because he knows that standards are maintained. They are able to make estimates of what they would gain and what they would lose as a result of a lawsuit. All like cases are treated in a same way (F. Schauer, 1987). However, the binding precedents have a drawback of being too rigid at times and there are always some areas of the law that are needed to be reformed. The legitimacy of a court following stare decisis can never be seen with skepticism. It has veritable social interests (L.J. Strang, 2006). A court is bound to provide with sufficient explanations if it does not follow a binding precedent in a particular case. Decisions hence made are impartial and free from bias. It is very unlikely that such a decision would be challenged as being unlawful. If the decisions of a

Platos Republic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Platos Republic - Essay Example Plato believed that a harmonious society can be attained by the interaction of specific mode of righteous and rational order of political philosophy based on the implementation of virtue. However, the "Republic" likewise the "Statesman" and the "Law" and other few other short dialogues, described as political dialogues, the political philosophy had received significant consideration in the approach of Plato. Conceptual analysis, as introduced by Plato for the first time in the framework of political philosophy, is defined as a mental clearance implying the clarification of a conceptualization in its implication, using which the philosopher and analyst can deal with incompatible ideas corresponding to the requirement based on rational reality. In his political philosophy, Plato thus, coined the conceptual analysis as a tool for evaluating beliefs corresponding to find out the result of the best political order. The continuum representing the movement from clarification of analysis by the virtue of evaluation of beliefs to attain the goal of best political order is enunciated in the structure of Plato's Republic. This paper aims at finding out the basic philosophy of Plato's analogies and his formulation of the division of soul structure as well as an insight of Plato's defence of the Republic King in the "Republic" with a clear understanding of critical evaluation of Plato. Basic Philosophical Conceptualization of Plato The Good Plato, being the idealist philosopher, described the idea of the Good in his volume "Republic" through the dialogues of Socrates. The idealization of the Good is described as the child or offspring (ekgonos) of the Good, as ascribed by the superlative model of goodness, hence attributing to the absolute determinant of justice. Plato's explanation of his theory of justice, as articulated in his ideology of a city in dialectics, affirmatively attributed the rule of rational mind as implicated in the formation of philosopher-king, having the ability to take a hold of the Idea of the Good. Plato theorised that the highest attainment of knowledge or wisdom is the Idea of the Good, which has an implication in gaining usefulness and value. In general, the humans are programmed to practise the good, but without the knowledge of philosophical reasoning this attainment is not perfectly possible. Goodness has its own implication of involving factors such as justice, truth, equality and beauty t hat can be defined as the "Hierarchy of Forms". Our ideologies to understand materialistic knowledge based on mathematics and science are propounded with the underlying theme of abstraction by the methods of opinion based on perception that is actually situated at the bottom of the materialistic plane. The Cave The Republic is one of the most influential contributions made in the history of political philosophy and the Cave is the most popular allegory of the Republic. In the Republic, the human condition is described as in the state of prisoners constrained in a cave observing only the shadows reflected on the wall they are facing. The goal of human mind is thus transcendence from this state by virtue of incorporating genuine education, envisaged as liberation from imprisonment, and articulated as a movement

Curbing the Costs of College Textbooks Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Curbing the Costs of College Textbooks - Essay Example The federal government has even involved itself in the issue by passing a recent law that forces publishers to tell professors how much-required texts will cost their students, and colleges must inform students during class registration what books they will need to purchase for each course. The best and most fair solution for everyone when it comes to textbook pricing is to move away from physical printed and bound books to electronic and downloadable texts. Publishers have every right to make money, but students should have the ability to save themselves money wherever possible while working towards their diplomas. Problems with the current system Students today spend a lot of time and effort when it comes to buying textbooks. Once their class booklists are in hand, the students have a few options as to where to buy their books. There’s the school bookstore, which will usually carry new and used copies of required books, and will buy back some books from previous purchases. S tudents may also look for their books online, at sites like Amazon.com or eFollet.com, which often offer a larger selection of used copies than the campus bookstore and often at a lower price (Bernard B5). Yet there are a lot of roadblocks when it comes to finding a cheaper, used copy of a textbook. According to a national survey conducted by the Public Interest Research Groups (PIRG) of required college texts, the books are revised and issued as new editions â€Å"every three to four years regardless of changes to the subject† (Allen 6). Why is this a problem? Because the older editions are then considered outdated and are made unavailable to students by the publisher. The older editions cannot be traded in for cash or credit at the student bookstore or sold online at Amazon.com or eFollet.com. Students enrolling in classes where the new editions are required must buy the books new since used copies are not available. Students also complain that many times they are only requ ired by their professors to read a couple of chapters in a single textbook – despite having to purchase the entire book (Allen 7). In the 1980s through the early 1990s, it was a fairly common practice for professors to offer â€Å"course packets,† which were photocopied chapters from several different textbooks and were made available to students for only the cost of the photocopies. These packets were widely considered by publishers to be a blatant violation of copyright law, leading to a lawsuit against a Kinkos in Ohio who was handling the photocopying order for Ohio State University. The publishers won the suit and course packets began disappearing not only from OSU but from colleges everywhere. (O'Shaughnessy 1-2) In 2010, the federal government passed a law as part of the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) requiring that book publishers tell professors up-front, in all marketing materials, how much the book will cost the student. The idea behind this provisi on of HEOA was described as â€Å"an effort to get professors to be aware of what their choices were really costing their students† (Smith A5).  

Blood Pressure Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Blood Pressure - Lab Report Example As the muscles are less stretched the force of contraction decreases which reduces the stroke volume. Decreased stroke volume results in decreased cardiac output and hence reduces blood pressure initially. This is also called orthostatic hypotension (reduced blood supply to brain due to reduced cardiac output causing fainting). However after sometimes, baroreceptor respond to this decreased blood volume and stimulates the cardio-accelerator center in Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla which cause noradrenergic discharge. Nor adrenaline then acts on Beta-2 adrenergic receptors on myocardium to increase the heart rate and force of contraction to increase the blood pressure to normal and thus maintaining homeostasis (Williams et al, 2004). Q2. Analyzing the blood pressure it becomes evident that although there was a drop in mean systolic blood pressure (114mm Hg sitting versus 111 mm Hg standing, but it was not statistically significant as p value was > 0.05), even mean diastolic blood pressure decreased (76.3 mm Hg sitting versus 73 mm Hg standing but again it was not statistically significant as p value was > 0.05). However the mean pulse pressure ( difference between systolic and diastolic) increased(84.6 mm Hg sitting versus 87 mm Hg, but this was also not statistically significant as p value was > 0.05). This means that out of 100 observations more than 5 observations has happened due to chance factors of random sampling and change in posture has not statistically altered their blood pressure. Though statistically insignificant it is clearly seen that clinically or physiologically there is reduction of blood pressure from sitting and standing postures as discussed in question 1. The increased pulse pressure was d ue to the fact to compensate the reduction in cardiac output and increase the peripheral circulation (Williams et al, 2004) (Blair et al, 1980). t tests are conducted to test the significance of difference between

Internet Censorship classical arguments Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Internet Censorship classical arguments - Essay Example The problem of censorship of internet can only be solved if it is distributed according to the location. However, most of the people have positive arguments about the censorship of the internet, as it can restrict the exposure if the pornographic material to children. Filtering the web content is an effective way to control the accessed information on the internet. However, it may require the constant control to limit the utilization of the information and a prevention method to deny the access of new pornographic content. Another method is to blacklist such websites that are providing the information that is socially or culturally irrelative. However, as the internet is growing day by day and every day new websites having some kind of restricted material are launched, thus blacklisting is the perfect solution. Many governments like the Islamic and the Asian countries have the certain level of restriction employing both blacklisting and other methods to avoid the exposure of pornogra phic as well as such contents that depicts unfavorable comments about the governments and leaders. Islamic Countries like Saudi Arabia, have adopted a higher level of filtering the content as they have the view that the censorship would not endanger the Islamic rules and regulations. However, it is not possible to fully control the web content. The father or the internet â€Å"Vint Cerf† argue that it is not possible for the government to fully control the internet as it is owned by the private sector (Fonseca, n. pag). However, many people argue that censorship of the internet is only to crush the freedom of the public and everyone has the right to attain the information he would like to attain. Censoring the internet is only to restrict the information that is against the freedom of humanity. If the restriction is only imposed to the pornographic web content, the restriction would be considered as a righteous act. However, it is not only imposed to the web content that is p romoting porn but also imposed to the content that has views against the government or against the culture of certain region like in majority of Iran, youtube.com and facebook.com are also banned due to the reason that the websites are promoting the western culture and are against the Islamic culture (idebate.org, n. pag). In this way, the information on the sites is also restricted in these areas. Annotated Bibliography Bidgoli, Hossein. The Internet Encyclopedia. Volume 2, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, , 2004. Print This book helps the students how they can use the internet with the restriction by government. These restrictions are for the betterment of society. In this book classical definition of censorship is also clarified, that how much things are included in censorship which should be restricted from the teenagers. Schultz, David Andrew. â€Å"Encyclopedia of American Law†. New York: Infobase Publishing, 2002. Print. This book describes the American Laws regarding th e censorship of the internet. The common use of the internet and resources has to apply some restrictions on the content to avoid the exposure of the adult content to the children. Fonseca, Pedro. â€Å"Cerf Sees Government Control of Internet Failing†. Reuters.com. Nov 14th, 2007. Web. The site describes the ideas of the father of internet Vint Cerf’

Plato and Nietzsche on Authority Essay Example for Free

Plato and Nietzsche on Authority Essay Nietzsche and Plato have many similarities in their discussion of political philosophy. Both dislike and hold contempt for democracy, and both favour a meritocratically chosen elite holding authority. There are even many similarities between the characteristics that they require in the group. However, there are differences too. Nietzsche doesnt outline a strict theory of authority, as Plato does. His governmental system, although it hardly is, could be interpreted, and has been, in many different ways. And, although both of them think that they have justified their authority, there have been several discussions on to whether they are, and in what society they would be relevant. These discussions are perhaps at the core of finding the key differences and usable elements of their philosophies. The notion of authority can be discussed in two main senses. For one, it can be used to discuss a person or groups right to rule. The other is when you talk of someone being an authority on a topic. Both of these involve the subordination of personal judgement to that of another and most political theorists would consider this subordination to be binding. One of the main problems is if you should surrender your own personal judgement independent of the content of the authoritys ideas both Nietzsche and Plato would say that one should, as their leaders are both an authority on a topic and have the right to rule. When authority comes from knowledge, it doesnt necessarily mean that the authority has power, for example as in a teacher trying to control a class at a school. However, in politics, an effective authority must be allied to power. If the authority is recognised, then it is de facto authority. If it is justified, then it is de jure authority, and most de facto authorities claim that they are both de facto and de jure. Plato and Nietzsche both argue for a de facto authority (sensibly who wants to impose an authority that is ignored?) and they both outline what they believe to be justification for this authority. This justification is at the centre of much of political philosophy, as it is important to discover if the justification works. Authority differs, therefore, from justified power, as justified power in itself does not involve subordination of judgement if theyre not recognised, then they cannot require that people follow their rule. Legitimacy is also an issue. In a democratic state, electoral fraud would lead to a leader being illegitimate: there is also no guaranteed way to prevent electoral fraud. However, as Nietzsche and Plato are both anti-democracy, illegitimacy this way would obviously be an issue. However, if either of their desired leaders were to seize power (either by force or just accidentally falling into power), there would be definite issues with people who didnt believe their justification. In this case, their authority could be considered illegitimate. Plato, especially in Republic, gives epistemology and metaphysics substantial roles in political philosophy. In Platos ideally just city, philosophers would gain power, or, at the very least, rulers would have to engage sincerely and adequately in philosophy. Plato also suggests a rigorous training program for his philosopher-kings they must have their emotions properly trained. Would this lack of emotion make for a good authority? Many would say that you cannot be emotional about your leadership because then your judgement would be swayed by too many subjective factors. However, the thought of a leader without emotion is particularly daunting how would they know what would affect the population, and more importantly how? Emotions are an important part of human life, and a great leader would have to understand (and this would usually be best understood by feeling the emotions oneself) human life to be effective. Plato argues that this would come from knowledge of the Forms, the per fect example of something there is one for every notion that exists on earth. The Form of tables, the Form of emotions, or even the Form of drinks are all said to exist. The meticulous training includes imparting knowledge about these forms and prepares the mind for this abstract thought by rigorously training the rulers in mathematics. The philosophers knowledge of the Forms would include knowledge of the Form of Good, which is the keystone of the system, and therefore is essential for order. If one takes the Forms to be a true (or even just realistic) idea then it is sensible for a leader to understand what the true notion of good is. If one knows good then one can use this mould to create a good system, which is surely more reliable than basing it on subjective ideas. The Forms are like a religion, which makes Platos system almost a theocracy (unlike the authority of Nietzsche) and this has been implemented as a political system before. In the past, however, people have become dissatisfied with the religion that they are forced to agree with. Atheism is becoming more and more accepted than before, as many new scientific discoveries render God less and less plausible, and as Nietzsche would put it, less useful as a concept. All this taken into account means that knowledge of the Forms probably wouldnt be useful for an authority (especially in a modern era), but it is not necessarily a bad idea for an authority figure to be well versed in philosophy. Philosophy introduces abstract thought (like Plato suggested) and calls for knowledge in logic. Abstract thought is useful when trying to find theories that fit with the real world where would physics and chemistry be without abstract thought concerning the atom? Another key question on the subject of religion was raised by Nietzsche. Is there anything that can be taken from religion, even if one wasnt to be imposing religion onto a state, as Plato does? Nietzsche believes that, although religion in itself is too dogmatic and God is useless as a concept, the passion behind religion is admirable, and would be one of the key characteristics of his new philosophers. Nietzsches new philosopher, as opposed to the more traditional concept of Plato, would be more like a contemporary artist than a contemporary philosopher. They would not even necessarily be searching for the truth. These new philosophers are the Ubermensch and coupled with this think outside the box attitude, they have a strong Will to Power, which makes them the perfect leader. They crave solitude, when independence is not necessary or normally preferred, which Nietzsche says is an example of exercising the will to power over oneself he also calls it a privilege of the strong. Plato agrees, and says that the philosopher follows truth alone. These new philosopher overmen dont follow the rules that are currently put in place by Christianity and slave morality like self-sacrifice for ones neighbour and self-denial. Similarly to Platos philosopher kings, these Ubermensch/new philosophers are uncommitted to anyone or anything, and they are not afraid to break the boundaries currently put in place by political authorities. - Of course, these philosophers that are in power must be significantly different from those that we call philosophers today. Nietzsche says that every great philosophy so far has been just the personal confession of its author meaning that philosophy is subjective and just based and what you want to believe and think. Here, social class, education, religion, parents and friends all play a part in what you write down as your philosophy. As previously mentioned, Nietzsche wants to use people who a free thinkers, someone that yearns to be set free from the crowd. Plato agrees when Adeimantus says that people who study philosophy too long become weird, roguish creatures, useless to society philosophers arent currently as useful to politics as they should be, according to both theories of authority. There are other examples of when a more metaphysical concept has been implemented by an authority. Religious people often hold God (rather than the Forms or the free thinkers of Nietzsche) as the ultimate authority, and although we have discussed briefly the problems with making this the law of a state (as in theocracy), this religious politics may not be a bad idea. For example, if those with authority look to God for advice on political matters, it gives them a chance to think about and receive information (either from God, or simply thinking it through in prayer, or even through the morals in religious scripture this neednt be a discussion of religious philosophy) about what may be the better decision. Obviously, if we take the Forms to be incorrect (as most people do), then God would be the ultimate good, which means that those that understand God would have to hold the power, rather than philosophers. Of course, there has to be a line drawn between looking to God (or another spiritual being) for advice and forcing views on other people. Plato would argue that the people dont know what is good for them, and so should trust whatever the authority says, but this isnt a realistic idea for people of today, who have fought for free speech for centuries. Nietzsche would both agree and disagree with this. He would agree in that the Ubermensch are the only ones that can be truly rulers, and that the vast majority of people dont know whats good for them. However, he wouldnt necessarily say that this was a bad thing, as if slaves are happy being slaves, then they have less of the Will to Power and therefore do (in a sense) know whats good for themselves personally. Of course, even if we convert Platos theory on Authority to be based around any religious ideals then it is still an argument against democracy in that if an Authority must have something to be a good ruler, there is no point in asking the untrained masses to vote for a good ruler. They wouldnt, presumably, be able to understand the Forms, or God, sufficiently enough to choose an Authority (or even understand that there could be an Authority) that would do the job to Platos standards. Another Platos philosopher kings rely on their knowledge of the Forms to provide their moral code, which is then implemented upon the Republic. The Form of the Good provides the perfect moral code upon which to base the real (material) moral code. This is one of the main reasons why Plato requires his rulers to have philosophical knowledge they need to know the moral code upon which to base their own. Nietzsche, on the other hand, believes that everything is subjective, based on experience and opinion of the individual. This means that his philosopher supermen dont need to implement a moral code; their only morals are the will to power. Even if this seems like a good idea within the context of Platos Republic, this Authority wouldnt make sense in todays politics. For example, there are many various types of religion, and within those religions, thousands of sub-sets. This means that, even without using the Forms, that this theocracy idea couldnt be imposed without some force (the implications of which will be discussed later). Secondly, using one type of morality based on dogmatic principles wouldnt hold sway for a similar reason there would be complaints (or even uprisings) about the lack of freedoms this gives. These are practical reasons for the change not to take place. However, there are implications even if this were to be used in an ideal society (where all good ideas based upon an interchangeable ultimate value would be easily implemented with consequences). Its not ideal, from many viewpoints, to force everyone to hold the same viewpoint (although Plato would argue that there is only one true viewpoint) and Nietzsches subjectivism would agree. Human nature would be indulged in an ideal world, if happiness was the ultimate value, and this calls for freedom to be a central concept of any Authority. Freedom to vote, to those in the UK, seems to be a basic human right with few restrictions. This means that democracy would seem to be part of an ideal society in pursuit of happiness. There are good reasons for this we all have subjective opinions (as Nietzsche rightly said) and these need to be reflected in the way we are governed by an authority. For example, in most other situations, we would consult someone who we believe to be an authority on a subject. If we are ill, we talk to a doctor. If we want to dine out, we will consult a restaurant critic. Therefore, it seems sensible to leave governmental decisions to those with political knowledge. However, the teaching of medicine is universally taught in a similar (if not identical) way there is little room for a subjective opinion. The more subjective something is, the less we can trust it. The restaurant critic, for example, will sway our views either way, but it probably wont be the final judgment. The reason it will still sway us is that there is still good and bad food. Politics, however, is different. Everything in politics is completely dependant on moral views, upbringing, teaching, the media and even the way your brain works. We cannot trust teachers of politics to be completely impartial when teaching the political theories. Teachers of religious studies are usually biased towards Christianity in this country, and politics teachers would probably be the same. People wouldnt be happy with simply going along with what the politicians say thats why people have died for democracy. Everyone has different views, and democracy is the best way to incorporate all (or most) of these when creating a government. There is, however, a problem with the amount of democracy to allow. The current system in the United Kingdom is for people to vote in a representative that they trust to make similar decisions to those that they would choose. Of course, the representative cannot be trusted to have exactly the same views, and therefore, should the vote be more open? If people were allowed to vote on any topic that interests them, what would happen? The government may be forced to ban petrol cars. The main question is, is it really democratic once elected? The system in the UK is not fully democratic. Plato would argue that the only way for a government to make truly right decisions (and therefore decisions that the public would have to agree with theres nothing to disagree with if something is right) is for them to know good be trained in abstract thought and philosophy. So democracy, to be worthwhile, perhaps needs to be more democratic, or Plato and Nietzsche have the right idea. Jeremy Bentham famously associated utilitarianism with democracy he believed that one vote per person would lead the the greatest good for the greatest number. This is because human nature naturally tends to lead us towards pleasure, as opposed to pain. And, because everyone has this same desire towards pleasure, democracy would effectively allow all of us to vote for pleasure, so to speak. This seems like a more feasible idea than relying on someone who, although in theory doesnt have personal interests, probably would be biased. Humans do tend to avoid pain, so an open vote would lead us away from pain. Change Nietzsche quotes on asceticism! Another important feature that both Nietzsche and Plato mention in their political philosophy is asceticism. Nietzsche mentions that the tests of self-deprivation that (Christians mostly) pervade Western society are bad wherever religious neurosis has appeared on earth, we find it tied up with three dangerous dietary rules: isolation, fasting, and sexual abstinence. However, further on in Beyond Good and Evil, he seemingly changes his mind. He advocates appropriating, injuring, overpowering those who are foreign and weaker; oppression, harshness, forcing ones own forms on others, incorporation, and at the very least, at the very mildest, exploitation which would surely induce suffering, especially when considered with a modern mind. He then goes on to say in 270 that Profound suffering ennobles; it separates. Even earlier on, in 40, he says that everything deep loves a mask surely a sign of internal suffering is being hidden? Presumably, deep is a good thing, as his description of his new philosophers necessitates that they are deep creatures. Plato, on the other hand, consistently advocates an ascetic lifestyle, especially when he is discussing his people in authority. They do not care for pleasures of this world: those of body or money. We can apply the same thoughts to asceticism as we can to Platos philosopher without emotion. If a leader doesnt care for pleasures of this world, then surely they cannot truly understand the pleasures of this world whether they are philosophers or not. If the authority was supposed to be similar to a Christian God, then it would be omnipotent, and therefore know and understand everything a priori. However, neither Plato nor Nietzsche advocates a Christian God as the best authority and neither of them suggests that the leader would be omnipotent. Therefore, it would make sense to disagree with asceticism on the grounds that it would cause the perfect leader to have a lack of understanding about typical human pleasures. It will be evident by now that Nietzsche (and Plato, to an extent) advocates an oligarchy (albeit meritocratic) both place small groups of people in charge of the general public. They both have similar attitudes towards democracy, as well. Plato dismisses democracy he thinks that liberty (557b) and equality (558c) lead to a break down of all the essential characteristics of a philosopher-king. Evidently the very existence of a ruling class of philosopher kings is controversial to the central themes of democracy. liberty leads to a lack of self-discipline. He doesnt believe in equality as some humans are superior. Nietzsche has a similar idea he mentions that Every enhancement in the type man up to this point has been the work of an aristocratic society, which shows that he believes that an aristocratic society will further mans development. Although Plato seems to advocate a meritocratic oligarchy (although he wouldnt admit it), he doesnt recommend that his republic be based around money (also known as a plutocracy) where a small group of rich people, similar to an aristocracy, rule the lower classes. This would lead to an economic inequality between classes, which would create an environment which leads to and breeds beggars and thieves. It could also lead to a revolution between the rich and the poor. Another argument against plutocracies occurs in chapter VIII, Socrates says that wealth doesnt allow a pilot to navigate a ship, so wealth wouldnt allow an authority to rule a republic. Money seems to be a key problem with many theories of authority. It is often said that money corrupts people, so it could be argued that in any governmental system where the authority gets paid or is chosen because of its wealth would be corrupt. However, it is not practical to impose this most people associate power with money either subconsciously or consciously. The authority, even if chosen democratically, would want some reward for having to rule a country, and money is the usual and probably most desired reward. In The Prince, Machiavelli justified using force to gain and retain political power, and it, therefore, justifies any actions simply done to gain power. This may, of course, have influenced Nietzsche, who also advocates gaining power by force. In 257, he mentions that every noble (not in the typical sense) civilisation has descended from barbarians, and that any decent (and therefore aristocratic) society requires slavery. Plato agrees with this, he says that the most majestic society and man is tyranny and the tyrant. Although there are sections in The Republic where Plato seems to advocate violence, such as 465 where he says Arguments can be settled with fists, there and then, as they arise, when he discusses his perfect State he seems to believe that it will just come into being. For example, in 502, he mentions that the only way it could come about by a philosopher wiping the slate of human habits and society clean. This could, obviously, mean the annihilation of the human race, but it seems to mean just cleansing the mind of incorrect ideas. He then acknowledges that putting it into practice would be difficult which it wouldnt, if they just forced people into obeying, which makes it seem like he hopes that one day, it will happen, but he is not going to force it. More examples of this anti-force opinion occur when he is discussing the types of government that he is against timarchy, oligarchy, democracy and tyranny. He explains that oligarchy and tyranny can only come about by using force private wealth means that people feel that they have the right to keep the populace down by force. Democracy, he believes, causes excessive liberty, which then causes its own downfall. From this comes a tyrant, who is not afraid of murder and stirs up war. Another point he makes is that it is simply never right to harm anyone at any time which obviously is a specific way of showing his feelings on violence and this would apply to taking a country or state by force. Of course, this helps to illustrate a key difference between power and authority. For example, we all have in us the physical strength to murder (although, obviously, we dont usually have the mental state to want to do it) and this is power in one sense just like a dictator killing thousands of people because he can. However, an authority differs from this in that it would be classed as capital punishment. So what is the difference? Why does an authority have the right and others do not? If an authority is de jure (with justification) although it may be difficult for some to think when murder would be justified then all its actions could be seen as justified by proxy, as if an authority is justified, the decisions they make would be somehow related to the reason they are in power. For example, Plato justifies his philosopher-kings by saying that they are the only ones who can have true knowledge of the forms, and, if this is true, then they know the Form of Good. So, if they murdered someone, then it would be based upon something theyve seen in the innate Form of Good. The balance between freedom and authority comes into question when discussing issues like the above. Even though the authority may be justified on its own terms, it may not be necessarily right. Using Plato as an example again, the theory of the Forms is now commonly thought to be incorrect, and people wouldnt accept that as a reason to allow capital punishment. Even if there was a truly irrefutable source of justification, people will always have differing views, especially on such an important topic. So how does an authority find the perfect balance between power and authority? Authoritarianism is a social theory popular with dictators and the like. It supports, at the totalitarian end of the spectrum, the total subjection of personal opinions (usually through oppression) and enforcing strict control upon those that live in the state. It often involves what many political philosophies would see as an erosion of civil rights and freedoms lack of a private life and suppression of religious beliefs, for example. Obviously, there are differing degrees of authoritarianism and even the most democratic and liberal state must exercise its authority upon those within the state, but finding the right balance is important. Both Nietzsche and Plato advocate the subordination of those under the command of the philosophers, which means that their theories would be less easily accepted today than they would have been in the past. As previously mentioned, people have fought (and still are, particularly from the 20th century until today) for their civil rights and this includes their freedom, which means that an authoritarian government, like those advocated by Nietzsche and Plato, would be more difficult to impose today than ever before. This calls into question obedience to the state. The more democratic the state, the more free speech and dissent is usually allowed. However, as neither Plato nor Nietzsche advocate democracy, it is required to understand when disobedience would be allowed. Of course, both would say that their state would be obedient at all times, but this is unrealistic. In a theocracy, the state executes the law of God. In Plato, God can be easily exchanged for The Forms. However, what would happen if people were to disagree with Platos theory, as many do? Would they be justified in breaking the law of something that they dont believe in? A true authority would mean that the law would either be unbreakable morally or that their authority was so powerful that people could not, or would not, break the law. However, as has been seen, it is difficult to see where Plato or Nietzsches arguments would lead to such an authority. Although disobedience of the law is obviously illegal, sometimes mass disobedience, in the UK at least, can lead to a change of law. Plato would disagree that this is even possible. If duty to the State is accepted, it is still possible to find examples when the law can be disobeyed. As the duty of the state is to protect the people (and, for my example, this includes their freedom), state infringement of this freedom could cause the person involve to break the law to retrieve their liberty. Another issue arises (in the case of democratic government and perhaps in Nietzsches subjective government) in that if the majority part enforces a law, should the minority who didnt vote be forced to follow it? It wasnt their choice for that law to be enforced. Of course, with major things that infringe on human rights, like murder and domestic violence, should be universally enforced, but what about poll tax and property protection? If it was enforced by a government of authority that imposed itself, this could be an issue in that it is unfair to enforce laws that almost all of the population disagree with. In some cases, it could be considered immoral, but Plato would disagree, as the Rulers are following the only moral code that exists. Platos philosopher kings rely on their knowledge of the Forms to provide their moral code, which is then implemented upon the republic. The Form of the Good provides the perfect moral code upon which to base the real (material) moral code. This is one of the main reasons why Plato requires his rulers to have philosophical knowledge they need to know the moral code upon which to base their own. Nietzsche, however, believes that everything is subjective, based on experience and opinion of the individual. This means that his philosopher supermen dont need to implement a moral code; as previously mentioned, their only moral is the will to power. Nietzsche never specifically argues for a government system like we have today. For example, he mentions that his free spirits should be in power, but also says that religion should be allowed for the common people. This shows, slightly patronisingly, that he is not expecting the common people to understand the rulers (much like the lower classes today are note expected to understand politics) which is obviously a very sweeping judgement, and could be considered as harsh and pro-Big Brighter in support of a tyrannical state. Although Nietzsche did support tyrant, he did appreciate the subjectivism of morals and opinion, and was not advocating forcing ones views upon others (unlike Hitler). His lack of respect for democracy is not the only thing that calls into question modern government. He doesnt even specify if there should be a (totalitarian?) leader at all, merely that the free spirits would hold power as such. His appreciation of subjectivity means that a leader would not strictly work: all views are different, so no leader would be truly right. The free spirit seems merely to be an authority to show others with the will to power what they can achieve. Conclusion Both of these systems involve elements of the totalitarian about them. Plato seems to advocate both communism in monetary matters and lifestyle and the complete opposite when it comes to defining differences between peoples. He argues strongly for different classes of people, like Nietzsche, and for an authority that is placed in power with no choice. Its not as bad as it seems, if one agrees with the justification of the argument however, it would be a long struggle for people to accept it. Nietzsche, on the other hand, has often been blamed for inspiring Hitler (which is untrue, as Nietzsche despised racism and anti-Semitism), and it is easy to see why, as he advocates gaining authority by force, relishes in aristocratic barbarianism, and believes that there are levels of people. This means that their theories on authority arent very practical, and neither de jure or de facto, particularly by modern standards. A preferable system, therefore, would be a mix of Platos equality for women, Nietzsches appreciation for the artistic nature, and (include other philosophers). Of course, its unforeseeable to be able to find a perfect authority, one who is justified, true, moral and recognised. As Nietzsche said, all philosophy to date has been personal confession if this is true (which it seems likely to be), then there will never be a perfect authority, justified and recognised by all.

Interpreting The History Of Volcanoes And Volcanic Rocks Essay Example for Free

Interpreting The History Of Volcanoes And Volcanic Rocks Essay Drawing from the diagram, the volcanic history is as outlined below and other relevant details are also supplied. 1.0 Sequential summary of volcanic history the area a. Andersite porphyry: this is the oldest. Andersite indicates magma of intermediate composition. Its silica content is midway between felsic rocks (having high silica content) and mafic rocks (having low silica content). Its formation is a two-step process where slow cooling occurs at the initial stage within the crust forming large crystals as a result. However, the remaining magma moves further out and, as a result, cools to form a fine grained texture within which the earlier formed large crystals are embedded. This indicates a slow eruption. b. Turf grading into braccia: these are pyroclastic rocks formed by violent eruption of highly viscous magma. The tuff is finer than breccia but the two are of the same occurrence of formation. The magma forces its way out shattering the surrounding plastic rocks into ashes and block fragments. These consolidate to form tuff and breccia respectively and are likely to be felsic since high viscousity indicates a high silica content c. Dacite porphyry: this is of similar composition and formation style as andersite porphyry though it has higher silica content than andersite. d. Pumice Breccia: pumice is fine textured, filled with porous holes containing gases that were trapped within the forming magma at the onset of eruption. The gases later escapes to form a light, porous glassy rock. The breccia was likely to have resulted from the shattering of the rocks as the magma erupts out. Pumice is light colured which indicates a felsic composition (felsic rocks are lightly coloured than mafic rocks) e. Polymictic breccia: this indicates a mixture of breccia of varying silica content which indicates the onset of the formation of an interrupting basaltic formation which is to follow after. However, the mode of formation is still violent. f. Basalt with rough blacky top: this is a fine grained mafic rock. The rough top indicates that the forming magma was gently erupted and the viscosity low enough to cause the included gas to just escape leaving the bubble spaces at the top. g. Andersite: this has been seen as of intermediate silica composition. The absence of porphyritic material may indicate a less quiet eruption. h. Obsidian with pumice streak: the youngest rock; obsidian resembles pumice but without the bubble holes. The presence of pumice streak indicates violent eruption since some of the gases were trapped as a result of the violence. It is felsic. 2.0 Since the last eruption is about 19 years earlier (the age of the youngest layer), the volcano is still active. The earthquakes and the likes are likely pointers to another volcanic eruption. So evacuation is imminent. 3.0 This is an example of a composite or cinder-cone volcano. The seldom occurrence of pyroclastic materials and rocks of intermediate composition suggests this. These, in addition to the fact that the rocks are from highly viscous magma, also suggests that the volcano is located at a volcanic arc.

Evaluate And Analyse The Strategic Perspective Of Tesco Marketing Essay

Evaluate And Analyse The Strategic Perspective Of Tesco Marketing Essay The aim of this write up is to evaluate and analyse the strategic perspective of Tesco. This will include checking through all the activities of Tesco both in the U.K and globally. OBJECTIVES: The aim and objective of this write up is to examine the general operating strategies of Tesco, the challenges they are facing, what motivates them, their strategic directions, what strategy they are pursing presently. Also, what challenges lies ahead of Tesco and also to know where they will be maybe in the next five years. METHODOLOGY: Materials were consulted and sorted for in order to get fundamental information about Tesco and its operations. These materials will link from books, journal and online sources. ACHIEVEMENTS: During the course of this research, we have been able to analyse Tesco strategic options, directions, aspirations and operations. The position Tesco is at the moment has been established and their future directions. However, the present achievement and success of Tesco cannot be over emphasised in recent times. CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION This research is basically to explore the strategies Tesco Plc is pursuing, their core competencies and their challenges. It is also to evaluate those competencies to know if they are sustainable and also if they provide customer value. Further research will be done as the research progresses. BRIEF HISTORY OF TESCO Tesco is a British international grocery and general merchandising retail chain. It is the largest British retailer by both global sales and domestic market share, with profits exceeding E3 billion and the third largest global retailer based on revenue behind WAL-MART of U.S,A and CARREFOUR of France. (http://www.evri.com) Further online source stated that the company started as a one man business in London East and was funded by JACK COHEN son of a polish Jewish tailor. He sold groceries in the markets of East end in 1919 but the brand first appeared in 1924. The name derived after Jack Cohen bought a large shipment of tea from T. E stock well( Formally messrs Torring and stock well of Mincing Lane ), he made new labels by using the first three letters of the suppliers name and the first two letters of his surname to form the word TESCO. The first store was opened in 1929 in Burnt Oak, EDGWARD- LONDON. On the part of food retailing, Tesco is one of the largest food retailers in the World, operating around 2,318 stores and employing over 326,000 people. It provides online services through its subsidiaries. The UK is the companys largest market where it operates in the following areas Extra, Superstores, Metro and Express. The company sells almost 40,000 food items, including clothing and other non-food items. The companys own-label products (50% of sales) are at three levels, value, normal and finest as well as convenience produce. Many stores have gas stations becoming one of British largest independent petrol retailers in 1991. Other retailing services offered by Tesco include Tesco personal Finance, Tesco.com and Tesco Direct launched in 2006. Tesco is a supermarket giant. Research and retail analyst have identified some reason like : Tescos are everywhere Tescos sell to everyone Tesco sells everything Tesco has branded itself in such a way that its success is inevitable. They always take into account various implications for customers, their employees, shareholders and other concerned bodies. Tesco places importance on its mission statement. Tesco have developed various international marketing strategies in various countries like China, Sweden, Malaysia, Poland, e.t.c TESCO COMPANY PROFILE According to information cited from on an online source, universitydissertations.com, Tesco runs more than 2,300 supermarket, hypermarkets and convenience stores in the United Kingdom, Ireland, central Europe and Asia. Tesco is the market leader in food retail in the United Kingdom where it has its highest market share existence compared to other countries where they operate. Tesco operates in various categories of shop sizes, from hypermarkets (Tesco extra) to small urban stores (Tesco metro) and convenience and gasoline retailing (Tesco express) including Tesco financial services. Also according to this same source, Tesco is a global leader in online grocery sales as it owns about 35 % stake in United States grocery chain called Safeways Grocery works. Tesco is a leading online grocery store at the moment; they are now evening moving into expanding their business by diversifying into other areas. TESCO SWOT ANALYSIS STRENGTHS Tesco has diverse ranges of products They have a strong cash flow position They increase sale and trade profits They have a Strong balance sheet They focus on brand awareness They have human resources Strong Online shopping facility Tesco open 24 hours a day They have a leading supermarket chain They have capabilities of converting resources into finished goods. WEAKNESSESS Perception of low quality (Tesco value brands) Lack of local knowledge of customers (international markets) Lack of foreign culture knowledge (International markets) OPPORTUNITIES Tesco develop brand awareness globally Constant New Market opportunity Market shift to globalisation Innovation and Alliances Low cost brand growth Diversification Non-Food offers Tesco untapped new markets with higher margins. THREATS New and existing competition Increase in the price of raw materials Economic recession Far-east low cost brands High competition for customers and resources CHAPTER TWO ELICITING AND EVALUATING STRATEGY Tesco is pursuing hybrid strategy in all their markets. Tesco strategies can therefore be analysed with the Bowmans strategy clock below. ssssss Tesco Position on clock C:Userspc userPicturesbowmans_lesson.gifT According to strategyexplorer.com online resource, a hybrid strategy seeks simultaneously to achieve differentiation and low price relative to competitors. Tescos Hybrid Strategy is pre-dominant in the UK market. Rival organisation like Asda seek to pursue low cost strategy and another rival, Sainsburys tend to pursue differentiation (broad) Strategy. Hybrid strategy can give an organisation advantage especially when larger volumes of sales can be achieved. This is a plus to Tesco competitive advantage considering their market share in the U.K market. Tescos aspirations in the near future are to pursue full differentiation strategy which they may want to achieve in phases. In additional to this Strategy, Tesco also utilises Market development strategy which has increased their balance sheet strength and global presence. According to online information from Tescoplc.com, Tesco Diversifying into areas like Non-food, Financial services and Telecoms and also new markets abroad in Asia, Central Europe and recently into the United Tescos strategy towards market Development has broadened their scope of business over the years into new markets outside the U.K. Tesco has an established and sustainable. Their Strategic decision to diversify in 1997 has contributed to their success in recent years. (www.Tescoplc.com) TESCO STRATEGY OBJECTIVES: According to Tesco online source, the objectives of their strategy are: To be a successful international retailer To grow the core UK business To be as strong in non-food as in food. To develop retailing services such as Tesco Personal Finance, Telecoms and Tesco.com To put community at the heart of what they do. TESCO TWO AREAS OF CORE COMPETENCIES Core and distinctive competencies are very important to any organisation who wants to lead in its industry and also provide customer value. According to Hunger J.D and Wheelan, T.L (2001) P.56, Resources are the organisations assets. Core competence capabilities, in this context mean the ability of such organisation to exploit and use these resources. These resources can be analysed by Barneys VRIO framework below. TESCO VRIO FRAMEWORK RESOURCES V R I O H.R Yes Yes Yes Yes Online shopping Yes Yes Yes Yes 24hr stores Yes Yes Yes Yes Cash Flow position Strong Yes Yes Yes Yes Balance sheet Yes Yes Yes Yes Tesco is very strong considering the resources they have at their disposal. They also utilise all these resources to the fullest. They are in a very strong position both in the U.K and around the globe where they are operating. According to tutor2u.net (online) (n.d), core competencies are those capabilities that are critical to an organisation achieving a competitive advantage. Two areas of Tesco core competencies are: The Tesco.com experience Non-food strategy strength The Tesco.com will; Effectively supply good customer interface that personalises online shopping which make it more efficient thereby giving customers value. The non-food strategy is one of the strongest tools Tesco has at the moment. It is giving them advantage to tap into new markets with very high margins. CHAPTER THREE IS TESCO CORE COMPETENCES AND STRATEGY SUSTAINABLE? If we want to analyse whether these resources and competencies are sustainable, I would say yes. I arrived at this conclusion because looking at the strategy they are pursuing and their core competencies couple with their market penetration and development around the globe, they should be able to sustain these core competencies and strategy. It can also be noted according to the speech of Tesco director that they are market leaders in most of their international markets. TESCOS PESTEL ANALYSIS POLITICAL FACTORS Tesco is a globalised company as they operate in many countries. Political conditions and legislations in these countries have highly influenced Tescos success. ECONOMIC FACTORS Tesco does not have any power over economic factors. Economic factors can affect cost, prices, demand and profits. SOCIOLOGICAL FACTORS According to Ivory research (Online) (2010), current trends have indicated that British customers have moved towards one stop and bulk shopping, which is due to various sociological changes. Aging population now eat ready meals which reduces cooking at home. TECHNOLOGICAL FACTORS Ivory research (online 2010), stated that new technologies benefit both customers and Tesco. Food chains have been more accurate and equipments like self checkout, electronic fund transfer facilities have really increased the success of Tesco globally. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS There have been increased demands from organisations for responsibility of the environment. Tesco has commitment on corporate responsibility to the environment they operate in. LEGAL FACTORS Various legislations from different government have influence on Tesco, For example, legislations about suppliers and so on. STRATEGIC COMMENTARY Tescos core competencies can really help them to achieve an increased competitive advantage. This is obvious because of their focus on new markets outside the U.K. Tesco needs to focus on their key strategies like the Non-food and the tesco.com. Tescos customer loyalty can be sustained by continuous customer value provision. Tapping into new international market is a good turn for Tesco has this will increase their global market share and turnover. Tescos fresh and easy brand in the United States would develop and increase their global profit turnover if they focus on that market. CONCLUSION Tescos strategic direction for the future is very important and crucial to their global strength. I can see Tesco competing closely with Grocery giant, Wal-Mart in the nearest future. Their success in the last 12 years has proved that they can really move into the global market and become like coca-cola in the nearest future.