1968 event Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

1968 event - Essay Example Immediately after the incident, he was rushed to the hospital where he succumbed to injury and was pronounced dead after an hour. He passed away at the age of 39 (History 2012). Over four thousand National Guard Troops were ordered into Memphis to control the situation and prevent its aftermath; however the gunman managed to run away and escape. A curfew was immediately imposed as the 550,000 shocked inhabitants of the city, came to terms with the shocking incident. According to police accounts, the tragedy led to sporadic violence in Harlem and Brooklyn followed by incidents of looting and hostilities against the policemen by the districts with a majority of African American populations (The New York Times, 1968). The suspect who played a pivotal role in the tragedy was later identified as James Earl Ray – a small-time criminal, an ex-convict and a known racist was apprehended by the U.S. authorities at the Heathrow Airport on June 8 1968. Bystanders and witnesses present at the event narrated various accounts which included some of them witnessing him fleeing from a boarding house with a suspicious bundle, near the Lorraine Motel. It was alleged by the prosecutors that he had fired from the bathroom in the Motel building (History 2012). He was convicted for the murder of Dr. King and was sentenced to 99 years in prison on May 10, 1968. Earl Ray consistently denied his involvement in the assassination. The hunt for the suspects was one of the most sensational events in the history of the United States, giving rise to various conspiracy theories, misleading the investigators. Various eye witness accounts were taken into consideration and millions of dollars were invested by the Federal government to arrest the key conspirator. The tragedy was one of the most significant events in history since Dr. King was the leader and pioneer of the Civil Rights movement in the U.S. and played a key role in the upliftment of the suppressed African

Fetal alcohol syndrome Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Fetal alcohol syndrome - Article Example Although FAS is seen as a leading cause of mental retardation, only approximately 20% are mentally retarded, which may explain evidences of behavior problems. In addition, these children are placed in regular schools, where most of the time teachers do not have concrete ideas on how to enhance learning specifically for these students. Participants The three-year study was participated by three students diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), who were also previously part of a larger research study concerning the condition, and they were K-12 school-aged when the present study was conducted. The 13 teachers who willingly participated involved 7 men and 6 women. The educators differed in specialized content areas, including math, physical education, English and language arts, and keyboarding, with varied professional experiences, ranging from 1 to 24 years. They were selected from three sites, Windy Way, Fishport, and Island City. Methods Qualitative methods were used i n the study and data collection methods included (a) individual or group interviews with teachers on-site, (b) participants’ classroom observations, and, (c) retrieval of the students’ relevant educational and medical records. A total of 26 interviews were conducted during the course of the study, in which these were all taped and transcribed.

What do you stand for Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

What do you stand for - Essay Example The first line of action through which people utilize their freedom is by carrying out acts which enable them to satisfy their biological needs. The satisfaction of these needs creates an environment for us to express other freedoms. On a higher level, we can use a phenomenological freedom to pursue inquiry, and theoretical freedom to determine the logical consistency of the answers we obtain. From a scientific viewpoint, reliable predictions enable people to verify their answers in relation to perceptible experiences such as witnessed events and beauty. Finally, on the sociological level, the answers we obtain lead to changes in behavior that precipitate emotional growth, ultimately leading to psychological maturity. We are partly a product of where we are raised, and the experiences we encounter in life. It is parents and the immediate community who instill the norms and values that define a child’s behavior as he grows up. However, experiences fundamentally alter the beliefs and perceptions and, therefore, influence a person’s life view. Therefore, childhood background determines who we become, but experiences also play a part in this role. In addition, sometimes experiences may be so psychologically and emotionally moving that they override the background factors that determine a person’s nature. Therefore, it is possible for a person’s nature to change significantly when they are already physically, emotionally, and psychologically mature. This might have happened to John Wideman, and; therefore, he probably was not an anomaly. The American Dream is accessible to all legal citizens of the United States. Firstly; this is because of freedom the constitution bestows upon each and every citizen. The freedom of expression, freedom of religious and political beliefs, and freedom to undertake any action permissible under the law paves the way for any individual, be they poor, uneducated, mentally challenged, or physically disabled, to pursue

Strategic Market, The Southwest Airline Model Research Paper

Strategic Market, The Southwest Airline Model - Research Paper Example The business model of the corporation is to eradicate the unnecessary frills provided by competitors; hence, reducing the cost to clients. The industry diminishes the cost by focusing at a lesser number of routes and only flying one type of plane; hence, it has created a niche market in the aviation industry. Therefore, by choosing only to employ one type of aircraft, it was a very strategic choice that could enable the company to sustain their business in the global competitive business world. Target Market and the Southwest Business Model The Southwest airline industry has made significant efforts of employing effective strategic management policies and business models that can enable them to meet the demanding needs of customers in the targeted market. Michael Porter has attempted to reveal a unique and valuable strategic position of an industry based on a tailored set of activities that can enable the company to achieve a competitive advantage (Hill & Jones, 2009). Many industrie s have made considerable efforts of employing Porter’s five forces of the competitive advantage in order to sustain their business in the global competitive market. The company manager of Southwest airline industry wanted to create a low cost aviation solution that can offer quality service to customers; hence enabling the company to sustain the competitive advantage. Therefore, the use of non-conventional models for a low-cost and controlled solid growth for the airline has been among the major aspects for achieving competitiveness in the airline industry (Gross & Schroder, 2007). The industry also segments the targeted market in varied ways including travelling short distances, frequent schedules, low cost fares as well as cost and value conscious customers. The other one consists of value cost customers and best value for their dollars. The company created a business model to offer competitive pricing without cutting back the quality of the overall experience for both cons umers and workforce. Although the price cutting policies were viewed as the major weaknesses of the airline industry, the aspiration of the company is reflected on the mission statement of the company. The company has remained

The Pareto welfare criterion requires that welfare improvements for Essay

The Pareto welfare criterion requires that welfare improvements for some are not achieved at the expense of damages to others. As it is impossible to imagine a - Essay Example As a decision-making tool, the Pareto chart provides facts and insights necessary for setting priorities. Pareto set up a welfare criterion known as the Pareto optimum which turned out to be an introductory perception in the theory of welfare. This Pareto optimum introduced by Vilfredo is a situation of dealing in which no individual can be improved through welfare while making the other individual worse off. If a change in the economy is in the positive and no individual is worsened off on the cost of one individuals betterment then it is known as Pareto improvement. It can also be said that the situation is Pareto superior. Pareto efficiency is a state resulting in an improvement in welfare of one or more individuals without adversely affecting the welfare of others. Pareto's theory was based upon the equal distribution of resources so that the well being of one person would not affect the well being of the other. This is not being achieved in the now world but in the recent years governments are taking steps to influence proper resource allocation. These steps include the introduction of public goods and services which are an exception and face no rival ness. The governments are increasingly getting involved in the field of semi public goods which are neither owned by the private or public sector companies. The governments provide subsidies which help in lowering the goods prices; lower the cost prices, impose tax penalties to limit the consumption or production of a good and mandate the goods or services like education on the public. This helps the government to properly allocate all the resources available. Tax penalties or legal punishments are enforced on the manufacturers by the government in order to limit the production or consumption of a good for e.g. pollution. They would impose excise taxes on products so that the production of harmful goods is dispirited for e.g. alcohol. The government also has an important role to play in the public Economic En terprises. They could invest more in their public sector and improve the goods in the market provided by them to the public at a much lowered price then available in the market. They could even privatize the companies so that natural monopolies are avoided in the market which exhibit increasing returns to scale. Such types of monopolies are taken over by the government on the basis of efficiency. The government would charge a price for the products less than the average cost and this shortage would be balanced by the tax revenues. And lastly the government could put on economic regulations so that the market works on a safety standard for e.g. providing licenses or patents, setting general anti-trust regulations and etc. This would help the government to change the pattern of resource allocation and thus attain the level of Pareto efficient allocation. Pareto efficiency has proved tremendously helpful for economists; The First Welfare Theorem affirms that when manufacturers and customers both are price takers, the equilibrium allocation is always Pareto efficient. For this reason, a competitive financial system fundamentally will distribute resources proficiently as customers can make the most of their utilities. The Second Welfare Theorem states that any market that is Pareto efficient will include a set of given costs that forms a competitive equilibrium in the economy. Many economists may and

Consumer behavior Essay Example for Free

Consumer behavior Essay MANILA, Philippines – To understand a Filipino consumer, businesses should focus on 4 factors: beauty, hygiene, health and convenience. These are the key trends that would explain [Filipinos] buying behavior,† stressed Luz Barra, commercial director of consumer knowledge and insights firm, Kantar Worldpanel. READ: Factors influencing Filipinos decision to buy, according to Nielsen In a media briefing on Thursday, September 4, Barra detailed why these matter to the local consumer: Filipinos like to look good Filipino women care about their looks, Barra said, and 72% of them specifically like to improve their hair and change their complexion. This is supported by the purchase growth of 12.6% in hair conditioners and 6.3% in hand and body lotion from June 2009 to June 2013. Being fair is a Filipino consumer’s definition of beauty. Proof is the 10% purchase increase in whitening products versus just 1% in non-whitening products from 2011 to 2013. The purchase of whitening body lotion grew 8% compared to non-whitening lotions 5%. Notable growths were observed from Visayas and Mindanao across socio-economic classes C and E. The beauty trend is also being driven by young households (those with children 12 years old and below) and adult homes (those whose members are 19 and up). They buy mostly from supermarkets and direct sales channels. Germ protection need rises Filipinos also purchased 19% more hand sanitizers and 9% more baby wipes/wet tissues from June 2009 to June 2013. In addition to germ-protection, Filipinos care more about their hygiene with a 54% increase in razor purchase, 11% in panty liners and 10% in sanitary pads. Similar to the trend on beauty, hygiene was driven by Visayas and Mindanao consumers from socio-economic classes D and E who are members of young and mixed households (those with children 12 and below, and teens). We buy healthy Fun runs, exercise and other physical activities have been promoted and practiced more by Filipinos in recent years. In addition, Filipinos are now choosing the healthier lifestyle as shown in their food product choices. On food purchase over the past 5 years, there has been an increase in cereals (17%), yoghurt/cultured milk (9%), canned vegetables (6%) and biscuits (6%). For beverages, purchase increases have been seen in soy milk (20%), bottled water (12%), energy/sports drink (10%), fruit/vegetable juices (7%) and powdered milk (6%). These patterns in purchase behavior have been observed more in North Luzon and Mindanao across socio-economic classes AB, C and E and in mixed and adult homes. Lifestyle on the go Filipinos want food, beverage and cooking choices to be fast, easy and convenient. Over the 5 past years, growth of purchase in ready-to-drink choco drinks (21%), ready-to-drink coffee (17%) and ready-to-drink energy/sports drinks (11%) have increased. Quick and easy meal purchases have also increased including those of instant noodles (9%), instant pasta (7%) and canned meat (7%). There has also been purchase growth among products that make cooking easy, including meal flavorings (17%), liquid seasoning (11%), breading (7%) and bouillon (5%). These patterns have been seen more in South Luzon and Mindanao, among consumers from the socio-economic class C who are mostly from young and adult homes. Businesses may focus on these 4 major categories in order for them to better respond to Filipinos’ preferences, Kantars Barra stressed. – Rappler.com source: http://www.rappler.com/business/38219-4-factors-explain-filipino-buying-behavior

Jeff Wall Photography Philosophy

Jeff Wall Photography Philosophy The artist Jeff Wall has argued that there are two prominent myths about photography, the myth that it tells the truth, and the myth that it doesnt. Discuss Walls statement with reference to the work of any two photographers from the 20th Century. In the following essay I propose to discuss Jeff Walls philosophical statement of photography, the myth that it tells the truth and the myth that it doesnt in which Wall openly recognises the associated ambiguities of photographys systems of representation and perception. The apparent naturalism associated with the photographic medium draws a certain sense of the presence of inherent truths. However, the degree of photographic truth or indeed myth is much dependent upon the intentions of the photographer who instigates and captures the composition. The argument which Wall refers to is not a contemporary difficulty with the medium, as these debates have been circulating ever since photographys beginnings. One must however acknowledge that photographys difficulties with regard the perception of truth or myth have progressively developed as time has transgressed. This notion is in accordance with the greater availability of manipulative photographic technology which has allowed the artist greater control over any proposed outcome. Every image embodies a certain way of seeing which happens to coincides with the consciousness of mankinds individuality. Therefore it is entirely relevant to mention the importance of an awareness of the term semiotics which considers the interpretation of these visual systems which we each profess to. In order to understand the pertinence of Wal ls argument, I plan to explore and discuss the works of Wall himself in conjunction with the works of another American artist, Cindy Sherman. A key universal element of my argument will rest upon the acknowledgement of the incorporation of the multiple peoples who incur the work of photographer as it is these who create and communicate the notion of truth and myth. Whilst no definitive answer may be given regarding the statement which Wall proposes, I do however seek to trace the inner complexities which threaten the authenticity of the photographic movement. Debates concerning the notion of perception, myth and truth have been circulating ever since mankinds inception to the planet. One of the earliest documented records of this debate goes back to the 4th century BC, in which the philosopher Plato presented theories which objectify the then traditional Sophistic views of morality and reality. Plato concluded that both subjects originated from ones own objective ideals of absolute truth, of which only existed in total form in our minds and not in our conscious state of physical awareness. To put simply, Plato writes that an idealised level of truth could never be achieved in absolute terms in our daily lifestyle and that any proposed notion was strongly dependent on our own quality of self interests. From this reading I can comprehend that the notion of reality, truth and perception are all in fact manufactured perceptions based around our own terms of reference. I do view this reading as significant when related to the works of Wall and Sherman who coincidently share a communal categorisation of photographic theme, yet whose subjective visual understanding of a 20th century American society contrast greatly. Artistic intentions are developed or withdrawn in accordance with our own unique mental facets. Related to this matter, concepts of knowledge are also fiercely depend ent upon societal context and worldly experiences. Knowledge is an ever developing independent discipline as are the illusive notions of truth and myth. Theoretical research does not lead to such certainties. Usually its results are quite intangible. It leads to new ideas but ideas are uncertain and debatable. It leads to new points of view but this is not enough if we want hard and fast results. It is only if we are very lucky that far down the road theoretical research leads to what we have been looking for all along: understanding. (Greenstein, 1983, Pg.108) In order to fully comprehend the truths and mythologies of photography, it is necessary to acknowledge that each person including the viewer prescribes to a certain creative vision and that these views we profess to may not be in keeping with the genuine intentions of artist. Modernist understandings of the visual field fall under the study of semiotics which recognises that art functions as another communicative language yet does not present its meanings quiet as literally as with journalism. In the year 1978, Wall created a piece of breakthrough photography entitled The Destroyed Room which documents the disturbing repercussions following an unspeakable act of domestic violence. Jeff Wall, The Destroyed Room, 1978, Transparency in light box, 1590 x 2340 mm, National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa. The destroyed room is clearly that owning to a woman judging by its disassembled contents; strewn feminine clothes and elegant heels. Another prominent indicator of a feminine presence within the composition is the inclusion of a rather graceful and strangely intact porcelain dancer figurine upon a shaken wooden cabinet. A number of intentionally placed diagonal indicators lead our eye to this perverse female substitute which further indicates the notion that she is a universal symbol for the masked, unspoken and disturbing realities evident within the 20th century American home. But is this an accurate representation of 20th century society? Wall created the piece by recreating the theoretical elements of Delacroixs infamous work, Death of Sardanapalus which in effect offers a contemporary model of a historic reference. Eugà ¨ne Delacroix, Death of Sardanapalus, 1827, Oil on canvas. 392 x 496 cm, Musà ©e du Louvre, Paris. While strong feelings of misery, deep unhappiness and pain prevail in both these meticulously composed works it would be misleading to conclude that both works tell of the same truths. Delacroixs painted piece incorporates figurative subject matter in romanticised states of physical torment which contrast greatly to that of Walls graceful, serene figurine seeming to mask the emotional elements of violence by contrast. Wall appears to be making a mockery of Delacroixs curvilinear models through the inclusion of a cheap artificial piece confirming that Wall does not hold any desire to remit the same intentions of Delacroixs work alluding to the mythical existence of an idealised human form, implying a certain utopian view. It is also interesting to note that Walls work places a clear responsibility on the viewer to focus specifically on just one single victim of destruction as apposed to dividing our attention between a number of peoples as in the case of Delacroix. The absence of a real physical presence in Walls work is unsettling for the viewer warranting us to question the welfare of those involved moreover then Delacroixs painting. My feelings of empathy and concern are as a direct consequence of the medium of photography which further evokes the sense that this depiction of intimate violation could in fact be real to life due to the fact that many works of factual photo journalism are presented in a manner similar. I also believe that such a scene does not constitute the creation of a timely idealised masterpiece. This image is revealing of one persons view of a society but it would be a myth to suggest that it an agreeable truth for all else involved especially those who experience domestic abus e. As a viewer, I am aware that I am placing my objective thoughts on the work which may contrast with that of the practitioner and by this means I could unknowingly be creating a work of myth or indeed truth. Similarly I relate this analysis to Wall interpretation of Delacroixs work in that did Wall really take initial inspiration from the work of Delacroix or did Wall get caught up in the moment of physical chaotic creation which later seemingly related in theme to that of Delacroix? We may never know the answer but I take some comfort in my as Walls work seems an entirely abstract muted edition of the work of by contrast to his previous reworking of the work of Hokusai in A Sudden Gust of Wind (after Hokusai), In 1982, Wall created another thought provoking exposure entitled Mimic which again similar to that previously discussed, seeks to condense the negative misgivings of a contemporary culture within a single frame. Jeff Wall Mimic 1982, Transparency in light box, 1980 x 2286 mm, Ydessa Hendeles Art Foundation, Toronto. The image presented reconstructs an offensive racial gesturing witnessed by Wall between two men; a well turned out Chinese man and a roughly clad Caucasian man. Mimic presents an interesting representation of the bodily gestures which typically stereotype these nations. In the case of the Chinese man, his unobtrusive, self servient gesture presents the typical conservative gesture that I connote most to being of Eastern cultural origins. In contrast to this, the Caucasian mans middle fingered gesture presents him as being from an inflammatory type society with liberal outspoken values. Do these gestures pertain to be as accurate representations of the real and whole conditions of the cultures we reside within? No they are not truthful in this regard yet they are truthful in that they do provide a truthful momentary pictorial of an offensive gesture. I fear as a woman that I cannot abide by the social condition Wall has involved here as he positions his camera maintaining an overtly masculine presence with lessened thought given for the role of women within society. It appears as though the lady portrayed is being dragged along or perhaps slowing back deliberately denoting herself as an unwilling participant in this racial transaction as she also stares in a voyeuristic manner away from the confrontation. I would even go as far as commenting that Wall appears to connote that women share as much of an unrecognized role in 20th century American society as any other foreign emigrant would and that the Caucasian man rules over all regardless of social rank or occupation. The context in which a photograph is captured, presented thus examined constitutes a variety of iconic indexical signs. The resemblance to Mimic to that of street photography, cinematographic photography and even photo journalist photography through its successful combination of conceptual performance art qualities and also colloquial elements means that its authentic intentions are difficult to read. The museum reference given pushes us to regard the piece as an aesthetic high art object implying a enriched sense of credibility which forces us to consider its compositional qualities as well as formal aesthetic qualities in a more conscious manner which might not necessarily be the case regarding its possible inclusion in a mass consumed newspaper. Museum curators dictate the manner in which we experience interpret photography and one would most likely consider a different set of indexical signs if museum artworks were placed outside of its intended location. The placement of art may hinder its idea, yet it is the placement of art which determines the power of an artistic idea. The same argument is relevant regarding the notion of time yet it is again the power of the artists intention which will conquer all inhibitors. The meaning of a photographic image is built up by an interaction of such schemas or codes, which vary greatly in their degree of schematization. The image is therefore to be seen as a composite of signs, more to be compared with a complex sentence than a single word. Its meanings are multiple, concrete, and, most important, constructed. (Tagg, John, The Burden of Representation. Amherst: University of Massachusetts Press, 1988) The work of Cindy Sherman emphasises aspects of concurrent femininity which aspires to philosophise the changing role of the female identity in response to cultural expectations. Sherman herself manages to direct, model and capture her photographic intentions in much the same self autonomous process she seeks to explore through her works. Sherman brilliantly captures the metaphysicality of the female figure through her incorporation of diverse facial expressions, considered clothing choices and through the application of heavy make ups which in effect offer few clues to Shermans inner identity which she desires to be excluded from her works. Yet if she so heavily desires to be excluded from her works why does she use herself within her work why did she originally title her early works self portraits? I place ambiguity over Shermans desire to remain anonymous within her work I firmly believe her intentions to be a work of myth. Untitled Film Still (#96) depicts an outstretched Sherman lying rather suggestively across a domestic floor, exposing the myths which define a woman s expectations of sexual fantasy. The image promotes a certain sexual objectivity of the female body specifically through the considered placement of hand and tissue hand near her female organs. Yet I can connote a contradictory sense of imperfection, insecurity and hidden vulnerabilities through her blushed facial expression. Photographs cannot create a moral position, but they can reinforce one-and can help build a nascent one. (Sontag, 2001, Pg.9) Cindy Sherman Untitled Film Still (#96), 1981, Photograph, 60.8 x 121.8 cm, Museum of Modern Art, New York. Shermans choice of a birds eye view camera angle does not allow us to engage with the camouflaged societal location as the figure is zoomed in upon cropped forcing us to engage solely with the figure. The image is part of a series entitled centrefolds which were deliberately labelled in accordance with Shermans choice of publication layout which involves a two page spread in the middle of a magazine which sees Sherman as a sort of fetish for male readers. While the image has been labelled Untitled Film Still, it does not convey an obvious sense of the films actualities as the cropped field of view by the photographer has created an artificial sense of place in which we have no knowledge or clues of the films preceding proceeding moments. In a sense the image goes against the commonalities of film making as its lack of information forces us to narrate our own variation of the films intentions. Sherman as apposed to Wall chooses not to focus on any specific moment but rather the amal gamation of a number of common episodes which she has encountered through the media which in effect creates a work which may remain true to Sherman herself but seems false overtly clichà © for the viewer. It would be a grave mistake to label these images as obsolete due to their supposed level of artificiality as they do communicate a level of truth and more importantly a message which causes us to question learn from our own lives misgivings. None of the images I have discussed are inherently better than the next because of its determined or undetermined levels of truth myth. One could almost say that Wall works were more morally truthful as he seeks to reissue a lived moment yet the actors he positions could not possibly be feeling the raw emotions that the initial experience entailed. And the same is true of Shermans work in that she is just re-enacting another persons portrait. The photographers way of seeing is reflected in his choice of subject. Every image embodies a way of seeing; our perception or appreciation of an image depends upon our own way of seeing. (Berger, 1973, Pg.10)