Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Madness and Insanity in Shakespeares Hamlet - The Cause of Ophelias Insanity :: Shakespeare Hamlet Essays
Hamlet: The Cause of Ophelia's Insanity        Shakespeare, through his intricate uses of symbolism and dramatic irony, arranges a brilliantly detailed account of how Hamlet's mental upheaval served as the driving force of Ophelia's swelling insanity and imminent suicide. He floods the early acts with an impending sense of confusion within Ophelia, for her feelings toward hamlet greatly contrast those of her brother and father. Ophelia begins to willingly take heed of her family's advice as the prince finds himself removed from a lucid pattern of thought. However, because her feelings for him are genuine, this serves only to exalt her mental strain. In the height of Hamlet's incoherent rage, he provides Ophelia with the ultimate medium for her ensuing madness. The murder of Polonius is the greatest among many factors that were contributed by Hamlet to the somber fate of Ophelia.         A prelude, composed of warnings from Polonius and Laertes, is tactfully set up by Shakespeare during Ophelia's initial appearances in the play, aiding in the preparation for her subsequent mental deterioration.         Pol.               What is between you? Give me up the truth.        Oph.               He hath, ny lord, of late made many tenders               Of his affection to me.        Pol.               Affection, puh! You speak like a green girl               Unsifted in such perilous circumstance.               Do you believe his "tenders" as you call them?        Oph.               I do not know, my lord, what I should think.                                              (I, iii, ln.107-113)  Ophelia openly professes her confusion. Polonius' response is presented in a manner which is clearly intended to sincerely disdain Hamlet before his daughter, making obvious his opinion of their involvement. His intent for her actions, however, will merely magnify her confusion. Ophelia concedes that she is not aware of a solution with which to halt or even improve this situation. For this reason, no preventive measures are taken, only allowing the situation to worsen.         Hamlets mind grows more and more clouded as his goal becomes clear, and in the midst of his pervading preoccupation, he pushes Ophelia to the point of mental breakdown. This notion appears in the second act, after Ophelia first sees a deranged Hamlet.         Oph.               Lord Hamlet†¦               †¦with a look so piteous in purport               As if he had been loosed out of hell               To speak of horrors -he comes before me        Pol.               Mad for thy love?        Oph.                My lord I do not know               But I truly do fear it.                                               (II, I, ln. 87-97)  Her confusion has evolved into a state of dread, and this dread will begin to penetrate her consciousness as it grows more and more intense.
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Book Review Wild Swans Essay
1. Main Thesis In Wild Swans, Jung Chang describes the life of three generations of woman in her family. Beginning in the year 1909 and ending in present time, it gives an insight into almost eighty years of the cultural history of China. Jung Chang has said in a interview that her intention in writing Wild Swans was to show how the Chinese people, and in particular the women in her family, â€Å"fought tenaciously and courageously against impossible odds.†The book is a testimony to the strength and determination of her grandmother, her mother, and herself and their resourcefulness in recreating themselves during suffering, humiliation and disillusionment. She interweaves personal and historical stories fluently and the stories of these women and their families act as a lens through which you gain insight into the turbulent history of twentieth century China. The most important themes in this book are: love of family, loyalty and self-sacrifice 2. Chapter Summaries The book starts by relating the biography of Chang’s grandmother, Yu-fang. After the birth of Chang’s mother, De-hong, the book moves to her story. After the birth of the Jung Chang, the focus of the book now shifts again to cover Jung’s own autobiography. Chapter 1: The father of Yu-fang, was Yang Ru-shan, born in 1894 as the only son. It was his duty to produce heirs to continue the family name. One a year after he married he got a daughter, Yu-fang. Political unrest caused problems for many in China over the next years. He arranges that a powerful warlord general, Xue Zhi-heng takes Yu-Fang as his concubine at age fifteen. The general stays only a few days after the traditional marriage and then leaves, not returning for six years. During his next brief visit, Yu-Fang becomes pregnant. The general’s household is run by his legal wife and the head concubines. The wife immediately lays claim to Yu-Fang’s daughter, who the general named Bao Qin. Yu-Fang kidnaps her daughter and escapes from the household. She lies, saying that the child died during their trip. When the general dies, Yu-Fang discovers that one of his final actions was to release her from her duties as his concubine. Chapter 2: Soon after, Dr. Xia, a matured doctor of Manchurian ancestry, falls in love with Jung’s grandmother and the feelings could be felt the same from Jung Chang’s grandmother as well. The doctor proposes and grandmother says yes. Although not thrilled with the marriage, Jung Chang’s grandmother’s father agrees to the marriage and sends her daughter off with a traditional wedding. When Dr. Xia’s three sons, their wives, and grandchildren hear about the marriage, they’re extremely angry. The grandmother receives quite a bit of harassment from the family and the eldest son even commits suicide, nevertheless the wedding still continues. He accepts Yu-Fang’s daughter, who he renames â€Å"De-hong†, meaning â€Å"virtue†and â€Å"wild swan†. Chapter 3: China is living under Japanese rule. After moving to a new province of Manchuria, Jung Chang’s grandmother, now living with Dr. Xia, begins to realize how terrible life is under the Japanese. The Japanese rulers are very cruel. The people are only allowed to eat acorn meal and sorghum, as the Second World War drags on, fewer rations and supplies are given to the people in Manchuria as Japan is losing the war. Finally, an American B-52 bomber flies overhead and she realizes that Japan had indeed lost the war. As Japan’s last officers commit suicide or run away, the town is in chaos just like the rest of Manchuria. Chapter 4: The Japanese are replaced by Soviets who were almost as bad. They pillaged and raped, taking what they wanted and dismantling entire factories. However, they soon leave and the Kuomintang arrives in shining uniforms and rifles. The Kuomintang turns out to be oppressive and ineffective at keeping justice and peace. The remaining Japanese are systematically murdered by the Russians and the Kuomintang. After a while the country is in a civil war between the Kuomintang and the Communists. De-hong sees communism becoming increasingly important to many people but has yet to make up her own mind about the situation. She continues to watch those in power, including those over the teaching school where she now resides. When she learns that a favorite teacher and then her best friend, Cousin Hu, had been Communists and had been either chased from the city or executed for their political beliefs, she makes up her mind that she, too, will become a Communist. Chapter 5: De-hong asks to be a part of the communist movement but she’s found too young. A short time later, she begins distributing Communist literature. The economic situation is so bad that the family has no savings and Dr. Xia, now nearly eighty, is worried about what will happen when he dies. Extortion is rampant, food is scarce, and the money that does exist has almost no value. De-hong becomes friendly with a Kuomintang general. Using his military freedom, they travel outside the walled city occasionally and De-hong leaves messages for her Communist counterparts.. The Communists then start regular bombardment of the city, including one dud shell that crashes into the home of De-hong’s family. Chapter 6: De-Hong helps clean up the carnage cause by all the civil war. When the communists take over the town, they do not pillage, rape, or extort as all the other groups of people had done before them. Many are courteous and kind and seem to be the fit kind of soldiers who destroyed the Kuomintang. When De-Hong reports to receive her first assignment for the communists, she instantly falls in love with a dreamy man, named Wang Yu, who was a high ranking communist official. He had been on many dangerous missions with the communists and rose through the ranks by being extremely loyal to the party and its ideals of sever equality. The two and several other teachers and students travel by train to another communist held town for fear that the town may be retaken by the Kuomintang and there, the two fall in love. Wang Yu eventually submits a request to â€Å"talk about marriage†to the party leaders and the two are engaged and finally married. Chapter 7: Chang’s parents join a group of people traveling south. The trip is dangerous as civil war is still raging. The walk is long and hard, walking forty days to reach their destination, Nanjing. Her mother is forced to walk but her father is allowed to ride in a jeep, a privilege he accepts. De-hong is soon pregnant though she doesn’t realize it until she’s in the process of miscarrying because of the ordeal. She’s very heartbroken and angry at her husband. After the miscarriage, her parents are separated because of his transfer to Yibin. It takes her four months to recover and then make the trip to him. During that time, her anger has cooled and they are happy to see each other. Chapter 8: When Chang’s parents arrive in Yibin, her father is appointed leader and returns to a form of his former name, Chang Shou-yu. He and her mother live together in a mansion confiscated by the Communists. Chang’s grandmother, Fang-Yu, despite her bound feet and difficulty walking, makes the long trek from Jinzhou to Yibin to see De-hong. De-hong gives birth to her first daughter, Xiao-hong. Chapter 9: This chapter tells of her mom’s life as being in the Public Affairs Department in Yibin. She tells of living with a denouncing of her grandmother, the birth of herself and the strictness of her father. Being part of the Communist was hard and had many of its hardships. Having a husband was harder for her mother than anything else. Chapter 10: Chang’s mother goes under suspicion during the course of this chapter. Being that she had some relations with Kuomintang participants she went under suspicion. But, after all that she had to go through, she was able to be free of any charges. Chapter 11: During this chapter, Mao decides to purge the Communist party again. This time devises that most people are â€Å"rightists†and need to leave the party, which ruin their lives forever. However, he got help this time and made all of his officials get rid of 5 % of their total participants. In the end, Chang’s mother was able to get to this quota after many different approaches of convicting people of being a â€Å"rightist.†Chapter 12: A famine strikes the land of China during this chapter. Many people die and starve from this famine all because Mao decides to make this situation look like their wasn’t a famine at all. Mao wanted to produce steel which led to a drop in production of food which leads to the famine. But, the famine gets cleared after Mao lets others to take charge of the situation. Chapter 13: Chang describes life in a compound during this chapter. Moving into a compound was for Chang and her siblings to go to a very nice and prestigious school. Living in a compound was very contained with its many entertainment locations. There was no need to go outside the compound for any reason. She also tells of how nice her life was as a child, living in a home where she was a good kid and her family noticed that. Chapter 14: This chapter describes the event that occurred with the cult of Mao. Many youths were forced into living like Lei Fang, a man who had a huge fondness for â€Å"Chairman Mao†and living his entire life revolving around him. Education included studying the words of Lei Fang and viewing the beatings of â€Å"class-enemies.†Chapter 15: After hearing about the collapse of Stalin’s Russia, Mao realized that he represented a Stalin figure waiting to be overthrown by his own people. In order to stop this from happening, Mao endorse’s books called â€Å"The Quotations of Chairman Mao†. This book contained his quotes and would be used to strengthen his popularity with the Chinese. In short, Mao’s control over China tightened throughout this chapter. Chapter 16: Not until, chapter 16 did Mao’s rule become apparent. Mao issued the use of Red Guard’s who he said protected and fought for Mao (in other words his own police force). Most of these Red Guards came from the families of high officials and came as teenagers. These Red Guards reinforced Mao’s word and rule and when someone was â€Å"betraying†Mao, he or she would be beaten, raided, tortured, or executed. Chapter 17: Jung Chang’s father starts to question Mao’s actions and asks whether if the actions of the Chinese are justified. Eventually Jung Chang’s father writes a letter to Mao explaining the wrongs of Mao’s actions (which in the words of Mao, was considered â€Å"against Mao†and could face charges such as death). He soon serves time in detention. Also he starts to oppose Mao’s thoughts and expresses them out loud which can lead to very harsh outcomes. Chapter 18: To summarize this chapter, Jung Chang and her friends make a pilgrimage to Peking. The goal of this pilgrimage: to see the Great Chairman Mao. Chapter 19: The control of Mao switches into high gear. Because her parent’s become branded as â€Å"capitalist-roaders†they suffer from many brutal denunciation meetings, beatings, harassment, and embarrassment. They are hurt for their crime of being â€Å"capitalist roaders†and bitterness starts to arise because they were only ever loyal to Mao. Chapter 20: Jung Chang’s father soon serves time in detention (due to sending another letter to Mao) and his wife makes a trip to Peking in order to speak to Premier Zhou Enlai, who she believes could help in their situation. On her way to Peking she meets two lovers Yan and Yong who join her. Finally with the help of Premier Zhou Enlai, Jung Chang’s father no longer served in detention. However, this does not end well. While in detention the guard watching over Jung Chan’s father plays mind games with him and convinces him that his wife created a conspiracy against him. Things got out of hand causing them to sleep in seperate areas and forces Jung Chang’s father’s mental and physical health to deteriorate (which later, his health imporved). Next more denunciation meetings hold misery for the parents. Chapter 21: Chapter 21 discusses some of the events that occured within her family. (her siblings) For example, Xiao-hei’s becomes a member of a gang and Jin-ming’s â€Å"black market†book experience. Along with these events being told, she tells of people drawing lines between their enemies and friends, sometimes causing friends to betray each other. Luckily her friends did not tell on Jung Chang which relates back to the title of the chapter, â€Å"Giving Charcoal in the Snow†, that refers to helping out others when needed. Also in this chapter, Jung Chang experiences her first time in a university. Chapter 22: Within this chapter, Mao institutes the idea of â€Å"thought reform through labor†. The intentions of this quote made Communists all around China to go to the countryside and work alongside the peasants (Jung Chang was sent to Ningnan). Mao said that it would make the Communists closer to China. Sadly, at the end of the chapter, the friend’s of Jung Chang pronounced her grandmother dead. Chapter 23: To summarize this chapter, Jung Chang pursues her career as a â€Å"barefoot doctor†. Mao defined barefoot doctor’s as doctors that could be turned out en masse. However, before she became a barefoot doctor she was relocated to another peasant village, Deyang, where she learns of what happened to China before the Cultural Revolution. Chapter 24: With her entire family on the mission of completing â€Å"thought reform through labor†, Jung Chang decides to visit her parents who can be found in separate locations. Her mother in Buffalo Boy Flatland and her father in a labor camp. While visiting her father, she tries to cheer him up by keeping him company. Eventually other family members come visit which allowed her father to not suffer from suicidal thoughts and whatnot. In the end, Jung Chang’s father apologizes to Jin-ming, her brother, about their current situation and past events. Chapter 25: In this chapter, Jung Chang takes her career in being an electrician. In her factory, she meets Day and eventually they both fall in love. However, it becomes shortlived because of their different social status’. In the end, Jung Chang’s father dies and she enrolls into an english university. Chapter 26: Education in China becomes less stressed, however those who had connections with officials became legible to enter universities, through the process which later became known as using the †back door†. Teachings elements became based on Mao as well as military tactics and defending the country. Chapter 27: This chapter gives rise to the death of Jung Chang’s father. Her father died due to a heart attack which a doctor refused to see immediately. In his honor, an elaborate funeral was held for Jung Chang’s father. After the funeral, Jung Chang’s school decides to go on a field trip to the Chinese port, Zhanjiang, where the students could practice their English with the incoming and outgoing sailors. At the end of the chapter, Jung Chang’s Party secretary announces the death of Chairman Mao. Chapter 28: After the death of Mao, the Chinese become a bit confused on what they should do. The idea of studying in the West became very prominent, as the government handed out scholarships for those wanting to go to the West. The story ends as Jung Chang traveled to the West in search of broadening her horizons and experiencing more freedom.
Monday, September 16, 2019
Gandhi And Nehru
‘Papua' and ‘Coach': Builders of Modern India During the last two thousand five hundred years and more of Indian's history, two individual combinations made tremendous impact both on Indian's civilization and polity. The first duo was that of Cattily and his trusted disciple Contractual Marry who together laid the foundation of the first great historical empire of ancient India. The other duo was that of Mahatma Gandhi and Charlatan Nehru who were instrumental in laying the base of a modern Indian state and giving shape to ideas in the realm of education, culture and democracy. Gandhi founded the Straight Ashram after turning from South Africa and successfully employed the principles of Straight in uniting the peasants of Qaeda and Champaign against the government. After this victory Gandhi was bestowed the title of Papua and Mahatma and his fame spread far and wide. Charlatan Nehru was not only the first Prime Minister of India, but in that opacity, was also a major worl d figure during the mid-twentieth century.Like many national leaders who first lead, or play a major role in leading, their nation to independence, Nehru was widely loved and respected and ended up not only serving as the nation's deader for many years but also shaped much of the nation's political life. Practically every official act of such a leader is a first and often becomes a precedent that his successors follow. 2 His great love for roses as well as children is a well-known fact. In fact he often compared the two, saying that children were like the buds in a garden.They should be carefully and lovingly nurtured, as they were the future of the nation and the citizens of tomorrow. He felt that children are the real strength of a country and the very foundation of society. Most importantly he did not discriminate between he sexes and believed in giving equal opportunities to girls and boys. Quite naturally, he was the ‘beloved' of all the children who gave him the endearin g name of ‘Coach Nehru'. Mahatma Gandhi and Charlatan Nehru are internationally well-known personalities, who had been venerated and respected by the intelligentsia. 10th of them were born in the nineteenth century and passed away in the twentieth century. The Mahatma was the leader and Nehru was the most devoted disciple of the Mahatma. Both of them were giants in their respective fields of the work. The Mahatma was assassinated and Nehru died. Both of them lived the biblical figure, three score and ten. The Mahatma was the father of the nation. Nehru was the builder of the nation. 3 Nehru first time met Mahatma Gandhi in 1916 and admired his role in South Africa.When Gandhi started Straight in 1 919 against Reluctant, Nehru for the first time came into contact with the peasants (kinas) and this contact with the peasants influenced his later thought. He wrote, â€Å"Looking at them (kinas) and their misery and overflowing gratitude, was filled with shame and sorrow-shame at my own easy-going and comfortable life and our pretty politics of the city which moored this vast multitude of semi-naked sons and daughters of India. A new picture of India seemed to rise before me, naked, starving, crushed and utterly miserable. This experience with peasants indicated to Nehru the degree to which the nationalist movement coincided with Sandhog's rise to prominence in the congress and this strengthened Nehru consciousness of peasant India. Nehru played a significant role in the Non-Cooperation Movement launched in 1 921 , under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. A basic question could be put here: what was the influence of Gandhi upon Nehru during this period? Sandhog's stress on the religious and spiritual side of his movement was somewhat incomprehensible to Nehru.Nehru with his modern, scientific and rational approach to life simply did not speak the same language as Gandhi (1921). Nehru wrote: â€Å"but we felt that we knew him quite well enough to realize that he was a great and unique man and a glorious leader, and having put our faith in him, we gave him an almost blank cheese, for the time being at least. †For Nehru, the moral and ethical side of Sandhog's Straight had greater appeal. Nehru did not accept non-violence as an absolute creed but he became convinced that against the background of Indian's traditions, it was the right policy to follow.Sandhog's continuous insistence on the necessity of worthy means being used to attain worthy ends deeply influenced Nehru. Sandhog's abhorrence of machinery and modern civilization had no effect on Nehru, except to convince him and others that such ideas would have to be firmly dealt with when independence was attained. 4 Gandhi and Nehru were completely different people as regards their social status, age, way of thinking and individuality. There were always deep ideological differences between them. In their attitude on life, Nehru and Gandhi differed from each other.Nehru was absolu tely secular and scientific whereas Gandhi was out and out a man of religion. For Gandhi, religion and morality constituted the whole of life. They are inseparable. He laid great stress on truth and nonviolence and expected the Congress to be instrumental for the moral regeneration of the country. Nehru attached much importance to moral values but not so much to religion. For Nehru, religion was a woman's affair. He wanted the Congress to play role effectively in the political and economic sphere. Gandhi formulated the principle of trusteeship for the rich and the propertied class.He was of the opinion that as the rich did not require all their wealth for the satisfaction of their personal needs, they should utilize the surplus wealth for the benefit of the society at large. Nehru, though allows important place to private sector, he consider the Seminary system as a semifinal system which was out of date and a great hindrance to production and general progress. Gandhi described self -reliance as one of the essential ingredients of the individual's character. Charlatan Nehru made self-reliance the pivot around which the entire program of community development revolved. Both Gandhi and Nehru were cosmopolitans.They stood for internationalism. Gandhi did not want India to remain isolated from the rest of the world. Charlatan rejoiced on the freedom struggle of the subject countries. Both Gandhi and Nehru were humanists. Both of them gave greater importance to human qualities than to political expediency. The guru as well as his sashay stood for the toiling humanity. Their hearts bled for the poor and down trodden. There are many reasons as to why Nehru was drawn towards Gandhi. Nehru recognized the heroism and spirit of defiance of Gandhi. He also found that Sandhog's unique adhering and political action brought important results to the country.
Sunday, September 15, 2019
American Exceptionalism
The term American Exceptionalism has many definitions to many different people. In general it refers to the idea that the United States of America holds the special title of worldwide peace keeper and bringer of justice and democracy as they are the land of the free. American Conservatives; such as the Tea Party, also pair the phrase up with the idea of superiority; whereas liberals would much more prefer Americans to see their country as ‘ordinary’ and so dislike the term. To them ordinary means things like American does not always assume its place as the world’s super power but simple acts as an international negotiator in times of need. The terminology was coined in 1831 by Alexis de Tocqueville as to explain a positive outward effect of America’s democracy. In 1929 the phrase was used adversely by the Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, when opposing the idea of the growth of capitalism in the states. In theory, American Exceptionalism works because of four key principles: divine right, resources, just beliefs and diversity. Many believe that the United States was chosen by God to lead the world and so they have the divine power to act in such a way over other countries. Although, others feel that the sheer wealth and resources the country has- such as the most powerful armed forces in the world gives them this power. Some consider the strong ideas and principles that the country was founded on as to the reason they have a greater say; whereas others argue that it is the mix of heritage and cultures, which makes America a kind of highbred of the best of the world, allowing for it to have this exceptional place in the world today. An odd and contradicting feature of the concept is that as an America knows best; they may over power their own legal system, other countries and conduct various types of secret activities if to protect the democratic system and state interests. America knows best: we must invade Iraq to free the people there from the dictatorship they live in, and then as a secondary thought because, they may have weapons of mass destruction (and oil that could be a lot of use to us). The idea that hacking people’s internet history and phone calls is just and fine, because the government can act beyond its means, as in the end they are protecting people from themselves- since they know best! The idea of Exceptionalism has allowed America to involve itself in many conflicts since the Mexican- American War of1846; where the Americans refused to accept that Mexico did not want to be a part of the United States and felt it was their mission to spread ‘freedom’ to the people of Mexico, right through to the Iraq war. During the Cold War the power of American Exceptionalism was used to display the American way of life as the right way and to try and crush the rising power of Communism. Ronald Reagan famously said that America had a duty to be â€Å"shining city on the hill†that the rest of the world would look up to. There are many positives and yet, many negatives of American Exceptionalism, and it is the principles of the term itself have brought about its demise. The waters have been muddied and so there are now many variations of the meaning of the words, which depend on the people using them. There is a spectrum of opinion: to some America is the almighty bringer of justice, and may do this by any means as long as they reach their end target of a freer and fair world. By contrast, others feel that Exceptionalism is simply used as a cover for the falling giant to do whatever it wants; from the invasions of lesser off countries, to spying on the day to day lives of millions of Americans. The use of Exceptionalism in foreign policy is often questioned; is it just a front the country can hide behind when actually working for personal gains rather than the good of the people? The expression is often used today in questioning America’s place as a super power. At a press conference in 2009 Obama was asked about his belief in American Exceptionalism he said: â€Å"I believe in American Exceptionalism, just as I suspect the Brits believe in British Exceptionalism and the Greeks believe in Greek Exceptionalism†. In 2013 Mitt Romney used this comment to attack Obama, stating that he did not believe in the power of the United States as a power, yet them comment had little power as the term has been lost somewhat. The majority of the countries have democracy, or have made a greater step towards it over the last century, leaving America with a much lesser role as the bringer of social equality. American Exceptionalism has shaped the world we live today, without it both America and Britain would not be looked to as a role model of strong democratic systems and equality. The idea has brought the same concepts to many other countries and helped to advance areas such as industry and the role of women. However, in recent years the power of American Exceptionalism has faded and the flaws have become more visible. The positive effects of American Exceptionalism are now much gentler, and the goal is more to help countries create justice, rather than impose America’s view. American Exceptionalism The term American Exceptionalism has many definitions to many different people. In general it refers to the idea that the United States of America holds the special title of worldwide peace keeper and bringer of justice and democracy as they are the land of the free. American Conservatives; such as the Tea Party, also pair the phrase up with the idea of superiority; whereas liberals would much more prefer Americans to see their country as ‘ordinary’ and so dislike the term. To them ordinary means things like American does not always assume its place as the world’s super power but simple acts as an international negotiator in times of need. The terminology was coined in 1831 by Alexis de Tocqueville as to explain a positive outward effect of America’s democracy. In 1929 the phrase was used adversely by the Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, when opposing the idea of the growth of capitalism in the states. In theory, American Exceptionalism works because of four key principles: divine right, resources, just beliefs and diversity. Many believe that the United States was chosen by God to lead the world and so they have the divine power to act in such a way over other countries. Although, others feel that the sheer wealth and resources the country has- such as the most powerful armed forces in the world gives them this power. Some consider the strong ideas and principles that the country was founded on as to the reason they have a greater say; whereas others argue that it is the mix of heritage and cultures, which makes America a kind of highbred of the best of the world, allowing for it to have this exceptional place in the world today. An odd and contradicting feature of the concept is that as an America knows best; they may over power their own legal system, other countries and conduct various types of secret activities if to protect the democratic system and state interests. America knows best: we must invade Iraq to free the people there from the dictatorship they live in, and then as a secondary thought because, they may have weapons of mass destruction (and oil that could be a lot of use to us). The idea that hacking people’s internet history and phone calls is just and fine, because the government can act beyond its means, as in the end they are protecting people from themselves- since they know best! The idea of Exceptionalism has allowed America to involve itself in many conflicts since the Mexican- American War of1846; where the Americans refused to accept that Mexico did not want to be a part of the United States and felt it was their mission to spread ‘freedom’ to the people of Mexico, right through to the Iraq war. During the Cold War the power of American Exceptionalism was used to display the American way of life as the right way and to try and crush the rising power of Communism. Ronald Reagan famously said that America had a duty to be â€Å"shining city on the hill†that the rest of the world would look up to. There are many positives and yet, many negatives of American Exceptionalism, and it is the principles of the term itself have brought about its demise. The waters have been muddied and so there are now many variations of the meaning of the words, which depend on the people using them. There is a spectrum of opinion: to some America is the almighty bringer of justice, and may do this by any means as long as they reach their end target of a freer and fair world. By contrast, others feel that Exceptionalism is simply used as a cover for the falling giant to do whatever it wants; from the invasions of lesser off countries, to spying on the day to day lives of millions of Americans. The use of Exceptionalism in foreign policy is often questioned; is it just a front the country can hide behind when actually working for personal gains rather than the good of the people? The expression is often used today in questioning America’s place as a super power. At a press conference in 2009 Obama was asked about his belief in American Exceptionalism he said: â€Å"I believe in American Exceptionalism, just as I suspect the Brits believe in British Exceptionalism and the Greeks believe in Greek Exceptionalism†. In 2013 Mitt Romney used this comment to attack Obama, stating that he did not believe in the power of the United States as a power, yet them comment had little power as the term has been lost somewhat. The majority of the countries have democracy, or have made a greater step towards it over the last century, leaving America with a much lesser role as the bringer of social equality. American Exceptionalism has shaped the world we live today, without it both America and Britain would not be looked to as a role model of strong democratic systems and equality. The idea has brought the same concepts to many other countries and helped to advance areas such as industry and the role of women. However, in recent years the power of American Exceptionalism has faded and the flaws have become more visible. The positive effects of American Exceptionalism are now much gentler, and the goal is more to help countries create justice, rather than impose America’s view.
Why I should go to the promotion board
Here are a couple of reasons why I believe I should be go to the promotion board. First, I'm ready to further my career as a Non Commissioned Officer. Being the best I can be is all I've ever wanted and I'm ready to take the next step in the Army with being promoted to Staff Sergeant. Secondly, I'm ready to take on more responsibility as that shows that I'm becoming a better leader because with more rank comes more responsibility.I feel that I am more than qualified to attend the promotion board. I have more than enough experience as an NCO that this would be a prominent move In the right direction. In these current times I feel that by going to the promotion board upon passing It I will be able to Impose my will as a Staff Sergeant and lead more soldiers to becoming great leaders themselves. I am deserving of this opportunity and have been waiting my chance for a great while now.This is the time and this is the season or a break through. In closing, I'm not asking for too much but t o be afforded the opportunity to at least have a chance to attend the promotion board. I will be well prepared and motivated to do my best at the board. This will be a great step towards my career progression. My family would be proud of me, and this would be one of my most recent accomplishments, among many. I want to do so much more for the Army, but I feel limited at the level I am at this moment.I would greatly appreciate this opportunity ND once I've gone to the board, you will understand why I feel the way I feel about why I should go to the board. Thank you. Why I should go to the promotion board By AP_daddy SST Phillips, Antennae. Can be is all Vive ever wanted and I'm ready to take the next step in the Army with than enough experience as an NCO that this would be a prominent move in the right passing it I will be able to impose my will as a Staff Sergeant and lead more soldiers and once Vive gone to the board, you will understand why I feel the way I feel about.
Saturday, September 14, 2019
Case Study L’Oreal
Marketing Plan and Control Case study analysis- L’Oreal Nederland B. V. Group Names: Summary General L’Oreal is the largest cosmetic manufacturer in the world since 1992 and contributes sales to more than 100 countries. L’Oreal invested heavily in research and development with the faith: innovation was the critical success factor. L’Oreal was at a stage of making critical decision to introduce Synergie skin care line and Belle Couleur permanent hair colorants which were successfully marketed in France, to Nederland market. These two products were under the family brand name, Laboratories Garnie, the largest provision of L’Oreal. Their introductions to the market were under pressure as Garnie was not very well known in Nederland. The failure of market these products will cause potential problems for future Garnie product introductions. To be market successfully in Nederland, the products have to offer unique, desire, and identifiable differential advantages to Dutch consumers. Dutch Market Dutch is a small but very potential market. With 15 millions of small population, there were significant increases of women working outside the home, delaying of childbirth and rising of income. As a result, women in Nederland had more disposable income and more of them using it to buy cosmetic for use on a daily basis. In European Union, the Nederland ranked fourth in per capita income, however, only 6th in per capita was spent on cosmetics and toiletries. The main customers were those under 25 years old. However, the fastest-growing population segments were the 25 or older groups. Synergie Synergie product line is a facial skin care’s products made with natural ingredients. Synergie product positioned as reliably providing natural colors with the advertising line â€Å"Natural Colours, covers all gray†. L’Oreal goal for developing new products was to introduce only product that had differential advantage with evidence of consumer acceptance. It did not want to gain distribution with excessive reliance on trade deals or high than normal retail gross margins. L’Oreal was perceived as offering high-quality, innovative products, supportive with good in-store merchandising. Bella Couleur Bella Couleur is a line of permanent hair colouring products. The three quarters of Dutch Woman coloured their hair by using permanent colorant. For Dutch women, colouring has become more a fashion statement then just to cover gray. As there were more and more women working outside home, home colouring would increase since it is more convenient. Problems of entering Nederland Market: 1. Competition of medium price products: Dutch woman shopped for values of products. Synergie products are expensive and they only being sold through personal service perfumeries (custom sale). 2. Competitor The main competitors, Guhl’s and Anderson increase market share in1986-1989. In late 1980’s Guhl changed its distribution strategy and started selling the brand on drug chains. As a result, Guhl become aggressive in its marketing through large independents. 3. Customers’ buying behavior: †¢ Dutch women tend to be loyal to their current brands to avoid problems might cause by new product. As a result of consumers’ loyalty, it increases the resistance of switching to new product. Dutch woman typically purchase a facial cream only once or twice a year and have an increasing interests in products with â€Å"natural†ingredients. †¢ Dutch woman are not as familiar with technical product description like the French. They perceived as a technical product and believed its use was very risky. Considering the new brands, first and current customers carefully read package information and ask personal advice. 4. Advertisement The higher spending of advertisement was necessary to develop brand awareness, ideally brand preference. Analysis of problems: – L’Oreal was a leading seller for current market entry, but the share mark et was declining. According to the sample test, the buying intentions increased once the market price had revealed. But it decreased after the actual uses. The actual participants, who would probably not buy the product after using it, increased from 13%-32%. Some negative evaluation of Belle Corleur was due to the fact that Dutch woman tended towards naturally lighter hair colour, and the French towards darker shades. France Belle Couleur was formulated to give a classical conservative dark blond colour with extra reflections or lightening effects. However, the products had not been modified for the Dutch test. The brands needed to be presold since, unlike independent drugstores, there was no sale assistance. However, none of the hair colouring products had a clear advertising positioning statement describing customer benefits. The percentage of woman was not known, nor was the trends in the usage of this method known. Dutch consumers might see the major suppliers of cosmetics and toiletries. But the worries that lied have is that the selling efforts, which is needed in selling the L’Oreal brands in Dutch market. Also at the same time introduce not just one, but two brand name product lines. Generation of alternative solutions Products As per feedback on price, products with wider price range can target on mass market/medium price product market. All the products need to break down to easy term which is easy to understand by simple wording. Market and advertising Expand the market by making it into an open market, which means all the products are available to all different markets. This can be enhanced by advertising with clear statement; and prove to the customers the specifics benefits that they could get by purchasing the products. Advertising Advertise the products through woman magazines; attractive ads that can catch the consumers’ attention and also make them interest towards the products. Advertisement on media such as Tv to show the products concepts and the result of the products after the actual use and customers’ benefit. Market monitoring Monitor the trends to see the changes in the market. From then all the market researches could be done to find the best solution to solve the problem. Personal advertise for better customer service To have personal presold at places for product selling in drug stores, supermarkets, etc. Customers need information whenever they purchase the new products. They all want to know what contains inside the products and the benefits that they could get after purchasing the products. So it is important that customers receive a proper guide through the product line, in order to achieve the customers’ interests towards the products. Promote the products at professional clinics like skincare clinics, or hair salon. After the customers get their facial done, they might decide to purchase the facial products, after they have been advised and advertised by the clinic advisor. Convince customers to switch their brands into something else is hard. In this case, advertisement and unique about the products are the main keys to attract the consumers’ attention and interests. Synergie For the Synergie line, they done the concept tests, but when they reveal the price out to the market, many people have been declined the products. It could due to the fact that the price is too high for the consumers to purchase the products. By lower the price, it could give the company the advantages of getting the interests towards the products. Consumers tend to purchase the products if the product price is at the low price. Belle Couleur When consumers purchase products, they want their product is worth the cost that they paid for. Products need to be totally valued with the quality of its products; and also all the statements about the products need to be a right fact and provide exactly what the qualities placed on the statements/outcomes. There were some negative evaluations on Belle Couleur products line; due to the facts that the products provided fault information, which lead to mistaken by the consumers about the products’ qualities. I. e. different target market has different reaction towards the product line. They don’t have the same or even the similar reaction towards the same products. For example, those Dutch customers tended to like lighter hair colour, when the French customers prefer the darker shades. Due to the market researches of the two product lines, they all get recommended to promote two lines at once. Instead of promote two lines at once, L’Oreal Netherlands can promote one by one; which means that they can promote each one to see how the consumers react to the products. From then, they can decide whether the second product line is necessary needed to be promote out to the market. It can save them the costs in promoting, and also their budget won’t be at waste in advertisement and promotion. It could count as monitoring the current market to see the changes under different circumstances. The product range can be sold at the different locations, such as drugs store and supermarket. Therefore, the advertisements and promotions in these places are necessary in order to catch the consumers’ attentions and interests. Customer service There are numbers of consumers that afraid of purchasing new products, due to the fact that they have bad previous experiences with different products. It is important that marketers can come up with the product’s concepts that provide the trustworthy information to the customers; also it is more important that those provided information can lure away the fear that consumers have, when they purchase for new products. Towards competitions In the global markets, it is impossible for other competitors not copy other products. Stopping it is totally outrages. But every company always have their key ingredients for their products. They always have a backup plan for what they are going to do in the future, if something bad happens. Marketing plan designed Effective monitoring and control system created
Friday, September 13, 2019
The Buddhism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
The Buddhism - Essay Example It is true that Buddhists seek enlightenment, but the immediate philosophical and spiritual concerns are short-term rather than long term. In order to better understand the unique place held by Buddhism in the spiritual world, this essay will examine how the Buddha characterized the meaning of life, how his characterization was practiced at the individual level, and how Buddha's characterization of life has been misinterpreted by others. As an initial matter, the Buddha was not particularly impressed with the physical world in which he existed. Although he has been reported to have lived a privileged life he was also keenly aware of the suffering of the less fortunate. As noted by Karen Armstrong, a leading religious scholar, "When he looked at human life, Gotama could see only the grim cycle of suffering, which began with the trauma of birth and proceeded inexorably to aging, illness, death, sorrow and corruption only to start again with the next life cycle" (2006: 274). His broad characterization of the meaning of life, therefore, was constructed of three main theoretical assumptions. The first assumption was that birth was a traumatic event, that these traumas persisted throughout life, and that the ultimate trauma was death. Life, as characterized in this manner, was an unhappy affair. The second assumption was that suffering was a varied and nuanced concept; more particularly, the Buddha saw suffering as a prod uct of basic needs (such as food and shelter) as well as the product of human desires for such non-necessary things as excessive food, fame, and excessive wealth. Suffering, in this way, was defined differently by the Buddha than the concept is commonly understood in Western societies. This is because the Buddha linked notions of pain and longings or desires intimately and considered both to be types of suffering. The final assumption was that this life cycle was repetitive. The aforementioned suffering throughout a life was bound to be repeated over and over again unless someone found a way out. This was the Buddha's quest, to find a way for the individual to transcend the suffering, and it consumed the majority of his adult life. The Buddha attempted to transcend the suffering by positing that "these painful states must have their counterparts" (qtd. in Armstrong: 2006: 274) and elaborating by suggesting that "supposeI start looking for the unborn, unaging, deathless, sorrowless, incorrupt, and supreme freedom from all this bondage" (qtd. in Armstrong: 2006: 274). What began as a series of observations, about suffering and the human life cycle, developed into a full-blown thesis ripe for experimentation. The Buddha's thesis was that suffering could not exist in isolation, that it must result from some other underlying cause or causes, and that the counterpoints to pain and suffering must exist. A main theoretical obstacle was how to discover these counterparts; the Buddha solved this theoretical obstacle by relying of what to him was known as Nibbana or Nirvana. Translated literally, Nirvana means a "blowing out." For the Buddha, this meant the "blowing out" of the passions and the desires that led to suffer ing. This belief by the Buddha, that passions and desires caused suffering, was the next step in his characterization of life. It can thus be argued that the Buddha was most
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